Registration No. 33-02769
File No. 811-4563
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / X /
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. __ / /
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 25 / X /
--
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY
ACT OF 1940 / X /
AMENDMENT NO. 24 / X /
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
1-303-671-3200
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(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Andrew J. Donohue, Esq.
OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0203
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(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
/ / Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / On ________________pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
<PAGE>
/ X / On January 28, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
/ / On ------- pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / This Post-Effective Amendment designates a new effective date for a
previusly filed Post-Effective Amendment.
33
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Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
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Prospectus dated January 28,1999
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund is a mutual fund that seeks
high current return and safety of principal. The Fund invests primarily in debt
instruments issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies and
instrumentalities, including mortgage-backed securities. The Fund attempts to
maintain an average effective portfolio duration (measured on a dollar-weighted
basis) of not more than three years.
This Prospectus contains important information about the Fund's
objective, its investment policies, strategies and risks. It also contains
important information about how to buy and sell shares of the Fund and other
account features. Please read this Prospectus carefully before you invest and
keep it for future reference about your account.
(OppenheimerFunds logo)
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved the Fund's securities nor has it determined that this
Prospectus is accurate or complete. It is a criminal offense to represent
otherwise.
<PAGE>
Contents
About the Fund
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The Fund's Objective and Investment Strategies
Main Risks of Investing in the Fund
The Fund's Past Performance
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
About the Fund's Investments
How the Fund is Managed
About Your Account
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How to Buy Shares
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class Y Shares
Special Investor Services
AccountLink
Phone Link
OppenheimerFunds Web Site
Retirement Plans
How to Sell Shares
By Mail
By Telephone
By Checkwriting
How to Exchange Shares
Shareholder Account Rules and Policies
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Financial Highlights
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<PAGE>
About the Fund
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The Fund's Objective and Investment Strategies
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What Is the Fund's Investment Objective? The Fund's objective is to seek high
current return and safety of principal.
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What Does the Fund Invest In? The Fund invests only in U.S. government
securities, repurchase agreements on those securities and hedging instruments
approved by its Board of Trustees. That is a fundamental policy. U.S. Government
securities are debt securities that are issued or guaranteed by the United
States Treasury, such as Treasury bills, bonds or notes, and securities issued
or guaranteed by agencies or entities that are referred to as instrumentalities
of the U.S. government. The Fund invests significant amounts of its assets in
mortgage-related derivative securities, such as collateralized mortgage
obligations and mortgage participation certificates. They include securities
issued or guaranteed by instrumentalities of the U.S. government.
Not all of the U.S. government securities the Fund buys are backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. government as to payment of interest and
repayment of principal. Some are backed by the right of the entity to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury. Others are backed only by the credit of the
instrumentality. All of these different types of securities described above are
generally referred to as "U.S. government securities" in this prospectus. The
Fund can also enter into repurchase agreements on U.S. government securities.
The securities the Fund buys may pay interest at fixed or floating
rates, or may be "stripped" securities. While the Fund seeks to maintain an
average effective portfolio duration of not more than three years (measured on a
dollar-weighted basis) to reduce portfolio volatility, the Fund may invest in
securities that have short, medium or long-term maturities. Because of market
events and interest rate changes, the duration of the portfolio might not meet
that target at all times. It may use hedging instruments and other derivative
investments to try to manage duration, enhance income and to manage investment
risks. These investments are more fully explained in "About the Fund's
Investments," below.
What is "Duration?" The Fund is managed to try to maintain an "average effective
portfolio duration" of not more than three years. "Effective portfolio duration"
means the expected percentage change in the value of a bond resulting from a
change in general interest rates (measured by a 1% change in U.S. Treasury
security rates). If a bond has an effective duration of three years, a 1%
increase in general interest rates wold be expected to cause the bond's value to
decline about 3%.
Who Is the Fund Designed For? The Fund is designed primarily for investors
seeking current income from a fund that also has the goal of safety of principal
and invests mainly in U.S. government securities. However, the Fund's share
price and income levels will fluctuate. The Fund's share price and distributions
are not backed or guaranteed by the U.S. government. The Fund is meant as a
long-term investment, not a short-term trading vehicle. It may be appropriate
for moderately conservative investors seeking current income and may be
appropriate for a portion of a retirement plan's investments, but not if you
need assured levels of income.
n How Does the Manager Decide What Securities to Buy or Sell? In
selecting securities for the Fund, the portfolio managers research the universe
of U.S. government securities, including mortgage related securities and weigh
yields and relative values against risks. They use a variety of factors that may
change over time and may vary in particular cases, and currently consider: o
Sectors of the U.S. government debt market that they believe offer good relative
values, o Securities that have high income potential to help cushion total
return against price volatility, o Shorter-term securities that are less
sensitive to changes in interest rates, o Different types of U.S. government and
government agency securities.
Main Risks of Investing in the Fund
All investments carry risks to some degree. The Fund's investments in debt
securities are subject to changes in their value from a number of factors. They
include changes in general bond market movements (this is referred to as "market
risk"), or the change in value of particular bonds because of an event affecting
the issuer (this is known as "credit risk"). Changes in interest rates can also
affect the prices of debt securities (this is known as "interest rate risk").
Mortgage-related securities may also be subject to "prepayment risk," which can
affect their yields and price volatility.
These risks collectively form the risk profile of the Fund, and can
affect the value of the Fund's investments, its investment performance and its
price per share. These risks mean that you can lose money by investing in the
Fund. When you redeem your shares, they may be worth more or less than what you
paid for them.
The Fund's investment Manager, OppenheimerFunds, Inc., tries to reduce
risks by carefully researching securities before they are purchased, and in some
cases by using hedging techniques. The maturity of a security can differ from
its duration (which is essentially a measure of volatility). While the Fund
seeks to maintain an effective average duration of not more than three years,
the average maturity of the Fund's portfolio can differ, and the Fund can fold
securities having long, medium and short maturities.
The Fund attempts to reduce its exposure to market risks by
diversifying its investments among different issues and maturities. However,
changes in the overall market prices of securities and their yield can occur at
any time. The share price and yield of the Fund will change daily based on
changes in market prices of securities and market conditions, and in response to
other economic events. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
investment objective.
|X| Interest Rate Risks. Debt securities are subject to changes in
value when prevailing interest rates change. When interest rates fall, the
values of outstanding debt securities generally rise, and the bonds may sell for
more than their face amount. When interest rates rise, the values of outstanding
debt securities generally decline, and the bonds may sell at a discount from
their face amount. The magnitude of these price changes is generally greater for
bonds with longer maturities. However, interest rate changes may have different
effects on the values of mortgage-related securities because of prepayment
risks, discussed below.
At times the Fund may buy some longer-term debt securities to seek
higher income while seeking to manage the portfolio's duration with other
investment techniques. When the average duration of the Fund's portfolio is
longer, its share price may fluctuate more when interest rates change, although
seeking to limit the effective average duration to not more than three years is
intended to reduce share price volatility. However, the Fund's duration
management strategy could be unsuccessful, so that the prices of its portfolio
securities could be more volatile than anticipated. The Fund may buy zero-coupon
or "stripped" securities, which are particularly sensitive to interest rate
changes and the rate of principal payments (and prepayments), and have prices
that may go up or down more than other types of debt securities in response to
those changes.
|X| Prepayment Risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the issuer of a
security can prepay the principal prior to the security's maturity. Securities
subject to prepayment risk, including the mortgage-related securities that the
Fund buys, generally offer less potential for gains when prevailing interest
rates decline, and have greater potential for loss when interest rates rise. The
impact of prepayments on the price of a security may be difficult to predict and
may increase the volatility of the price. Additionally, the Fund may buy
mortgage-related securities at a premium. Accelerated prepayments on those
securities could cause the Fund to lose a portion of its principal investment
represented by the premium the Fund paid.
If interest rates rise rapidly, prepayments may occur at slower rates
than expected, which could have the effect of lengthening the expected maturity
of a short or medium-term security. That could cause its value to fluctuate more
widely in response to changes in interest rates. In turn, this could cause the
value of the Fund's shares to fluctuate more.
|X| Credit Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk. Credit
risk relates to the ability of the issuer of a security to make interest and
principal payments on the security as they become due. Securities directly
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and certain agencies that are backed
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government present little credit risk.
Securities issued by other U. S. government agencies generally have low credit
risks. Repurchase agreements issued by private issuers such as banks and
securities dealers have greater credit risks (even though the agreements have
U.S. government securities as collateral), and the Fund could undergo additional
costs and possibly could lose money on repurchase agreements if the vendor
defaults.
|X| Risks in Using Derivative Investments. The Fund may use derivatives
to seek increased returns or to try to hedge investment risks and preserve
capital. In general terms, a derivative investment is one whose value depends on
(or is derived from) the value of an underlying asset, interest rate or index.
Options, futures, stripped securities, collateralized mortgage obligations,
interest rate swaps and forward contracts are examples of derivatives.
If the issuer of the derivative does not pay the amount due, the Fund
can lose money on the investment. Also, the underlying security or investment on
which the derivative is based, and the derivative itself, may not perform the
way the Manager expected it to perform. If that happens, the Fund's share price
could decline or the Fund could get less income than expected. The Fund has
limits on the amount of particular types of derivatives it can hold. However,
using derivatives can cause the Fund to lose money on its investment and/or
increase the volatility of its share prices.
How Risky is the Fund Overall? Although U.S. government securities that are
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and securities issued
or guaranteed by U.S. agencies and instrumentalities have little credit risk,
they are subject to interest rate risks. Collateralized mortgage obligations and
other mortgage related securities in particular are subject to a number of risks
that can affect their values and income payments. These risks can cause the
Fund's share price to fluctuate and can affect its yield. In the Oppenheimer
funds spectrum, the Fund is generally less aggressive than other types of bond
funds, particularly those that invest in corporate debt securities. It is more
risky than a money market fund that seeks a stable share price.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency.
The Fund's Past Performance
The bar chart and table below show one measure of the risks of investing in the
Fund, by showing changes in the Fund's performance (for its Class A shares) from
year to year for the past ten calendar years and by showing how the average
annual total returns of the Fund's shares compare to those of a broad-based
market index. The Fund's past investment performance is not necessarily an
indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Annual Total Returns (Class A) (as of 12/31 each year)
[See appendix to prospectus for data in bar chart showing annual total returns]
Sales charges are not included in the calculations of return in this bar chart,
and if those charges were included, the returns would be less than those shown.
During the period shown in the bar chart, the highest return (not annualized)
for a calendar quarter was __% (__Q'__) and the lowest return for a calendar
quarter was ___% (__Q'__).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average Annual Total
Returns for the periods Past 1 Year Past 5 Years Past 10 Years
ending December 31, 1998 (or life of class, if less) (or life of class, if
less)
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Class A Shares % % %
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Class B Shares % % %*
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Class C Shares % %* N/A
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Class Y Shares N/A* N/A N/A
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Lehman Bros. U.S.
Government Bond Index % % %*
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
</TABLE>
* Inception dates of classes: Class A: 3/10/86. Class B: 5/3/93. Class C:
2/1/95. Class Y: 1/26/98. The index performance is shown from 1/1/88.
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. became the Fund's investment adviser 4/7/90.
The Fund's average annual total returns in the table include the applicable
sales charge for Classes A, B and C shares: for Class A, the current maximum
initial sales charge of 3.50%; for Class B, the contingent deferred sales
charges of 4% (1-year) and 1% (5-year) (no contingent deferred sales charge
applies to Class B shares held for the life of the class); and for Class C, the
1% contingent deferred sales charge for the 1-year period. There is no sales
charge for Class Y.
The returns measure the performance of a hypothetical account and assume that
all dividends and capital gains distributions have been reinvested in additional
shares. Because the Fund invests primarily in U.S. government securities, the
Fund's performance is compared to the Lehman Brothers U.S. Government Bond
Index, an unmanaged market weighted index of U.S. government securities with
maturities of 1 year or more. It is a measure of the government securities
market. However, it must be remembered that the index performance reflects the
reinvestment of income but does not consider the effects of capital gains or
transaction costs, and the Fund's investments may vary from those in the index.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The Fund pays a variety of expenses directly for management of its assets,
administration, distribution of its shares and other services. Those expenses
are subtracted from the Fund's assets to calculate the Fund's net asset value
per share. All shareholders therefore pay those expenses indirectly.
Shareholders pay other expenses directly, such as sales charges and account
transaction charges. The following tables are provided to help you understand
the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The
numbers below are based on the Fund's expenses during its fiscal year ended
September 30, 1998.
Shareholder Fees (charges paid directly from your investment):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares Class Y Shares
----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) on
purchases 3.50% None None None
(as % of offering price)
----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge
(Load) (as % of the lower of the
original offering price or None1 4%2 1%3 None
redemption proceeds)
----------------------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------
1. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to redemptions of investments
of $1 million or more ($500,000 for retirement plan accounts) of Class A
shares. See "How to Buy Shares" for details.
2. Applies to redemptions in first year after purchase. The contingent
deferred sales charge declines to 1% in the fifth year and is eliminated
after that.
3. Applies to shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (deducted from Fund assets):
(% of average daily net assets)
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares Class Y Shares
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Management Fees % % % %
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Distribution and/or Service % 1.00% 1.00% None
(12b-1) Fees
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Other Expenses % % % %
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses % % % %
------------------------------------ ----------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
</TABLE>
Numbers in the chart are based on the Fund's expenses in the last fiscal year,
ended 9/30/98. Expenses may vary in future years. "Other expenses" include
transfer agent fees, custodial expenses, and accounting and legal expenses the
Fund pays.
Examples. These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples
assume that you invest $10,000 in a class of shares of the Fund for the time
periods indicated and reinvest your dividends and distributions. The first
example assumes that you redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods.
The second example assumes that you keep your shares. Both examples also assume
that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the class's operating
expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or lower because
expenses will vary over time. Based on these assumptions your expenses would be
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
If shares are redeemed: 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years1
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class A Shares $431 $603 $789 $1,328
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class B Shares $561 $699 $960 $1,487
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class C Shares $260 $496 $855 $1,867
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class Y Shares $44 $138 $241 $542
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
If shares are not redeemed: 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years1
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class A Shares $431 $603 $789 $1,328
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class B Shares $161 $499 $860 $1,487
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class C Shares $160 $496 $855 $1,867
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Class Y Shares $44 $138 $241 $542
-------------------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------
</TABLE>
In the first example, expenses include the initial sales charge for Class A and
the applicable Class B or Class C contingent deferred sales charges. In the
second example, the Class A expenses include the sales charge, but Class B and
Class C expenses do not include the contingent deferred sales charges. 1. Class
B expenses for years 6 through 10 are based on Class A expenses, since Class B
shares automatically convert to Class A after 5 years.
About the Fund's Investments
The Fund's Principal Investment Policies. The Fund's goal is to seek high
current return and safety of principal.
|_| As a fundamental policy the Fund invests only in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies and instrumentalities, in
repurchase agreements on those securities, and hedging instruments approved by
its Board of Trustees.
|_| As a principal investment strategy, the Fund expects that under normal
market conditions it will maintain an average effective portfolio duration of
not more than three years.
The composition of the Fund's portfolio among the different types of
permitted investments will vary over time based upon the evaluation of economic
and market trends by the Manager. The Statement of Additional Information
contains more detailed information about the Fund's investment policies and
risks.
U.S. Government Securities. These are securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Treasury or other government agencies or corporate entities referred to as
"instrumentalities":
|X| U.S. Treasury Obligations. These include Treasury bills (maturities
of one year or less when issued), Treasury notes (maturities of from one to ten
years), and Treasury bonds (maturities of more than ten years). Treasury
securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States as to
timely payments of interest and repayments of principal. They also can include
U. S. Treasury securities that have been "stripped" by a Federal Reserve Bank,
zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities described below, and Treasury
Inflation-Protection Securities ("TIPS").
|X| Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by U.S. Government Agencies or
Instrumentalities. These include direct obligations and mortgage related
securities that have different levels of credit support from the government.
Some are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as
Government National Mortgage Association pass-through mortgage certificates
(called "Ginnie Maes"). Some are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances, such as Federal National
Mortgage Association bonds ("Fannie Maes"). Others are supported only by the
credit of the entity that issued them, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation obligations ("Freddie Macs").
o Mortgage-Related U.S. Government Securities. These include interests
in pools of residential or commercial mortgages, in the form of collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and other "pass-through" mortgage securities. CMOs
that are U.S. government securities have collateral to secure payment of
interest and principal. They may be issued in different series with different
interest rates and maturities. The collateral is either in the form of mortgage
pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed by a U.S. agency or
instrumentality or mortgage loans insured by a U.S. government agency. The Fund
can have significant amounts of its assets invested in mortgage related U.S.
government securities.
The prices and yields of CMOs are determined, in part, by assumptions
about the cash flows from the rate of payments of the underlying mortgages.
Changes in interest rates may cause the rate of expected prepayments of those
mortgages to change. In general, prepayments increase when general interest
rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise.
If prepayments of mortgages underlying a CMO occur faster than expected
when interest rates fall, the market value and yield of the CMO will be reduced.
Additionally, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment proceeds in other
securities paying interest at lower rates, which could reduce the Fund's yield.
When interest rates rise rapidly, if prepayments occur more slowly than
expected, a short- or medium-term CMO can in effect become a long-term security,
subject to greater fluctuations in value. These are the prepayment risks
described above and can make the prices of CMOs very volatile when interest
rates change. The prices of longer-term debt securities tend to fluctuate more
than those of shorter-term debt securities. That volatility will affect the
Fund's share prices.
What Does the "Duration" of the Fund's Portfolio Mean? "Effective portfolio
duration" refers to the expected percentage change in the value of a debt
security resulting from a change in general interest rates (measured by each 1%
change in the rates on U.S. Treasury securities). For example, if a bond has an
effective duration of three years, a 1% increase in general interest rates would
be expected to cause the bond to decline in value by 3%. The "maturity" of a
security (when its principal repayment is due) differs from effective duration,
which attempts to measure expected volatility of a security's price.
The Fund measures the duration of its entire portfolio securities, on a
dollar-weighted basis to try to maintain an effective average duration of its
portfolio securities of not more than three years, under normal market
conditions (that is, when financial markets are not in an unstable or volatile
state). However, duration cannot be relied on as an exact prediction of future
volatility.
Duration calculations rely on a number of assumptions and variables
based on the historic performance of similar securities. Therefore, duration can
be affected by unexpected economic events or conditions relating to a particular
security. In the case of CMOs, duration calculations are based on historic rates
of prepayments of underlying mortgages. If the mortgages underlying the Fund's
investments are prepaid more rapidly or more slowly than expected, the duration
calculation for that security may not be correct.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its targeted
portfolio duration at all times.
|X| Can the Fund's Investment Objective and Policies Change? The Fund's
Board of Trustees may change non-fundamental investment policies without
shareholder approval, although significant changes will be described in
amendments to this Prospectus. Fundamental policies are those that cannot be
changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
shares. The Fund's objectives are fundamental policies. Investment restrictions
that are fundamental policies are listed in the Statement of Additional
Information. An investment policy is not fundamental unless this Prospectus or
the Statement of Additional Information says that the particular policy is
fundamental.
|X| Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in some short-term trading
to try to achieve its objective. While portfolio turnover may affect transaction
costs the Fund pays, in most cases it does not pay brokerage commissions on debt
securities it buys. The Fund does not expect to have a portfolio turnover rate
in excess of 100% annually. The Financial Highlights table below shows the
Fund's portfolio turnover rates during prior fiscal years.
Other Investment Strategies. To seek its objective, the Fund may also use the
investment techniques and strategies described below. These techniques involve
certain risks, although some are designed to help reduce investment or market
risks. The Fund might not buy all of these securities or use all of these
techniques unless the Manager believes they are consistent with the Fund's
objective and will help it achieve its goal.
|X| Zero-Coupon and "Stripped" Securities. Some of the U.S. government
debt securities the Fund buys are zero-coupon bonds that pay no interest and are
issued at a substantial discount from their face value. "Stripped" securities
are the separate income or principal components of a debt security. Some CMOs or
other mortgage related securities may be stripped, with each component having a
different proportion of principal or interest payments. One class might receive
all the interest and the other all the principal payments.
Zero-coupon and stripped securities are subject to greater fluctuations
in price from interest rate changes than interest-bearing securities. The Fund
may have to pay out the imputed income on zero coupon securities without
receiving the actual cash currently. Interest-only securities are particularly
sensitive to changes in interest rates.
The values of interest-only mortgage related securities are also very
sensitive to prepayments of underlying mortgages. Principal-only securities are
also sensitive to changes in interest rates. When prepayments tend to fall, the
timing of the cash flows to these securities increases, making them more
sensitive to changes in interest rates. The market for some of these securities
may be limited, making it difficult for the Fund to dispose of its holdings at
an acceptable price.
|X|"When-Issued" and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund may
purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "delayed delivery" basis. These terms refer to securities that have been
created and for which a market exists, but which are not available for immediate
delivery. There may be a risk of loss to the Fund if the value of the security
declines prior to the settlement date. As a fundamental policy, the Fund will
not enter into when-issued or delayed-delivery transactions unless the
acceptance of the security from the Fund or delivery of the security to the Fund
is mandatory and occurs within 120 days of the trade date, and the trade must be
settled in cash on the settlement date.
|X| Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund buys a
U.S. government security and simultaneously agrees to sell it back at a higher
price in the future. While the Fund's agreements must be collateralized, delays
or losses could occur if the other party to the agreement defaults or becomes
insolvent. These are used primarily for cash management and liquidity purposes.
Under the Fund's fundamental policies on repurchase agreements, the Fund cannot
enter into a repurchase agreement:
|_| that would cause more than 25% of its net assets to be subject to
repurchase agreements having a maturity of 7 days or less,
|_| that would cause more than 5% of the Fund's net assets to be subject to
repurchase agreements having a maturity beyond seven days, or
|_| unless ownership and control of the securities subject to the agreement
are transferred to the Fund.
|X| Illiquid and Restricted Securities. Investments may be illiquid
because of the absence of an active trading market, making it difficult to value
them or dispose of them promptly at an acceptable price. A restricted security
is one that has a contractual restriction on its resale or which cannot be sold
publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of 1933. As a
fundamental policy the Fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in
illiquid or restricted securities. The Manager monitors holdings of illiquid
securities on an ongoing basis to determine whether to sell any holdings to
maintain adequate liquidity.
|X| Derivative Investments. The Fund can invest in a number of
different kinds of "derivative" investments. In the broadest sense,
collateralized mortgage obligations and other mortgage-related securities, as
well as options, futures contracts and other hedging instruments the Fund can
use may be considered "derivative investments." In addition to using hedging
instruments, the Fund might use other derivative investments because they offer
the potential for increased income, such as interest rate swap agreements.
Markets underlying securities and indices may move in a direction not
anticipated by the Manager. Interest rate and stock market changes in the U.S.
and abroad may also influence the performance of derivatives. As a result of
these risks the Fund could realize less principal or income from the investment
than expected.
Certain derivative investments held by the Fund may be illiquid.
|X| Hedging. The Fund may buy and sell certain kinds of futures
contracts, put and call options, interest rate swaps and options on futures and
debt securities indices. These are all referred to as "hedging instruments." The
Fund does not use hedging instruments extensively and is not required to use
them in seeking its goal. The Fund does not use hedging instruments for
speculative purposes, and has limits on its use of them.
The Fund may buy and sell options and futures for a number of purposes.
It may do so to try to manage its exposure to the possibility that the prices of
its portfolio securities may decline, or to establish a position in the
securities market as a temporary substitute for purchasing individual
securities. It may do so to try to manage its exposure to changing interest
rates.
Some of these strategies hedge the Fund's portfolio against price
fluctuations. Other hedging strategies, such as buying futures and call options,
tend to increase the Fund's exposure to the securities market. Writing covered
call options may also provide income to the Fund for liquidity purposes or to
raise cash to distribute to shareholders.
Options trading involves the payment of premiums and has special tax
effects on the Fund. There are also special risks in particular hedging
strategies. For example, if a covered call written by the Fund is exercised on
an investment that has increased in value, the Fund will be required to sell the
investment at the call price and will not be able to realize any profit if the
investment has increased in value above the call price. In writing a put, there
is a risk that the Fund may be required to buy the underlying security at a
disadvantageous price.
If the Manager uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges
market conditions incorrectly, the strategy could reduce the Fund's return. The
Fund could also experience losses if the price of its futures and options
positions were not correlated with its other investments or if it could not
close out a position because of an illiquid market.
Year 2000 Risks. Because many computer software systems in use today cannot
distinguish the year 2000 from the year 1900, the markets for securities in
which the Fund invests could be detrimentally affected by computer failures
beginning January 1, 2000. Failure of computer systems used for securities
trading could result in settlement and liquidity problems for the Fund and other
investors. That failure could have a negative impact on handling securities
trades, pricing and accounting services. Data processing errors by government
issuers of securities could result in economic uncertainties, and those issuers
may incur substantial costs in attempting to prevent or fix such errors, all of
which could have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and returns.
The Manager, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent have been working
on necessary changes to their computer systems to deal with the year 2000 and
expect that their systems will be adapted in time for that event, although there
cannot be assurance of success. Additionally, the services they provide depend
on the interaction of their computer systems with those of brokers, information
services, the Fund's Custodian and other parties. Therefore, any failure of the
computer systems of those parties to deal with the year 2000 may also have a
negative affect on the services they provide to the Fund. The extent of that
risk cannot be ascertained at this time.
How the Fund Is Managed
The Manager. The Fund's investment adviser is the Manager, OppenheimerFunds,
Inc., which chooses the Fund's investments and handles its day-to-day business.
The Manager carries out its duties, subject to the policies established by the
Board of Trustees, under an Investment Advisory Agreement that states the
Manager's responsibilities. The Agreement sets forth the fees paid by the Fund
to the Manager and describes the expenses that the Fund is responsible to pay to
conduct its business.
The Manager has operated as an investment adviser since 1959. The
Manager (including subsidiaries) currently manages investment companies,
including other Oppenheimer funds, with assets of more than $90 billion as of
December 31, 1998, and with more than 4 million shareholder accounts. The
Manager is located at Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York
10048-0203.
|X| Portfolio Managers. The Fund is managed by John Kowalik, Jerry
Webman, Leslie Falconio and Gina Palmieri. They are the persons who have
day-to-day responsibility for management of the Fund's portfolio. Mr. Kowalik,
who became the lead portfolio manager of the Fund on October 27, 1998, is a Vice
President of the Fund and a Senior Vice President of the Manager. Prior to
joining the Manager in July 1998, he was Managing Director and senior portfolio
manager for Prudential Investments Global Fixed Income Group.
Mr. Webman is a Vice President of the Fund and a Senior Vice President of
the Manager and has been a portfolio manager of the Fund since July 15, 1997.
Before joining the Manager in February 1996, Mr. Webman was an officer and
portfolio manager with Prudential Mutual Funds - Investment Management, Inc. Ms.
Falconio and Ms. Palmieri are associate portfolio managers of the Fund and
Assistant Vice Presidents of the Manager.
Ms. Falconio and Ms. Palmieri are Assistant Vice Presidents of the
Manager and have been associate portfolio managers of the Fund since December
1996. Prior to joining the manager in December 1995, Ms. Falconio was a
co-manager of the short and intermediate government funds at Prudential Funds
(May 1995 - November 1995) and a member of the portfolio management team for
mortgage-backed securities at MetLife Investments (1992 - April 1995). Before
joining the Manager in March 1994, Ms. Palmieri was a member of the portfolio
management team for mortgage-backed securities at MetLife Investment (1992 -
February 1994). Each portfolio manager holds similar positions with other
Oppenheimer funds.
|X| Advisory Fees. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the
Manager an advisory fee at an annual rate that declines on additional assets as
the Fund grows: 0.50% of the first $100 million of net assets of the Fund, 0.45%
of the next $150 million, 0.425% of the next $250 million, and 0.40% of average
annual net assets in excess of $500 million. The Fund's management fee for its
last fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 was 0.__% of average annual net assets
for each class of shares.
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About Your Account
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Buy Shares
How Are Shares Purchased? You can buy shares several ways -- through any dealer,
broker or financial institution that has a sales agreement with the Fund's
Distributor, directly through the Distributor, or automatically through an Asset
Builder Plan under the OppenheimerFunds AccountLink service. The Distributor may
appoint certain servicing agents to accept purchase (and redemption) orders. The
Distributor, in its sole discretion, may reject any purchase order for the
Fund's shares.
|X|Buying Shares Through Your Dealer. Your dealer will place your order
with the Distributor on your behalf.
|X| Buying Shares Through the Distributor. Complete an OppenheimerFunds
New Account Application and return it with a check payable to "OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc." Mail it to P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado 80217. If you
don't list a dealer on the application, the Distributor will act as your agent
in buying the shares. However, we recommend that you discuss your investment
with a financial advisor before your make a purchase to be sure that the Fund is
appropriate for you.
|X| Buying Shares by Federal Funds Wire. Shares purchased through the
Distributor may be paid for by Federal Funds wire. The minimum investment is
$2,500. Before sending a wire, call the Distributor's Wire Department at
1-800-525-7048 to notify the Distributor of the wire, and to receive further
instructions.
|X| Buying Shares Through OppenheimerFunds AccountLink. With
AccountLink, shares are purchased for your account on the regular business day
the Distributor is instructed by you to initiate the Automated Clearing House
transfer to buy the shares. You can provide those instructions automatically,
under an Asset Builder Plan, described below, or by telephone instructions using
OppenheimerFunds PhoneLink, also described below. Please refer to "AccountLink,"
below for more details.
|X| Buying Shares Through Asset Builder Plans. You may purchase shares
of the Fund (and up to four other Oppenheimer funds) automatically each month
from your account at a bank or other financial institution under an Asset
Builder Plan with AccountLink. Details are in the Asset Builder Application and
the Statement of Additional Information.
How Much Must You Invest? You can open a Fund account with a minimum initial
investment of $1,000 and make additional investments at any time with as little
as $25. There are reduced minimum investments under special investment plans.
|_| With Asset Builder Plans, 403(b) plans, Automatic Exchange Plans
and military allotment plans, you can make initial and subsequent investments
for as little as $25. Subsequent purchases of at least $25 can be made by
telephone through AccountLink.
|_| Under retirement plans, such as IRAs, pension and profit-sharing
plans and 401(k) plans, you can start your account with as little as $250. If
your IRA is started under an Asset Builder Plan, the $25 minimum applies.
Additional purchases may be as little as $25.
|_| The minimum investment requirement does not apply to reinvesting
dividends from the Fund or other Oppenheimer funds (a list of them appears in
the Statement of Additional Information, or you can ask your dealer or call the
Transfer Agent), or reinvesting distributions from unit investment trusts that
have made arrangements with the Distributor.
At What Price Are Shares Sold? Shares are sold at their offering price (the net
asset value per share plus any initial sales charge that applies). The offering
price that applies to a purchase order is based on the next calculation of the
net asset value per share that is made after the Distributor receives the
purchase order at its offices in Denver, Colorado, or after any agent appointed
by the Distributor receives the order and sends it to the Distributor.
|_| The net asset value of each class of shares is determined as of the
close of The New York Stock Exchange, on each day the Exchange is open for
trading (referred to in this Prospectus as a "regular business day"). The
Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., New York time, but may close earlier on
some days. (All references to time in this Prospectus mean "New York time").
The net asset value per share is determined by dividing the value of
the Fund's net assets attributable to a class by the number of shares of that
class that are outstanding. To determine net asset value, the Fund's Board of
Trustees has established procedures to value the Fund's securities, in general
based on market value. The Board has adopted special procedures for valuing
illiquid and restricted securities and obligations for which market values
cannot be readily obtained.
|_| To receive the offering price for a particular day, in most cases
the Distributor or its designated agent must receive your order by the time of
day The New York Stock Exchange closes that day. If your order is received on a
day when the Exchange is closed or after it has closed, the order will receive
the next offering price that is determined after your order is received.
|_| If you buy shares through a dealer, your dealer must receive the
order by the close of The New York Stock Exchange and transmit it to the
Distributor so that it is received before the Distributor's close of business on
a regular business day (normally 5:00 P.M.) to receive that day's offering
price. Otherwise, the order will receive the next offering price that is
determined.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Classes of Shares Does the Fund Offer? The Fund offers investors four
different classes of shares. The different classes of shares represent
investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject to
different expenses and will likely have different share prices. When you buy
shares, be sure to specify the class you are buying. If you do not choose a
class, your investment will be made in Class A shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|X| Class A Shares. If you buy Class A shares, you pay an initial sales
charge (on investments up to $1 million for regular accounts or $500,000 for
certain retirement plans). The amount of that sales charge will vary depending
on the amount you invest. The sales charge rates are listed in "How Can I Buy
Class A Shares?" below.
|X| Class B Shares. If you buy Class B shares, you pay no sales charge
at the time of purchase, but you will pay an annual asset-based sales charge,
and if you sell your shares within six years of buying them, you will normally
pay a contingent deferred sales charge. That contingent deferred sales charge
varies depending on how long you own your shares, as described in "How Can I Buy
Class B Shares?" below.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|X| Class C Shares. If you buy Class C shares, you pay no sales charge
at the time of purchase, but you will pay an annual asset-based sales charge,
and if you sell your shares within 12 months of buying them, you will normally
pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%, as described in "How Can I Buy
Class C Shares?" below.
|X| Class Y Shares. Class Y shares are offered only to certain
institutional investors that have special agreements with the Distributor.
Which Class of Shares Should You Choose? Once you decide that the Fund is an
appropriate investment for you, the decision as to which class of shares is best
suited to your needs depends on a number of factors that you should discuss with
your financial advisor. Some factors to consider are how much you plan to invest
and how long you plan to hold your investment. If your goals and objectives
change over time and you plan to purchase additional shares, you should
re-evaluate those factors to see if you should consider another class of shares.
The Fund's operating costs that apply to a class of shares and the effect of the
different types of sales charges on your investment will vary your investment
results over time.
The discussion below is not intended to be investment advice or a
recommendation, because each investor's financial considerations are different.
You should review these factors with your financial advisor. The discussion
below assumes that you will purchase only one class of shares, and not a
combination of shares of different classes.
|X| How Long Do You Expect to Hold Your Investment? While future
financial needs cannot be predicted with certainty, knowing how long you expect
to hold your investment will assist you in selecting the appropriate class of
shares. Because of the effect of class-based expenses, your choice will also
depend on how much you plan to invest. For example, the reduced sales charges
available for larger purchases of Class A shares may, over time, offset the
effect of paying an initial sales charge on your investment, compared to the
effect over time of higher class-based expenses on shares of Class B or Class C
.
|_| Investing for the Short Term. If you have a relatively short-term
investment horizon (that is, you plan to hold your shares for not more than six
years), you should probably consider purchasing Class A or Class C shares rather
than Class B shares. That is because of the effect of the Class B contingent
deferred sales charge if you redeem within six years, as well as the effect of
the Class B asset-based sales charge on the investment return for that class in
the short-term. Class C shares might be the appropriate choice (especially for
investments of less than $100,000), because there is no initial sales charge on
Class C shares, and the contingent deferred sales charge does not apply to
amounts you sell after holding them one year.
However, if you plan to invest more than $100,000 for the shorter term,
then as your investment horizon increases toward six years, Class C shares might
not be as advantageous as Class A shares. That is because the annual asset-based
sales charge on Class C shares will have a greater impact on your account over
the longer term than the reduced front-end sales charge available for larger
purchases of Class A shares.
And for investors who invest $1 million or more, in most cases Class A
shares will be the most advantageous choice, no matter how long you intend to
hold your shares. For that reason, the Distributor normally will not accept
purchase orders of $500,000 or more of Class B shares or $1 million or more of
Class C shares from a single investor.
|_| Investing for the Longer Term. If you are investing less than
$100,000 for the longer-term, for example for retirement, and do not expect to
need access to your money for seven years or more, Class B shares may be
appropriate.
Of course, these examples are based on approximations of the effect of
current sales charges and expenses projected over time, and do not detail all of
the considerations in selecting a class of shares. You should analyze your
options carefully with your financial advisor before making that choice.
|X| Are There Differences in Account Features That Matter to You? Some
account features may not be available to Class B or Class C shareholders. Other
features (such as Automatic Withdrawal Plans) may not be advisable (because of
the effect of the contingent deferred sales charge) for Class B or Class C
shareholders. Therefore, you should carefully review how you plan to use your
investment account before deciding which class of shares to buy.
Additionally, the dividends payable to Class B and Class C shareholders
will be reduced by the additional expenses borne by those classes that are not
borne by Class A shares, such as the Class B and Class C asset-based sales
charge described below and in the Statement of Additional Information. Share
certificates are not available for Class B and Class C shares, and if you are
considering using your shares as collateral for a loan, that may be a factor to
consider.
|X| How Does It Affect Payments to My Broker? A salesperson, such as a
broker, may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than
for selling another class. It is important to remember that Class B and Class C
contingent deferred sales charges and asset-based sales charges have the same
purpose as the front-end sales charge on sales of Class A shares: to compensate
the Distributor for commissions and expenses it pays to dealers and financial
institutions for selling shares. The Distributor may pay additional compensation
from its own resources to securities dealers or financial institutions based
upon the value of shares of the Fund owned by the dealer or financial
institution for its own account or for its customers.
Special Sales Charge Arrangements and Waivers. The Statement of Additional
Information details the conditions for the waiver of sales charges that apply in
certain cases, and the special sales charge rates that apply to purchases of
shares of the Fund by certain groups, or under specified retirement plan
arrangements or in other special types of transactions.
How Can I Buy Class A Shares? Class A shares are sold at their offering price,
which is normally net asset value plus an initial sales charge. However, in some
cases, described below, purchases are not subject to an initial sales charge,
and the offering price will be the net asset value. In other cases, reduced
sales charges may be available, as described below or in the Statement of
Additional Information. Out of the amount you invest, the Fund receives the net
asset value to invest for your account.
The sales charge varies depending on the amount of your purchase. A
portion of the sales charge may be retained by the Distributor or allocated to
your dealer as commission. The Distributor reserves the right to reallow the
entire commission to dealers. The current sales charge rates and commissions
paid to dealers and brokers are as follows:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Front-End Sales Charge As a Front-End Sales Charge As
Percentage of A Percentage of Net Amount Commission As a
Offering Price Invested Percentage of
Amount of Purchase Offering Price
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
Less than $100,000 3.50% 3.63% 3.00%
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
$100,00 or more but less
than $250,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.50%
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
$250,00 or more but less
than $500,000 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
$500,000 or more but less
than $1 million 2.00% 2.04% 1.50%
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- ---------------------------
</TABLE>
|X| Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. There is no initial sales
charge on purchases of Class A shares of any one or more of the Oppenheimer
funds aggregating $1 million or more or for certain purchases by particular
types of retirement plans described in the Appendix to the Statement of
Additional Information. The Distributor pays dealers of record commissions in an
amount equal to 1.0% of purchases of $1 million or more other than by those
retirement accounts. For those retirement plan accounts, the commission is 1.0%
of the first $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of the next $2.5 million, plus 0.25% of
purchases over $5 million, calculated on a calendar year basis. In either case,
the commission will be paid only on purchases that were not previously subject
to a front-end sales charge and dealer commission.1
If you redeem any of those shares within 18 months of the end of the
calendar month of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge (called the
"Class A contingent deferred sales charge") may be deducted from the redemption
proceeds. That sales charge will be equal to 1.0% of the lesser of (1) the
aggregate net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption
(excluding shares purchased by reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions) or (2) the original net asset value of the redeemed shares.
However, the Class A contingent deferred sales charge will not exceed the
aggregate amount of the commissions the Distributor paid to your dealer on all
purchases of Class A shares of all Oppenheimer funds you made that were subject
to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable
when shares are redeemed, the Fund will first redeem shares that are not subject
to the sales charge, including shares purchased by reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains. Then the Fund will redeem other shares in the order in which you
purchased them. The Class A contingent deferred sales charge is waived in
certain cases described in Appendix B to the Statement of Additional
Information.
The Class A contingent deferred sales charge is not charged on
exchanges of shares under the Fund's Exchange Privilege (described below).
However, if the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 18 calendar
months of the end of the calendar month in which the exchanged shares were
originally purchased, then the sales charge will apply.
How Can I Reduce Sales Charges for Class A Share Purchases? You may be eligible
to buy Class A shares at reduced sales charge rates under the Fund's "Right of
Accumulation" or a Letter of Intent, as described in "Reduced Sales Charges" in
the Statement of Additional Information:
|X| Waivers of Class A Sales Charges. The Class A initial and
contingent deferred sales charges are not imposed in the circumstances described
in "Reduced Sales Charges" in the Statement of Additional Information. In order
to receive a waiver of the Class A contingent deferred sales charge, you must
notify the Transfer Agent when purchasing shares whether any of the special
conditions apply.
How Can I Buy Class B Shares? Class B shares are sold at net asset value per
share without an initial sales charge. However, if Class B shares are redeemed
within 5 years of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge will be
deducted from the redemption proceeds. The Class B contingent deferred sales
charge is paid to compensate the Distributor for its expenses of providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of Class B
shares.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be based on the lesser of the
net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption or the original
net asset value. The contingent deferred sales charge is not imposed on:
|_| the amount of your account value represented by an increase in net
asset value over the initial purchase price or |_| shares purchased by
the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. |_|
shares redeemed in the special circumstances described in Appendix B to
the Statement of Additional Information.
To determine whether the contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, the Fund redeems shares in the following order:
1. shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions,
2. shares held for over 5 years, and
3. shares held the longest during the 5-year period.
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge will depend on the
number of years since you invested and the dollar amount being redeemed,
according to the following schedule:
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Years Since Beginning of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Month in which Purchase On Redemptions in That Year
Order Was Accepted (As % of Amount Subject to Charge)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0-1 4.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-2 3.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-3 2.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-4 2.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-5 1.0%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 and following None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
In the table, a "year" is a 12-month period. In applying the sales
charge, all purchases are considered to have been made on the first regular
business day of the month in which the purchase was made.
|X| Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares. Class B shares
automatically convert to Class A shares 72 months after you purchase them. This
conversion feature relieves Class B shareholders of the asset-based sales charge
that applies to Class B shares under the Class B Distribution and Service Plan,
described below. The conversion is based on the relative net asset value of the
two classes, and no sales load or other charge is imposed. When Class B shares
convert, any other Class B shares that were acquired by the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions on the converted shares will also convert to Class A
shares. The conversion feature is subject to the continued availability of a tax
ruling described in the Statement of Additional Information.
How Can I Buy Class C Shares? Class C shares are sold at net asset value per
share without an initial sales charge. However, if Class C shares are redeemed
within 12 months of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0%
will be deducted from the redemption proceeds. The Class C contingent deferred
sales charge is paid to compensate the Distributor for its expenses of providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of Class C
shares.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be based on the lesser of the
net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption or the original
net asset value. The contingent deferred sales charge is not imposed on:
|_| the amount of your account value represented by the increase in
net asset value over the initial purchase price,
o shares purchased by the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions, or
o shares redeemed in the special circumstances described in Appendix B to the
Statement of Additional Information.
To determine whether the contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, the Fund redeems shares in the following order:
1. shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions,
2. shares held for over 12 months, and
3. shares held the longest during the 12-month period.
Who Can Buy Class Y Shares? Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share
without sales charge directly to certain institutional investors that have
special agreements with the Distributor for this purpose. They may include
insurance companies, registered investment companies and employee benefit plans,
for example. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, an affiliate of the
Manager, may purchase Class Y shares of the Fund and other Oppenheimer funds (as
well as Class Y shares of funds advised by MassMutual) for asset allocation
programs, investment companies or separate investment accounts it sponsors and
offers to its customers.
Individual investors are not able to buy Class Y shares directly.
An institutional investor that buys Class Y shares for its customers'
accounts may impose charges on those accounts. The procedures for buying,
selling, exchanging and transferring the Fund's other classes of shares and the
special account features available to investors buying those other classes of
shares do not apply to Class Y shares. An exception is that the time those
orders must be received by the Distributor or its agents or by the Transfer
Agent is the same for Class Y as for other share classes. Those instructions
must be submitted by the institutional investor, not by its customers for whose
benefit the shares are held.
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plans.
|X| Service Plan for Class A Shares. The Fund has adopted a Service
Plan for Class A shares. It reimburses the Distributor for a portion of its
costs incurred for services provided to accounts that hold Class A shares.
Reimbursement is made quarterly at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
annual net assets of Class A shares of the Fund. The Distributor currently uses
all of those fees to reimburse dealers, brokers, banks and other financial
institutions quarterly for providing personal service and maintenance of
accounts of their customers that hold Class A shares.
|X| Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C Shares. The
Fund has adopted Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C shares
to compensate the Distributor for its services and costs in distributing Class B
and Class C shares and servicing accounts. Under the plans, the Fund pays the
Distributor an annual asset-based sales charge of 0.75% per year on Class B
shares and on Class C shares. The Distributor also receives a service fee of
0.25% per year under each plan.
The asset-based sales charge and service fees increase Class B and
Class C expenses by up to 1.00% of the net assets per year of the respective
class. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going
basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may
cost you more than other types of sales charges.
The Distributor uses the service fees to compensate dealers for
providing personal services for accounts that hold Class B or Class C shares.
The Distributor pays the 0.25% service fees to dealers in advance for the first
year after the shares were sold by the dealer. After the shares have been held
for a year, the Distributor pays the service fees to dealers on a quarterly
basis.
The Distributor currently pays sales commission of 2.75% of the
purchase price of Class B shares to dealers from its own resources at the time
of sale. Including the advance of the service fee, the total amount paid by the
Distributor to the dealer at the time of sales of Class B shares is therefore
3.00% of the purchase price. The Distributor retains the Class B asset-based
sales charge.
The Distributor currently pays sales commissions of 0.75% of the
purchase price of Class C shares to dealers from its own resources at the time
of sale. Including the advance of the service fee, the total amount paid by the
Distributor to the dealer at the time of sale of Class C shares is therefore
1.00% of the purchase price. The Distributor plans to pay the asset-based sales
charge as an ongoing commission to the dealer on Class C shares that have been
outstanding for a year or more.
Special Investor Services
AccountLink. You can use our AccountLink feature to link your Fund account with
an account at a U.S. bank or other financial institution. It must be an
Automated Clearing House (ACH) member. AccountLink lets you:
|_| transmit funds electronically to purchase shares by telephone
(through a service representative or by PhoneLink) or automatically
under Asset Builder Plans, or |_| have the Transfer Agent send
redemption proceeds or transmit dividends and distributions directly to
your bank account. Please call the Transfer Agent for more information.
You may purchase shares by telephone only after your account has been
established. To purchase shares in amounts up to $250,000 through a telephone
representative, call the Distributor at 1-800-852-8457. The purchase payment
will be debited from your bank account.
AccountLink privileges should be requested on your Application or your
dealer's settlement instructions if you buy your shares through a dealer. After
your account is established, you can request AccountLink privileges by sending
signature-guaranteed instructions to the Transfer Agent. AccountLink privileges
will apply to each shareholder listed in the registration on your account as
well as to your dealer representative of record unless and until the Transfer
Agent receives written instructions terminating or changing those privileges.
After you establish AccountLink for your account, any change of bank account
information must be made by signature-guaranteed instructions to the Transfer
Agent signed by all shareholders who own the account.
PhoneLink. PhoneLink is the OppenheimerFunds automated telephone system that
enables shareholders to perform a number of account transactions automatically
using a touch-tone phone. PhoneLink may be used on already-established Fund
accounts after you obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN), by calling the
special PhoneLink number, 1-800-533-3310.
|_| Purchasing Shares. You may purchase shares in amounts up to
$100,000 by phone, by calling 1-800-533-3310. You must have established
AccountLink privileges to link your bank account with the Fund to pay for these
purchases.
|_| Exchanging Shares. With the OppenheimerFunds Exchange Privilege,
described below, you can exchange shares automatically by phone from your Fund
account to another Oppenheimer funds account you have already established by
calling the special PhoneLink number.
|_| Selling Shares. You can redeem shares by telephone automatically by
calling the PhoneLink number and the Fund will send the proceeds directly to
your AccountLink bank account. Please refer to "How to Sell Shares," below for
details.
Can I Submit Transaction Requests by Fax? You may send requests for certain
types of account transactions to the Transfer Agent by fax (telecopier). Please
call 1-800-525-7048 for information about which transactions may be handled this
way. Transaction requests submitted by fax are subject to the same rules and
restrictions as written and telephone requests described in this Prospectus.
OppenheimerFunds Internet Web Site. You can obtain information about the Fund,
as well as your account balance, on the OppenheimerFunds Internet web site, at
http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com. Additionally, shareholders listed in the
account registration (and the dealer of record) may request certain account
transactions through a special section of that web site. To perform account
transactions, you must first obtain a personal identification number (PIN) by
calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-533-3310. If you do not want to have
Internet account transaction capability for your account, please call the
Transfer Agent at 1-800-525-7048.
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange Plans. The Fund has several plans that enable
you to sell shares automatically or exchange them to another Oppenheimer fund
account on a regular basis. Please call the Transfer Agent or consult the
Statement of Additional Information for details.
Reinvestment Privilege. If you redeem some or all of your Class A or Class B
shares of the Fund, you have up to 6 months to reinvest all or part of the
redemption proceeds in Class A shares of the Fund or other Oppenheimer funds
without paying a sales charge. This privilege applies only to Class A shares
that you purchased subject to an initial sales charge and to Class A or Class B
shares on which you paid a contingent deferred sales charge when you redeemed
them. This privilege does not apply to Class C or Class Y shares. You must be
sure to ask the Distributor for this privilege when you send your payment.
Retirement Plans. You may buy shares of the Fund for your retirement plan
account. If you participate in a plan sponsored by your employer, the plan
trustee or administrator must buy the shares for your plan account. The
Distributor also offers a number of different retirement plans that can be used
by individuals and employers:
|_| Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), including regular IRAs, Roth
IRAs, rollover and Education IRAs.
|_| SEP-IRAs, which are Simplified Employee Pensions Plan IRAs for
small business owners or self-employed individuals.
|_| 403(b)(7) Custodial Plans, that are tax deferred plans for
employees of eligible tax-exempt organizations, such as schools, hospitals and
charitable organizations.
|_| 401(k) Plans, which are special retirement plans for businesses.
|_| Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans, designed for businesses and
self-employed individuals.
Please call the Distributor for OppenheimerFunds retirement plan
documents, which include applications and important plan information.
How to Sell Shares
You can sell (redeem) some or all of your shares on any regular
business day. Your shares will be sold at the next net asset value calculated
after your order is received in proper form (which means that it must comply
with the procedures described below) and is accepted by the Transfer Agent. The
Fund lets you sell your shares by writing a letter or by telephone. You can also
set up Automatic Withdrawal Plans to redeem shares on a regular basis. If you
have questions about any of these procedures, and especially if you are
redeeming shares in a special situation, such as due to the death of the owner
or from a retirement plan account, please call the Transfer Agent first, at
1-800-525-7048, for assistance.
|X| Certain Requests Require a Signature Guarantee. To protect you and
the Fund from fraud, the following redemption requests must be in writing and
must include a signature guarantee (although there may be other situations that
require a signature guarantee):
|_| You wish to redeem $50,000 or more and receive a check
|_| The redemption check is not payable to all shareholders listed on
the account statement |_| The redemption check is not sent to the
address of record on your account statement |_| Shares are being
transferred to a Fund account with a different owner or name |_| Shares
are being redeemed by someone (such as an Executor) other than the
owners
|X| Where Can I Have My Signature Guaranteed? The Transfer Agent will
accept a guarantee of your signature by a number of financial institutions,
including: a U.S. bank, trust company, credit union or savings association, or
by a foreign bank that has a U.S. correspondent bank, or by a U.S. registered
dealer or broker in securities, municipal securities or government securities,
or by a U.S. national securities exchange, a registered securities association
or a clearing agency. If you are signing on behalf of a corporation, partnership
or other business or as a fiduciary, you must also include your title in the
signature.
|X| Retirement Plan Accounts. There are special procedures to sell
shares in an OppenheimerFunds retirement plan account. Call the Transfer Agent
for a distribution request form. Special income tax withholding requirements
apply to distributions from retirement plans. You must submit a withholding form
with your redemption request to avoid delay in getting your money and if you do
not want tax withheld. If your employer holds your retirement plan account for
you in the name of the plan, you must ask the plan trustee or administrator to
request the sale of the Fund shares in your plan account.
|X| Sending Redemption Proceeds by Wire. While the Fund normally sends
your money by check, you can arrange to have the proceeds of the shares you sell
sent by Federal Funds wire to a bank account you designate. It must be a
commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve wire system. The minimum
redemption you can have sent by wire is $2,500. There is a $10 fee for each
wire. To find out how to set up this feature on your account or to arrange a
wire, call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-852-8457.
How Do I Sell Shares by Mail? Write a letter of instructions that includes:
|_| Your name |_| The Fund's name |_| Your Fund account number (from
your account statement) |_| The dollar amount or number of shares to be
redeemed |_| Any special payment instructions |_| Any share
certificates for the shares you are selling |_| The signatures of all
registered owners exactly as the account is registered, and
|_| Any special documents requested by the Transfer Agent to assure
proper authorization of the person asking to sell the shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use the following address for requests by mail:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OppenheimerFunds Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado 80217-5270
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send courier or express mail requests to:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OppenheimerFunds Services
10200 E. Girard Avenue, Building D
Denver, Colorado 80231
How Do I Sell Shares by Telephone? You and your dealer representative of record
may also sell your shares by telephone. To receive the redemption price on a
regular business day, your call must be received by the Transfer Agent by the
close of The New York Stock Exchange that day, which is normally 4:00 P.M., but
may be earlier on some days. You may not redeem shares held in an
OppenheimerFunds retirement plan account or under a share certificate by
telephone.
|_| To redeem shares through a service representative, call
1-800-852-8457
|_| To redeem shares automatically on PhoneLink, call 1-800-533-3310
Whichever method you use, you may have a check sent to the address on
the account statement, or, if you have linked your Fund account to your bank
account on AccountLink, you may have the proceeds sent to that bank account.
Are There Limits on Amounts Redeemed by Telephone?
|X| Telephone Redemptions Paid by Check. Up to $50,000 may be redeemed
by telephone in any 7-day period. The check must be payable to all owners of
record of the shares and must be sent to the address on the account statement.
This service is not available within 30 days of changing the address on an
account.
|X| Telephone Redemptions Through AccountLink. There are no dollar
limits on telephone redemption proceeds sent to a bank account designated when
you establish AccountLink. Normally the ACH transfer to your bank is initiated
on the business day after the redemption. You do not receive dividends on the
proceeds of the shares you redeemed while they are waiting to be transferred.
How Do I Write Checks Against My Account? To write checks against your Fund
account, request that privilege on your account Application, or contact the
Transfer Agent for signature cards. They must be signed (with a signature
guarantee) by all owners of the account and returned to the Transfer Agent so
that checks can be sent to you to use. Shareholders with joint accounts can
elect in writing to have checks paid over the signature of one owner. If you
previously signed a signature card to establish checkwriting in another
Oppenheimer fund, simply call 1-800-525-7048 to request checkwriting for an
account in this Fund with the same registration as the other account.
|_| Checks can be written to the order of whomever you wish, but may
not be cashed at the Fund's bank or Custodian.
|_| Checkwriting privileges are not available for accounts holding
shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
|_| Checks must be written for at least $100.
|_| Checks cannot be paid if they are written for more than your
account value.
|_| You may not write a check that would require the Fund to redeem
shares that were purchased by check or Asset Builder Plan payments within the
prior 10 days.
|_| Don't use your checks if you changed your Fund account number,
until you receive new checks.
Can I Sell Shares Through My Dealer? The Distributor has made arrangements to
repurchase Fund shares from dealers and brokers on behalf of their customers.
Brokers or dealers may charge for that service. If your shares are held in the
name of your dealer, you must redeem them through your dealer.
How to Exchange Shares
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of certain Oppenheimer
funds at net asset value per share at the time of exchange, without sales
charge. To exchange shares, you must meet several conditions:
|_| Shares of the fund selected for exchange must be available for sale in
your state of residence.
|_| The prospectuses of this Fund and the fund whose shares you want to buy
must offer the exchange privilege.
|_| You must hold the shares you buy when you establish your account for at
least 7 days before you can exchange them. After the account is open 7 days, you
can exchange shares every regular business day.
|_| You must meet the minimum purchase requirements for the fund you
purchase by exchange.
|_| Before exchanging into a fund, you should obtain and read its
prospectus.
Shares of a particular class of the Fund may be exchanged only for
shares of the same class in the other Oppenheimer funds. For example, you can
exchange Class A shares of this Fund only for Class A shares of another fund. In
some cases, sales charges may be imposed on exchange transactions. For tax
purposes, exchanges of shares involve a sale of the shares of the fund you own
and a purchase of the shares of the other fund, which may result in a capital
gain or loss. Please refer to "How to Exchange Shares" in the Statement of
Additional Information for more details.
How Do I Submit Exchange Requests? Exchanges may be requested in writing or by
telephone:
|X| Written Exchange Requests. Submit an OppenheimerFunds Exchange
Request form, signed by all owners of the account. Send it to the Transfer Agent
at the address on the Back Cover. An exchange of shares held under certificate
cannot be processed unless the transfer agent receives the certificate with the
exchange request.
|X| Telephone Exchange Requests. Telephone exchange requests may be
made either by calling a service representative at 1-800-852-8457, or by using
PhoneLink for automated exchanges by calling 1-800-533-3310. Telephone exchanges
may be made only between accounts that are registered with the same name(s) and
address.
Shares held under certificates may not be exchanged by telephone.
You can find a list of Oppenheimer funds currently available for
exchanges in the Statement of Additional Information or obtain one by calling a
service representative at 1-800-525-7048. That list can change from time to
time.
Are There Limitations on Exchanges? There are certain exchange policies you
should be aware of:
|_| Shares are normally redeemed from one fund and purchased from the other
fund in the exchange transaction on the same regular business day on which the
Transfer Agent receives an exchange request that conforms to the policies
described above. It must be received by the close of The New York Stock Exchange
that day, which is normally 4:00 P.M. but may be earlier on some days. However,
either fund may delay the purchase of shares of the fund you are exchanging into
up to seven days if it determines it would be disadvantaged by a same-day
exchange. For example, the receipt of multiple exchange requests from a "market
timer" might require the Fund to sell securities at a disadvantageous time
and/or price.
|_| Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance and harm
shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to refuse any exchange request that it
believes will disadvantage it, or to refuse multiple exchange requests submitted
by a shareholder or dealer.
|_| The Fund may amend, suspend or terminate the exchange privilege at
any time. Although the Fund will attempt to provide you notice whenever it is
reasonably able to do so, it may impose these changes at any time.
|_| If the Transfer Agent cannot exchange all the shares you request
because of a restriction cited above, only the shares eligible for exchange will
be exchanged.
Shareholder Account Rules and Policies
|X| The offering of shares may be suspended during any period in which
the determination of net asset value is suspended, and the offering may be
suspended by the Board of Trustees at any time the Board believes it is in the
Fund's best interest to do so.
|X| Telephone Transaction Privileges for purchases, redemptions or
exchanges may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Fund at any time. If
an account has more than one owner, the Fund and the Transfer Agent may rely on
the instructions of any one owner. Telephone privileges apply to each owner of
the account and the dealer representative of record for the account unless the
Transfer Agent receives cancellation instructions from an owner of the account.
|X| The Transfer Agent will record any telephone calls to verify data
concerning transactions and has adopted other procedures to confirm that
telephone instructions are genuine, by requiring callers to provide tax
identification numbers and other account data or by using PINs, and by
confirming such transactions in writing. The Transfer Agent and the Fund will
not be liable for losses or expenses arising out of telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine.
|X| Redemption or transfer requests will not be honored until the
Transfer Agent receives all required documents in proper form. From time to
time, the Transfer Agent in its discretion may waive certain of the requirements
for redemptions stated in this Prospectus.
|X| Dealers that can perform account transactions for their clients by
participating in NETWORKING through the National Securities Clearing Corporation
are responsible for obtaining their clients' permission to perform those
transactions, and are responsible to their clients who are shareholders of the
Fund if the dealer performs any transaction erroneously or improperly.
|X| The redemption price for shares will vary from day to day because
the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio fluctuates. The redemption
price, which is the net asset value per share, will normally differ for each
class of shares. The redemption value of your shares may be more or less than
their original cost.
|X| Payment for redeemed shares ordinarily is made in cash. It is
forwarded by check or through AccountLink or by Federal Funds wire (as elected
by the shareholder) within seven days after the Transfer Agent receives
redemption instructions in proper form. However, under unusual circumstances
determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, payment may be delayed or
suspended. For accounts registered in the name of a broker-dealer, payment will
normally be forwarded within three business days after redemption.
|X| The Transfer Agent may delay forwarding a check or processing a
payment via AccountLink for recently purchased shares, but only until the
purchase payment has cleared. That delay may be as much as 10 days from the date
the shares were purchased. That delay may be avoided if you purchase shares by
federal funds wire or certified check or arrange with your bank to provide
telephone or written assurance to the Transfer Agent that your purchase payment
has cleared.
|X| Involuntary redemptions of small accounts may be made by the Fund
if the account value has fallen below $200 for reasons other than the fact that
the market value of shares has dropped. In some cases involuntary redemptions
may be made to repay the Distributor for losses from the cancellation of share
purchase orders.
|X| Shares may be "redeemed in kind" under unusual circumstances (such
as a lack of liquidity in the Fund's portfolio to meet redemptions). This means
that the redemption proceeds will be paid with securities from the Fund's
portfolio.
|X| "Backup Withholding" of Federal income tax may be applied against
taxable dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds (including exchanges)
if you fail to furnish the Fund your correct, certified Social Security or
Employer Identification Number when you sign your application, or if you
under-report your income to the Internal Revenue Service.
|X| To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, the
Fund will mail only one copy of each annual and semi-annual report to
shareholders having the same last name and address on the Fund's records.
However, each shareholder may call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-525-7048 to ask
that copies of those materials be sent personally to that shareholder.
Dividends and Tax Information
Dividends. The Fund intends to declare dividends separately for each class of
shares from net investment income each regular business day and pay those
dividends to shareholders monthly on a date selected by the Board of Trustees.
Daily dividends will not be declared or paid on newly-purchased shares until
Federal Funds are available to the Fund from the purchase payment for shares.
The Fund has no fixed dividend rate and cannot guarantee that it will pay any
dividends or distributions.
The Fund attempts to pay dividends on Class A shares at a constant
level. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to do so. The Board of
Trustees may change the targeted dividend level at any time, without prior
notice to shareholders. Additionally, the amount of those dividends as well as
the dividends paid on other classes of shares may vary over time depending on
market conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and expenses borne by
the particular class of shares. Dividends and distributions paid on Class A and
Class Y shares will generally be higher than dividends for Class B and Class C
shares, which normally have higher expenses than Class A and Class Y.
Capital Gains. The Fund may realize capital gains on the sale of portfolio
securities. If it does, it may make distributions out of any net short-term or
long-term capital gains in December of each year. The Fund may make supplemental
distributions of dividends and capital gains following the end of its fiscal
year (September 30). There can be no assurance that the Fund will pay any
capital gains distributions in a particular year.
What Choices Do I Have for Receiving Distributions? When you open your account,
specify on your application how you want to receive your dividends and
distributions. You have four options:
|X| Reinvest All Distributions in the Fund. You can elect to reinvest
all dividends and long-term capital gains distributions in additional
shares of the Fund.
|X| Reinvest Long-Term Capital Gains Only. You can elect to reinvest
long-term capital gains distributions in the Fund while receiving
dividends by check or having them sent to your bank account through
AccountLink.
|X| Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive a check
for all dividends and long-term capital gains distributions or have
them sent to your bank through AccountLink.
|X| Reinvest Your Distributions in Another OppenheimerFunds Account.
You can reinvest all distributions in the same class of shares of
another Oppenheimer fund account you have established.
Taxes. If your shares are not held in a tax-deferred retirement account, you
should be aware of the following tax implications of investing in the Fund.
Distributions are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state or
local taxes. Dividends paid from short-term capital gains and net investment
income are taxable as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are taxable as
long-term capital gains when distributed to shareholders. It does not matter how
long you have held your shares. Whether you reinvest your distributions in
additional shares or take them in cash, the tax treatment is the same.
Mutual fund distributions from U.S. government securities are generally
free from state and local income taxes. However, particular states may limit
that benefit, and some types of securities, such as repurchase agreements and
asset-backed securities, may not qualify for that benefit.
Every year the Fund will send you and the IRS a statement showing the
amount of any taxable distribution you received in the previous year. Any
long-term capital gains will be separately identified in the tax information the
Fund sends you after the end of the calendar year.
|X| Avoid "Buying a Dividend." If you buy shares just before the Fund
declares a capital gain distribution, you will pay the full price for the shares
and then receive a portion of the price back as a taxable dividend or capital
gain.
|X| Remember There May be Taxes on Transactions. Because the Fund's
share price fluctuates, you may have a capital gain or loss when you sell or
exchange your shares. A capital gain or loss is the difference between the price
you paid for the shares and the price you received when you sold them. Any
capital gain is subject to capital gains tax.
|X| Returns of Capital May Occur. In certain cases, distributions made by
the Fund may be considered a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders. If
that occurs, it will be identified in notices to shareholders.
This information is only a summary of certain federal tax information
about your investment. You should consult with your tax adviser about the effect
of an investment in the Fund on your particular tax situation.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The Financial Highlights Table is presented to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past 5 fiscal years. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned [or lost] on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included
in the Statement of Additional Information, which is available on request.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For More Information:
The following additional information about the Fund is available without charge
upon request:
Statement of Additional Information
This document includes additional information about the Fund's investment
policies, risks, and operations. It is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus (which means it is legally part of this Prospectus).
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
Additional information about the Fund's investments and performance is available
in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. The Annual Report
includes a discussion of market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Get More Information:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can request the Statement of Additional Information, the Annual and
Semi-Annual Report, and other information about the Fund or your account:
By Telephone:
Call OppenheimerFunds Services toll-free:
1-800-525-7048
By Mail:
Write to:
OppenheimerFunds Services
P.O. Box 5270
Denver, Colorado 80217-5270
On the Internet:
You can read or down-load documents on the OppenheimerFunds web site:
http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com
You can also obtain copies of the Statement of Additional Information and other
Fund documents and reports by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. (Phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or the SEC's Internet web site at
http://www.sec.gov. Copies may be obtained upon payment of a duplicating fee by
writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-6009.
No one has been authorized to provide any information about the Fund or to make
any representations about the Fund other than what is contained in this
Prospectus. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell shares of the Fund, nor a
solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Fund, to any person in any state
or other jurisdiction where it is unlawful to make such an offer.
The Fund's shares are distributed by:
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
SEC File No. 811-4563
PR0855.001.0199 Printed on recycled paper.
- --------
1 No commission will be paid on sales of Class A shares purchased with the
redemption proceeds of shares of another mutual fund offered as an investment
option in a retirement plan in which Oppenheimer funds are also offered as
investment options under a special arrangement with the Distributor, if the
purchase occurs more than 30 days after the Oppenheimer funds are added as an
investment option under that plan.
21
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6803 South Tuscon Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
1-800-525-7048
Statement of Additional Information dated January 28, 1999
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. This
document contains additional information about the Fund and supplements
information in the Prospectus dated January 28, 1999. It should be read together
with the Prospectus. You can obtain the Prospectus by writing to the Fund's
Transfer Agent, OppenheimerFunds Services, at P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado
80217, or by calling the Transfer Agent at the toll-free number shown above, or
by downloading it from the OppenheimerFunds Internet web site at
www.oppenheimerfunds.com.
Contents
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Page
About the Fund
Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Policies and Risks...................................
The Fund's Principal Investment Policies...........................................................
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies.........................................................
Other Investment Restrictions......................................................................
How the Fund is Managed ................................................................................
Organization and History...........................................................................
Trustees and Officers..............................................................................
The Manager........................................................................................
Brokerage Policies of the Fund..........................................................................
Distribution and Service Plans..........................................................................
Performance of the Fund.................................................................................
About Your Account
How To Buy Shares.......................................................................................
How To Sell Shares......................................................................................
How To Exchange Shares..................................................................................
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes......................................................................
Additional Information About the Fund...................................................................
Financial Information About the Fund
Independent Auditors' Report............................................................................
Financial Statements....................................................................................
Appendix A: Industry Classifications.................................................................... A-1
Appendix B: Special Sales Charge Arrangements and Waivers............................................... B-1
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
ABOUT THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Policies and Risks
The investment objective, the principal investment policies and the
main risks of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. This Statement of
Additional Information contains supplemental information about those policies
and risks and the types of securities that the Fund's investment Manager,
OppenheimerFunds, Inc., can select for the Fund. Additional information is also
provided about the strategies that the Fund may use to try to achieve its
objective.
The Fund's Investment Policies. The composition of the Fund's portfolio and the
techniques and strategies that the Manager will use will vary over time. The
Fund is not required to use all of the investment techniques and strategies
described below in seeking its goal.
|X| U.S. Government Securities. The obligations of U.S. government
agencies or instrumentalities in which the Fund may invest may or may not be
guaranteed or supported by the "full faith and credit" of the United States.
"Full faith and credit" means generally that the taxing power of the U.S.
government is pledged to the payment of interest and repayment of principal on a
security. If a security is not backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States, the owner of the security must look principally to the agency issuing
the obligation for repayment. The owner might be able to assert a claim against
the United States if the issuing agency or instrumentality does not meet its
commitment. The Fund will invest in securities of U.S. government agencies and
instrumentalities only if the Manager is satisfied that the credit risk with
respect to such instrumentality is minimal.
With its objective of seeking high current return and safety of
principal, the Fund may purchase or sell securities without regard to the length
of time the security has been held, to take advantage of short-term
differentials in yields. While short-term trading increases the portfolio
turnover, the execution cost for U.S. Government Securities is substantially
less than for equivalent dollar values of equity securities (see "Brokerage
Provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement," below).
|X| Duration of the Fund's Portfolio. General changes in prevailing
interest rates will affect the values of the Fund's portfolio securities. The
value will vary inversely to changes in such rates. For example, if such rates
go up after a security is purchased, the value of the security will generally
decline. A decrease in interest rates may affect the maturity, duration and
yield of mortgage-backed securities by increasing unscheduled prepayments of the
underlying mortgages.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund anticipates that it will maintain
a dollar-weighted average effective portfolio duration of not more than three
years. However, because unanticipated events may change the effective duration
of securities after the Fund purchases them, there can be no assurance that the
Fund will achieve its targeted duration at all times. Additionally, the Fund may
invest in individual debt obligations of any maturity or duration.
The Manager determines the effective duration of debt obligations
purchased by the Fund and will consider various factors applicable to each type
of debt obligation, including those described below. Duration calculations
consider a bond's yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity and call
features. If the interest payments on a fixed-income security occur prior to the
payment of principal, the duration of the security is less than its stated
maturity. Also, absent other factors, the lower the stated or coupon rate of
interest of a fixed-income security, the longer the duration of the security.
Conversely, the higher the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed-income
security, the shorter the duration of the security.
Futures, options and options on futures have durations that, in
general, are closely related to the duration of the securities that underlie
them. Holding long futures or call option positions (backed by segregated liquid
assets) will tend to lengthen the portfolio's duration.
The Manager calculates the duration of the Fund's portfolio securities
generally pursuant to a calculation known as modified Macaulay duration, which
measures the average time of present-value-weighted cash flows divided by a
small adjustment factor. The Manager uses these duration calculations to
determine the Fund's average effective portfolio duration. In some cases, the
standard modified Macaulay duration calculation does not properly reflect the
interest rate exposure of a security. For example, the interest rate exposure is
not properly captured by modified Macaulay duration in the case of mortgage
pass-though securities. The stated maturity of those securities is generally 30
years, but changes in prepayment rates are more critical in determining the
securities' price exposure to interest rates. The modified Macaulay calculation
may not adequately reflect the price sensitivity of callable bonds to interest
rates. In these and other similar situations, the Manager will use other
analytical techniques that consider the economic life of a security as well as
relevant macroeconomic factors (such as historical mortgage prepayment rates) in
determining the Fund's effective duration.
|X| Mortgage-Related Securities. Mortgage-related securities are a form
of derivative investment collateralized by pools of commercial or residential
mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to
investors by government agencies or entities or by private issuers. These
securities include collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), mortgage
pass-through securities, stripped mortgage pass-through securities, and other
real-estate related securities.
Mortgage-related securities that are issued or guaranteed by agencies
or instrumentalities of the U.S. government have relatively little credit risk
(depending on the nature of the issuer) but are subject to interest rate risks
and prepayment risks, as described in the Prospectus.
As with other debt securities, the prices of mortgage-related
securities tend to move inversely to changes in interest rates. The Fund can buy
mortgage-related securities that have interest rates that move inversely to
changes in general interest rates, based on a multiple of a specific index.
Although the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when interest
rates rise, the converse is not always the case.
In periods of declining interest rates, mortgages are more likely to be
prepaid. Therefore, a mortgage-related security's maturity can be shortened by
unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Therefore, it is not
possible to predict accurately the security's yield. The principal that is
returned earlier than expected may have to be reinvested in other investments
having a lower yield than the prepaid security. Therefore, these securities may
be less effective as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest
rates, and they may have less potential for appreciation during periods of
declining interest rates, than conventional bonds with comparable stated
maturities.
Prepayment risks can lead to substantial fluctuations in the value of a
mortgage-related security. In turn, this can affect the value of the Fund's
shares. If a mortgage-related security has been purchased at a premium, all or
part of the premium the Fund paid may be lost if there is a decline in the
market value of the security, whether that results from interest rate changes or
prepayments on the underlying mortgages. In the case of stripped
mortgage-related securities, if they experience greater rates of prepayment than
were anticipated, the Fund may fail to recoup its initial investment on the
security.
During periods of rapidly rising interest rates, prepayments of
mortgage-related securities may occur at slower than expected rates. Slower
prepayments effectively may lengthen a mortgage-related security's expected
maturity. Generally, that would cause the value of the security to fluctuate
more widely in responses to changes in interest rates. If the prepayments on the
Fund's mortgage-related securities were to decrease broadly, the Fund's
effective duration, and therefore its sensitivity to interest rate changes,
would increase.
As with other debt securities, the values of mortgage related
securities may be affected by changes in the market's perception of the
creditworthiness of the entity issuing the securities or guaranteeing them.
Their values may also be affected by changes in government regulations and tax
policies.
|_| Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. CMOs are multi-class bonds that
are backed by pools of mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through certificates.
They may be collateralized by:
(1) pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, or
Freddie Mac,
(2) unsecuritized mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration
or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, (3) unsecuritized
conventional mortgages, (4) other mortgage-related securities, or (5) any
combination of these.
Each class of CMO, referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific
coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal
prepayments on the underlying mortgages may cause the CMO to be retired much
earlier than the stated maturity or final distribution date. The principal and
interest on the underlying mortgages may be allocated among the several classes
of a series of a CMO in different ways. One or more tranches may have coupon
rates that reset periodically at a specified increase over an index. These are
floating rate CMOs, and typically have a cap on the coupon rate. Inverse
floating rate CMOs have a coupon rate that moves in the reverse direction to an
applicable index. The coupon rate on these CMOs will increase as general
interest rates decrease. These are usually much more volatile than fixed rate
CMOs or floating rate CMOs.
|X| U.S. Government Mortgage Related Securities. The Fund can invest in a
variety of mortgage related securities that are issued by U.S. Government
entities or instrumentalities, some of which are described below.
|_| GNMA Certificates. The Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA") is a wholly-owned corporate instrumentality of the United
States within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA's
principal programs involve its guarantees of privately-issued securities backed
by pools of mortgages. GNMA Certificates are debt securities representing an
interest in one or a pool of mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing
Administration or the Farmers Home Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans
Administration.
The GNMA Certificates in which the Fund invests are of the "fully
modified pass-through" type. They provide that the registered holders of the
Certificates will receive timely monthly payments of the pro-rata share of the
scheduled principal payments on the underlying mortgages, whether or not those
amounts are collected by the issuers. Amounts paid include, on a pro rata basis,
any prepayment of principal of such mortgages and interest (net of servicing and
other charges) on the aggregate unpaid principal balance of the GNMA
Certificates, whether or not the interest on the underlying mortgages has been
collected by the issuers.
The GNMA Certificates purchased by the Fund are guaranteed as to timely
payment of principal and interest by GNMA. It is expected that payments received
by the issuers of GNMA Certificates on account of the mortgages backing the
Certificates will be sufficient to make the required payments of principal of
and interest on those GNMA Certificates. However if those payments are
insufficient, the guaranty agreements between the issuers of the Certificates
and GNMA require the issuers to make advances sufficient for the payments. If
the issuers fail to make those payments, GNMA will do so.
Under Federal law, the full faith and credit of the United States is
pledged to the payment of all amounts that may be required to be paid under any
guaranty issued by GNMA as to such mortgage pools. An opinion of an Assistant
Attorney General of the United States, dated December 9, 1969, states that such
guaranties "constitute general obligations of the United States backed by its
full faith and credit." GNMA is empowered to borrow from the United States
Treasury to the extent necessary to make any payments of principal and interest
required under those guaranties.
GNMA Certificates are backed by the aggregate indebtedness secured by
the underlying FHA-insured, FMHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages. Except to
the extent of payments received by the issuers on account of such mortgages,
GNMA Certificates do not constitute a liability of those issuer, nor do they
evidence any recourse against those issuers. Recourse is solely against GNMA.
Holders of GNMA Certificates (such as the Fund) have no security interest in or
lien on the underlying mortgages.
Monthly payments of principal will be made, and additional prepayments
of principal may be made, to the Fund with respect to the mortgages underlying
the GNMA Certificates held by the Fund. All of the mortgages in the pools
relating to the GNMA Certificates in the Fund are subject to prepayment without
any significant premium or penalty, at the option of the mortgagors. While the
mortgages on 1-to-4-family dwellings underlying certain GNMA Certificates have a
stated maturity of up to 30 years, it has been the experience of the mortgage
industry that the average life of comparable mortgages, as a result of
prepayments, refinancing and payments from foreclosures, is considerably less.
|_| Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates.
FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the United States, issues FHLMC
Certificates representing interests in mortgage loans. FHLMC guarantees to each
registered holder of a FHLMC Certificate timely payment of the amounts
representing a holder's proportionate share in: (i) interest payments less
servicing and guarantee fees, (ii) principal prepayments and (iii) the ultimate
collection of amounts representing the holder's proportionate interest in
principal
payments on the mortgage loans in the pool represented by the
FHLMC Certificate, in each case whether or not such amounts
are actually received.
The obligations of FHLMC under its guarantees are obligations solely of
FHLMC and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
|_| Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae)
Certificates. Fannie Mae, a federally-chartered and privately-owned corporation,
issues Fannie Mae Certificates which are backed by a pool of mortgage loans.
Fannie Mae guarantees to each registered holder of a Fannie Mae Certificate that
the holder will receive amounts representing the holder's proportionate interest
in scheduled principal and interest payments, and any principal prepayments, on
the mortgage loans in the pool represented by such Certificate, less servicing
and guarantee fees, and the holder's proportionate interest in the full
principal amount of any foreclosed or other liquidated mortgage loan. In each
case the guarantee applies whether or not those amounts are actually received.
The obligations of Fannie Mae under its guarantees are obligations solely of
Fannie Mae and are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States
or any of its agencies or instrumentalities other than Fannie Mae.
|X| Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities. The Fund can buy these
U.S. Treasury securities, called "TIPS," that are designed to provide an
investment vehicle that is not vulnerable to inflation. The interest rate paid
by TIPS is fixed. The principal value rises or falls semi-annually based on
changes in the published Consumer Price Index. If inflation occurs, the
principal and interest payments on TIPS are adjusted to protect investors from
inflationary loss. If deflation occurs, the principal and interest payments will
be adjusted downward, although the principal will not fall below its face amount
at maturity.
|X| Zero-Coupon Securities. The Fund may buy zero-coupon U.S. government
securities. These will typically be U.S. Treasury Notes and Bonds that have been
stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, the coupons themselves, or
certificates representing interests in those stripped debt obligations and
coupons.
Zero-coupon securities do not make periodic interest payments and are
sold at a deep discount from their face value at maturity. The buyer recognizes
a rate of return determined by the gradual appreciation of the security, which
is redeemed at face value on a specified maturity date. This discount depends on
the time remaining until maturity, as well as prevailing interest rates, the
liquidity of the security and the credit quality of the issuer. The discount
typically decreases as the maturity date approaches.
Because zero-coupon securities pay no interest and compound
semi-annually at the rate fixed at the time of their issuance, their value is
generally more volatile than the value of other debt securities that pay
interest. Their value may fall more dramatically than the value of
interest-bearing securities when interest rates rise. When prevailing interest
rates fall, zero-coupon securities tend to rise more rapidly in value because
they have a fixed rate of return.
The Fund's investment in zero-coupon securities may cause the Fund to
recognize income and make distributions to shareholders before it receives any
cash payments on the zero-coupon investment. To generate cash to satisfy those
distribution requirements, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities that
it otherwise might have continued to hold or to use cash flows from other
sources such as the sale of Fund shares.
|X| Portfolio Turnover. "Portfolio turnover" describes the rate at
which the Fund traded its portfolio securities during its last fiscal year. For
example, if a fund sold all of its securities during the year, its portfolio
turnover rate would have been 100%. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate will
fluctuate from year to year, although the Fund does not expect to have a
portfolio turnover rate of more than 100%. Increased portfolio turnover could
create higher transaction costs for the Fund, which may reduce its overall
performance. Additionally, the realization of capital gains from selling
portfolio securities may result in distributions of taxable long-term capital
gains to shareholders, since the Fund will normally distribute all of its
capital gains realized each year, to avoid excise taxes under the Internal
Revenue Code.
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies. In seeking its objective, the Fund
may from time to time employ the types of investment strategies and investments
described below.
|X| Forward Rolls. The Fund can enter into "forward roll" transactions
with respect to mortgage related securities. In this type of transaction, the
Fund sells a mortgage related security to a buyer and simultaneously agrees to
repurchase a similar security (the same type of security, and having the same
coupon and maturity) at a later date at a set price. The securities that are
repurchased will have the same interest rate as the securities that are sold,
but typically will be collateralized by different pools of mortgages (with
different prepayment histories) than the securities that have been sold.
Proceeds from the sale are invested in short-term instruments, such as
repurchase agreements,. The income from those investments, plus the fees from
the forward roll transaction, are expected to generate income to the Fund in
excess of the yield on the securities that have been sold.
The Fund will only enter into "covered" rolls. To assure its future
payment of the purchase price, the Fund will identify on its books cash, U.S.
government securities or other high-grade debt securities in an amount equal to
the payment obligation under the roll.
These transactions have risks. During the period between the sale and
the repurchase, the Fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal
payments on the securities that have been sold. It is possible that the market
value of the securities the Fund sells may decline below the price at which the
Fund is obligated to repurchase securities.
|X| "Stripped" Mortgage Related Securities. The Fund may invest in
stripped mortgage-related securities that are created by segregating the cash
flows from underlying mortgage loans or mortgage securities to create two or
more new securities. Each has a specified percentage of the underlying
security's principal or interest payments. These are a form of derivative
investment.
Mortgage securities may be partially stripped so that each class
receives some interest and some principal. However, they may be completely
stripped. In that case all of the interest is distributed to holders of one type
of security, known as an "interest-only" security, or "I/O," and all of the
principal is distributed to holders of another type of security, known as a
"principal-only" security or "P/O." Strips can be created for pass through
certificates or CMOs.
The yields to maturity of I/Os and P/Os are very sensitive to principal
repayments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgages. If the
underlying mortgages experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the Fund might not fully recoup its investment in an I/O based on
those assets. If underlying mortgages experience less than anticipated
prepayments of principal, the yield on the P/Os based on them could decline
substantially.
|X| Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may acquire securities subject to
repurchase agreements. It may do so for liquidity purposes to meet anticipated
redemptions of Fund shares, or pending the investment of the proceeds from sales
of Fund shares, or pending the settlement of portfolio securities.
In a repurchase transaction, the Fund buys a security from, and
simultaneously resells it to, an approved vendor for delivery on an agreed-upon
future date. Approved vendors include U.S. commercial banks, U.S. branches of
foreign banks, or broker-dealers that have been designated as primary dealers in
government securities. They must meet credit requirements set by the Fund's
Board of Trustees from time to time. The resale price exceeds the purchase price
by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate effective for the period
during which the repurchase agreement is in effect.
The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and delivery
pursuant to the resale typically occurs within one to five days of the purchase.
Repurchase agreements having a maturity beyond seven days are subject to the
Fund's limits on holding illiquid investments. As a fundamental policy, the Fund
will not enter into a repurchase agreement that causes more than 25% of its net
assets to be subject to repurchase agreements having a maturity of 7 days or
less or 5% of its net assets to be subject to repurchase agreements having a
maturity beyond seven days.
Repurchase agreements, considered "loans" under the Investment Company
Act, are collateralized by the underlying security. The Fund's repurchase
agreements require that at all times while the repurchase agreement is in
effect, the value of the collateral must equal or exceed the repurchase price to
fully collateralize the repayment obligation. As a fundamental policy, the Fund
requires that the ownership and control of the securities subject to a
repurchase agreement must be transferred to the Fund. However, if the vendor
fails to pay the resale price on the delivery date, the Fund may incur costs in
disposing of the collateral and may experience losses if there is any delay in
its ability to do so. The Manager will impose creditworthiness requirements to
confirm that the vendor is financially sound and will continuously monitor the
collateral's value.
|X| Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund can use reverse repurchase
agreements as a cash management tool, but not as a source of leverage for
investing. It does not currently use reverse repurchase agreements, but may do
so in the future. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it
segregates on its books an amount of cash or U.S. government securities equal in
value to the purchase price of the securities it has committed to buy, plus
accrued interest, until the payment is made to the seller. Before the Fund
enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the Manager evaluates the
creditworthiness of the seller, typically a bank or broker-dealer.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not enter into reverse
repurchase agreements that will exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets. As a
fundamental policy, the Fund will not enter into a reverse repurchase agreement
unless the securities that collateralize the transaction have a maturity date
not later than the settlement date of the transaction.
|X| When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Fund can
purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis, and may purchase or sell such
securities on a "delayed delivery" basis. "When-issued" or "delayed delivery"
refers to securities whose terms and indenture are available and for which a
market exists, but which are not available for immediate delivery.
When such transactions are negotiated the price (which is generally
expressed in yield terms) is fixed at the time the commitment is made. Delivery
and payment for the securities take place at a later date. As a fundamental
policy the Fund will not enter into such transactions unless the settlement date
is within 120 days of the trade date and is settled in cash on the settlement
date. The securities are subject to change in value from market fluctuation
during the settlement period. The value at delivery may be less than the
purchase price. For example, changes in interest rates in a direction other than
that expected by the Manager before settlement will affect the value of such
securities and may cause loss to the Fund.
The Fund will engage in when-issued transactions in order to secure
what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield at the time of entering
into the obligation. When the Fund engages in when-issued or delayed delivery
transactions, it relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may be, to complete
the transaction. Their failure to do so may cause the Fund to lose the
opportunity to obtain the security at a price and yield it considers
advantageous.
When the Fund engages in when-issued and delayed delivery transactions,
it does so for the purpose of acquiring or selling securities consistent with
its investment objective and policies for its portfolio or for delivery pursuant
to options contracts it has entered into, and not for the purposes of investment
leverage. Although the Fund will enter into when-issued or delayed-delivery
purchase transactions to acquire securities, the Fund may dispose of a
commitment prior to settlement. If the Fund chooses to dispose of the right to
acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or to dispose of its
right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a gain or
loss.
At the time the Fund makes a commitment to purchase or sell a security
on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, it records the transaction on its
books and reflects the value of the security purchased. In a sale transaction,
it records the proceeds to be received, in determining its net asset value. The
Fund will identify on its books cash or U.S. Government securities at least
equal to the value of purchase commitments until the Fund pays for the
investment.
When-issued transactions and forward commitments can be used by the
Fund as a defensive technique to hedge against anticipated changes in interest
rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling
prices, the Fund might sell securities in its portfolio on a forward commitment
basis to attempt to limit its exposure to anticipated falling prices. In periods
of falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell portfolio
securities and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis, to obtain the benefit of currently higher cash yields.
|X| Loans of Portfolio Securities. To raise cash for liquidity
purposes, the Fund can lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
other types of financial institutions approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
As a fundamental policy, these loans are limited to not more than 25% of the
value of the Fund's total assets, and the loans must be collateralized by cash
or U.S. government securities in amounts equal at all times (while the loan is
outstanding) to at least 100% of the value of the securities that have been
loaned (including accrued interest). The Fund currently does not intend to
engage in loans of securities in the coming year, but if it does so, such loans
will not likely exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
There are some risks in connection with securities lending. The Fund
might experience a delay in receiving additional collateral to secure a loan, or
a delay in recovery of the loaned securities if the borrower defaults. The Fund
must receive collateral for a loan. Under current applicable regulatory
requirements (which are subject to change), on each business day the loan
collateral must be at least equal the value of the loaned securities. It must
consist of cash, bank letters of credit or securities of the U.S. government or
its agencies or instrumentalities, or other cash equivalents in which the Fund
is permitted to invest. To be acceptable as collateral, letters of credit must
obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the
terms of the letter. The terms of the letter of credit and the issuing bank both
must be satisfactory to the Fund.
When it lends securities, the Fund receives amounts equal to the
dividends or interest on loaned securities. It also receives one or more of (a)
negotiated loan fees, (b) interest on securities used as collateral, and (c)
interest on any short-term debt securities purchased with such loan collateral.
Either type of interest may be shared with the borrower. The Fund may also pay
reasonable finder's, custodian and administrative fees in connection with these
loans. The terms of the Fund's loans must meet applicable tests under the
Internal Revenue Code and must permit the Fund to reacquire loaned securities on
five days' notice or in time to vote on any important matter.
|X| Derivatives. The Fund may invest in a variety of derivative
investments to seek income or for hedging purposes. A number of these derivative
investments, such as "interest-only" and "principal-only" securities, have been
described above. Some other derivative investments the Fund may use are the
hedging instruments described below in this Statement of Additional Information.
|X| Hedging. Although the Fund does not anticipate the extensive use of
hedging instruments, the Fund can use hedging instruments. The Fund is not
obligated to use hedging instruments, even though it is permitted to use them in
the Manager's discretion, as described below. To attempt to protect against
declines in the market value of the Fund's portfolio, to permit the Fund to
retain unrealized gains in the value of portfolio securities which have
appreciated, or to facilitate selling securities for investment reasons, the
Fund could:
|_| sell futures contracts,
|_| buy puts on such futures or on securities, or
|_| write covered calls on securities or futures. Covered calls may
also be used to increase the Fund's income, but the Manager does not
expect to engage extensively in that practice.
The Fund may use hedging to establish a position in the securities
market as a temporary substitute for purchasing particular securities. In that
case the Fund will normally seek to purchase the securities and then terminate
that hedging position. The Fund might also use this type of hedge to attempt to
protect against the possibility that its portfolio securities would not be fully
included in a rise in value of the market. To do so the Fund could:
|_| buy futures, or
|_| buy calls on such futures or on securities.
The Fund's strategy of hedging with futures and options on futures will
be incidental to the Fund's activities in the underlying cash market. The
particular hedging instruments the Fund can use are described below. The Fund
may employ new hedging instruments and strategies when they are developed, if
those investment methods are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
are permissible under applicable regulations governing the Fund.
|_| Futures. The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts that relate to
debt securities (these are referred to as "interest rate futures"). An interest
rate future obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser to take) cash or
a specified type of debt security to settle the futures transaction at a
specified future date. Either party could also enter into an offsetting contract
to close out the position.
No payment is paid or received by the Fund on the purchase or sale of a
future. Upon entering into a futures transaction, the Fund will be required to
deposit an initial margin payment with the futures commission merchant (the
"futures broker"). Initial margin payments will be deposited with the Fund's
Custodian bank in an account registered in the futures broker's name. However,
the futures broker can gain access to that account only under specified
conditions. As the future is marked to market (that is, its value on the Fund's
books is changed) to reflect changes in its market value, subsequent margin
payments, called variation margin, will be paid to or by the futures broker
daily.
At any time prior to expiration of the future, the Fund may elect to
close out its position by taking an opposite position, at which time a final
determination of variation margin is made and any additional cash must be paid
by or released to the Fund. Any loss or gain on the future is then realized by
the Fund for tax purposes. All futures transactions are effected through a
clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the contracts are traded.
|_| Put and Call Options. The Fund may buy and sell certain kinds of
put options ("puts") and call options ("calls"). The Fund may buy and sell
exchange-traded and over-the-counter put and call options, including index
options, securities options, and options on the types of futures the Fund can
purchase and sell.
|_| Writing Covered Call Options. The Fund may write (that is,
sell) covered calls. If the Fund sells a call option, it must be covered. That
means the Fund must own the security subject to the call while the call is
outstanding, or, for certain types of calls, the call may be covered by
segregating liquid assets to enable the Fund to satisfy its obligations if the
call is exercised. Up to 25% of the Fund's total assets may be subject to calls
the Fund writes.
When the Fund writes a call, it receives cash (a premium). The Fund
agrees to sell the underlying security to a purchaser of a corresponding call on
the same security during the call period at a fixed exercise price regardless of
market price changes during the call period. The call period is usually not more
than nine months. The exercise price may differ from the market price of the
underlying security. The Fund has the risk of loss that the price of the
underlying security may decline during the call period. That risk may be offset
to some extent by the premium the Fund receives. If the value of the investment
does not rise above the call price, it is likely that the call will lapse
without being exercised. In that case the Fund would keep the cash premium and
the investment.
The Fund's Custodian, or a securities depository acting for the
Custodian, will act as the Fund's escrow agent, through the facilities of the
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), as to the investments on which the Fund
has written calls traded on exchanges or as to other acceptable escrow
securities. In that way, no margin will be required for such transactions. OCC
will release the securities on the expiration of the option or when the Fund
enters into a closing transaction.
When the Fund writes an over-the-counter ("OTC") option, it will enter
into an arrangement with a primary U.S. government securities dealer which will
establish a formula price at which the Fund will have the absolute right to
repurchase that OTC option. The formula price will generally be based on a
multiple of the premium received for the option, plus the amount by which the
option is exercisable below the market price of the underlying security (that
is, the option is "in the money"). When the Fund writes an OTC option, it will
treat as illiquid (for purposes of its restriction on holding illiquid
securities) the mark-to-market value of any OTC option it holds, unless the
option is subject to a buy-back agreement by the executing broker.
To terminate its obligation on a call it has written, the Fund may
purchase a corresponding call in a "closing purchase transaction." The Fund will
then realize a profit or loss, depending upon whether the net of the amount of
the option transaction costs and the premium received on the call the Fund wrote
is more or less than the price of the call the Fund purchases to close out the
transaction. The Fund may realize a profit if the call expires unexercised,
because the Fund will retain the underlying security and the premium it received
when it wrote the call. Any such profits are considered short-term capital gains
for Federal income tax purposes, as are the premiums on lapsed calls. When
distributed by the Fund they are taxable as ordinary income. If the Fund cannot
effect a closing purchase transaction due to the lack of a market, it will have
to hold the callable securities until the call expires or is exercised.
The Fund may also write calls on a futures contract without owning the
futures contract or securities deliverable under the contract. To do so, at the
time the call is written, the Fund must cover the call by segregating an
equivalent dollar amount of liquid assets. The Fund will segregate additional
liquid assets if the value of the segregated assets drops below 100% of the
current value of the future. Because of this segregation requirement, in no
circumstances would the Fund's receipt of an exercise notice as to that future
require the Fund to deliver a futures contract. It would simply put the Fund in
a short futures position, which is permitted by the Fund's hedging policies.
|_| Writing Put Options. The Fund may sell put options. A put
option on securities gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer the
obligation to buy, the underlying investment at the exercise price during the
option period. The Fund will not write puts if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's net assets would be required to be segregated to cover such put
options.
If the Fund writes a put, the put must be covered by segregated liquid
assets. The premium the Fund receives from writing a put represents a profit, as
long as the price of the underlying investment remains equal to or above the
exercise price of the put. However, the Fund also assumes the obligation during
the option period to buy the underlying investment from the buyer of the put at
the exercise price, even if the value of the investment falls below the exercise
price. If a put the Fund has written expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a
gain in the amount of the premium less the transaction costs incurred. If the
put is exercised, the Fund must fulfill its obligation to purchase the
underlying investment at the exercise price. That price will usually exceed the
market value of the investment at that time. In that case, the Fund may incur a
loss if it sells the underlying investment. That loss will be equal to the sum
of the sale price of the underlying investment and the premium received minus
the sum of the exercise price and any transaction costs the Fund incurred.
When writing a put option on a security, to secure its obligation to
pay for the underlying security the Fund will deposit in escrow liquid assets
with a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the underlying
securities. The Fund therefore foregoes the opportunity of investing the
segregated assets or writing calls against those assets.
As long as the Fund's obligation as the put writer continues, it may be
assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through which the put was sold.
That notice will require the Fund to take delivery of the underlying security
and pay the exercise price. The Fund has no control over when it may be required
to purchase the underlying security, since it may be assigned an exercise notice
at any time prior to the termination of its obligation as the writer of the put.
That obligation terminates upon expiration of the put. It may also terminate if,
before it receives an exercise notice, the Fund effects a closing purchase
transaction by purchasing a put of the same series as it sold. Once the Fund has
been assigned an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase
transaction.
The Fund may decide to effect a closing purchase transaction to realize
a profit on an outstanding put option it has written or to prevent the
underlying security from being put. Effecting a closing purchase transaction
will also permit the Fund to write another put option on the security, or to
sell the security and use the proceeds from the sale for other investments. The
Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction depending
on whether the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received
from writing the put option. Any profits from writing puts are considered
short-term capital gains for Federal tax purposes, and when distributed by the
Fund, are taxable as ordinary income.
|_| Purchasing Calls and Puts. The Fund may purchase calls to
protect against the possibility that the Fund's portfolio will not participate
in an anticipated rise in the securities market. When the Fund buys a call
(other than in a closing purchase transaction), it pays a premium. The Fund then
has the right to buy the underlying investment from a seller of a corresponding
call on the same investment during the call period at a fixed exercise price.
The Fund benefits only if it sells the call at a profit or if, during the call
period, the market price of the underlying investment is above the sum of the
call price plus the transaction costs and the premium paid for the call and the
Fund exercises the call. If the Fund does not exercise the call or sell it
(whether or not at a profit), the call will become worthless at its expiration
date. In that case the Fund will have paid the premium but lost the right to
purchase the underlying investment.
The Fund may buy puts whether or not it holds the underlying investment
in its portfolio. When the Fund purchases a put, it pays a premium and, except
as to puts on indices, has the right to sell the underlying investment to a
seller of a put on a corresponding investment during the put period at a fixed
exercise price. The Fund can buy puts on securities or interest rate futures,
whether or not it owns them. Buying a put on securities or Futures the Fund owns
enables the Fund to attempt to protect itself during the put period against a
decline in the value of the underlying investment below the exercise price by
selling the underlying investment at the exercise price to a seller of a
corresponding put. If the market price of the underlying investment is equal to
or above the exercise price and, as a result, the put is not exercised or
resold, the put will become worthless at its expiration date. In that case the
Fund will have paid the premium but lost the right to sell the underlying
investment. However, the Fund may sell the put prior to its expiration. That
sale may or may not be at a profit.
When the Fund purchases a call or put on a Future, it pays a premium,
but settlement is in cash rather than by delivery of the underlying investment
to the Fund. Gain or loss depends on changes in the index in question (and thus
on price movements in the securities market generally) rather than on price
movements in individual securities or futures contracts.
The Fund may buy a call or put only if, after the purchase, the value
of all call and put options held by the Fund will not exceed 5% of the Fund's
total assets.
|_| Risks of Hedging with Options and Futures. The use of hedging
instruments requires special skills and knowledge of investment techniques that
are different than what is required for normal portfolio management. If the
Manager uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges market conditions
incorrectly, hedging strategies may reduce the Fund's return. The Fund could
also experience losses if the prices of its futures and options positions were
not correlated with its other investments.
The Fund's option activities may affect its portfolio turnover rate and
brokerage commissions. The exercise of calls written by the Fund may cause the
Fund to sell related portfolio securities, thus increasing its turnover rate.
The exercise by the Fund of puts on securities will cause the sale of underlying
investments, increasing portfolio turnover. Although the decision whether to
exercise a put it holds is within the Fund's control, holding a put might cause
the Fund to sell the related investments for reasons that would not exist in the
absence of the put.
The Fund may pay a brokerage commission each time it buys a call or
put, sells a call or put, or buys or sells an underlying investment in
connection with the exercise of a call or put. Those commissions may be higher
on a relative basis than the commissions for direct purchases or sales of the
underlying investments. Premiums paid for options are small in relation to the
market value of the underlying investments. Consequently, put and call options
offer large amounts of leverage. The leverage offered by trading in options
could result in the Fund's net asset value being more sensitive to changes in
the value of the underlying investment.
If a covered call written by the Fund is exercised on an investment
that has increased in value, the Fund will be required to sell the investment at
the call price. It will not be able to realize any profit if the investment has
increased in value above the call price.
An option position may be closed out only on a market that provides
secondary trading for options of the same series, and there is no assurance that
a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. The Fund could
experience losses if it could not close out a position because of an illiquid
market for the future or option.
There is a risk in using short hedging by selling futures or purchasing
puts on broadly-based indices or futures to attempt to protect against declines
in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. The risk is that the prices of
the futures or the applicable index will correlate imperfectly with the behavior
of the cash prices of the Fund's securities. For example, it is possible that
while the Fund has used hedging instruments in a short hedge, the market may
advance and the value of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio may
decline. If that occurred, the Fund would lose money on the hedging instruments
and also experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. However,
while this could occur for a very brief period or to a very small degree, over
time the value of a diversified portfolio of securities will tend to move in the
same direction as the indices upon which the hedging instruments are based.
The risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the
Fund's portfolio diverges from the securities included in the applicable index.
To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the
portfolio securities being hedged and movements in the price of the hedging
instruments, the Fund may use hedging instruments in a greater dollar amount
than the dollar amount of portfolio securities being hedged. It might do so if
the historical volatility of the prices of the portfolio securities being hedged
is more than the historical volatility of the applicable index.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets are
subject to distortions, due to differences in the nature of those markets.
First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and
maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit
requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting
transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash and
futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on
participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity
in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from
the point of view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market
are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets. Therefore,
increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary
price distortions.
The Fund can use hedging instruments to establish a position in the
securities markets as a temporary substitute for the purchase of individual
securities (long hedging) by buying futures and/or calls on such futures,
broadly-based indices or on securities. It is possible that when the Fund does
so the market may decline. If the Fund then concludes not to invest in
securities because of concerns that the market may decline further or for other
reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the hedging instruments that is not
offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
|_| Interest Rate Swap Transactions. The Fund can enter into interest
rate swap agreements. In an interest rate swap, the Fund and another party
exchange their right to receive or their obligation to pay interest on a
security. For example, they may swap the right to receive floating rate payments
for fixed rate payments. The Fund enters into swaps only on securities that it
owns. The Fund will not enter into swaps with respect to more than 25% of its
total assets. Also, the Fund will segregate liquid assets (such as cash or U.S.
government securities) to cover any amounts it could owe under swaps that exceed
the amounts it is entitled to receive, and it will adjust that amount daily, as
needed.
Swap agreements entail both interest rate risk and credit risk. There
is a risk that, based on movements of interest rates in the future, the payments
made by the Fund under a swap agreement will be greater than the payments it
received. Credit risk arises from the possibility that the counterparty will
default. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund's loss will consist of the net
amount of contractual interest payments that the Fund has not yet received. The
Manager will monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties to the Fund's
interest rate swap transactions on an ongoing basis.
The Fund will enter into swap transactions with certain counterparties
pursuant to master netting agreements. A master netting agreement provides that
all swaps done between the Fund and that counterparty shall be regarded as parts
of an integral agreement. If amounts are payable on a particular date in the
same currency in respect of one or more swap transactions, the amount payable on
that date in that currency shall be the net amount. In addition, the master
netting agreement may provide that if one party defaults generally or on one
swap, the counterparty may terminate all of the swaps with that party. Under
these agreements, if a default results in a loss to one party, the measure of
that party's damages is calculated by reference to the average cost of a
replacement swap for each swap. It is measured by the mark-to-market value at
the time of the termination of each swap. The gains and losses on all swaps are
then netted, and the result is the counterparty's gain or loss on termination.
The termination of all swaps and the netting of gains and losses on termination
is generally referred to as "aggregation."
|_| Regulatory Aspects of Hedging Instruments. When using futures and
options on futures, the Fund is required to operate within certain guidelines
and restrictions with respect to the use of futures as established by the
Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"). In particular, the Fund is
exempted from registration with the CFTC as a "commodity pool operator" if the
Fund complies with the requirements of Rule 4.5 adopted by the CFTC. The Rule
does not limit the percentage of the Fund's assets that may be used for futures
margin and related options premiums for a bona fide hedging position. However,
under the Rule, the Fund must limit its aggregate initial futures margin and
related options premiums to not more than 5% of the Fund's net assets for
hedging strategies that are not considered bona fide hedging strategies under
the Rule. Under the Rule, the Fund must also use short futures and options on
futures solely for bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning and intent of
the applicable provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Transactions in options by the Fund are subject to limitations
established by the option exchanges. The exchanges limit the maximum number of
options that may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors
acting in concert. Those limits apply regardless of whether the options were
written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or
more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more
brokers. Thus, the number of options that the Fund may write or hold may be
affected by options written or held by other entities, including other
investment companies having the same adviser as the Fund (or an adviser that is
an affiliate of the Fund's adviser). The exchanges also impose position limits
on Futures transactions. An exchange may order the liquidation of positions
found to be in violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.
Under the Investment Company Act, when the Fund purchases a future, it
must maintain cash or readily marketable short-term debt instruments in an
amount equal to the market value of the securities underlying the future, less
the margin deposit applicable to it. The account must be a segregated account or
accounts held by the Fund's Custodian bank.
Investment Restrictions
|X| What Are "Fundamental Policies?" Fundamental policies are those
policies that the Fund has adopted to govern its investments that can be changed
only by the vote of a "majority" of the Fund's outstanding voting securities.
Under the Investment Company Act, a "majority" vote is defined as the vote of
the holders of the lesser of:
|_| 67% or more of the shares present or represented by proxy at a
shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares are present or represented by proxy, or |_| more than 50% of the
outstanding shares.
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy. Other policies
described in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information are
"fundamental" only if they are identified as such. The Fund's Board of Trustees
can change non-fundamental policies without shareholder approval. However,
significant changes to investment policies will be described in supplements or
updates to the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information, as
appropriate. The Fund's most significant investment policies are described in
the Prospectus.
|X| Does the Fund Have Additional Fundamental Policies? The following
investment restrictions are fundamental policies of the Fund.
|_| The Fund cannot purchase any securities that would cause more than
5% of the Fund's total assets to be invested in securities of a single issuer.
The Fund cannot purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
an issuer. Purchases of U.S. government securities are not limited by these
restrictions.
|_| The Fund cannot invest 25% or more of its assets in a single industry.
The U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities are not considered to
be in an industry for the purposes of this restriction.
|_| The Fund cannot deviate from any of its other investment policies
that are described as fundamental policies in the Prospectus or this Statement
of Additional Information.
|_| The Fund cannot enter into repurchase agreements that would cause
more than 25% of the Fund's total assets to be subject to such agreements.
|_| The Fund cannot enter into reverse repurchase agreements that would
cause more than 25% of the Fund's total assets to be subject to those
agreements.
|_| The Fund cannot make investments for the purpose of exercising
control of management.
|_| The Fund cannot invest in or hold securities of any issuer if
officers and Trustees of the Fund or the Manager individually beneficially own
more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of that issuer and together own more than
5% of the securities of that issuer.
|_| The Fund cannot purchase or sell standby commitments.
|_| The Fund cannot purchase restricted or illiquid securities
(including repurchase agreements having a maturity of more than 7 days and other
securities that are not readily marketable) if more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in those securities.
|_| The Fund cannot make loans. However, it can buy the debt securities
that its investment policies and restrictions permit it to purchase, and enter
into repurchase agreements. The Fund may also lend its portfolio securities in
amounts not exceeding 25% of its total assets. Those loans must be
collateralized by cash or U.S. government securities equal at all times to at
least 100% of the value of the securities loaned, including accrued interest,
while the loan is outstanding.
|_| The Fund cannot borrow money except from banks in amounts not in
excess of 5% of the value of its assets. It can borrow only as a temporary
measure. Borrowing may not be done for leverage, but only for liquidity purposes
to meet requests to redeem the Fund's shares when liquidating portfolio
securities is considered inconvenient or disadvantageous. No assets of the Fund
may be pledged, mortgaged or hypothecated other than to secure a borrowing, but
the amount pledged must not exceed 7.5% of the Fund's total assets. However, the
escrow arrangements for options trading and collateral or margin arrangements
for hedging instruments approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees are not
prohibited by this restriction against mortgaging, hypothecating or pledging the
Fund's assets. The Fund is also permitted to enter into reverse repurchase
agreements and when-issued and delayed delivery transactions.
|_| The Fund cannot purchase securities on margin or make short sales
of securities. However, the Fund may make margin deposits in connection with any
of the hedging instruments approved by its Board of Trustees.
|_| The Fund cannot purchase or sell real estate, commodities or
commodity contracts. However, the Fund may use hedging instruments approved by
its Board of Trustees whether or not those hedging instruments are considered
commodities or commodity contracts..
|_| The Fund cannot underwrite securities. A permitted exception is in
case it is deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 when
reselling any securities held in its own portfolio.
|_| The Fund cannot invest in securities of other investment companies,
except if it acquires them as part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of
assets.
|_| The Fund cannot invest in interests in oil, gas, or other mineral
exploration or development programs.
|_| The Fund cannot buy or hold securities of issuers that have a
record of continuous operation of less than three years. That period may include
the operation of predecessor companies or enterprises if the issuer came into
existence as a result of a merger, consolidation or reorganization, or the
purchase of substantially all of the assets of the predecessor company or
enterprise).
Unless the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information
states that a percentage restriction applies on an ongoing basis, it applies
only at the time the Fund makes an investment. The Fund need not sell securities
to meet the percentage limits if the value of the investment increases in
proportion to the size of the Fund.
For purposes of the Fund's policy not to concentrate its investments,
the Fund has adopted the industry classifications set forth in Appendix B to
this Statement of Additional Information. This is not a fundamental policy.
The Fund currently has an operating policy (which is not a fundamental
policy but will not be changed without the approval of a shareholder vote) that
prohibits the Fund from issuing senior securities. However, the policy does not
prohibit certain activities that are permitted by the Fund's other policies,
including borrowing money for emergency purposes as permitted by its other
investment policies and applicable regulations, entering into delayed-delivery
and when-issued arrangements for portfolio securities transactions, and entering
into contracts to buy or sell derivatives, hedging instruments, options, futures
and the related margin, collateral or escrow arrangements permitted under its
other investment policies.
How the Fund is Managed
Organization and History. The Fund is an open-end, diversified management
investment company with an unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial
interest. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust in 1986.
Prior to April 7, 1990, the Fund was managed by a different investment adviser
than the Manager.
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is responsible for
protecting the interests of shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Trustees
meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review
its performance, and review the actions of the Manager. Although the Fund will
not normally hold annual meetings of its shareholders, it may hold shareholder
meetings from time to time on important matters, and shareholders have the right
to call a meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action described in the
Fund's Declaration of Trust.
|_| Classes of Shares. The Board of Trustees has the power, without
shareholder approval, to divide unissued shares of the Fund into two or more
classes. The Board has done so, and the Fund currently has four classes of
shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y. All classes invest in the same
investment portfolio.
Each class of shares:
o has its own dividends and distributions,
o pays certain expenses which may be different for the different
classes,
o may have a different net asset value,
o may have separate voting rights on matters in which interests of one
class are different from interests of another class, and
o votes as a class on matters that affect that class alone.
Shares are freely transferable, and each share of each class has one
vote at shareholder meetings, with fractional shares voting proportionally on
matters submitted to the vote of shareholders. Each share of the Fund represents
an interest in the Fund proportionately equal to the interest of each other
share of the same class.
The Trustees are authorized to create new series and classes of shares.
The Trustees may reclassify unissued shares of the Fund into additional series
or classes of shares. The Trustees also may divide or combine the shares of a
class into a greater or lesser number of shares without changing the
proportionate beneficial interest of a shareholder in the Fund. Shares do not
have cumulative voting rights or preemptive or subscription rights. Shares may
be voted in person or by proxy at shareholder meetings.
|_| Meetings of Shareholders. As a Massachusetts business trust, the
Fund is not required to hold, and does not plan to hold, regular annual meetings
of shareholders. The Fund will hold meetings when required to do so by the
Investment Company Act or other applicable law. It will also do so when a
shareholder meeting is called by the Trustees or upon proper request of the
shareholders.
Shareholders have the right, upon the declaration in writing or vote of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Fund, to remove a Trustee. The
Trustees will call a meeting of shareholders to vote on the removal of a Trustee
upon the written request of the record holders of 10% of its outstanding shares.
If the Trustees receive a request from at least 10 shareholders stating that
they wish to communicate with other shareholders to request a meeting to remove
a Trustee, the Trustees will then either make the Fund's shareholder list
available to the applicants or mail their communication to all other
shareholders at the applicants' expense. The shareholders making the request
must have been shareholders for at least six months and must hold shares of the
Fund valued at $25,000 or more or constituting at least 1% of the Fund's
outstanding shares, whichever is less. The Trustees may also take other action
as permitted by the Investment Company Act.
|_| Shareholder and Trustee Liability. The Fund's Declaration of Trust
contains an express disclaimer of shareholder or Trustee liability for the
Fund's obligations. It also provides for indemnification and reimbursement of
expenses out of the Fund's property for any shareholder held personally liable
for its obligations. The Declaration of Trust also states that upon request, the
Fund shall assume the defense of any claim made against a shareholder for any
act or obligation of the Fund and shall satisfy any judgment on that claim.
Massachusetts law permits a shareholder of a business trust (such as the Fund)
to be held personally liable as a "partner" under certain circumstances.
However, the risk that a Fund shareholder will incur financial loss from being
held liable as a "partner" of the Fund is limited to the relatively remote
circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations.
The Fund's contractual arrangements state that any person doing
business with the Fund (and each shareholder of the Fund) agrees under its
Declaration of Trust to look solely to the assets of the Fund for satisfaction
of any claim or demand that may arise out of any dealings with the Fund. The
contracts further state that the Trustees shall have no personal liability to
any such person, to the extent permitted by law.
Trustees and Officers of the Fund. The Fund's Trustees and officers and their
principal occupations and business affiliations during the past five years are
listed below. Trustees denoted with an asterisk (*) below are deemed to be
"interested persons" of the Fund under the Investment Company Act. All of the
Trustees are also trustees, directors or managing general partners of the
following Denver-based Oppenheimer funds1:
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc. Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund Oppenheimer
Real Asset Fund Oppenheimer High Yield Fund Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund
Oppenheimer Champion Income Fund Oppenheimer International Bond Fund Oppenheimer
Integrity Funds Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund Oppenheimer Main Street
Funds, Inc. Oppenheimer Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds
Panorama Series Fund, Inc. Oppenheimer Cash Reserves Centennial America Fund,
L.P. Centennial Money Market Trust Centennial Government Trust Centennial New
York Tax Exempt Trust Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust Centennial Tax
Exempt Trust The New York Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Inc.
<PAGE>
55
Ms. Macaskill and Messrs. Swain, Bishop, Bowen, Donohue, Farrar and Zack,
who are officers of the Fund, respectively hold the same offices with other
Denver-based Oppenheimer funds. As of January 1, 1999, the Trustees and officers
of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The foregoing statement does not reflect shares held of record by an employee
benefit plan for employees of the Manager other than shares beneficially owned
under that plan by the officers of the Fund listed below. Ms.
Macaskill and Mr. Donohue, are trustees of that plan.
Robert G. Avis, Trustee*; Age 67
One North Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Vice Chairman of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. (a broker-dealer) and A.G. Edwards,
Inc. (its parent holding company); Chairman of A.G.E. Asset Management and A.G.
Edwards Trust Company (its affiliated investment adviser and trust company,
respectively).
William A. Baker, Trustee; Age 83
197 Desert Lakes Drive, Palm Springs, California 92264
Management Consultant.
George C. Bowen, Vice President, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Trustee*;
Age 62 6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Senior Vice President (since September 1987) and Treasurer (since March 1985) of
the Manager; Vice President (since June 1983) and Treasurer (since March 1985)
of the Distributor; Vice President (since October 1989) and Treasurer (since
April 1986) of HarbourView Asset Management Corp., an investment adviser
subsidiary of the Manager; Senior Vice President (since February 1992),
Treasurer (since July 1991) and a director (since December 1991) of Centennial
Asset Management Corporation, an investment adviser subsidiary of the Manager;
Vice President and Treasurer (since August 1978) and Secretary (since April
1981) of Shareholder Services Inc., a transfer agent subsidiary of the Manager;
Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary (since November 1989) of Shareholder
Financial Services, Inc., a transfer agent subsidiary of the Manager; Assistant
Treasurer (since March 1998) of Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp., the parent
company of the Manager; Treasurer of Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc.
(since November 1989); Vice President and Treasurer of Oppenheimer Real Asset
Management, Inc. (since July 1996), an investment adviser subsidiary of the
Manager; an officer of other Oppenheimer funds; formerly Treasurer (June 1990-
March 1998) of Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.
Charles Conrad, Jr., Trustee; Age 68
1501 Quail Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Chairman and CEO of Universal Space Lines, Inc. (a space services management
company); formerly Vice President of McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co. and
associated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Jon S. Fossel, Trustee; Age 56
P.O. Box 44, Mead Street, Waccabuc, New York 10597
Formerly Chairman and a director of the Manager, President and a director of
Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp., Shareholder Services, Inc. and Shareholder
Financial Services, Inc.
Sam Freedman, Trustee; Age: 58
4975 Lakeshore Drive, Littleton, Colorado 80123
Formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OppenheimerFunds Services,
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Shareholder Services, Inc.
and Shareholder Financial Services, Inc., Vice President and a director of
Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. and a director of the Manager.
Raymond J. Kalinowski, Trustee; Age 69
44 Portland Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Director of Wave Technologies International, Inc. (a computer products training
company).
C. Howard Kast, Trustee; Age 76
2552 East Alameda, Denver, Colorado 80209
Formerly Managing Partner of Deloitte, Haskins & Sells (an accounting firm).
Robert M. Kirchner, Trustee; Age 77
7500 E. Arapahoe Road, Englewood, Colorado 80112
President of The Kirchner Company (management consultants).
Bridget A. Macaskill, President and Trustee*; Age: 50
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048
President (since June 1991), Chief Executive Officer (since September 1995) and
a director (since December 1994) of the Manager; President and a director (since
June 1991) of HarbourView Asset Management Corp.; Chairman and a director (since
August 1994) of Shareholder Services, Inc. and (since September 1995)
Shareholder Financial Services, Inc.; President (since September 1995) and a
director (since October 1990) of Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.; President (since
September 1995) and a director (since November 1989) of Oppenheimer Partnership
Holdings, Inc., a holding company subsidiary of the Manager; a director of
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. (since July 1996); President and a
director (since October 1997) of OppenheimerFunds International Ltd., an
offshore fund management subsidiary of the Manager, and Oppenheimer Millennium
Funds plc; President and a director of other Oppenheimer funds; a director of
Hillsdown Holdings plc (a U.K. food company); formerly an Executive Vice
President of the Manager.
Ned M. Steel, Trustee; Age 83
3416 South Race Street, Englewood, Colorado 80110
Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter; a director of Visiting Nurse
Corporation of Colorado.
James C. Swain, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee*; Age 65
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Vice Chairman of the Manager (since September 1988); formerly President and a
director of Centennial Asset Management Corporation, and Chairman of the Board
of Shareholder Services, Inc.
Jerry A. Webman, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Age: 49
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10048-0203
Senior Vice President of the Manager (since February 1996); an officer of other
Oppenheimer funds; previously an officer and portfolio manager for Prudential
Mutual Funds - Investment Management Inc.
John Kowalik, Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Age: 41
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048-0203
Vice President of the Manager (since July 1998); previously a Managing Director
and senior portfolio manager for Prudential Investments Global Fixed Income
Group.
Andrew J. Donohue, Vice President and Secretary; Age 48
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048
Executive Vice President (since January 1993), General Counsel (since October
1991) and a Director (since September 1995) of the Manager; Executive Vice
President (since September 1993) and a director (since January 1992) of the
Distributor; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and a director of
HarbourView Asset Management Corp., Shareholder Services, Inc., Shareholder
Financial Services, Inc. and Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc. (since
September 1995); President and a director of Centennial Asset Management Corp.
(since September 1995); President and a director of Oppenheimer Real Asset
Management, Inc. (since July 1996); General Counsel (since May 1996) and
Secretary (since April 1997) of Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.; Vice President
and a Director of OppenheimerFunds International Ltd. and Oppenheimer Millennium
Funds plc (since October 1997); an officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
Robert J. Bishop, Assistant Treasurer; Age 40
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Vice President of the Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (since May 1996); an
officer of other Oppenheimer funds; formerly an Assistant Vice President of the
Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (April 1994-May 1996), and a Fund Controller for
the Manager.
Scott Farrar, Assistant Treasurer; Age 33
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Vice President of the Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (since May 1996); Assistant
Treasurer of Oppenheimer Millennium Funds plc (since October 1997); an officer
of other Oppenheimer funds; formerly an Assistant Vice President of the
Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (April 1994-May 1996), and a Fund Controller for
the Manager.
Robert G. Zack, Assistant Secretary; Age 50
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048-0203
Senior Vice President (since May 1985) and Associate General Counsel (since May
1981) of the Manager, Assistant Secretary of Shareholder Services, Inc. (since
May 1985), and Shareholder Financial Services, Inc. (since November 1989);
Assistant Secretary of Oppenheimer Millennium Funds plc (since October 1997) and
OppenheimerFunds International Ltd.; an officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
|X| Remuneration of Trustees. The officers of the Fund and three Trustees
of the Fund (Ms. Macaskill and Messrs. Bowen and Swain) are affiliated with the
Manager and receive no salary or fee from the Fund. The remaining Trustees of
the Fund received the compensation shown below. The compensation from the Fund
was paid during its fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. The compensation from
all of the Denver-based Oppenheimer funds includes the compensation from the
Fund and represents compensation received as a director, trustee, managing
general partner or member of a committee of the Board during the calendar year
1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Total Compensation
Aggregate Compensation From all Denver-Based
Trustee's Name and Position from Fund Oppenheimer Funds1
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Robert G. Avis $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
William A. Baker
Audit and Review Committee
Ex-Officio Member2 $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Charles Conrad, Jr. $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Jon. S. Fossel $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Sam Freedman
Audit and Review Committee Member $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Raymond J. Kalinowski
Audit and Review Committee Member
$------------ $--------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
C. Howard Kast
Audit and Review Committee
Chairman $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Robert M. Kirchner $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Ned M. Steel $____________ $________
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
</TABLE>
1. For the 1998 calendar year.
|X| Deferred Compensation Plan. The Board of Trustees has adopted a
Deferred Compensation Plan for disinterested Trustees that enables them to elect
to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual fees they are entitled to
receive from the Fund. Under the plan, the compensation deferred by a Trustee is
periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been invested in shares
of one or more Oppenheimer funds selected by the Trustee. The amount paid to the
Trustee under the plan will be determined based upon the performance of the
selected funds.
Deferral of Trustee's fees under the plan will not materially affect the
Fund's assets, liabilities and net income per share. The plan will not obligate
the fund to retain the services of any Trustee or to pay any particular level of
compensation to any Trustee. Pursuant to an Order issued by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Fund may invest in the funds selected by the Trustee
under the plan without shareholder approval for the limited purpose of
determining the value of the Trustee's deferred fee account.
|X| Major Shareholders. As of December 1, 1998, the only person who
owned of record or was known by the Fund to own beneficially 5% or more of the
Fund's outstanding securities of any class was
__________________________________ who owned _________________ Class____ shares
(representing approximately _____% of the Fund's then-outstanding Class_______
shares).
The Manager. The Manager is wholly-owned by Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp., a
holding company controlled by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. The
Manager and the Fund have a Code of Ethics. It is designed to detect and prevent
improper personal trading by certain employees, including portfolio managers,
that would compete with or take advantage of the Fund's portfolio transactions.
Compliance with the Code of Ethics is carefully monitored and enforced by the
Manager.
|X| The Investment Advisory Agreement. The Manager provides investment
advisory and management services to the Fund under an investment advisory
agreement between the Manager and the Fund. The Manager selects securities for
the Fund's portfolio and handles its day-to-day business. The portfolio managers
of the Fund are employed by the Manager and are the persons who are principally
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio. Other members
of the Manager's Fixed Income Portfolio Team, Leslie Falconio and Gina Palmieri,
who are Assistant Vice Presidents of the Manager and associate portfolio
managers of the Fund, participate in the management of the Fund's portfolio.
The agreement requires the Manager, at its expense, to provide the Fund
with adequate office space, facilities and equipment. It also requires the
Manager to provide and supervise the activities of all administrative and
clerical personnel required to provide effective administration for the Fund.
Those responsibilities include the compilation and maintenance of records with
respect to its operations, the preparation and filing of specified reports, and
composition of proxy materials and registration statements for continuous public
sale of shares of the Fund.
The Fund pays expenses not expressly assumed by the Manager under the
advisory agreement. The advisory agreement lists examples of expenses paid by
the Fund. The major categories relate to interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
fees to certain Trustees, legal and audit expenses, custodian and transfer agent
expenses, share issuance costs, certain printing and registration costs and
non-recurring expenses, including litigation costs. The management fees paid by
the Fund to the Manager are calculated at the rates described in the Prospectus,
which are applied to the assets of the Fund as a whole. The fees are allocated
to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of the Fund's net
assets represented by that class.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Fiscal Year ended 9/30: Management Fees Paid to OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $2,529,645
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $2,924,120
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $___________
----------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The investment advisory agreement contains an indemnity of the Manager. In
the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the
performance of its duties or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties
under the investment advisory agreement, the Manager is not liable for any loss
resulting from a good faith error or omission on its part with respect to any of
its duties under the agreement.
The investment advisory agreement provides that the Manager's compensation
for any fiscal year of the Fund shall be reduced by the amount, if any, by which
the Fund's expenses for that fiscal year exceed the most stringent applicable
expense limitation prescribed by any statute or regulatory authority of any
jurisdiction in which the Fund's shares are qualified for sale. As a result of
changes in federal securities laws after the investment advisory agreement was
entered into, state mutual fund regulations no longer limit mutual fund
expenses. Therefore that contractual provision is not currently applicable.
The agreement permits the Manager to act as investment adviser for any
other person, firm or corporation and to use the name "Oppenheimer" in
connection with other investment companies for which it may act as investment
adviser or general distributor. If the Manager shall no longer act as investment
adviser to the Fund, the Manager may withdraw the right of the Fund to use the
name "Oppenheimer" as part of its name.
Brokerage Policies of the Fund
Brokerage Provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement. One of the duties of
the Manager under the investment advisory agreement is to arrange the portfolio
transactions for the Fund. The advisory agreement contains provisions relating
to the employment of broker-dealers to effect the Fund's portfolio transactions.
The Manager is authorized by the advisory agreement to employ broker-dealers,
including "affiliated" brokers, as that term is defined in the Investment
Company Act. The Manager may employ broker-dealers as may, in the Manager's best
judgment based on all relevant factors, implement the policy of the Fund to
obtain, at reasonable expense, the "best execution" of such transactions. "Best
execution" means prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable price
obtainable. The Manager need not seek competitive commission bidding. However,
it is expected to be aware of the current rates of eligible brokers and to
minimize the commissions paid to the extent consistent with the interests and
policies of the Fund as established by its Board of Trustees.
Under the investment advisory agreement, the Manager may select brokers
(other than affiliates) that provide brokerage and/or research services for the
Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Manager or its affiliates have
investment discretion. The commissions paid to such brokers may be higher than
another qualified broker would charge, if the Manager makes a good faith
determination that the commission is fair and reasonable in relation to the
services provided. Subject to those considerations, as a factor in selecting
brokers for the Fund's portfolio transactions, the Manager may also consider
sales of shares of the Fund and other investment companies for which the Manager
or an affiliate serves as investment adviser.
Brokerage Practices Followed by the Manager. Most securities purchases
made by the Fund are in principal transactions at net prices. The Fund usually
deals directly with the selling or purchasing principal or market maker without
incurring charges for the services of a broker on its behalf unless the Manager
determines that a better price or execution may be obtained by using the
services of a broker. Therefore, the Fund does not incur substantial brokerage
costs. Portfolio securities purchased from underwriters include a commission or
concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter in the price of the security.
Portfolio securities purchased from dealers include a spread between the bid and
asked price. The Fund seeks to obtain prompt execution of these orders at the
most favorable net price.
The Manager allocates brokerage for the Fund subject to the provisions of
the investment advisory agreement and the procedures and rules described above.
Generally, the Manager's portfolio traders allocate brokerage based upon
recommendations from the Manager's portfolio managers. In certain instances,
portfolio managers may directly place trades and allocate brokerage. In either
case, the Manager's executive officers supervise the allocation of brokerage.
Transactions in securities other than those for which an exchange is the
primary market are generally done with principals or market makers. In
transactions on foreign exchanges, the Fund may be required to pay fixed
brokerage commissions and thereby not have the benefit of negotiated commissions
available in U.S. markets. Brokerage commissions are paid primarily for
effecting transactions in listed securities or for certain fixed-income agency
transactions in the secondary market. Otherwise brokerage commissions are paid
only if it appears likely that a better price or execution can be obtained by
doing so.
In an option transaction, the Fund ordinarily uses the same broker for the
purchase or sale of the option and any transaction in the securities to which
the option relates. When possible, the Manager tries to combine concurrent
orders to purchase or sell the same security by more than one of the accounts
managed by the Manager or its affiliates. The transactions under those combined
orders are averaged as to price and allocated in accordance with the purchase or
sale orders actually placed for each account.
The investment advisory agreement permits the Manager to allocate
brokerage for research services. The investment research services provided by a
particular broker may be useful only to one or more of the advisory accounts of
the Manager and its affiliates. The investment research received for the
commissions of those other accounts may be useful both to the Fund and one or
more of the Manager's other accounts. Investment research may be supplied to the
Manager by a third party at the instance of a broker through which trades are
placed.
Investment research services include information and analysis on
particular companies and industries as well as market or economic trends and
portfolio strategy, market quotations for portfolio evaluations, information
systems, computer hardware and similar products and services. If a research
service also assists the Manager in a non-research capacity (such as bookkeeping
or other administrative functions), then only the percentage or component that
provides assistance to the Manager in the investment decision-making process may
be paid in commission dollars.
The Board of Trustees permits the Manager to use stated commissions on
secondary fixed-income agency trades to obtain research if the broker represents
to the Manager that: (i) the trade is not from or for the broker's own
inventory, (ii) the trade was executed by the broker on an agency basis at the
stated commission, and (iii) the trade is not a riskless principal transaction.
The Board of Trustees permits the Manager to use concessions on fixed-price
offerings to obtain research, in the same manner as is permitted for agency
transactions.
The research services provided by brokers broadens the scope and
supplements the research activities of the Manager. That research provides
additional views and comparisons for consideration, and helps the Manager to
obtain market information for the valuation of securities that are either held
in the Fund's portfolio or are being considered for purchase. The Manager
provides information to the Board about the commissions paid to brokers
furnishing such services, together with the Manager's representation that the
amount of such commissions was reasonably related to the value or benefit of
such services.
Other funds advised by the Manager have investment policies similar to
those of the Fund. Those other funds may purchase or sell the same securities as
the Fund at the same time as the Fund, which could affect the supply and price
of the securities. If two or more funds advised by the Manager purchase the same
security on the same day from the same dealer, the Manager may average the price
of the transactions and allocate the average among the funds.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Fiscal Year Ended 9/30: Total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Fund1
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $76,672
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $91,129
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $2
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Amounts do not include spreads or concessions on principal transactions on a net trade basis.
2. In the fiscal year ended 9/30/98, the amount of transactions directed to brokers for research services
was $_________________ and the amount of the commissions paid to broker-dealers for those services was
$-------.
</TABLE>
Distribution and Service Plans
The Distributor. Under its General Distributor's Agreement with the Fund, the
Distributor acts as the Fund's principal underwriter in the continuous public
offering of the Fund's classes of shares. The Distributor is not obligated to
sell a specific number of shares. Expenses normally attributable to sales are
borne by the Distributor. They exclude payments under the Fund's Distribution
and Service Plans but include advertising and the cost of printing and mailing
prospectuses (other than prospectuses furnished to current shareholders).
The compensation paid to (or retained by) the Distributor from the sale of
shares or on the redemption of shares during the Fund's three most recent fiscal
years is shown in the table below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Aggregate Class A Front-End Commissions on Commissions on Commissions on
Fiscal Front-End Sales Sales Charges Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares
Year Ended Charges on Class Retained by Advanced by Advanced by Advanced by
9/30: A Shares Distributor Distributor1 Distributor1 Distributor1
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
1996 $2,342,696 $ $ $ $
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
1997 $2,369,751 $ $ $ $
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
1998 $ $ $ $ $
------------ ------------------ -------------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
1. The Distributor advances commission payments to dealers for certain sales
of Class A shares and for sales of Class B and Class C shares from its own
resources at the time of sale.
-------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Class A Contingent Deferred Class B Contingent Deferred Class C Contingent Deferred
Fiscal Year Sales Charges Retained by Sales Charges Retained by Sales Charges Retained by
Ended 9/30: Distributor Distributor Distributor
-------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------
-------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------
1998 $ $ $
-------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------
</TABLE>
For additional information about distribution of the Fund's shares,
including fees and expenses, please refer to "Distribution and Service Plans,"
below.
Distribution and Service Plans. The Fund has adopted a Service Plan for Class A
shares and Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C shares Rule
12b-1 of the Investment Company Act. Under those plans the Fund pays the
Distributor for all or a portion of its costs incurred in connection with the
distribution and/or servicing of the shares of the particular class.
Each plan has been approved by a vote of the Board of Trustees, including
a majority of the Independent Trustees2, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on that plan. Each plan has also been approved by the
holders of a "majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the shares
of the applicable class.
Under the plans, the Manager and the Distributor, in their sole
discretion, from time to time, may use their own resources to make payments to
brokers, dealers or other financial institutions for distribution and
administrative services they perform, at no cost to the Fund. The Manager may
use its profits from the advisor fee it receives from the Fund. In their sole
discretion, the Distributor and the Manager may increase or decrease the amount
of payments they make from their own resources to plan recipients.
Unless a plan is terminated as described below, the plan continues in
effect from year to year but only if the Fund's Board of Trustees and its
Independent Trustees specifically vote annually to approve its continuance.
Approval must be by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on continuing the plan. A plan may be terminated at any time by the vote
of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a
"majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding shares
of that class.
The Board of Trustees and the Independent Trustees must approve all
material amendments to a plan. An amendment to increase materially the amount of
payments to be made under a plan must be approved by shareholders of the class
affected by the amendment. Because Class B shares of the Fund automatically
convert into Class A shares after six years, the Fund must obtain the approval
of both Class A and Class B shareholders for a proposed material amendment to
the Class A Plan that would materially increase payments under the Plan. That
approval must be by a "majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of
the shares of each Class, voting separately by class.
While the Plans are in effect, the Treasurer of the Fund shall provide
separate written reports on the plans to the Board of Trustees at least
quarterly for its review. The Reports shall detail the amount of all payments
made under a plan, the purpose for which the payments were made and the identity
of each recipient of a payment. The reports on the Class B Plan and Class C Plan
shall also include the Distributor's distribution costs for that quarter and in
the case of the Class B plan the amount of those costs for previous fiscal
periods that have been carried forward. Those reports are subject to the review
and approval of the Independent Trustees.
Each Plan states that while it is in effect, the selection and nomination
of those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund is
committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees. This does not prevent
the involvement of others in the selection and nomination process as long as the
final decision as to selection or nomination is approved by a majority of the
Independent Trustees.
Under the plans, no payment will be made to any recipient in any quarter
in which the aggregate net asset value of all Fund shares held by the recipient
for itself and its customers does not exceed a minimum amount, if any, that may
be set from time to time by a majority of the Independent Trustees. The Board of
Trustees has set no minimum amount of assets to qualify for payments under the
plans.
|_| Class A Service Plan Fees. Under the Class A service plan, the
Distributor currently uses the fees it receives from the Fund to pay brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions (they are referred to as "recipients")
for personal services and account maintenance services they provide for their
customers who hold Class A shares. The services include, among others, answering
customer inquiries about the Fund, assisting in establishing and maintaining
accounts in the Fund, making the Fund's investment plans available and providing
other services at the request of the Fund or the Distributor. The Class A
service plan permits reimbursements to the Distributor at a rate of up to 0.25%
of average annual net assets of Class A shares. The Board has set the rate at
that level. While the plan permits the Board to authorize payments to the
Distributor to reimburse itself for services under the plan, the Board has not
yet done so. The Distributor makes payments to plan recipients quarterly at an
annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average annual net assets consisting of
Class A shares held in the accounts of the recipients or their customers.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998 payments under the Class A
Plan totaled $_________, all of which was paid by the Distributor to recipients.
That included $________ paid to an affiliate of the Distributor's parent
company. Any unreimbursed expenses the Distributor incurs with respect to Class
A shares in any fiscal year cannot be recovered in subsequent years. The
Distributor may not use payments received the Class A Plan to pay any of its
interest expenses, carrying charges, or other financial costs, or allocation of
overhead.
|_| Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plan Fees. Under each
plan, service fees and distribution fees are computed on the average of the net
asset value of shares in the respective class, determined as of the close of
each regular business day during the period. The Class B and C plans provide for
the Distributor to be compensated at a flat rate, whether the Distributor's
distribution expenses are more or less than the amounts paid by the Fund under
the plans during the period for which the fee is paid.
The Class B and the Class C Plans permit the Distributor to retain both
the asset-based sales charges and the service fees or to pay recipients the
service fee on a quarterly basis, without payment in advance. However, the
Distributor currently intends to pay the service fee to recipients in advance
for the first year after the shares are purchased. After the first year shares
are outstanding, the Distributor makes payments quarterly on those shares. The
advance payment is based on the net asset value of shares sold. Shares purchased
by exchange do not qualify for the service fee payment. If Class B or Class C
shares are redeemed during the first year after their purchase, the recipient of
the service fees on those shares will be obligated to repay the Distributor a
pro rata portion of the advance payment of the service fee made on those shares.
The Distributor retains the asset-based sales charge on Class B shares.
The Distributor retains the asset-based sales charge on Class C shares during
the first year the shares are outstanding. It pays the asset-based sales charge
as an ongoing commission to the recipient on Class C shares outstanding for a
year or more. If a dealer has a special agreement with the Distributor, the
Distributor will pay the Class B and/or Class C service fee and the asset-based
sales charge to the dealer quarterly in lieu of paying the sales commissions and
service fee in advance at the time of purchase.
The asset-based sales charges on Class B and Class C shares allow
investors to buy shares without a front-end sales charge while allowing the
Distributor to reimburse dealers that sell those shares. The Fund pays the
asset-based sales charges to the Distributor for its services rendered in
distributing Class B and Class C shares. The payments are made to the
Distributor in recognition that the Distributor: o pays sales commissions to
authorized brokers and dealers at the time of sale and pays service fees as
described above,
o may finance payment of sales commissions and/or the advance of the
service fee payment to recipients under the plans, or may provide
such financing from its own resources or from the resources of an
affiliate,
o employs personnel to support distribution of Class B and Class C
shares, and
o bears the costs of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses
(other than those furnished to current shareholders) and state "blue
sky" registration fees and certain other distribution expenses.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, payments under the Class B
plan totaled $___________ (including $___________ paid to an affiliate of the
Distributor's parent). The Distributor retained $__________________ of the total
amount. For the fiscal year ended September 30, payments under the Class C plan
totaled $_______________, (including $___________ paid to an affiliate of the
Distributor's parent). The Distributor retained $_____________ of the total
amount.
The Distributor's actual expenses in selling Class B and Class C shares
may be more than the payments it receives from the contingent deferred sales
charges collected on redeemed shares and from the Fund under the plans. As of
September 30, 1998, the Distributor had incurred unreimbursed expenses under the
Class B plan in the amount of $_______________ (equal to ___% of the Fund's net
assets represented by Class B shares on that date) and unreimbursed expenses
under the Class C plan of $_____________ (equal to ___% of the Fund's net assets
represented by Class C shares on that date). If either the Class B or the Class
C plan is terminated by the Fund, the Board of Trustees may allow the Fund to
continue payments of the asset-based sales charge to the Distributor for
distributing shares before the plan was terminated.
All payments under the Class B and the Class C plans are subject to the
limitations imposed by the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. on payments of asset-based sales charges and service
fees.
Performance of the Fund
Explanation of Performance Terminology. The Fund uses a variety of terms to
illustrate its performance. These terms include "standardized yield," "dividend
yield," "average annual total return," "cumulative total return," "average
annual total return at net asset value" and "total return at net asset value."
An explanation of how yields and total returns are calculated is set forth
below. The charts below show the Fund's performance as of the Fund's most recent
fiscal year end. You can obtain current performance information by calling the
Fund's Transfer Agent at 1-800-525-7048 or by visiting the OppenheimerFunds
Internet web site at http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com.
The Fund's illustrations of its performance data in advertisements must
comply with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Those rules
describe the types of performance data that may be used and how it is to be
calculated. In general, any advertisement by the Fund of its performance data
must include the average annual total returns for the advertised class of shares
of the Fund. Those returns must be shown for the 1, 5 and 10-year periods (or
the life of the class, if less) ending as of the most recently ended calendar
quarter prior to the publication of the advertisement (or its submission for
publication). Certain types of yields may also be shown, provided that they are
accompanied by standardized average annual total returns.
Use of standardized performance calculations enables an investor to
compare the Fund's performance to the performance of other funds for the same
periods. However, a number of factors should be considered before using the
Fund's performance information as a basis for comparison with other investments:
|_|Yields and total returns measure the performance of a hypothetical
account in the Fund over various periods and do not show the performance of each
shareholder's account. Your account's performance will vary from the model
performance data if your dividends are received in cash, or you buy or sell
shares during the period, or you bought your shares at a different time and
price than the shares used in the model.
|_| The Fund's performance returns do not reflect the effect of taxes
on dividends and capital gains distributions.
|_| An investment in the Fund is not insured by the FDIC or any other
government agency.
|_| The principal value of the Fund's shares, and its yields and total
returns are not guaranteed and normally will fluctuate on a daily basis.
|_| When an investor's shares are redeemed, they may be worth more or
less than their original cost.
|_| Yields and total returns for any given past period represent
historical performance information and are not, and should not be considered, a
prediction of future yields or returns.
The performance of each class of shares is shown separately, because
the performance of each class of shares will usually be different. That is
because of the different kinds of expenses each class bears. The yields and
total returns of each class of shares of the Fund are affected by market
conditions, the quality of the Fund's investments, the maturity of those
investments, the types of investments the Fund holds, and its operating expenses
that are allocated to the particular class.
|X| Yields. The Fund uses a variety of different yields to illustrate
its current returns. Each class of shares calculates its yield separately
because of the different expenses that affect each class.
|_| Standardized Yield. The "standardized yield" (sometimes referred to
just as "yield") is shown for a class of shares for a stated 30-day period. It
is not based on actual distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders in the
30-day period, but is a hypothetical yield based upon the net investment income
from the Fund's portfolio investments for that period. It may therefore differ
from the "dividend yield" for the same class of shares, described below.
Standardized yield is calculated using the following formula set forth
in rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, designed to assure
uniformity in the way that all funds calculate their yields:
(a-b) 6
Standardized Yield = 2 ((--- + 1) - 1)
( cd)
The symbols above represent the following factors:
a = dividends and interest earned during the 30-day period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of any expense assumptions).
c = the average daily number of shares of that class outstanding
during the 30-day period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share of that class on the last
day of the period, adjusted for undistributed net investment
income.
The standardized yield for a particular 30-day period may differ from
the yield for other periods. The SEC formula assumes that the standardized yield
for a 30-day period occurs at a constant rate for a six-month period and is
annualized at the end of the six-month period. Additionally, because each class
of shares is subject to different expenses, it is likely that the standardized
yields of the Fund's classes of shares will differ for any 30-day period.
|_| Dividend Yield. The Fund may quote a "dividend yield" for each
class of its shares. Dividend yield is based on the dividends paid on a class of
shares during the actual dividend period. To calculate dividend yield, the
dividends of a class declared during a stated period are added together, and the
sum is multiplied by 12 (to annualize the yield) and divided by the maximum
offering price on the last day of the dividend period.
The formula is shown below:
Dividend Yield = dividends paid x 12/maximum offering price (payment date)
The maximum offering price for Class A shares includes the current
maximum initial sales charge. The maximum offering price for Class B and Class C
shares is the net asset value per share, without considering the effect of
contingent deferred sales charges. There is no sales charge on Class Y shares.
The Class A dividend yield may also be quoted without deducting the maximum
initial sales charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Yields for the 30-Day Periods Ended 9/30/98
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------- ------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Standardized Yield Dividend Yield
Class of Shares
---------------- ------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
Without After Without After
Sales Sales Sales Sales
Charge Charge Charge Charge
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
Class A % % % %
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
Class B % N/A % N/A
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
Class C % N/A % N/A
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
Class Y % N/A % N/A
---------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------------------
</TABLE>
|X| Total Return Information. There are different types of "total
returns" to measure the Fund's performance. Total return is the change in value
of a hypothetical investment in the Fund over a given period, assuming that all
dividends and capital gains distributions are reinvested in additional shares
and that the investment is redeemed at the end of the period. Because of
differences in expenses for each class of shares, the total returns for each
class are separately measured. The cumulative total return measures the change
in value over the entire period (for example, ten years). An average annual
total return shows the average rate of return for each year in a period that
would produce the cumulative total return over the entire period. However,
average annual total returns do not show actual year-by-year performance. The
Fund uses standardized calculations for its total returns as prescribed by the
SEC. The methodology is discussed below.
In calculating total returns for Class A shares, the current maximum
sales charge of 3.50% (as a percentage of the offering price) is deducted from
the initial investment ("P" in the formula below) (unless the return is shown
without sales charge, as described below). For Class B shares, payment of the
applicable contingent deferred sales charge is applied, depending on the period
for which the return is shown: 4.0% in the first year, 3.0% in the second year,
2.0% in the third and fourth years, 1.0% in the fifth year, and none thereafter.
For Class C shares, the 1% contingent deferred sales charge is deducted for
returns for the 1-year period.
|_| Average Annual Total Return. The "average annual total return" of
each class is an average annual compounded rate of return for each year in a
specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value
of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P" in the formula below) held
for a number of years ("n" in the formula) to achieve an Ending Redeemable Value
("ERV" in the formula) of that investment, according to the following formula:
1/n
(ERV)
(---) -1 = Average Annual Total Return
( P )
|_| Cumulative Total Return. The "cumulative total return" calculation
measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an
entire period of years. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average
annual total return, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual
basis.
Cumulative total return is determined as follows:
ERV - P
------- = Total Return
P
|_| Total Returns at Net Asset Value. From time to time the Fund may
also quote a cumulative or an average annual total return "at net asset value"
(without deducting sales charges) for each class of shares. Each is based on the
difference in net asset value per share at the beginning and the end of the
period for a hypothetical investment in that class of shares (without
considering front-end or contingent deferred sales charges) and takes into
consideration the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Total Returns for the Periods Ended 9/30/98
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------- ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cumulative Total Average Annual Total Returns
Class of Returns (10 years or
Shares Life of Class)
----------- ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------
1-Year 5-Year 10-Year
(or life of class) (or life-of-class) (or life-of-class)
----------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
After Without After Without After Without After Without
Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales
Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Class A 1 1
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Class B 2 2
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Class C 3 3 N/A N/A
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Class Y N/A N/A 4 N/A N/A N/A N/A
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
</TABLE>
1. Inception of Class A: 3/10/86
2. Inception of Class B: 5/3/93
3. Inception of Class C: 2/1/95
4. Inception of Class Y: 1/26/98
Other Performance Comparisons. The Fund compares its performance annually to
that of an appropriate broadly based market index in its Annual Report to
shareholders. You can obtain that information by contacting the Transfer Agent
at the addresses or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this Statement of
Additional Information. The Fund may also compare its performance to that of
other investments, including other mutual funds, or use rankings of its
performance by independent ranking entities. Examples of these performance
comparisons are set forth below.
|_| Lipper Rankings. From time to time the Fund may publish the ranking
of the performance of its classes of shares by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
Lipper is a widely-recognized independent mutual fund monitoring service. Lipper
monitors the performance of regulated investment companies, including the Fund,
and ranks their performance for various periods based on categories relating to
investment objectives. Lipper currently ranks the Fund's performance against all
other short-intermediate U.S. government funds. The Lipper performance rankings
are based on total returns that include the reinvestment of capital gain
distributions and income dividends but do not take sales charges or taxes into
consideration. Lipper also publishes "peer-group" indices of the performance of
all mutual funds in a category that it monitors and averages of the performance
of the funds in particular categories.
|_| Morningstar Rankings. From time to time the Fund may publish the
star ranking of the performance of its classes shares by Morningstar, Inc., an
independent mutual fund monitoring service. Morningstar ranks mutual funds in
broad investment categories: domestic stock funds, international stock funds,
taxable bond funds and municipal bond funds. The Fund is ranked among taxable
bond funds.
Morningstar star rankings are based on risk-adjusted total investment
return. Investment return measures a fund's (or class's) one, three, five and
ten-year average annual total returns (depending on the inception of the fund or
class) in excess of 90-day U.S. Treasury bill returns after considering the
fund's sales charges and expenses. Risk measures a fund's (or class's)
performance below 90-day U.S. Treasury bill returns. Risk and investment return
are combined to produce star rankings reflecting performance relative to the
average fund in a fund's category. Five stars is the "highest" ranking (top 10%
of funds in a category), four stars is "above average" (next 22.5%), three stars
is "average" (next 35%), two stars is "below average" (next 22.5%) and one star
is "lowest" (bottom 10%). The current star ranking is the fund's (or class's)
3-year ranking or its combined 3- and 5-year ranking (weighted 60%/40%
respectively), or its combined 3-, 5-, and 10-year ranking (weighted 40%, 30%
and 30%, respectively), depending on the inception date of the fund (or class).
Rankings are subject to change monthly.
The Fund may also compare its performance to that of other funds in its
Morningstar category. In addition to its star rankings, Morningstar also
categorizes and compares a fund's 3-year performance based on Morningstar's
classification of the fund's investments and investment style, rather than how a
fund defines its investment objective. Morningstar's four broad categories
(domestic equity, international equity, municipal bond and taxable bond) are
each further subdivided into categories based on types of investments and
investment styles. Those comparisons by Morningstar are based on the same risk
and return measurements as its star rankings but do not consider the effect of
sales charges.
|_| Performance Rankings and Comparisons by Other Entities and
Publications. From time to time the Fund may include in its advertisements and
sales literature performance information about the Fund cited in newspapers and
other periodicals such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's,
or similar publications. That information may include performance quotations
from other sources, including Lipper and Morningstar. The performance of the
Fund's classes of shares may be compared in publications to the performance of
various market indices or other investments, and averages, performance rankings
or other benchmarks prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services.
Investors may also wish to compare the returns on the Fund's share
classes to the return on fixed-income investments available from banks and
thrift institutions. Those include certificates of deposit, ordinary
interest-paying checking and savings accounts, and other forms of fixed or
variable time deposits, and various other instruments such as Treasury bills.
However, the Fund's returns and share price are not guaranteed or insured by the
FDIC or any other agency and will fluctuate daily, while bank depository
obligations may be insured by the FDIC and may provide fixed rates of return.
Repayment of principal and payment of interest on Treasury securities is backed
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
From time to time, the Fund may publish rankings or ratings of the
Manager or Transfer Agent, and of the investor services provided by them to
shareholders of the Oppenheimer funds, other than performance rankings of the
Oppenheimer funds themselves. Those ratings or rankings of shareholder and
investor services by third parties may include comparisons of their services to
those provided by other mutual fund families selected by the rating or ranking
services. They may be based upon the opinions of the rating or ranking service
itself, using its research or judgment, or based upon surveys of investors,
brokers, shareholders or others.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Buy Shares
Additional information is presented below about the methods that can be
used to buy shares of the Fund. Appendix B contains more information about the
special sales charge arrangements offered by the Fund, and the circumstances in
which sales charges may be reduced or waived for certain classes of investors.
AccountLink. When shares are purchased through AccountLink, each purchase must
be at least $25. Shares will be purchased on the regular business day the
Distributor is instructed to initiate the Automated Clearing House ("ACH")
transfer to buy the shares. Dividends will begin to accrue on shares purchased
with the proceeds of ACH transfers on the business day the Fund receives Federal
Funds for the purchase through the ACH system before the close of The New York
Stock Exchange. The Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., but may close earlier
on certain days. If Federal Funds are received on a business day after the close
of the Exchange, the shares will be purchased and dividends will begin to accrue
on the next regular business day. The proceeds of ACH transfers are normally
received by the Fund 3 days after the transfers are initiated. The Distributor
and the Fund are not responsible for any delays in purchasing shares resulting
from delays in ACH transmissions.
Reduced Sales Charges. As discussed in the Prospectus, a reduced sales charge
rate may be obtained for Class A shares under Right of Accumulation and Letters
of Intent because of the economies of sales efforts and reduction in expenses
realized by the Distributor, dealers and brokers making such sales. No sales
charge is imposed in certain other circumstances described in Appendix B to this
Statement of Additional Information because the Distributor or dealer or broker
incurs little or no selling expenses.
n Right of Accumulation. To qualify for the lower sales charge rates
that apply to larger purchases of Class A shares, you and your spouse can add
together:
|_| Class A and Class B shares you purchase for your individual
accounts, or for your joint accounts, or for trust or
custodial accounts on behalf of your children who are minors,
and
|_| current purchases of Class A and Class B shares of the Fund
and other Oppenheimer funds to reduce the sales charge rate
that applies to current purchases of Class A shares, and
|_| Class A and Class B shares of Oppenheimer funds you previously
purchased subject to an initial or contingent deferred sales
charge to reduce the sales charge rate for current purchases
of Class A shares, provided that you still hold your
investment in one of the Oppenheimer funds.
A fiduciary can count all shares purchased for a trust, estate or other
fiduciary account (including one or more employee benefit plans of the same
employer) that has multiple accounts. The Distributor will add the value, at
current offering price, of the shares you previously purchased and currently own
to the value of current purchases to determine the sales charge rate that
applies. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current purchases. You must
request it when you buy shares.
|X| The Oppenheimer Funds. The Oppenheimer funds are those mutual funds for
which the Distributor acts as the distributor or the sub-distributor and
currently include the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Oppenheimer Municipal Bond Fund Oppenheimer Global Fund
Oppenheimer New York Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income Fund
Oppenheimer California Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Gold & Special Minerals Fund
Oppenheimer Intermediate Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund
Oppenheimer Insured Municipal Fund Oppenheimer International Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street California Municipal Oppenheimer Enterprise Fund
Fund Oppenheimer International Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Florida Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund
Oppenheimer New Jersey Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Real Asset Fund
Oppenheimer Pennsylvania Municipal Fund Oppenheimer International Small Company Fund
Oppenheimer Discovery Fund Oppenheimer Quest Balanced Value Fund
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund Oppenheimer Quest Opportunity Value Fund
Oppenheimer Growth Fund Oppenheimer Quest Small Cap Value Fund
Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund Oppenheimer Quest Value Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund Oppenheimer Quest Global Value Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc. Oppenheimer Quest Capital Value Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Main Street Growth & Income Fund Oppenheimer MidCap Fund
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund
Oppenheimer Champion Income Fund Rochester Fund Municipals
Oppenheimer Bond Fund Limited-Term New York Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust Oppenheimer Disciplined Value Fund
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund Oppenheimer Disciplined Allocation Fund
Oppenheimer World Bond Fund
and the following money market funds:
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. Centennial Government Trust
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Money Market Trust Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Tax Exempt Trust Centennial America Fund, L.P.
</TABLE>
There is an initial sales charge on the purchase of Class A shares of
each of the Oppenheimer funds except the money market funds. Under certain
circumstances described in this Statement of Additional Information, redemption
proceeds of certain money market fund shares may be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge.
Letters of Intent. Under a Letter of Intent, if you purchase Class A shares or
Class A and Class B shares of the Fund and other Oppenheimer funds during a
13-month period, you can reduce the sales charge rate that applies to your
purchases of Class A shares. The total amount of your intended purchases of both
Class A and Class B shares will determine the reduced sales charge rate for the
Class A shares purchased during that period. You can include purchases made up
to 90 days before the date of the Letter.
A Letter of Intent is an investor's statement in writing to the
Distributor of the intention to purchase Class A shares or Class A and Class B
shares of the Fund (and other Oppenheimer funds) during a 13-month period (the
"Letter of Intent period"). At the investor's request, this may include
purchases made up to 90 days prior to the date of the Letter. The Letter states
the investor's intention to make the aggregate amount of purchases of shares
which, when added to the investor's holdings of shares of those funds, will
equal or exceed the amount specified in the Letter. Purchases made by
reinvestment of dividends or distributions of capital gains and purchases made
at net asset value without sales charge do not count toward satisfying the
amount of the Letter.
A Letter enables an investor to count the Class A and Class B shares
purchased under the Letter to obtain the reduced sales charge rate on purchases
of Class A shares of the Fund (and other Oppenheimer funds) that applies under
the Right of Accumulation to current purchases of Class A shares. Each purchase
of Class A shares under the Letter will be made at the public offering price
(including the sales charge) that applies to a single lump-sum purchase of
shares in the amount intended to be purchased under the Letter.
In submitting a Letter, the investor makes no commitment to purchase
shares. However, if the investor's purchases of shares within the Letter of
Intent period, when added to the value (at offering price) of the investor's
holdings of shares on the last day of that period, do not equal or exceed the
intended purchase amount, the investor agrees to pay the additional amount of
sales charge applicable to such purchases. That amount is described in "Terms of
Escrow," below (those terms may be amended by the Distributor from time to
time). The investor agrees that shares equal in value to 5% of the intended
purchase amount will be held in escrow by the Transfer Agent subject to the
Terms of Escrow. Also, the investor agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Prospectus, this Statement of Additional Information and the Application used
for a Letter of Intent. If those terms are amended, as they may be from time to
time by the Fund, the investor agrees to be bound by the amended terms and that
those amendments will apply automatically to existing Letters of Intent.
If the total eligible purchases made during the Letter of Intent period
do not equal or exceed the intended purchase amount, the commissions previously
paid to the dealer of record for the account and the amount of sales charge
retained by the Distributor will be adjusted to the rates applicable to actual
total purchases. If total eligible purchases during the Letter of Intent period
exceed the intended purchase amount and exceed the amount needed to qualify for
the next sales charge rate reduction set forth in the Prospectus, the sales
charges paid will be adjusted to the lower rate. That adjustment will be made
only if and when the dealer returns to the Distributor the excess of the amount
of commissions allowed or paid to the dealer over the amount of commissions that
apply to the actual amount of purchases. The excess commissions returned to the
Distributor will be used to purchase additional shares for the investor's
account at the net asset value per share in effect on the date of such purchase,
promptly after the Distributor's receipt thereof.
The Transfer Agent will not hold shares in escrow for purchases of
shares of the Fund and other Oppenheimer funds by OppenheimerFunds prototype
401(k) plans under a Letter of Intent. If the intended purchase amount under a
Letter of Intent entered into by an OppenheimerFunds prototype 401(k) plan is
not purchased by the plan by the end of the Letter of Intent period, there will
be no adjustment of commissions paid to the broker-dealer or financial
institution of record for accounts held in the name of that plan.
In determining the total amount of purchases made under a Letter,
shares redeemed by the investor prior to the termination of the Letter of Intent
period will be deducted. It is the responsibility of the dealer of record and/or
the investor to advise the Distributor about the Letter in placing any purchase
orders for the investor during the Letter of Intent period. All of such
purchases must be made through the Distributor.
|_| Terms of Escrow That Apply to Letters of Intent.
1. Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary)
made pursuant to a Letter, shares of the Fund equal in value up to 5% of the
intended purchase amount specified in the Letter shall be held in escrow by the
Transfer Agent. For example, if the intended purchase amount is $50,000, the
escrow shall be shares valued in the amount of $2,500 (computed at the public
offering price adjusted for a $50,000 purchase). Any dividends and capital gains
distributions on the escrowed shares will be credited to the investor's account.
2. If the total minimum investment specified under the Letter is
completed within the thirteen-month Letter of Intent period, the escrowed shares
will be promptly released to the investor.
3. If, at the end of the thirteen-month Letter of Intent period the
total purchases pursuant to the Letter are less than the intended purchase
amount specified in the Letter, the investor must remit to the Distributor an
amount equal to the difference between the dollar amount of sales charges
actually paid and the amount of sales charges which would have been paid if the
total amount purchased had been made at a single time. That sales charge
adjustment will apply to any shares redeemed prior to the completion of the
Letter. If the difference in sales charges is not paid within twenty days after
a request from the Distributor or the dealer, the Distributor will, within sixty
days of the expiration of the Letter, redeem the number of escrowed shares
necessary to realize such difference in sales charges. Full and fractional
shares remaining after such redemption will be released from escrow. If a
request is received to redeem escrowed shares prior to the payment of such
additional sales charge, the sales charge will be withheld from the redemption
proceeds.
4. By signing the Letter, the investor irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Transfer Agent as attorney-in-fact to surrender for redemption any
or all escrowed shares.
5. The shares eligible for purchase under the Letter (or the holding
of which may be counted toward completion of a Letter) include:
(a) Class A shares sold with a front-end sales charge or subject
to a Class A contingent deferred sales charge,
(b) Class B shares of other Oppenheimer funds acquired subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge, and (c) Class A or Class B shares acquired by exchange of
either (1) Class A shares of one of the other
Oppenheimer funds that were acquired subject to a Class A
initial or contingent deferred sales charge or (2) Class B
shares of one of the other Oppenheimer funds that were
acquired subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
6. Shares held in escrow hereunder will automatically be exchanged for
shares of another fund to which an exchange is requested, as described in the
section of the Prospectus entitled "How to Exchange Shares" and the escrow will
be transferred to that other fund.
Asset Builder Plans. To establish an Asset Builder Plan to buy shares directly
from a bank account, you must enclose a check (minimum $25) for the initial
purchase with your application. Shares purchased by Asset Builder Plan payments
from bank accounts are subject to the redemption restrictions for recent
purchases described in the Prospectus. Asset Builder Plans also enable
shareholders of Oppenheimer Cash Reserves to use their fund account to make
monthly automatic purchases of shares of up to four other Oppenheimer funds.
If you make payments from your bank account to purchase shares of the
Fund, your bank account will be automatically debited, normally four to five
business days prior to the investment dates selected in the Application. Neither
the Distributor, the Transfer Agent nor the Fund shall be responsible for any
delays in purchasing shares resulting from delays in ACH transmission.
Before initiating Asset Builder payments, obtain a prospectus of the
selected fund(s) from the Distributor or your financial advisor and request an
application from the Distributor, complete it and return it. The amount of the
Asset Builder investment may be changed or the automatic investments may be
terminated at any time by writing to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent
requires a reasonable period (approximately 15 days) after receipt of such
instructions to implement them. The Fund reserves the right to amend, suspend,
or discontinue offering Asset Builder plans at any time without prior notice.
Retirement Plans. Certain types of Retirement Plans are entitled to purchase
shares of the Fund without sales charge or at reduced sales charge rates, as
described in the Appendix to this Statement of Additional Information. Certain
special sales charge arrangements described in that Appendix apply to Retirement
Plans whose records are maintained on a daily valuation basis by Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc. or an independent record keeper that has a contract
or special arrangement with Merrill Lynch. If on the date the plan sponsor
signed the Merrill Lynch record keeping service agreement the Plan has less than
$3 million in assets (other than assets invested in money market funds) invested
in Applicable Investments, then the Retirement Plan may purchase only Class B
shares of the Oppenheimer funds. Any Retirement Plans in that category that
currently invest in Class B shares of the Fund will have their Class B shares
converted to Class A shares of the Fund when the Plan's Applicable Investments
reach $5 million.
Cancellation of Purchase Orders. Cancellation of purchase orders for the Fund's
shares (for example, when a purchase check is returned to the Fund unpaid)
causes a loss to be incurred when the net asset value of the Fund's shares on
the cancellation date is less than on the purchase date. That loss is equal to
the amount of the decline in the net asset value per share multiplied by the
number of shares in the purchase order. The investor is responsible for that
loss. If the investor fails to compensate the Fund for the loss, the Distributor
will do so. The Fund may reimburse the Distributor for that amount by redeeming
shares from any account registered in that investor's name, or the Fund or the
Distributor may seek other redress.
Classes of Shares. Each class of shares of the Fund represents an interest in
the same portfolio of investments of the Fund. However, each class has different
shareholder privileges and features. The net income attributable to Class B or
Class C shares and the dividends payable on Class B or Class C shares will be
reduced by incremental expenses borne solely by that class. Those expenses
include the asset-based sales charges to which Class B and Class C are subject.
The availability of different classes of shares permits an investor to
choose the method of purchasing shares that is more appropriate for the
investor. That may depend on the amount of the purchase, the length of time the
investor expects to hold shares, and other relevant circumstances. Class A
shares in general are sold subject to an initial sales charge. While Class B and
Class C shares have no initial sales charge, the purpose of the deferred sales
charge and asset-based sales charge on Class B and Class C shares is the same as
that of the initial sales charge on Class A shares - to compensate the
Distributor and brokers, dealers and financial institutions that sell shares of
the Fund. A salesperson who is entitled to receive compensation for selling Fund
shares may receive different levels of compensation for selling to one class of
shares than another.
The Distributor will not accept any order in the amount of $500,000 or
more for Class B shares or $1 million or more for Class C shares on behalf of a
single investor (not including dealer "street name" or omnibus accounts). That
is because generally it will be more advantageous for that investor to purchase
Class A shares of the Fund.
|_| Class B Conversion. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after six years is subject to the continuing availability of a private
letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion of counsel or tax
adviser, to the effect that the conversion of Class B shares does not constitute
a taxable event for the holder under Federal income tax law. If such a revenue
ruling or opinion is no longer available, the automatic conversion feature may
be suspended, in which event no further conversions of Class B shares would
occur while such suspension remained in effect. Although Class B shares could
then be exchanged for Class A shares on the basis of relative net asset value of
the two classes, without the imposition of a sales charge or fee, such exchange
could constitute a taxable event for the holder, and absent such exchange, Class
B shares might continue to be subject to the asset-based sales charge for longer
than six years.
|_| Allocation of Expenses. The Fund pays expenses related to its daily
operations, such as custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency fees, legal
fees and auditing costs. Those expenses are paid out of the Fund's assets and
are not paid directly by shareholders. However, those expenses reduce the net
asset value of shares, and therefore are indirectly borne by shareholders
through their investment.
The methodology for calculating the net asset value, dividends and
distributions of the Fund's share classes recognizes two types of expenses.
General expenses that do not pertain specifically to any one class are allocated
pro rata to the shares of all classes. The allocation is based on the percentage
of the Fund's total assets that is represented by the assets of each class, and
then equally to each outstanding share within a given class. Such general
expenses include management fees, legal, bookkeeping and audit fees, printing
and mailing costs of shareholder reports, Prospectuses, Statements of Additional
Information and other materials for current shareholders, fees to unaffiliated
Trustees, custodian expenses, share issuance costs, organization and start-up
costs, interest, taxes and brokerage commissions, and non-recurring expenses,
such as litigation costs.
Other expenses that are directly attributable to a particular class are
allocated equally to each outstanding share within that class. Examples of such
expenses include distribution and service plan (12b-1) fees, transfer and
shareholder servicing agent fees and expenses, share registration fees and
shareholder meeting expenses (to the extent that such expenses pertain only to a
specific class).
Determination of Net Asset Values Per Share. The net asset values per share of
each class of shares of the Fund are determined as of the close of business of
The New York Stock Exchange on each day that the Exchange is open. The
calculation is done by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets attributable
to a class by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding. The
Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., New York time, but may close earlier on
some other days (for example, in case of weather emergencies or on days falling
before a holiday). The Exchange's most recent annual announcement (which is
subject to change) states that it will close on New Year's Day, Presidents' Day,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It may also close on other days.
Dealers other than Exchange members may conduct trading in certain
securities on days on which the Exchange is closed (including weekends and
holidays) or after 4:00 P.M. on a regular business day. Because the Fund's net
asset values will not be calculated on those days, the Fund's net asset values
per share may be significantly affected on such days when shareholders may not
purchase or redeem shares. For example, trading on European and Asian stock
exchanges and over-the-counter markets normally is completed before the close of
The New York Stock Exchange.
Changes in the values of securities traded on foreign exchanges or
markets as a result of events that occur after the prices of those securities
are determined, but before the close of The New York Stock Exchange, will not be
reflected in the Fund's calculation of its net asset values that day unless the
Board of Trustees determines that the event is likely to effect a material
change in the value of the security. The Manager may make that determination,
under procedures established by the Board.
|X| Securities Valuation. The Fund's Board of Trustees has established
procedures for the valuation of the Fund's securities. In general those
procedures are as follows:
|_| Equity securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange or on NASDAQ are
valued as follows:
(1) if last sale information is regularly reported, they are
valued at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange
on which they are traded or on NASDAQ, as applicable, on that
day, or
(2) if last sale information is not available on a valuation
date, they are valued at the last reported sale price preceding
the valuation date if it is within the spread of the closing
"bid" and "asked" prices on the valuation date or, if not, at the
closing "bid" price on the valuation date. |_| Equity securities
traded on a foreign securities exchange generally are valued in
one of the following ways: (1) at the last sale price available
to the pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees, or (2)
at the last sale price obtained by the Manager from the report of
the principal exchange on which the security is traded at its
last trading session on or immediately before the valuation date,
or (3) at the mean between the "bid" and "asked" prices obtained
from the principal exchange on which the security is traded or,
on the basis of reasonable inquiry, from two market makers in the
security. |_| Long-term debt securities having a remaining
maturity in excess of 60 days are valued based on the mean
between the "bid" and "asked" prices determined by a portfolio
pricing service approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees or
obtained by the Manager from two active market makers in the
security on the basis of reasonable inquiry. |_| The following
securities are valued at the mean between the "bid" and "asked"
prices determined by a pricing service approved by the Fund's
Board of Trustees or obtained by the Manager from two active
market makers in the security on the basis of reasonable inquiry:
(1) debt instruments that have a maturity of more than 397 days
when issued, (2) debt instruments that had a maturity of 397 days
or less when issued and have a remaining maturity of more than 60
days, and (3) non-money market debt instruments that had a
maturity of 397 days or less when issued and which have a
remaining maturity of 60 days or less. |_| The following
securities are valued at cost, adjusted for amortization of
premiums and accretion of discounts: (1) money market debt
securities held by a non-money market fund that had a maturity of
less than 397 days when issued that have a remaining maturity of
60 days or less, and (2) debt instruments held by a money market
fund that have a remaining maturity of 397 days or less. |_|
Securities (including restricted securities) not having
readily-available market quotations are valued at fair value
determined under the Board's procedures. If the Manager is unable
to locate two market makers willing to give quotes, a security
may be priced at the mean between the "bid" and "asked" prices
provided by a single active market maker (which in certain cases
may be the "bid" price if no "asked" price is available).
In the case of U.S. government securities, mortgage-backed securities,
corporate bonds and foreign government securities, when last sale information is
not generally available, the Manager may use pricing services approved by the
Board of Trustees. The pricing service may use "matrix" comparisons to the
prices for comparable instruments on the basis of quality, yield, and maturity.
Other special factors may be involved (such as the tax-exempt status of the
interest paid by municipal securities). The Manager will monitor the accuracy of
the pricing services. That monitoring may include comparing prices used for
portfolio valuation to actual sales prices of selected securities.
Puts, calls, and futures are valued at the last sale price on the
principal exchange on which they are traded or on NASDAQ, as applicable, as
determined by a pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees or by the
Manager. If there were no sales that day, they shall be valued at the last sale
price on the preceding trading day if it is within the spread of the closing
"bid" and "asked" prices on the principal exchange or on NASDAQ on the valuation
date. If not, the value shall be the closing bid price on the principal exchange
or on NASDAQ on the valuation date. If the put, call or future is not traded on
an exchange or on NASDAQ, it shall be valued by the mean between "bid" and
"asked" prices obtained by the Manager from two active market makers. In certain
cases that may be at the "bid" price if no "asked" price is available.
When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received
is included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset. An
equivalent credit is included in the liability section. The credit is adjusted
("marked-to-market") to reflect the current market value of the option. In
determining the Fund's gain on investments, if a call or put written by the Fund
is exercised, the proceeds are increased by the premium received. If a call or
put written by the Fund expires, the Fund has a gain in the amount of the
premium. If the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will have a
gain or loss, depending on whether the premium received was more or less than
the cost of the closing transaction. If the Fund exercises a put it holds, the
amount the Fund receives on its sale of the underlying investment is reduced by
the amount of premium paid by the Fund.
How to Sell Shares
Information on how to sell shares of the Fund is stated in the
Prospectus. The information below provides additional information about the
procedures and conditions for redeeming shares.
Checkwriting. When a check is presented to the Bank for clearance, the Bank will
ask the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the
shareholder's account to cover the amount of the check. This enables the
shareholder to continue receiving dividends on those shares until the check is
presented to the Fund. Checks may not be presented for payment at the offices of
the Bank or the Fund's Custodian. This limitation does not affect the use of
checks for the payment of bills or to obtain cash at other banks. The Fund
reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue offering checkwriting
privileges at any time without prior notice.
In choosing to take advantage of the Checkwriting privilege, by signing
the Account Application or by completing a Checkwriting card, each individual
who signs: (1) for individual accounts, represents that they are the registered
owner(s) of the shares of the Fund in
that account;
(2) for accounts for corporations, partnerships, trusts and other
entities, represents that they are an officer, general partner,
trustee or other fiduciary or agent, as applicable, duly
authorized to act on behalf of the registered owner(s);
(3) authorizes the Fund, its Transfer Agent and any bank through which
the Fund's drafts (checks) are payable to pay all checks drawn on
the Fund account of such person(s) and to redeem a sufficient
amount of shares from that account to cover payment of each check;
(4) specifically acknowledges that if they choose to permit checks to
be honored if there is a single signature on checks drawn against
joint accounts, or accounts for corporations, partnerships, trusts
or other entities, the signature of any one signatory on a check
will be sufficient to authorize payment of that check and
redemption from the account, even if that account is registered in
the names of more than one person or more than one authorized
signature appears on the Checkwriting card or the Application, as
applicable;
(5) understands that the Checkwriting privilege may be terminated
or amended at any time by the Fund and/or the Fund's bank; and
(6) acknowledges and agrees that neither the Fund nor its bank shall
incur any liability for that amendment or termination of
checkwriting privileges or for redeeming shares to pay checks
reasonably believed by them to be genuine, or for returning or not
paying checks that have not been accepted for any reason.
Sending Redemption Proceeds by Federal Funds Wire. The Federal Funds wire of
redemptions proceeds may be delayed if the Fund's custodian bank is not open for
business on a day when the Fund would normally authorize the wire to be made,
which is usually the Fund's next regular business day following the redemption.
In those circumstances, the wire will not be transmitted until the next bank
business day on which the Fund is open for business. No dividends will be paid
on the proceeds of redeemed shares awaiting transfer by Federal Funds wire.
Reinvestment Privilege. Within six months of a redemption, a shareholder may
reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds of:
|_| Class A shares that you purchased subject to an initial sales
charge or Class A shares on which a contingent deferred sales charge was paid,
or
|_| Class B shares that were subject to the Class B contingent deferred
sales charge when redeemed.
The reinvestment may be made without sales charge only in Class A
shares of the Fund or any of the other Oppenheimer funds into which shares of
the Fund are exchangeable as described in "How to Exchange Shares" below.
Reinvestment will be at the net asset value next computed after the Transfer
Agent receives the reinvestment order. The shareholder must ask the Transfer
Agent for that privilege at the time of reinvestment. This privilege does not
apply to Class C or Class Y shares. The Fund may amend, suspend or cease
offering this reinvestment privilege at any time as to shares redeemed after the
date of such amendment, suspension or cessation.
Any capital gain that was realized when the shares were redeemed is
taxable, and reinvestment will not alter any capital gains tax payable on that
gain. If there has been a capital loss on the redemption, some or all of the
loss may not be tax deductible, depending on the timing and amount of the
reinvestment. Under the Internal Revenue Code, if the redemption proceeds of
Fund shares on which a sales charge was paid are reinvested in shares of the
Fund or another of the Oppenheimer funds within 90 days of payment of the sales
charge, the shareholder's basis in the shares of the Fund that were redeemed may
not include the amount of the sales charge paid. That would reduce the loss or
increase the gain recognized from the redemption. However, in that case the
sales charge would be added to the basis of the shares acquired by the
reinvestment of the redemption proceeds.
Payments "In Kind". The Prospectus states that payment for shares tendered for
redemption is ordinarily made in cash. However, the Board of Trustees of the
Fund may determine that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the
remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment of a redemption order wholly
or partly in cash. In that case, the Fund may pay the redemption proceeds in
whole or in part by a distribution "in kind" of securities from the portfolio of
the Fund, in lieu of cash.
The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment
Company Act. Under that rule, the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in
cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund during any
90-day period for any one shareholder. If shares are redeemed in kind, the
redeeming shareholder might incur brokerage or other costs in selling the
securities for cash. The Fund will value securities used to pay redemptions in
kind using the same method the Fund uses to value its portfolio securities
described above under "Determination of Net Asset Values Per Share." That
valuation will be made as of the time the redemption price is determined.
Involuntary Redemptions. The Fund's Board of Trustees has the right to cause the
involuntary redemption of the shares held in any account if the aggregate net
asset value of those shares is less than $200 or such lesser amount as the Board
may fix. The Board will not cause the involuntary redemption of shares in an
account if the aggregate net asset value of such shares has fallen below the
stated minimum solely as a result of market fluctuations. If the Board exercises
this right, it may also fix the requirements for any notice to be given to the
shareholders in question (not less than 30 days). The Board may alternatively
set requirements for the shareholder to increase the investment, or set other
terms and conditions so that the shares would not be involuntarily redeemed.
Transfers of Shares. A transfer of shares to a different registration is not an
event that triggers the payment of sales charges. Therefore, shares are not
subject to the payment of a contingent deferred sales charge of any class at the
time of transfer to the name of another person or entity. It does not matter
whether the transfer occurs by absolute assignment, gift or bequest, as long as
it does not involve, directly or indirectly, a public sale of the shares. When
shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge are transferred, the
transferred shares will remain subject to the contingent deferred sales charge.
It will be calculated as if the transferee shareholder had acquired the
transferred shares in the same manner and at the same time as the transferring
shareholder.
If less than all shares held in an account are transferred, and some
but not all shares in the account would be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge if redeemed at the time of transfer, the priorities described in
the Prospectus under "How to Buy Shares" for the imposition of the Class B or
Class C contingent deferred sales charge will be followed in determining the
order in which shares are transferred.
Distributions From Retirement Plans. Requests for distributions from
OppenheimerFunds-sponsored IRAs, 403(b)(7) custodial plans, 401(k) plans or
pension or profit-sharing plans should be addressed to "Trustee,
OppenheimerFunds Retirement Plans," c/o the Transfer Agent at its address listed
in "How To Sell Shares" in the Prospectus or on the back cover of this Statement
of Additional Information. The request must (1) state the reason for the
distribution; (2) state the owner's awareness of tax penalties if the
distribution is premature; and (3) conform to the requirements of the plan and
the Fund's other redemption requirements.
Participants (other than self-employed persons) in
OppenheimerFunds-sponsored pension or profit-sharing plans with shares of the
Fund held in the name of the plan or its fiduciary may not directly request
redemption of their accounts. The plan administrator or fiduciary must sign the
request.
Distributions from pension and profit sharing plans are subject to
special requirements under the Internal Revenue Code and certain documents
(available from the Transfer Agent) must be completed and submitted to the
Transfer Agent before the distribution may be made. Distributions from
retirement plans are subject to withholding requirements under the Internal
Revenue Code, and IRS Form W-4P (available from the Transfer Agent) must be
submitted to the Transfer Agent with the distribution request, or the
distribution may be delayed. Unless the shareholder has provided the Transfer
Agent with a certified tax identification number, the Internal Revenue Code
requires that tax be withheld from any distribution even if the shareholder
elects not to have tax withheld. The Fund, the Manager, the Distributor, and the
Transfer Agent assume no responsibility to determine whether a distribution
satisfies the conditions of applicable tax laws and will not be responsible for
any tax penalties assessed in connection with a distribution.
Special Arrangements for Repurchase of Shares from Dealers and Brokers. The
Distributor is the Fund's agent to repurchase its shares from authorized dealers
or brokers on behalf of their customers. Shareholders should contact their
broker or dealer to arrange this type of redemption. The repurchase price per
share will be the net asset value next computed after the Distributor receives
an order placed by the dealer or broker. However, if the Distributor receives a
repurchase order from a dealer or broker after the close of The New York Stock
Exchange on a regular business day, it will be processed at that day's net asset
value if the order was received by the dealer or broker from its customers prior
to the time the Exchange closes. Normally, the Exchange closes at 4:00 P.M., but
may do so earlier on some days. Additionally, the order must have been
transmitted to and received by the Distributor prior to its close of business
that day (normally 5:00 P.M.).
Ordinarily, for accounts redeemed by a broker-dealer under this
procedure, payment will be made within three business days after the shares have
been redeemed upon the Distributor's receipt of the required redemption
documents in proper form. The signature(s) of the registered owners on the
redemption documents must be guaranteed as described in the Prospectus.
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange Plans. Investors owning shares of the Fund
valued at $5,000 or more can authorize the Transfer Agent to redeem shares
(having a value of at least $50) automatically on a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis under an Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Shares will be
redeemed three business days prior to the date requested by the shareholder for
receipt of the payment. Automatic withdrawals of up to $1,500 per month may be
requested by telephone if payments are to be made by check payable to all
shareholders of record. Payments must also be sent to the address of record for
the account and the address must not have been changed within the prior 30 days.
Required minimum distributions from OppenheimerFunds-sponsored retirement plans
may not be arranged on this basis.
Payments are normally made by check, but shareholders having
AccountLink privileges (see "How To Buy Shares") may arrange to have Automatic
Withdrawal Plan payments transferred to the bank account designated on the
Account Application or by signature-guaranteed instructions sent to the Transfer
Agent. Shares are normally redeemed pursuant to an Automatic Withdrawal Plan
three business days before the payment transmittal date you select in the
Account Application. If a contingent deferred sales charge applies to the
redemption, the amount of the check or payment will be reduced accordingly.
The Fund cannot guarantee receipt of a payment on the date requested.
The Fund reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue offering these
plans at any time without prior notice. Because of the sales charge assessed on
Class A share purchases, shareholders should not make regular additional Class A
share purchases while participating in an Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Class B and
Class C shareholders should not establish withdrawal plans, because of the
imposition of the contingent deferred sales charge on such withdrawals (except
where the contingent deferred sales charge is waived as described in "Waivers of
Class B and Class C Sales Charges" below).
By requesting an Automatic Withdrawal or Exchange Plan, the shareholder
agrees to the terms and conditions that apply to such plans, as stated below.
These provisions may be amended from time to time by the Fund and/or the
Distributor. When adopted, any amendments will automatically apply to existing
Plans.
|_| Automatic Exchange Plans. Shareholders can authorize the Transfer
Agent to exchange a pre-determined amount of shares of the Fund for shares (of
the same class) of other Oppenheimer funds automatically on a monthly,
quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis under an Automatic Exchange Plan. The
minimum amount that may be exchanged to each other fund account is $25.
Instructions should be provided on the OppenheimerFunds Application or
signature-guaranteed instructions. Exchanges made under these plans are subject
to the restrictions that apply to exchanges as set forth in "How to Exchange
Shares" in the Prospectus and below in this Statement of Additional Information.
|_| Automatic Withdrawal Plans. Fund shares will be redeemed as
necessary to meet withdrawal payments. Shares acquired without a sales charge
will be redeemed first. Shares acquired with reinvested dividends and capital
gains distributions will be redeemed next, followed by shares acquired with a
sales charge, to the extent necessary to make withdrawal payments. Depending
upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be depleted. Payments
made under these plans should not be considered as a yield or income on your
investment.
The Transfer Agent will administer the investor's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan as agent for the shareholder(s) (the "Planholder") who executed the Plan
authorization and application submitted to the Transfer Agent. Neither the Fund
nor the Transfer Agent shall incur any liability to the Planholder for any
action taken or not taken by the Transfer Agent in good faith to administer the
Plan. Share certificates will not be issued for shares of the Fund purchased for
and held under the Plan, but the Transfer Agent will credit all such shares to
the account of the Planholder on the records of the Fund. Any share certificates
held by a Planholder may be surrendered unendorsed to the Transfer Agent with
the Plan application so that the shares represented by the certificate may be
held under the Plan.
For accounts subject to Automatic Withdrawal Plans, distributions of
capital gains must be reinvested in shares of the Fund, which will be done at
net asset value without a sales charge. Dividends on shares held in the account
may be paid in cash or reinvested.
Shares will be redeemed to make withdrawal payments at the net asset
value per share determined on the redemption date. Checks or AccountLink
payments representing the proceeds of Plan withdrawals will normally be
transmitted three business days prior to the date selected for receipt of the
payment, according to the choice specified in writing by the Planholder. Receipt
of payment on the date selected cannot be guaranteed
The amount and the interval of disbursement payments and the address to
which checks are to be mailed or AccountLink payments are to be sent may be
changed at any time by the Planholder by writing to the Transfer Agent. The
Planholder should allow at least two weeks' time after mailing such notification
for the requested change to be put in effect. The Planholder may, at any time,
instruct the Transfer Agent by written notice to redeem all, or any part of, the
shares held under the Plan. That notice must be in proper form in accordance
with the requirements of the then-current Prospectus of the Fund. In that case,
the Transfer Agent will redeem the number of shares requested at the net asset
value per share in effect and will mail a check for the proceeds to the
Planholder.
The Planholder may terminate a Plan at any time by writing to the
Transfer Agent. The Fund may also give directions to the Transfer Agent to
terminate a Plan. The Transfer Agent will also terminate a Plan upon its receipt
of evidence satisfactory to it that the Planholder has died or is legally
incapacitated. Upon termination of a Plan by the Transfer Agent or the Fund,
shares that have not been redeemed will be held in uncertificated form in the
name of the Planholder. The account will continue as a dividend-reinvestment,
uncertificated account unless and until proper instructions are received from
the Planholder, his or her executor or guardian, or another authorized person.
To use shares held under the Plan as collateral for a debt, the
Planholder may request issuance of a portion of the shares in certificated form.
Upon written request from the Planholder, the Transfer Agent will determine the
number of shares for which a certificate may be issued without causing the
withdrawal checks to stop. However, should such uncertificated shares become
exhausted, Plan withdrawals will terminate.
If the Transfer Agent ceases to act as transfer agent for the Fund, the
Planholder will be deemed to have appointed any successor transfer agent to act
as agent in administering the Plan.
How to Exchange Shares
As stated in the Prospectus, shares of a particular class of
Oppenheimer funds having more than one class of shares may be exchanged only for
shares of the same class of other Oppenheimer funds. Shares of Oppenheimer funds
that have a single class without a class designation are deemed "Class A" shares
for this purpose. You can obtain a current list showing which funds offer which
classes by calling the Distributor at 1-800-525-7048.
|_| All of the Oppenheimer funds currently offer Class A, B and C
shares except Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc., Centennial Money Market
Trust, Centennial Tax Exempt Trust, Centennial Government Trust, Centennial New
York Tax Exempt Trust, Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust, and Centennial
America Fund, L.P., which only offer Class A shares.
|_| Oppenheimer Main Street California Municipal Fund currently offers
only Class A and Class B shares. |_| Class B and Class C shares of
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves are generally available only by exchange
from the same class of shares of other Oppenheimer funds or through
OppenheimerFunds sponsored 401 (k) plans. |_| Class Y shares of
Oppenheimer Real Asset Fund may not be exchanged for shares of any
other Fund.
Class A shares of Oppenheimer funds may be exchanged at net asset value
for shares of any money market fund offered by the Distributor. Shares of any
money market fund purchased without a sales charge may be exchanged for shares
of Oppenheimer funds offered with a sales charge upon payment of the sales
charge. They may also be used to purchase shares of Oppenheimer funds subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge.
Shares of Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. purchased with the
redemption proceeds of shares of other mutual funds (other than funds managed by
the Manager or its subsidiaries) redeemed within the 30 days prior to that
purchase may subsequently be exchanged for shares of other Oppenheimer funds
without being subject to an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. To
qualify for that privilege, the investor or the investor's dealer must notify
the Distributor of eligibility for this privilege at the time the shares of
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. are purchased. If requested, they must
supply proof of entitlement to this privilege.
For accounts established on or before March 8, 1996 holding Class M
shares of Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund, Class M shares can be
exchanged only for Class A shares of other Oppenheimer funds. Exchanges to Class
M shares of Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund are permitted from Class A
shares of Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. or Oppenheimer Cash Reserves that
were acquired by exchange of Class M shares. No other exchanges may be made to
Class M shares.
Shares of the Fund acquired by reinvestment of dividends or
distributions from any of the other Oppenheimer funds or from any unit
investment trust for which reinvestment arrangements have been made with the
Distributor may be exchanged at net asset value for shares of any of the
Oppenheimer funds.
|_| How Exchanges Affect Contingent Deferred Sales Charges. No
contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on exchanges of shares of any class
purchased subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. However, when Class A
shares acquired by exchange of Class A shares of other Oppenheimer funds
purchased subject to a Class A contingent deferred sales charge are redeemed
within 18 months of the end of the calendar month of the initial purchase of the
exchanged Class A shares, the Class A contingent deferred sales charge is
imposed on the redeemed shares. The Class B contingent deferred sales charge is
imposed on Class B shares acquired by exchange if they are redeemed within 6
years of the initial purchase of the exchanged Class B shares. The Class C
contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C shares acquired by
exchange if they are redeemed within 12 months of the initial purchase of the
exchanged Class C shares.
When Class B or Class C shares are redeemed to effect an exchange, the
priorities described in "How To Buy Shares" in the Prospectus for the imposition
of the Class B or the Class C contingent deferred sales charge will be followed
in determining the order in which the shares are exchanged. Before exchanging
shares, shareholders should take into account how the exchange may affect any
contingent deferred sales charge that might be imposed in the subsequent
redemption of remaining shares. Shareholders owning shares of more than one
Class must specify whether they intend to exchange Class A, Class B or Class C
shares.
|_| Limits on Multiple Exchange Orders. The Fund reserves the right to
reject telephone or written exchange requests submitted in bulk by anyone on
behalf of more than one account. The Fund may accept requests for exchanges of
up to 50 accounts per day from representatives of authorized dealers that
qualify for this privilege.
|_| Telephone Exchange Requests. When exchanging shares by telephone, a
shareholder must have an existing account in the fund to which the exchange is
to be made. Otherwise, the investors must obtain a Prospectus of that fund
before the exchange request may be submitted. For full or partial exchanges of
an account made by telephone, any special account features such as Asset Builder
Plans and Automatic Withdrawal Plans will be switched to the new account unless
the Transfer Agent is instructed otherwise. If all telephone lines are busy
(which might occur, for example, during periods of substantial market
fluctuations), shareholders might not be able to request exchanges by telephone
and would have to submit written exchange requests.
|_| Processing Exchange Requests. Shares to be exchanged are redeemed
on the regular business day the Transfer Agent receives an exchange request in
proper form (the "Redemption Date"). Normally, shares of the fund to be acquired
are purchased on the Redemption Date, but such purchases may be delayed by
either fund up to five business days if it determines that it would be
disadvantaged by an immediate transfer of the redemption proceeds. The Fund
reserves the right, in its discretion, to refuse any exchange request that may
disadvantage it. For example, if the receipt of multiple exchange requests from
a dealer might require the disposition of portfolio securities at a time or at a
price that might be disadvantageous to the Fund, the Fund may refuse the
request.
In connection with any exchange request, the number of shares exchanged
may be less than the number requested if the exchange or the number requested
would include shares subject to a restriction cited in the Prospectus or this
Statement of Additional Information, or would include shares covered by a share
certificate that is not tendered with the request. In those cases, only the
shares available for exchange without restriction will be exchanged.
The different Oppenheimer funds available for exchange have different
investment objectives, policies and risks. A shareholder should assure that the
fund selected is appropriate for his or her investment and should be aware of
the tax consequences of an exchange. For federal income tax purposes, an
exchange transaction is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and a
purchase of shares of another. "Reinvestment Privilege," above, discusses some
of the tax consequences of reinvestment of redemption proceeds in such cases.
The Fund, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent are unable to provide
investment, tax or legal advice to a shareholder in connection with an exchange
request or any other investment transaction.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Dividends and Distributions. The Fund has no fixed dividend rate and
there can be no assurance as to the payment of any dividends or the realization
of any capital gains. The dividends and distributions paid by a class of shares
will vary from time to time depending on market conditions, the composition of
the Fund's portfolio, and expenses borne by the Fund or borne separately by a
class. Dividends are calculated in the same manner, at the same time, and on the
same day for each class of shares. However, dividends on Class B and Class C
shares are expected to be lower than dividends on Class A and Class Y shares.
That is because of the effect of the asset-based sales charge on Class B and
Class C shares. Those dividends will also differ in amount as a consequence of
any difference in the net asset values of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y
shares.
Dividends, distributions and proceeds of the redemption of Fund shares
represented by checks returned to the Transfer Agent by the Postal Service as
undeliverable will be invested in shares of Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.
Reinvestment will be made as promptly as possible after the return of such
checks to the Transfer Agent, to enable the investor to earn a return on
otherwise idle funds. Unclaimed accounts may be subject to state escheatment
laws, and the Fund and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to shareholders or
their representatives for compliance with those laws in good faith.
Tax Status of the Fund's Dividends and Distributions. The Federal tax treatment
of the Fund's dividends and capital gains distributions is briefly highlighted
in the Prospectus.
Special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code govern the eligibility
of the Fund's dividends for the dividends-received deduction for corporate
shareholders. Long-term capital gains distributions are not eligible for the
deduction. The amount of dividends paid by the Fund that may qualify for the
deduction is limited to the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends that the
Fund derives from portfolio investments that the Fund has held for a minimum
period, usually 46 days. A corporate shareholder will not be eligible for the
deduction on dividends paid on Fund shares held for 45 days or less. To the
extent the Fund's dividends are derived from gross income from option premiums,
interest income or short-term gains from the sale of securities or dividends
from foreign corporations, those dividends will not qualify for the deduction.
It is unlikely that the Fund's dividends will qualify for the deduction.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, by December 31 each year, the Fund
must distribute 98% of its taxable investment income earned from January 1
through December 31 of that year and 98% of its capital gains realized in the
period from November 1 of the prior year through October 31 of the current year.
If it does not, the Fund must pay an excise tax on the amounts not distributed.
It is presently anticipated that the Fund will meet those requirements. However,
the Board of Trustees and the Manager might determine in a particular year that
it would be in the best interests of shareholders for the Fund not to make such
distributions at the required levels and to pay the excise tax on the
undistributed amounts. That would reduce the amount of income or capital gains
available for distribution to shareholders.
The Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under
the Internal Revenue Code (although it reserves the right not to qualify). That
qualification enables the Fund to "pass through" its income and realized capital
gains to shareholders without having to pay tax on them. This avoids a double
tax on that income and capital gains, since shareholders normally will be taxed
on the dividends and capital gains they receive from the Fund (unless the Fund's
shares are held in a retirement account or the shareholder is otherwise exempt
from tax). If the Fund qualifies as a "regulated investment company" under the
Internal Revenue Code, it will not be liable for Federal income taxes on amounts
paid by it as dividends and distributions. The Fund qualified as a regulated
investment company in its last fiscal year. The Internal Revenue Code contains a
number of complex tests relating to qualification which the Fund might not meet
in any particular year. If it did not so qualify, the Fund would be treated for
tax purposes as an ordinary corporation and receive no tax deduction for
payments made to shareholders.
If prior distributions made by the Fund must be re-characterized as a
non-taxable return of capital at the end of the fiscal year as a result of the
effect of the Fund's investment policies, they will be identified as such in
notices sent to shareholders.
Dividend Reinvestment in Another Fund. Shareholders of the Fund may elect to
reinvest all dividends and/or capital gains distributions in shares of the same
class of any of the other Oppenheimer funds listed above. Reinvestment will be
made without sales charge at the net asset value per share in effect at the
close of business on the payable date of the dividend or distribution. To elect
this option, the shareholder must notify the Transfer Agent in writing and must
have an existing account in the fund selected for reinvestment. Otherwise the
shareholder first must obtain a prospectus for that fund and an application from
the Distributor to establish an account. Dividends and/or distributions from
shares of certain other Oppenheimer funds (other than Oppenheimer Cash Reserves)
may be invested in shares of this Fund on the same basis.
Additional Information About the Fund
The Distributor. The Fund's shares are sold through dealers, brokers and other
financial institutions that have a sales agreement with OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc., a subsidiary of the Manager that acts as the Fund's
Distributor. The Distributor also distributes shares of the other Oppenheimer
funds and is sub-distributor for funds managed by a subsidiary of the Manager.
The Transfer Agent. OppenheimerFunds Services, the Fund's Transfer Agent, is a
division of the Manager. It is responsible for maintaining the Fund's
shareholder registry and shareholder accounting records, and for paying
dividends and distributions to shareholders. It also handles shareholder
servicing and administrative functions. It acts on an "at-cost" basis. It also
acts as shareholder servicing agent for the other Oppenheimer funds.
Shareholders should direct inquiries about their accounts to the Transfer Agent
at the address and toll-free numbers shown on the back cover.
The Custodian. Citibank, N.A. is the Custodian of the Fund's assets. The
Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Fund's
portfolio securities and handling the delivery of such securities to and from
the Fund. It will be the practice of the Fund to deal with the Custodian in a
manner uninfluenced by any banking relationship the Custodian may have with the
Manager and its affiliates. The Fund's cash balances with the custodian in
excess of $100,000 are not protected by Federal deposit insurance. Those
uninsured balances at times may be substantial. Independent Auditors. Deloitte &
Touche LLP are the independent auditors of the Fund. They audit the Fund's
financial statements and perform other related audit services. They also act as
auditors for the Manager and for certain other funds advised by the Manager and
its affiliates.
<PAGE>
A-1
Appendix A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry Classifications
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Aerospace/Defense Food
Air Transportation Gas Utilities
Auto Parts Distribution Gold
Automotive Health Care/Drugs
Bank Holding Companies Health Care/Supplies & Services
Banks Homebuilders/Real Estate
Beverages Hotel/Gaming
Broadcasting Industrial Services
Broker-Dealers Information Technology
Building Materials Insurance
Cable Television Leasing & Factoring
Chemicals Leisure
Commercial Finance Manufacturing
Computer Hardware Metals/Mining
Computer Software Nondurable Household Goods
Conglomerates Oil - Integrated
Consumer Finance Paper
Containers Publishing/Printing
Convenience Stores Railroads
Department Stores Restaurants
Diversified Financial Savings & Loans
Diversified Media Shipping
Drug Stores Special Purpose Financial
Drug Wholesalers Specialty Retailing
Durable Household Goods Steel
Education Supermarkets
Electric Utilities Telecommunications - Technology
Electrical Equipment Telephone - Utility
Electronics Textile/Apparel
Energy Services & Producers Tobacco
Entertainment/Film Toys
Environmental Trucking
Wireless Services
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
B-15
APPENDIX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OppenheimerFunds Special Sales Charge Arrangements and Waivers
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In certain cases, the initial sales charge that applies to purchases of
Class A shares of the Oppenheimer funds or the contingent deferred sales charge
that may apply to Class A, Class B or Class C shares may be waived. That is
because of the economies of sales efforts realized by the Distributor or the
dealers or other financial institutions offering those shares to certain classes
of investors or in certain transactions.
Not all waivers apply to all funds. For example, waivers relating to
Retirement Plans do not apply to Oppenheimer municipal funds, because shares of
those funds are not available for purchase by or on behalf of retirement plans.
Other waivers apply only to shareholders of certain funds that were merged into
or became Oppenheimer funds.
For the purposes of some of the waivers described below and in the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the applicable Oppenheimer
funds, the term "Retirement Plan" refers to the following types of plans: (1)
plans qualified under Sections 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code,
(2) non-qualified deferred compensation plans, (3) employee benefit plans1 (4)
Group Retirement Plans2 (5) 403(b)(7) custodial plan accounts (6) SEP-IRAs,
SARSEPs or SIMPLE plans
The interpretation of these provisions as to the applicability of a
waiver in a particular case is determined solely by the Distributor or the
Transfer Agent of the fund. These waivers and special arrangements may be
amended or terminated at any time by the applicable Fund and/or the Distributor.
Waivers that apply at the time shares are redeemed must be requested by the
shareholder and/or dealer in the redemption request.
- --------------
1. An "employee benefit plan" means any plan or arrangement, whether or not it
is "qualified" under the Internal Revenue Code, under which Class A shares
of an Oppenheimer fund or funds are purchased by a fiduciary or other
administrator for the account of participants who are employees of a single
employer or of affiliated employers. These may include, for example,
medical savings accounts, payroll deduction plans or similar plans. The
fund accounts must be registered in the name of the fiduciary or
administrator purchasing the shares for the benefit of participants in the
plan.
2. The term "Group Retirement Plan" means any qualified or non-qualified
retirement plan for employees of a corporation or sole proprietorship,
members and employees of a partnership or association or other organized
group of persons (the members of which may include other groups), if the
group has made special arrangements with the Distributor and all members of
the group participating in (or who are eligible to participate in) the plan
purchase Class A shares of an Oppenheimer fund or funds through a single
investment dealer, broker or other financial institution designated by the
group. Such plans include 457 plans, SEP-IRAs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE plans and
403(b) plans other than plans for public school employees. The term "Group
Retirement Plan" also includes qualified retirement plans and non-qualified
deferred compensation plans and IRAs that purchase Class A shares of an
Oppenheimer fund or funds through a single investment dealer, broker or
other financial institution that has made special arrangements with the
Distributor enabling those plans to purchase Class A shares at net asset
value but subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicability of Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charges in Certain Cases
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchases of Class A Shares of Oppenheimer Funds That Are Not Subject to Initial
Sales Charge but May Be Subject to the Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
(unless a waiver applies).
There is no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares of any
of the Oppenheimer funds in the cases listed below. However, these purchases may
be subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18
months of the end of the calendar month of their purchase, as described in the
Prospectus (unless a waiver described elsewhere in this Appendix applies to the
redemption). Additionally, on these purchases the Distributor will pay the
applicable commission described in the Prospectus under "Class A Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge":
|_| Purchases of Class A shares aggregating $1 million or more.
|_| Purchases by a Retirement Plan that:
(1) buys shares costing $500,000 or more, or
(2) has, at the time of purchase, 100 or more eligible participants or
total plan assets of $500,000 or more, or
(3) certifies to the Distributor that it projects to have annual plan
purchases of $200,000 or more.
o Purchases by an OppenheimerFunds-sponsored Rollover IRA, if the
purchases are made:
(1) through a broker, dealer, bank or registered investment adviser
that has made special arrangements with the Distributor for those
purchases, or
(2) by a direct rollover of a distribution from a qualified Retirement
Plan if the administrator of that Plan has made special arrangements
with the Distributor for those purchases.
o Purchases of Class A shares by Retirement Plans that have any of the
following record-keeping arrangements:
(1) The record keeping is performed by Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner &
Smith, Inc. ("Merrill Lynch") on a daily valuation basis for the
Retirement Plan. On the date the plan sponsor signs the record-keeping
service agreement with Merrill Lynch, the Plan must have $3 million or
more of its assets invested in (a) mutual funds, other than those
advised or managed by Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P. ("MLAM"),
that are made available under a Service Agreement between Merrill
Lynch and the mutual fund's principal underwriter or distributor, and
(b) funds advised or managed by MLAM (the funds described in (a) and
(b) are referred to as "Applicable Investments").
(2) The record keeping for the Retirement Plan is performed on a daily
valuation basis by a record keeper whose services are provided under a
contract or arrangement between the Retirement Plan and Merrill Lynch.
On the date the plan sponsor signs the record keeping service
agreement with Merrill Lynch, the Plan must have $3 million or more of
its assets (excluding assets invested in money market funds) invested
in Applicable Investments.
(3) The record keeping for a Retirement Plan is handled under a
service agreement with Merrill Lynch and on the date the plan sponsor
signs that agreement, the Plan has 500 or more eligible employees (as
determined by the Merrill Lynch plan conversion manager).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waivers of Class A Sales Charges of Oppenheimer Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waivers of Initial and Contingent Deferred Sales Charges for Certain Purchasers.
Class A shares purchased by the following investors are not subject to any Class
A sales charges (and no commissions are paid by the Distributor on such
purchases):
|_|The Manager or its affiliates.
|_| Present or former officers, directors, trustees and employees (and
their "immediate families") of the Fund, the Manager and its affiliates, and
retirement plans established by them for their employees. The term "immediate
family" refers to one's spouse, children, grandchildren, grandparents, parents,
parents-in-law, brothers and sisters, sons- and daughters-in-law, a sibling's
spouse, a spouse's siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by
virtue of a remarriage (step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included.
|_| Registered management investment companies, or separate accounts of
insurance companies having an agreement with the Manager or the Distributor for
that purpose.
|_| Dealers or brokers that have a sales agreement with the
Distributor, if they purchase shares for their own accounts or for retirement
plans for their employees.
|_| Employees and registered representatives (and their spouses) of
dealers or brokers described above or financial institutions that have entered
into sales arrangements with such dealers or brokers (and which are identified
as such to the Distributor) or with the Distributor. The purchaser must certify
to the Distributor at the time of purchase that the purchase is for the
purchaser's own account (or for the benefit of such employee's spouse or minor
children).
|_| Dealers, brokers, banks or registered investment advisors that have
entered into an agreement with the Distributor providing specifically for the
use of shares of the Fund in particular investment products made available to
their clients. Those clients may be charged a transaction fee by their dealer,
broker, bank or advisor for the purchase or sale of Fund shares.
|_| Investment advisors and financial planners who have entered into an
agreement for this purpose with the Distributor and who charge an advisory,
consulting or other fee for their services and buy shares for their own accounts
or the accounts of their clients.
|_| "Rabbi trusts" that buy shares for their own accounts, if the
purchases are made through a broker or agent or other financial intermediary
that has made special arrangements with the Distributor for those purchases.
|_| Clients of investment advisors or financial planners (that have
entered into an agreement for this purpose with the Distributor) who buy shares
for their own accounts may also purchase shares without sales charge but only if
their accounts are linked to a master account of their investment advisor or
financial planner on the books and records of the broker, agent or financial
intermediary with which the Distributor has made such special arrangements .
Each of these investors may be charged a fee by the broker, agent or financial
intermediary for purchasing shares.
|_| Directors, trustees, officers or full-time employees of OpCap
Advisors or its affiliates, their relatives or any trust, pension, profit
sharing or other benefit plan which beneficially owns shares for those persons.
|_| Accounts for which Oppenheimer Capital (or its successor) is the
investment advisor (the Distributor must be advised of this arrangement) and
persons who are directors or trustees of the company or trust which is the
beneficial owner of such accounts.
|_| A unit investment trust that has entered into an appropriate
agreement with the Distributor. o Dealers, brokers, banks, or
registered investment advisers that have entered into an agreement with
the Distributor to sell shares to defined contribution employee retirement plans
for which the dealer, broker or investment adviser provides administration
services.
o Retirement plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to
fund those plans (including, for example, plans qualified or created under
sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code), in each
case if those purchases are made through a broker, agent or other financial
intermediary that has made special arrangements with the Distributor for those
purchases.
o A TRAC-2000 401(k) plan (sponsored by the former Quest for Value
Advisors) whose Class B or Class C shares of a Former Quest for Value Fund were
exchanged for Class A shares of that Fund due to the termination of the Class B
and Class C TRAC-2000 program on November 24, 1995.
o A qualified Retirement Plan that had agreed with the former Quest for
Value Advisors to purchase shares of any of the Former Quest for Value Funds at
net asset value, with such shares to be held through DCXchange, a sub-transfer
agency mutual fund clearinghouse, if that arrangement was consummated and share
purchases commenced by December 31, 1996.
Waivers of Initial and Contingent Deferred Sales Charges in Certain
Transactions.
Class A shares issued or purchased in the following transactions are not subject
to sales charges (and no commissions are paid by the Distributor on such
purchases):
|_| Shares issued in plans of reorganization, such as mergers, asset
acquisitions and exchange offers, to which the Fund is a party.
|_| Shares purchased by the reinvestment of dividends or other
distributions reinvested from the Fund or other Oppenheimer funds (other than
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves) or unit investment trusts for which reinvestment
arrangements have been made with the Distributor.
|_| Shares purchased and paid for with the proceeds of shares redeemed
in the prior 30 days from a mutual fund (other than a fund managed by the
Manager or any of its subsidiaries) on which an initial sales charge or
contingent deferred sales charge was paid. This waiver also applies to shares
purchased by exchange of shares of Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. that were
purchased and paid for in this manner. This waiver must be requested when the
purchase order is placed for shares of the Fund, and the Distributor may require
evidence of qualification for this waiver.
|_| Shares purchased with the proceeds of maturing principal units of
any Qualified Unit Investment Liquid Trust Series.
|_| Shares purchased by the reinvestment of loan repayments by a
participant in a Retirement Plan for which the Manager or an affiliate acts as
sponsor.
Waivers of the Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions.
The Class A contingent deferred sales charge is also waived if shares that would
otherwise be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge are redeemed in the
following cases:
|_| To make Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments that are limited
annually to no more than 12% of the original account value.
|_| Involuntary redemptions of shares by operation of law or
involuntary redemptions of small accounts (see "Shareholder Account Rules and
Policies," in the Prospectus).
|_| For distributions from Retirement Plans, deferred compensation plans or
other employee benefit plans for any of the following purposes:
(1) Following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code) of the participant or beneficiary. The death or
disability must occur after the participant's account was established.
(2) To return excess contributions.
(3) To return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.
(4) Hardship withdrawals, as defined in the plan.
(5) Under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code.
(6) To meet the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code.
(7) To establish "substantially equal periodic payments" as described
in Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(8) For retirement distributions or loans to participants or
beneficiaries.
(9) Separation from service.
(10) Participant-directed redemptions to purchase shares of a mutual
fund other than a fund managed by the Manager or a subsidiary. The
fund must be one that is offered as an investment option in a
Retirement Plan in which Oppenheimer funds are also offered as
investment options under a special arrangement with the Distributor.
(11) Plan termination or "in-service distributions," if the redemption
proceeds are rolled over directly to an OppenheimerFunds-sponsored
IRA.
|_| For distributions from Retirement Plans having 500 or more eligible
participants, except distributions due to termination of all of the Oppenheimer
funds as an investment option under the Plan.
|_| For distributions from 401(k) plans sponsored by broker-dealers
that have entered into a special agreement with the Distributor allowing this
waiver.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waivers of Class B and Class C Sales Charges of Oppenheimer Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Class B and Class C contingent deferred sales charges will not be
applied to shares purchased in certain types of transactions or redeemed in
certain circumstances described below.
Waivers for Redemptions in Certain Cases.
The Class B and Class C contingent deferred sales charges will be waived for
redemptions of shares in the following cases:
|_| Shares redeemed involuntarily, as described in "Shareholder Account
Rules and Policies," in the applicable Prospectus.
|_| Distributions to participants or beneficiaries from Retirement Plans,
if the distributions are made: (a) under an Automatic Withdrawal Plan after the
participant reaches age 59-1/2, as long as the payments are no more than 10% of
the account value annually (measured from the date the Transfer Agent receives
the request), or (b) following the death or disability (as defined in the
Internal Revenue Code) of the participant or beneficiary (the death or
disability must have occurred after the account was established).
|_| Redemptions from accounts other than Retirement Plans following the
death or disability of the last surviving shareholder, including a trustee of a
grantor trust or revocable living trust for which the trustee is also the sole
beneficiary. The death or disability must have occurred after the account was
established, and for disability you must provide evidence of a determination of
disability by the Social Security Administration.
|_| Returns of excess contributions to Retirement Plans.
|_| Distributions from Retirement Plans to make "substantially equal
periodic payments" as permitted in Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code
that do not exceed 10% of the account value annually, measured from the date the
Transfer Agent receives the request.
|_| Distributions from OppenheimerFunds prototype 401(k) plans and from
certain Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company prototype 401(k) plans: (1)
for hardship withdrawals; (2) under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code; (3) to meet minimum distribution
requirements as defined in the Internal Revenue Code; (4) to make "substantially
equal periodic payments" as described in Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue
Code; (5) for separation from service; or (6) for loans to participants or
beneficiaries.
|_| Distributions from 401(k) plans sponsored by broker-dealers that have
entered into a special agreement with the Distributor allowing this waiver.
|_| Redemptions of Class B shares held by Retirement Plans whose records
are maintained on a daily valuation basis by Merrill Lynch or an independent
record keeper under a contract with Merrill Lynch. o Redemptions of Class C
shares of Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust from accounts of clients of
financial institutions that have entered into a special arrangement with the
Distributor for this purpose.
Waivers for Shares Sold or Issued in Certain Transactions.
The contingent deferred sales charge is also waived on Class B and
Class C shares sold or issued in the following cases:
|_| Shares sold to the Manager or its affiliates.
|_| Shares sold to registered management investment companies or
separate accounts of insurance companies having an agreement with the Manager or
the Distributor for that purpose.
|_| Shares issued in plans of reorganization to which the Fund is a party.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Sales Charge Arrangements for Shareholders of Certain Oppenheimer Funds
Who Were Shareholders of the Former Quest for Value Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The initial and contingent deferred sales charge rates and waivers for
Class A, Class B and Class C shares described in the Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information of the Oppenheimer funds are modified as described below
for certain persons who were shareholders of the former Quest for Value Funds.
To be eligible, those persons must have been shareholders on November 24, 1995,
when OppenheimerFunds, Inc. became the investment advisor to those former Quest
for Value Funds. Those funds include:
Oppenheimer Quest Value Fund, Inc., Oppenheimer Quest Balanced Value
Fund, Oppenheimer Quest Opportunity Value Fund, Oppenheimer Quest Small
Cap Value Fund and Oppenheimer Quest Global Value Fund, Inc.
These arrangements also apply to shareholders of the following funds
when they merged into various Oppenheimer funds on November 24, 1995:
Quest for Value U.S. Government Income Fund, Quest for Value Investment
Quality Income Fund, Quest for Value Global Income Fund, Quest for
Value New York Tax-Exempt Fund, Quest for Value National Tax-Exempt
Fund and Quest for Value California Tax-Exempt Fund
All of the funds listed above are referred to in this Appendix as the
"Former Quest for Value Funds." The waivers of initial and contingent deferred
sales charges described in this Appendix apply to shares of an Oppenheimer fund
that are either:
|_| acquired by such shareholder pursuant to an exchange of shares
of an Oppenheimer fund that was one of the Former Quest for Value Funds or
|_| purchased by such shareholder by exchange of shares of another
Oppenheimer fund that were acquired pursuant to the merger of any of the Former
Quest for Value Funds into that other Oppenheimer fund on November 24, 1995.
Reductions or Waivers of Class A Sales Charges.
|X| Reduced Class A Initial Sales Charge Rates for Certain Former Quest for
Value Funds Shareholders
Purchases by Groups and Associations. The following table sets forth the initial
sales charge rates for Class A shares purchased by members of "Associations"
formed for any purpose other than the purchase of securities. The rates in the
table apply if that Association purchased shares of any of the Former Quest for
Value Funds or received a proposal to purchase such shares from OCC Distributors
prior to November 24, 1995.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Number of Eligible Initial Sales Charge as a
Employees or Members Initial Sales Charge as a % % of Net Amount Invested Commission as % of
of Offering Price Offering Price
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
9 or Fewer 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
At least 10 but not more
than 49 2.00% 2.04% 1.60%
--------------------------- ----------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
</TABLE>
For purchases by Associations having 50 or more eligible employees or
members, there is no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares, but
those shares are subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge
described in the applicable fund's Prospectus.
Purchases made under this arrangement qualify for the lower of either
the sales charge rate in the table based on the number of members of an
Association, or the sales charge rate that applies under the Right of
Accumulation described in the applicable fund's Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information. Individuals who qualify under this arrangement for
reduced sales charge rates as members of Associations also may purchase shares
for their individual or custodial accounts at these reduced sales charge rates,
upon request to the Distributor.
|X| Waiver of Class A Sales Charges for Certain Shareholders. Class A
shares purchased by the following investors are not subject to any Class A
initial or contingent deferred sales charges:
|_| Shareholders who were shareholders of the AMA Family of Funds on
February 28, 1991 and who acquired shares of any of the Former Quest for Value
Funds by merger of a portfolio of the AMA Family of Funds.
|_| Shareholders who acquired shares of any Former Quest for Value Fund
by merger of any of the portfolios of the Unified Funds.
|X| Waiver of Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge in Certain
Transactions. The Class A contingent deferred sales charge will not apply to
redemptions of Class A shares purchased by the following investors who were
shareholders of any Former Quest for Value Fund:
Investors who purchased Class A shares from a dealer that is or was not
permitted to receive a sales load or redemption fee imposed on a shareholder
with whom that dealer has a fiduciary relationship, under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and regulations adopted under that law.
Class A, Class B and Class C Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers
|X| Waivers for Redemptions of Shares Purchased Prior to March 6, 1995.
In the following cases, the contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for
redemptions of Class A, Class B or Class C shares of an Oppenheimer fund. The
shares must have been acquired by the merger of a Former Quest for Value Fund
into the fund or by exchange from an Oppenheimer fund that was a Former Quest
for Value Fund or into which such fund merged.
Those shares must have been purchased prior to March 6, 1995 in connection with:
|_| withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal plan holding only either
Class B or Class C shares if the annual withdrawal does not exceed 10% of the
initial value of the account, and
|_| liquidation of a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset
value of shares held in the account is less than the required minimum value of
such accounts.
|X| Waivers for Redemptions of Shares Purchased on or After March 6,
1995 but Prior to November 24, 1995. In the following cases, the contingent
deferred sales charge will be waived for redemptions of Class A, Class B or
Class C shares of an Oppenheimer fund. The shares must have been acquired by the
merger of a Former Quest for Value Fund into the fund or by exchange from an
Oppenheimer fund that was a Former Quest For Value Fund or into which such
Former Quest for Value Fund merged. Those shares must have been purchased on or
after March 6, 1995, but prior to November 24, 1995:
|_| redemptions following the death or disability of the shareholder(s) (as
evidenced by a determination of total disability by the U.S. Social Security
Administration);
|_| withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal plan (but only for Class B or
Class C shares) where the annual withdrawals do not exceed 10% of the initial
value of the account; and
|_| liquidation of a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset value
of shares held in the account is less than the required minimum account value.
A shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge paid on the redemption of any Class A, Class B
or Class C shares of the Oppenheimer fund described in this section if the
proceeds are invested in the same Class of shares in that fund or another
Oppenheimer fund within 90 days after redemption.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Sales Charge Arrangements for Shareholders of Certain Oppenheimer Funds
Who Were Shareholders of Connecticut Mutual Investment Accounts, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The initial and contingent deferred sale charge rates and waivers for
Class A and Class B shares described in the Prospectus or this Appendix for
Oppenheimer U. S. Government Trust, Oppenheimer Bond Fund, Oppenheimer
Disciplined Value Fund and Oppenheimer Disciplined Allocation Fund (each is
included in the reference to "Fund" below) are modified as described below for
those shareholders who were shareholders of Connecticut Mutual Liquid Account,
Connecticut Mutual Government Securities Account, Connecticut Mutual Income
Account, Connecticut Mutual Growth Account, Connecticut Mutual Total Return
Account, CMIA LifeSpan Capital Appreciation Account, CMIA LifeSpan Balanced
Account and CMIA Diversified Income Account (the "Former Connecticut Mutual
Funds") on March 1, 1996, when OppenheimerFunds, Inc. became the investment
adviser to the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds.
Prior Class A CDSC and Class A Sales Charge Waivers
|X| Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Certain shareholders of a
Fund and the other Former Connecticut Mutual Funds are entitled to continue to
make additional purchases of Class A shares at net asset value without a Class A
initial sales charge, but subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales
charge that was in effect prior to March 18, 1996 (the "prior Class A CDSC").
Under the prior Class A CDSC, if any of those shares are redeemed within one
year of purchase, they will be assessed a 1% contingent deferred sales charge on
an amount equal to the current market value or the original purchase price of
the shares sold, whichever is smaller (in such redemptions, any shares not
subject to the prior Class A CDSC will be redeemed first).
Those shareholders who are eligible for the prior Class A CDSC are:
(1) persons whose purchases of Class A shares of a Fund and other
Former Connecticut Mutual Funds were $500,000 prior to March 18,
1996, as a result of direct purchases or purchases pursuant to the
Fund's policies on Combined Purchases or Rights of Accumulation,
who still hold those shares in that Fund or other Former
Connecticut Mutual Funds, and
(2) persons whose intended purchases under a Statement of Intention
entered into prior to March 18, 1996, with the former general
distributor of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds to purchase
shares valued at $500,000 or more over a 13-month period entitled
those persons to purchase shares at net asset value without being
subject to the Class A initial sales charge.
Any of the Class A shares of a Fund and the other Former Connecticut
Mutual Funds that were purchased at net asset value prior to March 18, 1996,
remain subject to the prior Class A CDSC, or if any additional shares are
purchased by those shareholders at net asset value pursuant to this arrangement
they will be subject to the prior Class A CDSC.
|X| Class A Sales Charge Waivers. Additional Class A shares of a Fund
may be purchased without a sales charge, by a person who was in one (or more) of
the categories below and acquired Class A shares prior to March 18, 1996, and
still holds Class A shares: (1) any purchaser, provided the total initial amount
invested in the Fund or any one or more of the Former
Connecticut Mutual Funds totaled $500,000 or more, including
investments made pursuant to the Combined Purchases, Statement of
Intention and Rights of Accumulation features available at the
time of the initial purchase and such investment is still held in
one or more of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds or a Fund into
which such Fund merged;
(2) any participant in a qualified plan, provided that the total
initial amount invested by the plan in the Fund or any one or more
of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds totaled $500,000 or more;
(3) Directors of the Fund or any one or more of the Former Connecticut
Mutual Funds and members of their immediate families;
(4) employee benefit plans sponsored by Connecticut Mutual Financial
Services, L.L.C. ("CMFS"), the prior distributor of the Former
Connecticut Mutual Funds, and its affiliated companies;
(5) one or more members of a group of at least 1,000 persons (and
persons who are retirees from such group) engaged in a common
business, profession, civic or charitable endeavor or other
activity, and the spouses and minor dependent children of such
persons, pursuant to a marketing program between CMFS and such
group; and
(6) an institution acting as a fiduciary on behalf of an individual or
individuals, if such institution was directly compensated by the
individual(s) for recommending the purchase of the shares of the
Fund or any one or more of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds,
provided the institution had an agreement with CMFS.
Purchases of Class A shares made pursuant to (1) and (2) above may be
subject to the Class A CDSC of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds described
above.
Additionally, Class A shares of a Fund may be purchased without a sales
charge by any holder of a variable annuity contract issued in New York State by
Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company through the Panorama Separate Account
which is beyond the applicable surrender charge period and which was used to
fund a qualified plan, if that holder exchanges the variable annuity contract
proceeds to buy Class A shares of the Fund.
Class A and Class B Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers
In addition to the waivers set forth in the Prospectus and in this Appendix,
above, the contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for redemptions of
Class A and Class B shares of a Fund and exchanges of Class A or Class B shares
of a Fund into Class A or Class B shares of a Former Connecticut Mutual Fund
provided that the Class A or Class B shares of the Fund to be redeemed or
exchanged were (i) acquired prior to March 18, 1996 or (ii) were acquired by
exchange from an Oppenheimer fund that was a Former Connecticut Mutual Fund.
Additionally, the shares of such Former Connecticut Mutual Fund must have been
purchased prior to March 18, 1996:
(1) by the estate of a deceased shareholder;
(2) upon the disability of a shareholder, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code;
(3) for retirement distributions (or loans) to participants or beneficiaries
from retirement plans qualified under Sections 401(a) or 403(b)(7)of the Code,
or from IRAs, deferred compensation plans created under Section 457 of the Code,
or other employee benefit plans;
(4) as tax-free returns of excess contributions to such retirement or employee
benefit plans;
(5) in whole or in part, in connection with shares sold to any state, county, or
city, or any instrumentality, department, authority, or agency thereof, that is
prohibited by applicable investment laws from paying a sales charge or
commission in connection with the purchase of shares of any registered
investment management company;
(6) in connection with the redemption of shares of the Fund due to a combination
with another investment company by virtue of a merger, acquisition or similar
reorganization transaction;
(7) in connection with the Fund's right to involuntarily redeem or liquidate the
Fund;
(8) in connection with automatic redemptions of Class A shares and Class B
shares in certain retirement plan accounts pursuant to an Automatic Withdrawal
Plan but limited to no more than 12% of the original value annually; or
(9) as involuntary redemptions of shares by operation of law, or under
procedures set forth in the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, or as adopted by
the Board of Directors of the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Reduced Sales Charge for Former Shareholders of Advance America Funds,
Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders of Oppenheimer Municipal Bond Fund, Oppenheimer U.S.
Government Trust, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund and Oppenheimer Equity
Income Fund who acquired (and still hold) shares of those funds as a result of
the reorganization of series of Advance America Funds, Inc. into those
Oppenheimer funds on October 18, 1991, and who held shares of Advance America
Funds, Inc. on March 30, 1990, may purchase Class A shares of those four
Oppenheimer funds at a maximum sales charge rate of 4.50%.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet Web Site:
www.oppenheimerfunds.com
Investment Adviser
OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Distributor
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Transfer Agent
OppenheimerFunds Services
P.O. Box 5270
Denver, Colorado 80217
1-800-525-7048
Custodian Bank
Citibank, N.A.
399 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10043
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
555 Seventeenth Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
Legal Counsel
Myer, Swanson, Adams & Wolf, P.C.
1600 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
67890
PX855.0199
- --------
1. Ms. Macaskill and Mr. Bowen are not Trustees or Directors of Oppenheimer
Integrity Funds, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund, Panorama Series Fund, Inc.
or Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds. Mr. Fossel and Mr. Bowen are not Trustees
of Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust or Managing General Partners of
Centennial America Fund, L.P.
2. In accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act, the term
"Independent Trustees" in this Statement of Additional Information refers to
those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund and who do not have
any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the distribution
plan or any agreement under the plan.
C-1
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
FORM N-1A
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
- -------- --------
(a) Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 26,
1997: Previously filed with Post-Efffective amendment No. 23 to Registrant's
Registration Statement, 11/21/97, and incorporated herein by reference
(b) Amended By-Laws as of April 18, 1995: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment
No. 22 to Registrant's Registration Statement, 1/8/97 and incorporated herein by
reference.
(c) (i) Class A Specimen Share Certificate: Filed with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 22 to Registrant's Registration Statement, 1/8/97 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(ii) Class B Specimen Share Certificate: Filed with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 22 to Registrant's Registration Statement, 1/8/97 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iii) lass C Specimen Share Certificate: Filed with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 22 to Registrant's Registration Statement, 1/8/97 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iv) Class Y Specimen Share Certificate: Filed herewith.
(d) Investment Advisory Agreement dated October 22, 1990: Filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Registrant's Registration Statement, 12/3/90,
refiled with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 19, 12/2/94, pursuant to
Item 102 of Regulation S-T, and incorporated herein by reference.
(e) (i) General Distributor's Agreement dated October 13, 1992, with
Oppenheimer Fund Management, Inc.: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment
No. 12 of the Registrant's Registration Statement, 12/2/92, and
refiled with Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 19, 12/2/94,
pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(ii) Form of Dealer Agreement of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc.:
Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 Oppenheimer Main Street
Funds, Inc. (Reg. No. 33-17850), 9/30/94, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(iii) Form of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. Broker Agreement:
Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 Oppenheimer Main Street
Funds, Inc. (Reg. No. 33-17850), 9/30/94, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(iv) Form of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. Agency Agreement:
Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 Oppenheimer Main Street
Funds, Inc. (Reg. No. 33-17850), 9/30/94, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(f) Form of Deferred Compensation Plan for Disinterested Trustees/Directors:
Filed with, Post-Effective Amendment No.40 to the Registration Statement of
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund, (10/27/98), and incorporated herein by reference.
(g) Custodian Agreement dated 6/1/90 with Citibank, N.A.: Filed with
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 8, 2/1/91, refiled with Registrant's
Post-Effective Amendment No. 19, 12/2/94 pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T,
and incorporated herein by reference.
(h) Not applicable.
(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel dated February 20, 1986: Previously filed
with Registrant's Registration Statement, and refiled with Post-Effective
Amendment No. 20, 2/1/95, and incorporated herein by reference.
(j) Independent Auditors' Consent: To be filed by Post-Effective
Amendment.
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Subscription Agreement and Investment letter: Previously filed with
Registrant's Registration Statement, and incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
(m) (i) Service Plan and Agreement for Class A shares dated 6/22/93
pursuant to Rule 12b-1: Previously filed with Registrant's
Post-Effective Amendment No.16, 1/27/94, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(ii) Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan and Agreement
for Class B shares dated February 24, 1998 pursuant to Rule 12b-1:
Filed herewith.
(iii) Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan and Agreement
for Class C shares dated February 24, 1998 pursuant to Rule 12b-1:
Filed herewith.
(n) (i) Financial Data Schedule for Class A shares: To be filed by
Post-Effective Amendment..
(ii) Financial Data Schedule for Class B shares: To be filed by
Post-Effective Amendment.
(iii) Financial Data Schedule for Class C shares: To be filed by
Post-Effective Amendment.
(iv) Financial Data Schedule for Class Y shares: To be filed by
Post-Effective Amendment.
(o) OppenheimerFunds Multiple Class Plan under Rule 18f-3 amended through
8/25/98: Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 70 to the
Registration Statement of Oppenheimer Global Fund (Reg. No. 2-31661), 9/14/98
and incorporated herein by reference.
- -- Powers of Attorney (including certified Board resolutions): Power of Attorney
for George C. Bowen, Previously filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to
Registrant's Registration Statement, 1/20/98; Power of Attorney for Sam Freedman
filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registrant's Registration
Statement,1/8/97; Power of Attorney for Bridget A. Macaskill previously
filedwith Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registrant's Registration
Statement, 1/26/96, and incorporated hererin by reference; all other Trustees
filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to Registrant's Registration
Statement, 12/3/93, and all are incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------
Registrant
----------
None
Item 25. Indemnification
- -------- ---------------
Reference is made to Article VIII of Registrant's Agreement and
Declaration of Trust filed as Exhibit 23(a) to this Registration Statement and
incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or otherwise, Registrant has
been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of
1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by Registrant
of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person, Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
- -------- ----------------------------------------------------
(a) OppenheimerFunds, Inc. is the investment adviser of the Registrant;
it and certain subsidiaries and affiliates act in the same capacity to other
registered investment companies as described in Parts A and B hereof and listed
in Item 26(b) below.
(b) There is set forth below information as to any other business,
profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each officer
and director of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. is, or at any time during the past two
fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own account or in the capacity of
director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Name and Current Position
with OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
("OFI") Other business Connections During the Past Two Years
- ------------------------- ----------------------------------------------
Charles E. Albers,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds
(since April 1998); a
Chartered Financial
Analyst; formerly, a Vice
President and portfolio
manager for Guardian
Investor Services, the
investment management
subsidiary of The Guardian
Life Insurance Company
(since
1972).
Edward Amberger,
Assistant Vice President Formerly
Assistant Vice President,
Securities Analyst for
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
(May 1997 - April 1998);
and Research Analyst (July
1996 - May 1997), Portfolio
Manager (February 1992 -
July 1996) and Department
Manager (June 1988 to
February 1992) for The Bank
of New York.
Mark J.P. Anson,
Vice President Vice President of Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc.
("ORAMI"); formerly, Vice President of Equity Derivatives at
Salomon Brothers, Inc.
Peter M. Antos,
Senior Vice President An officer and/or portfolio manager of certain Oppenheimer
funds; a Chartered Financial Analyst; Senior Vice President
of HarbourView Asset Management Corporation ("HarbourView");
prior to March, 1996 he was the senior equity portfolio
manager for the Panorama Series Fund, Inc. (the "Company")
and other mutual funds and pension funds managed by G.R.
Phelps & Co. Inc. ("G.R. Phelps"), the Company's former
investment adviser, which was a subsidiary of Connecticut
Mutual Life Insurance Company; he was also responsible for
managing the common stock department and common stock
investments of Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co.
Lawrence Apolito,
Vice President None.
Victor Babin,
Senior Vice President None.
Bruce Bartlett,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Formerly, a Vice President
and Senior Portfolio
Manager at First of America
Investment Corp.
George Batejan,
Executive Vice President,
Chief Information Officer Formerly Senior Vice President, Group Executive, and Senior
Systems Officer for American International Group (October
1994 - May, 1998).
John R. Blomfield,
Vice President Formerly Senior
Product Manager (November,
1995 - August, 1997) of
International Home Foods
and American Home Products
(March, 1994 - October,
1996).
Kathleen Beichert,
Vice President None.
Rajeev Bhaman,
Vice President Formerly, Vice
President (January 1992 -
February, 1996) of Asian
Equities for Barclays de
Zoete Wedd, Inc.
Robert J. Bishop,
Vice President Vice President of
Mutual Fund Accounting
(since May 1996); an
officer of other
Oppenheimer funds;
formerly, an Assistant Vice
President of OFI/Mutual
Fund Accounting (April
1994-May 1996), and a Fund
Controller for OFI.
George C. Bowen,
Senior Vice President, Treasurer
and Director Vice President (since June 1983) and Treasurer (since March
1985) of OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. (the
"Distributor"); Vice President (since October 1989) and
Treasurer (since April 1986) of HarbourView; Senior Vice
President (since February 1992), Treasurer (since July
1991)and a director (since December 1991) of Centennial;
President, Treasurer and a director of Centennial Capital
Corporation (since June 1989); Vice President and Treasurer
(since August 1978) and Secretary (since April 1981) of
Shareholder Services, Inc. ("SSI"); Vice President,
Treasurer and Secretary of Shareholder Financial Services,
Inc. ("SFSI") (since November 1989); Assistant Treasurer of
Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. ("OAC") (since March, 1998);
Treasurer of Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc. (since
November 1989); Vice President and Treasurer of ORAMI
(since July 1996); an officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
Scott Brooks,
Vice President None.
Susan Burton,
Vice President None.
Adele Campbell,
Assistant Vice President & Assistant
Treasurer: Rochester Division Formerly, Assistant Vice President of Rochester Fund
Services, Inc.
Michael Carbuto,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds;
Vice President of
Centennial.
John Cardillo,
Assistant Vice President None.
Erin Cawley,
Assistant Vice President None.
H.D. Digby Clements,
Assistant Vice President:
Rochester Division None.
O. Leonard Darling,
Executive Vice President Trustee (1993 - present) of Awhtolia College - Greece.
William DeJianne, None.
Assistant Vice President
Robert A. Densen,
Senior Vice President None.
Sheri Devereux,
Assistant Vice President None.
Craig P. Dinsell
Executive Vice President Formerly,
Senior Vice President of
Human Resources for
Fidelity Investments-Retail
Division (January, 1995 -
January, 1996), Fidelity
Investments FMR Co.
(January, 1996 - June,
1997) and Fidelity
Investments FTPG (June,
1997 - January, 1998).
Robert Doll, Jr.,
Executive Vice President & Director
An officer and/or portfolio
manager of certain
Oppenheimer funds.
John Doney,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Andrew J. Donohue,
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Director Executive Vice President (since September 1993), and a
director (since January 1992) of the Distributor; Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and a director of
HarbourView, SSI, SFSI and Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings,
Inc. since (September 1995); President and a director of
Centennial (since September 1995); President and a director
of ORAMI (since July 1996); General Counsel (since May
1996) and Secretary (since April 1997) of OAC; Vice
President and Director of OppenheimerFunds International,
Ltd. ("OFIL") and Oppenheimer Millennium Funds plc (since
October 1997); an officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
Patrick Dougherty, None.
Assistant Vice President
Bruce Dunbar, None.
Vice President
Eric Edstrom,
Vice President Formerly an
Assistant Vice President
and National Account
Executive (February 1996 -
August 1998) for MBNA
America.
George Evans,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Edward Everett,
Assistant Vice President None.
Scott Farrar,
Vice President Assistant
Treasurer of Oppenheimer
Millennium Funds plc (since
October 1997); an officer
of other Oppenheimer funds;
formerly, an Assistant Vice
President of OFI/Mutual
Fund Accounting (April
1994-May 1996), and a Fund
Controller for OFI.
Leslie A. Falconio,
Assistant Vice President None.
Katherine P. Feld,
Vice President and Secretary
Vice President and
Secretary of the
Distributor; Secretary of
HarbourView, and
Centennial; Secretary, Vice
President and Director of
Centennial Capital
Corporation; Vice President
and Secretary of ORAMI.
Ronald H. Fielding,
Senior Vice President; Chairman:
Rochester Division An officer, Director and/or portfolio manager of certain
Oppenheimer funds; Presently he holds the following other
positions: Director (since 1995) of ICI Mutual Insurance
Company; Governor (since 1994) of St. John's College;
Director (since 1994 - present) of International Museum of
Photography at George Eastman House. Formerly, he held the
following positions: formerly, Chairman of the Board and
Director of Rochester Fund Distributors, Inc. ("RFD");
President and Director of Fielding Management Company, Inc.
("FMC"); President and Director of Rochester Capital
Advisors, Inc. ("RCAI"); Managing Partner of Rochester
Capital Advisors, L.P., President and Director of Rochester
Fund Services, Inc. ("RFS"); President and Director of
Rochester Tax Managed Fund, Inc.; Director (1993 - 1997) of
VehiCare Corp.; Director (1993 - 1996) of VoiceMode.
John Fortuna,
Vice President None.
Patricia Foster,
Vice President Formerly, she
held the following
positions: An officer of
certain former Rochester
funds (May, 1993 - January,
1996); Secretary of
Rochester Capital Advisors,
Inc. and General Counsel
(June, 1993 - January 1996)
of Rochester Capital
Advisors, L.P.
Jennifer Foxson,
Vice President None.
Erin Gardiner,
Assistant Vice President None.
Linda Gardner,
Vice President None.
Alan Gilston,
Vice President Formerly, Vice President (1987-1997) for Schroder Capital
Management International.
Jill Glazerman,
Assistant Vice President None.
Robyn Goldstein-Liebler
Assistant Vice President None.
Mikhail Goldverg
Assistant Vice President None.
Jeremy Griffiths,
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer Chief
Financial Officer and
Treasurer (since March,
1998) of Oppenheimer
Acquisition Corp.; a Member
and Fellow of the Institute
of Chartered Accountants;
formerly, an accountant for
Arthur Young (London,
U.K.).
Robert Grill,
Senior Vice President Formerly,
Marketing Vice President
for Bankers Trust Company
(1993-1996); Steering
Committee Member,
Subcommittee Chairman for
American Savings Education
Council (1995-1996).
Caryn Halbrecht,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Elaine T. Hamann,
Vice President Formerly, Vice President (September, 1989 - January, 1997)
of Bankers Trust Company.
Robert Haley
Assistant Vice President Formerly,
Vice President of
Information Services for
Bankers Trust Company
(January, 1991 - November,
1997).
Thomas B. Hayes,
Vice President None.
Barbara Hennigar,
Executive Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer of
OppenheimerFunds Services,
a division of the Manager President and Director of SFSI; President and Chief
executive Officer of SSI.
Dorothy Hirshman, None.
Assistant Vice President
Merryl Hoffman,
Vice President None.
Nicholas Horsley,
Vice President Formerly, a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager for
Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc. (1993-1997), Co-manager of
Warburg, Pincus Emerging Markets Fund (12/94 - 10/97),
Co-manager Warburg, Pincus Institutional Emerging Markets
Fund - Emerging Markets Portfolio (8/96 - 10/97), Warburg
Pincus Japan OTC Fund, Associate Portfolio Manager of
Warburg Pincus International Equity Fund, Warburg Pincus
Institutional Fund - Intermediate Equity Portfolio, and
Warburg Pincus EAFE Fund.
Scott T. Huebl,
Assistant Vice President None.
Richard Hymes,
Vice President None.
Jane Ingalls,
Vice President None.
Kathleen T. Ives,
Vice President None.
Frank Jennings,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Thomas W. Keffer,
Senior Vice President None.
Avram Kornberg,
Vice President None.
John Kowalik,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager
for certain
OppenheimerFunds; formerly,
Managing Director and
Senior Portfolio Manager at
Prudential Global Advisors
(1989 -
1998).
Joseph Krist,
Assistant Vice President None.
Michael Levine,
Assistant Vice President None.
Shanquan Li,
Vice President None.
Stephen F. Libera,
Vice President An officer and/or portfolio manager for certain Oppenheimer
funds; a Chartered Financial Analyst; a Vice President of
HarbourView; prior to March 1996, the senior bond portfolio
manager for Panorama Series Fund Inc., other mutual funds
and pension accounts managed by G.R. Phelps; also
responsible for managing the public fixed-income securities
department at Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Co.
Mitchell J. Lindauer,
Vice President None.
Dan Loughran,
Assistant Vice President:
Rochester Division None.
David Mabry,
Assistant Vice President None.
Steve Macchia,
Assistant Vice President None.
Bridget Macaskill,
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director Chief Executive Officer (since September 1995); President
and director (since June 1991) of HarbourView; Chairman and
a director of SSI (since August 1994), and SFSI (September
1995); President (since September 1995) and a director
(since October 1990) of OAC; President (since September
1995) and a director (since November 1989) of Oppenheimer
Partnership Holdings, Inc., a holding company subsidiary of
OFI; a director of ORAMI (since July 1996) ; President and a
director (since October 1997) of OFIL, an offshore fund
manager subsidiary of OFI and Oppenheimer Millennium Funds
plc (since October 1997); President and a director of other
Oppenheimer funds; a director of Hillsdown Holdings plc (a
U.K. food company); formerly, an Executive Vice President of
OFI.
Wesley Mayer,
Vice President Formerly, Vice President (January, 1995 - June, 1996) of
Manufacturers Life Insurance Company.
Loretta McCarthy,
Executive Vice President None.
Kelley A. McCarthy-Kane
Assistant Vice President Formerly,
Product Manager, Assistant
Vice President (June 1995-
October, 1997) of Merrill
Lynch Pierce Fenner &
Smith.
Beth Michnowski,
Assistant Vice President Formerly Senior Marketing Manager May, 1996 - June, 1997)
and Director of Product Marketing (August, 1992 - May, 1996)
with Fidelity Investments.
Lisa Migan,
Assistant Vice President None.
Denis R. Molleur,
Vice President None.
Nikolaos Monoyios,
Vice President A Vice President
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds
(since April 1998); a
Certified Financial
Analyst; formerly, a Vice
President and portfolio
manager for Guardian
Investor Services, the
management subsidiary of
The Guardian Life Insurance
Company (since 1979).
Linda Moore,
Vice President Formerly, Marketing Manager (July 1995-November 1996) for
Chase Investment Services Corp.
Kenneth Nadler,
Vice President None.
David Negri,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Barbara Niederbrach,
Assistant Vice President None.
Robert A. Nowaczyk,
Vice President None.
Ray Olson,
Assistant Vice President None.
Richard M. O'Shaugnessy,
Assistant Vice President:
Rochester Division None.
Gina M. Palmieri,
Assistant Vice President None.
Robert E. Patterson,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
James Phillips
Assistant Vice President None.
Jane Putnam,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Michael Quinn,
Assistant Vice President Formerly, Assistant Vice President (April, 1995 - January,
1998) of Van Kampen American Capital.
Russell Read,
Senior Vice President Vice President of Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc.
(since March, 1995).
Thomas Reedy,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds;
formerly, a Securities
Analyst for the Manager.
John Reinhardt,
Vice President: Rochester Division None
Ruxandra Risko,
Vice President None.
Michael S. Rosen,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Richard H. Rubinstein,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Lawrence Rudnick,
Assistant Vice President None.
James Ruff,
Executive Vice President & Director None.
Valerie Sanders,
Vice President None.
Ellen Schoenfeld,
Assistant Vice President None.
Stephanie Seminara,
Vice President None.
Michelle Simone,
Assistant Vice President None.
Richard Soper,
Vice President None.
Stuart J. Speckman
Vice President Formerly, Vice President and Wholesaler for Prudential
Securities (December, 1990 - July, 1997).
Nancy Sperte,
Executive Vice President None.
Donald W. Spiro,
Chairman Emeritus and Director Vice
Chairman and Trustee of the
New York-based Oppenheimer
Funds; formerly, Chairman
of the Manager and the
Distributor.
Richard A. Stein,
Vice President: Rochester Division Assistant Vice President (since 1995) of Rochester Capitol
Advisors, L.P.
Arthur Steinmetz,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Ralph Stellmacher,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
John Stoma,
Senior Vice President, Director
of Retirement Plans None.
Michael C. Strathearn,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds;
a Chartered Financial
Analyst; a Vice President
of HarbourView.
James C. Swain,
Vice Chairman of the Board
Chairman, CEO and Trustee,
Director or Managing
Partner of the Denver-based
Oppenheimer Funds;
formerly, President and
Director of OAMC, CAMC and
Chairman of the Board of
SSI.
Susan Switzer,
Assistant Vice President
Anthony A. Tanner,
Vice President: Rochester Division
James Tobin,
Vice President None.
Susan Torrisi,
Assistant Vice President None.
Jay Tracey,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
James Turner,
Assistant Vice President None.
Maureen VanNorstrand,
Assistant Vice President None.
Ashwin Vasan,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds.
Teresa Ward,
Assistant Vice President None.
Jerry Webman,
Senior Vice President Director of New York-based tax-exempt fixed income
Oppenheimer funds.
Christine Wells,
Vice President None.
Joseph Welsh,
Assistant Vice President None.
Kenneth B. White,
Vice President An officer and/or
portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds;
a Chartered Financial
Analyst; Vice President of
HarbourView.
William L. Wilby,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds;
Vice President of
HarbourView.
Carol Wolf,
Vice President An officer and/or portfolio manager of certain Oppenheimer
funds; Vice President of Centennial; Vice President, Finance
and Accounting; Point of Contact: Finance Supporters of
Children; Member of the Oncology Advisory Board of the
Childrens Hospital.
Caleb Wong,
Assistant Vice President None.
Robert G. Zack,
Senior Vice President and
Assistant Secretary, Associate
General Counsel Assistant Secretary
of SSI (since May 1985),
SFSI (since November 1989),
OFIL (since 1998),
Oppenheimer Millennium
Funds plc (since October
1997); an officer of other
Oppenheimer funds.
Jill Zachman,
Assistant Vice President:
Rochester Division None.
Arthur J. Zimmer,
Senior Vice President An officer
and/or portfolio manager of
certain Oppenheimer funds;
Vice President of
Centennial.
</TABLE>
The Oppenheimer Funds include the New York-based Oppenheimer Funds, the
Denver-based Oppenheimer Funds and the Oppenheimer/Quest Rochester Funds, as set
forth below:
New York-based Oppenheimer Funds
Oppenheimer California Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund
Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund
Oppenheimer Discovery Fund
Oppenheimer Enterprise Fund
Oppenheimer Global Fund
Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income Fund
Oppenheimer Gold & Special Minerals Fund
Oppenheimer Growth Fund
Oppenheimer International Growth Fund
Oppenheimer International Small Company Fund
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Multi-Sector Income Trust
Oppenheimer Multi-State Municipal Trust
Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund
Oppenheimer Municipal Bond Fund
Oppenheimer New York Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Series Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust
Oppenheimer World Bond Fund
Quest/Rochester Funds
Limited Term New York Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund
Oppenheimer MidCap Fund
Oppenheimer Quest Capital Value Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Quest For Value Funds
Oppenheimer Quest Global Value Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Quest Value Fund, Inc.
Rochester Fund Municipals
Denver-based Oppenheimer Funds
Centennial America Fund, L.P.
Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Government Trust
Centennial Money Market Trust
Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Tax Exempt Trust
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves
Oppenheimer Champion Income Fund
Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund
Oppenheimer Integrity Funds
Oppenheimer International Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street Funds, Inc.
Oppenheimer Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Real Asset Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund
Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds
Panorama Series Fund, Inc.
The New York Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Inc.
The address of OppenheimerFunds, Inc., the New York-based Oppenheimer Funds, the
Quest Funds, OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc., HarbourView Asset Management
Corp., Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc., and Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp.
is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0203.
The address of the Denver-based Oppenheimer Funds, Shareholder Financial
Services, Inc., Shareholder Services, Inc., OppenheimerFunds Services,
Centennial Asset Management Corporation, Centennial Capital Corp., and
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. is 6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood,
Colorado 80112.
The address of the Rochester-based funds is 350 Linden Oaks, Rochester, New York
14625-2807.
Item 27. Principal Underwriter
(a) OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. is the Distributor of the Registrant's
shares. It is also the Distributor of each of the other registered open-end
investment companies for which OppenheimerFunds, Inc. is the investment adviser,
as described in Part A and B of this Registration Statement and listed in Item
26(b) above.
(b) The directors and officers of the Registrant's principal underwriter are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Name & Principal Positions & Offices Positions & Offices
Business Address with Underwriter with Registrant
Jason Bach Vice President None
31 Racquel Drive
Marietta, GA 30364
Peter Beebe Vice President None
876 Foxdale Avenue
Winnetka, IL 60093
Douglas S. Blankenship Vice President None
17011 Woodbank
Spring, TX 77379
George C. Bowen(1) Vice President and Vice President and
Treasurer Treasurer of the
Oppenheimer funds.
Peter W. Brennan Vice President None
1940 Cotswold Drive
Orlando, FL 32825
Robert Coli Vice President None
12 White Tail Lane
Bedminster, NJ 07921
Ronald T. Collins Vice President None
710-3 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
William Coughlin Vice President None
542 West Surf - #2N
Chicago, IL 60657
Mary Crooks(1)
Daniel Deckman Vice President None
12252 Rockledge Circle
Boca Raton, FL 33428
Christopher DeSimone Vice President None
5105 Aldrich Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Rhonda Dixon-Gunner(1) Assistant Vice President None
Andrew John Donohue(2) Executive Vice Secretary of the
President & Director Oppenheimer funds.
And General Counsel
John Donovan Vice President None
868 Washington Road
Woodbury, CT 06798
Kenneth Dorris Vice President None
4104 Harlanwood Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76109
Wendy H. Ehrlich Vice President None
4 Craig Street
Jericho, NY 11753
Kent Elwell Vice President None
35 Crown Terrace
Yardley, PA 19067
Todd Ermenio Vice President None
11011 South Darlington
Tulsa, OK 74137
John Ewalt Vice President None
2301 Overview Dr. NE
Tacoma, WA 98422
George Fahey Vice President None
412 Commons Way
Doylestown, PA 18901
Patrice Falagrady(1) Senior Vice President None
Eric Fallon Vice President None
10 Worth Circle
Newton, MA 02158
Katherine P. Feld(2) Vice President None
& Secretary
Mark Ferro Vice President None
43 Market Street
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Ronald H. Fielding(3) Vice President None
Ronald R. Foster Senior Vice President None
11339 Avant Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Patricia Gadecki-Wells Vice President None
950 First St., S.
Suite 204
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Luiggino Galleto Vice President None
10239 Rougemont Lane
Charlotte, NC 28277
Michelle Gans Vice President None
8327 Kimball Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55347
L. Daniel Garrity Vice President None
2120 Brookhaven View, N.E.
Atlanta, GA 30319
Mark Giles Vice President None
5506 Bryn Mawr
Dallas, TX 75209
Ralph Grant(2) Vice President/National None
Sales Manager
Michael Guman Vice President None
3913 Pleasent Avenue
Allentown, PA 18103
Allen Hamilton Vice President None
5 Giovanni
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
C. Webb Heidinger Vice President None
138 Gales Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Byron Ingram(1) Assistant Vice President None
Kathleen T. Ives(1) Vice President None
Eric K. Johnson Vice President None
3665 Clay Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
Mark D. Johnson Vice President None
409 Sundowner Ridge Court
Wildwood, MO 63011
Elyse Jurman Vice President None
1194 Hillsboro Mile, #51
Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062
Michael Keogh(2) Vice President None
Brian Kelly Vice President None
60 Larkspur Road
Fairfield, CT 06430
John Kennedy Vice President None
799 Paine Drive
Westchester, PA 19382
Richard Klein Vice President None
4820 Fremont Avenue So.
Minneapolis, MN 55409
Daniel Krause Vice President None
560 Beacon Hill Drive
Orange Village, OH 44022
Ilene Kutno(2) Vice President/ None
Director of Sales
Oren Lane Vice President None
5286 Timber Bend Drive
Brighton, MI 48116
Todd Lawson Vice President None
3333 E. Bayaud Avenue
Unit 714
Denver, CO 80209
Wayne A. LeBlang Senior Vice President None
54511 Southern Hills
LaQuinta, CA 92253
Dawn Lind Vice President None
7 Maize Court
Melville, NY 11747
James Loehle Vice President None
2714 Orchard Terrace
Linden, NJ 07036
Steve Manns Vice President None
1941 W. Wolfram Street
Chicago, IL 60657
Todd Marion Vice President None
39 Coleman Avenue
Chatham, N.J. 07928
Marie Masters Vice President None
8384 Glen Eagle Drive
Manlius, NY 13104
LuAnn Mascia(2) Assistant Vice President None
Theresa-Marie Maynier Vice President None
2421 Charlotte Drive
Charlotte, NC 28203
Anthony Mazzariello Vice President None
100 Anderson Street, #427
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
John McDonough Vice President None
3812 Leland Street
Chevey Chase, MD 20815
Wayne Meyer Vice President None
2617 Sun Meadow Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63005
Tanya Mrva(2) Assistant Vice President None
Laura Mulhall(2) Senior Vice President None
Charles Murray Vice President None
18 Spring Lake Drive
Far Hills, NJ 07931
Wendy Murray Vice President None
32 Carolin Road
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Denise-Marke Nakamura Vice President None
2870 White Ridge Place, #24
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Chad V. Noel Vice President None
2408 Eagleridge Dr.
Henderson, NV 89014
Joseph Norton Vice President None
2518 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Kevin Parchinski Vice President None
8409 West 116th Terrace
Overland Park, KS 66210
Gayle Pereira Vice President None
2707 Via Arboleda
San Clemente, CA 92672
Charles K. Pettit Vice President None
22 Fall Meadow Dr.
Pittsford, NY 14534
Bill Presutti Vice President None
130 E. 63rd Street, #10E
New York, NY 10021
Steve Puckett Vice President None
5297 Soledad Mountain Road
San Diego, CA 92109
Elaine Puleo(2) Senior Vice President None
Minnie Ra Vice President None
100 Delores Street, #203
Carmel, CA 93923
Dustin Raring Vice President None
378 Elm Street
Denver, CO 80220
Michael Raso Vice President None
16 N. Chatsworth Ave.
Apt. 301
Larchmont, NY 10538
John C. Reinhardt(3) Vice President None
Douglas Rentschler Vice President None
677 Middlesex Road
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
Ian Robertson Vice President None
4204 Summit Wa
Marietta, GA 30066
Michael S. Rosen(2) Vice President None
Kenneth Rosenson Vice President None
3505 Malibu Country Drive
Malibu, CA 90265
James Ruff(2) President None
Timothy Schoeffler Vice President None
1717 Fox Hall Road
Washington, DC 77479
Michael Sciortino Vice President None
785 Beau Chene Drive
Mandeville, LA 70471
Eric Sharp Vice President None
862 McNeill Circle
Woodland, CA 95695
Robert Shore Vice President None
26 Baroness Lane
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Timothy Stegner Vice President None
794 Jackson Street
Denver, CO 80206
Peter Sullivan Vice President None
21445 S. E 35th Street
Issaquah, WA 98029
David Sturgis Vice President None
44 Abington Road
Danvers, MA 0923
Brian Summe Vice President None
239 N. Colony Drive
Edgewood, KY 41017
George Sweeney Vice President None
5 Smokehouse Lane
Hummelstown, PA 17036
Andrew Sweeny Vice President None
5967 Bayberry Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Scott McGregor Tatum Vice President None
704 Inwood
Southlake, TX 76092
David G. Thomas Vice President None
7009 Metropolitan Place, #300
Falls Church, VA 22043
Sarah Turpin Vice President None
2201 Wolf Street, #5202
Dallas, TX 75201
Andrea Walsh(1) Vice President None
Suzanne Walters(1) Assistant Vice President None
Mark Stephen Vandehey(1) Vice President None
James Wiaduck Vice President None
29900 Meridian Place
#22303
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Marjorie Williams Vice President None
6930 East Ranch Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
</TABLE>
(1) 6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, CO 80112
(2) Two World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048
(3) 350 Linden Oaks, Rochester, NY 14623
(c) Not applicable.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
-------- --------------------------------
The accounts, books and other documents required to be
maintained by Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and rules promulgated thereunder are in the
possession of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. at its offices at 6803 South
Tucson Way, Englewood, CO 80112.
Item 29. Management Services
-------- -------------------
Not applicable.
Item 30. Undertakings
-------- ------------
Not applicable
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the
County of Arapahoe and State of Colorado on the 20th day of November,1998.
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
By: /s/ James C. Swain*
----------------------------------------
James C. Swain, Chairman
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities on
the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Signatures Title Date
- ---------- ----- ----
/s/ James C. Swain* Chairman of the
- --------------------- Board of Trustees, November 20, 1998
James C. Swain Principal Executive
Officer
/s/ George C. Bowen* Chief Financial
- --------------------- and Accounting November 20, 1998
George C. Bowen Officer, Treasurer,
Vice President and Trustee
/s/ Robert G. Avis* Trustee November 20, 1998
- ---------------------
Robert G. Avis
/s/ Willaim A. Baker* Trustee November 20, 1998
- ----------------------
William A. Baker
<PAGE>
/s/ Charles Conrad, Jr.* Trustee November 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Charles Conrad, Jr.
/s/ Jon S. Fossel* Trustee November 20, 1998
- -----------------------
Jon S. Fossel
/s/ Sam Freedman* Trustee November 20, 1998
- ------------------------
Sam Freedman
/s/ Raymond J. Kalinowski* Trustee November 20, 1998
- -------------------------
Raymond J. Kalinowski
/s/ C. Howard Kast* Trustee November 20, 1998
- -------------------------
C. Howard Kast
/s/ Robert M. Kirchner* Trustee November 20, 1998
- -------------------------
Robert M. Kirchner
/s/ Bridget A. Macaskill* President and
- ------------------------- Trustee November 20, 1998
Bridget A. Macaskill
/s/ Ned M. Steel* Trustee November 20, 1998
- -------------------------
Ned M. Steel
*By: /s/ Robert G. Zack
--------------------------------
Robert G. Zack, Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
Index to Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
- ----------- ------------
23(c)(iv) Class Y Speciman Share Certificate
23(m)(ii) Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan and
Agreement for class B Shares
23(m)(iii) Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan and
Agreement for Class C Shares
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
Class Y Share Certificate (8-1/2" x 12-5/8")
I. FRONT OF CERTIFICATE (All text and other matter lies within 7-1/4" x 11-1/4"
decorative border)
(upper left) box with heading: NUMBER (OF SHARES)
(upper right) box with heading: SHARES
(centered
below boxes) OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT
FUND
A MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST
(at left) THIS IS TO CERTIFY (at right) SEE REVERSE FOR
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
box with CUSIP number
68380F 400
(at left) is the owner of
(centered) FULLY PAID CLASS Y SHARES OF
BENEFICIAL INTEREST OF
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
------------------------
(hereinafter called the "Fund") transferable only on
the books of the Fund by the holder hereof in person
or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of
this certificate properly endorsed. This certificate
and the shares represented hereby are issued and
shall be held subject to all of the provisions of the
Declaration of Trust of the Fund to all of which the
holder by acceptance hereof assents. This certificate
is not valid until countersigned by the Transfer
Agent.
WITNESS the facsimile seal of the Fund and the
signatures of its duly authorized officers.
(at left (at right
of seal) of seal)
(signature) (signature)
/s/ George C. Bowen /s/ Bridget A. Macaskill
--------------------- ------------------------
TREASURER PRESIDENT
<PAGE>
(centered at bottom)
1-1/2" diameter facsimile seal
with legend
OPPENHEIMER LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
SEAL
1986
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
(at lower right, printed
vertically) Countersigned
OPPENHEIMERFUNDS SERVICES
(A division of OppenheimerFunds, Inc.)
Englewood (Colo.) Transfer Agent
By------------------------------
Authorized Signature
(at lower left corner, outside
ornamental border)
000-000000 [certificate number]
II. BACK OF CERTIFICATE (text reads from top to bottom of 12-5/8" dimension)
The following abbreviations when used in the inscription on the face of
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations.
TEN COM - as tenants in common TEN ENT - as tenants by the entirety JT TEN WROS
NOT TC - as tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT/TRANSFER MIN ACT - ----------------- Custodian -------------------
(Cust) (Minor)
UNDER UGMA/UTMA --------------------
(State)
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on above list.
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR
OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
AND PROVIDE CERTIFICATION BY TRANSFEREE
(box for identifying number)
For Value Received .............. hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print or type name and address of assignee)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------- Class Y Shares of beneficial
interest represented by the within certificate, and do hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint ----------------------------- Attorney to transfer the
said shares on the books of the within named Fund with full power of
substitution in the premises.
Dated: -----------------------
Signed: -----------------------------
-------------------------------------
(Both must sign if joint owners)
Signature(s) ------------------------
Guaranteed Firm or Bank
By: --------------------------
Officer
(text printed NOTICE: The signature(s) to this assignment
vertically to must correspond with the name(s) as written
right of above upon the face of the certificate in every
paragraph) particular without alteration or enlargement or any
change whatever.
(text printed in Signatures must be guaranteed by a financial
box to left of institution of the type described in the
signature(s) current prospectus of the Fund.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS SPACE MUST NOT BE COVERED IN ANY WAY
AMENDED AND RESTATED
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN AND AGREEMENT
With
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
For Class B Shares of
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
This Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan and Agreement (the
"Plan") is dated as of the 24th day of February, 1998, by and between
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund (the "Fund") and OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor").
1. The Plan. This Plan is the Fund's written distribution and service plan for
Class B shares of the Fund (the "Shares"), contemplated by Rule 12b-1 as it may
be amended from time to time (the "Rule") under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), pursuant to which the Fund will compensate the
Distributor for its services in connection with the distribution of Shares, and
the personal service and maintenance of shareholder accounts that hold Shares
("Accounts"). The Fund may act as distributor of securities of which it is the
issuer, pursuant to the Rule, according to the terms of this Plan. The terms and
provisions of this Plan shall be interpreted and defined in a manner consistent
with the provisions and definitions contained in (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the
Rule, (iii) Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., or any amendment or successor to such rule (the "NASD
Conduct Rules") and (iv) any conditions pertaining either to
distribution-related expenses or to a plan of distribution to which the Fund is
subject under any order on which the Fund relies, issued at any time by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
2. Definitions. As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
(a) "Recipient" shall mean any broker, dealer, bank or other person or
entity which: (i) has rendered assistance (whether direct, administrative or
both) in the distribution of Shares or has provided administrative support
services with respect to Shares held by Customers (defined below) of the
Recipient; (ii) shall furnish the Distributor (on behalf of the Fund) with such
information as the Distributor shall reasonably request to answer such questions
as may arise concerning the sale of Shares; and (iii) has been selected by the
Distributor to receive payments under the Plan.
(b) "Independent Trustees" shall mean the members of the Fund's Board
of Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
this Plan or in any agreement relating to this Plan.
(c) "Customers" shall mean such brokerage or other customers or
investment advisory or other clients of a Recipient, and/or accounts as to which
such Recipient provides administrative support services or is a custodian or
other fiduciary.
(d) "Qualified Holdings" shall mean, as to any Recipient, all Shares
owned beneficially or of record by: (i) such Recipient, or (ii) such Recipient's
Customers, but in no event shall any such Shares be deemed owned by more than
one Recipient for purposes of this Plan. In the event that more than one person
or entity would otherwise qualify as Recipients as to the same Shares, the
Recipient which is the dealer of record on the Fund's books as determined by the
Distributor shall be deemed the Recipient as to such Shares for purposes of this
Plan.
<PAGE>
5
3. Payments for Distribution Assistance and Administrative Support Services.
(a) Payments to the Distributor. In consideration of the payments made
by the Fund to the Distributor under this Plan, the Distributor shall provide
administrative support services and distribution assistance services to the
Fund. Such services include distribution assistance and administrative support
services rendered in connection with Shares (1) sold in purchase transactions,
(2) issued in exchange for shares of another investment company for which the
Distributor serves as distributor or sub-distributor, or (3) issued pursuant to
a plan of reorganization to which the Fund is a party. If the Board believes
that the Distributor may not be rendering appropriate distribution assistance or
administrative support services in connection with the sale of Shares, then the
Distributor, at the request of the Board, shall provide the Board with a written
report or other information to verify that the Distributor is providing
appropriate services in this regard. For such services, the Fund will make the
following payments to the Distributor:
(i) Administrative Support Services Fees. Within forty-five
(45) days of the end of each calendar quarter, the Fund will make payments in
the aggregate amount of 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during
that calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset value of the Shares computed as
of the close of each business day (the "Service Fee"). Such Service Fee payments
received from the Fund will compensate the Distributor for providing
administrative support services with respect to Accounts. The administrative
support services in connection with Accounts may include, but shall not be
limited to, the administrative support services that a Recipient may render as
described in Section 3(b)(i) below.
(ii) Distribution Assistance Fees (Asset-Based Sales Charge).
Within ten (10) days of the end of each month, the Fund will make payments in
the aggregate amount of 0.0625% (0.75% on an annual basis) of the average during
the month of the aggregate net asset value of Shares computed as of the close of
each business day (the "Asset-Based Sales Charge") outstanding for no more than
six years (the "Maximum Holding Period"). Such Asset-Based Sales Charge payments
received from the Fund will compensate the Distributor for providing
distribution assistance in connection with the sale of Shares.
The distribution assistance to be rendered by the Distributor
in connection with the Shares may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following: (i) paying sales commissions to any broker, dealer, bank or other
person or entity that sells Shares, and/or paying such persons "Advance Service
Fee Payments" (as defined below) in advance of, and/or in amounts greater than,
the amount provided for in Section 3(b) of this Agreement; (ii) paying
compensation to and expenses of personnel of the Distributor who support
distribution of Shares by Recipients; (iii) obtaining financing or providing
such financing from its own resources, or from an affiliate, for the interest
and other borrowing costs of the Distributor's unreimbursed expenses incurred in
rendering distribution assistance and administrative support services to the
Fund; and (iv) paying other direct distribution costs, including without
limitation the costs of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses (other
than those prospectuses furnished to current holders of the Fund's shares
("Shareholders")) and state "blue sky" registration expenses.
(b) Payments to Recipients. The Distributor is authorized under the
Plan to pay Recipients (1) distribution assistance fees for rendering
distribution assistance in connection with the sale of Shares and/or (2) service
fees for rendering administrative support services with respect to Accounts.
However, no such payments shall be made to any Recipient for any such quarter in
which its Qualified Holdings do not equal or exceed, at the end of such quarter,
the minimum amount ("Minimum Qualified Holdings"), if any, that may be set from
time to time by a majority of the Independent Trustees. All fee payments made by
the Distributor hereunder are subject to reduction or chargeback so that the
aggregate service fee payments and Advance Service Fee Payments do not exceed
the limits on payments to Recipients that are, or may be, imposed by the NASD
Conduct Rules. The Distributor may make Plan payments to any "affiliated person"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Distributor if such affiliated person
qualifies as a Recipient or retain such payments if the Distributor qualifies as
a Recipient.
<PAGE>
(i) Service Fee. In consideration of the administrative
support services provided by a Recipient during a calendar quarter, the
Distributor shall make service fee payments to that Recipient quarterly, within
forty-five (45) days of the end of each calendar quarter, at a rate not to
exceed 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during the calendar
quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares, computed as of the close of
each business day, constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of
record by the Recipient or by its Customers for a period of more than the
minimum period (the "Minimum Holding Period"), if any, that may be set from time
to time by a majority of the Independent Trustees.
Alternatively, the Distributor may, at its sole option, make
the following service fee payments to any Recipient quarterly, within forty-five
(45) days of the end of each calendar quarter: (i) "Advance Service Fee
Payments" at a rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average during the calendar
quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares, computed as of the close of
business on the day such Shares are sold, constituting Qualified Holdings, sold
by the Recipient during that quarter and owned beneficially or of record by the
Recipient or by its Customers, plus (ii) service fee payments at a rate not to
exceed 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during the calendar
quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares, computed as of the close of
each business day, constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of
record by the Recipient or by its Customers for a period of more than one (1)
year. At the Distributor's sole option, the Advance Service Fee Payments may be
made more often than quarterly, and sooner than the end of the calendar quarter.
In the event Shares are redeemed less than one year after the date such Shares
were sold, the Recipient is obligated to and will repay the Distributor on
demand a pro rata portion of such Advance Service Fee Payments, based on the
ratio of the time such Shares were held to one (1) year.
The administrative support services to be rendered by
Recipients in connection with the Accounts may include, but shall not be limited
to, the following: answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund, assisting in
the establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and
processing Share redemption transactions, making the Fund's investment plans and
dividend payment options available, and providing such other information and
services in connection with the rendering of personal services and/or the
maintenance of Accounts, as the Distributor or the Fund may reasonably request.
(ii) Distribution Assistance Fees (Asset-Based Sales Charge)
Payments. In its sole discretion and irrespective of whichever alternative
method of making service fee payments to Recipients is selected by the
Distributor, in addition the Distributor may make distribution assistance fee
payments to a Recipient quarterly, within forty-five (45) days after the end of
each calendar quarter, at a rate not to exceed 0.1875% (0.75% on an annual
basis) of the average during the calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset
value of Shares computed as of the close of each business day constituting
Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of record by the Recipient or its
Customers for no more than six years and for any minimum period that the
Distributor may establish. Distribution assistance fee payments shall be made
only to Recipients that are registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer or are
exempt from registration.
The distribution assistance to be rendered by the Recipients
in connection with the sale of Shares may include, but shall not be limited to,
the following: distributing sales literature and prospectuses other than those
furnished to current Shareholders, providing compensation to and paying expenses
of personnel of the Recipient who support the distribution of Shares by the
Recipient, and providing such other information and services in connection with
the distribution of Shares as the Distributor or the Fund may reasonably
request.
<PAGE>
(c) A majority of the Independent Trustees may at any time or from time
to time increase or decrease the rate of fees to be paid to the Distributor or
to any Recipient, but not to exceed the rates set forth above, and/or direct the
Distributor to increase or decrease the Maximum Holding Period, any Minimum
Holding Period or any Minimum Qualified Holdings. The Distributor shall notify
all Recipients of any Minimum Qualified Holdings, Maximum Holding Period and
Minimum Holding Period that are established and the rate of payments hereunder
applicable to Recipients, and shall provide each Recipient with written notice
within thirty (30) days after any change in these provisions. Inclusion of such
provisions or a change in such provisions in a revised current prospectus shall
constitute sufficient notice.
(d) The Service Fee and the Asset-Based Sales Charge on Shares are
subject to reduction or elimination under the limits to which the Distributor
is, or may become, subject under the NASD Conduct Rules.
(e) Under the Plan, payments may also be made to Recipients: (i) by
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. ("OFI") from its own resources (which may include profits
derived from the advisory fee it receives from the Fund), or (ii) by the
Distributor (a subsidiary of OFI), from its own resources, from Asset-Based
Sales Charge payments or from the proceeds of its borrowings, in either case, in
the discretion of OFI or the Distributor, respectively.
(f) Recipients are intended to have certain rights as third-party
beneficiaries under this Plan, subject to the limitations set forth below. It
may be presumed that a Recipient has provided distribution assistance or
administrative support services qualifying for payment under the Plan if it has
Qualified Holdings of Shares that entitle it to payments under the Plan. In the
event that either the Distributor or the Board should have reason to believe
that, notwithstanding the level of Qualified Holdings, a Recipient may not be
rendering appropriate distribution assistance in connection with the sale of
Shares or administrative support services for Accounts, then the Distributor, at
the request of the Board, shall require the Recipient to provide a written
report or other information to verify that said Recipient is providing
appropriate distribution assistance and/or services in this regard. If the
Distributor or the Board of Trustees still is not satisfied after the receipt of
such report, either may take appropriate steps to terminate the Recipient's
status as such under the Plan, whereupon such Recipient's rights as a
third-party beneficiary hereunder shall terminate. Additionally, in their
discretion, a majority of the Fund's Independent Trustees at any time may remove
any broker, dealer, bank or other person or entity as a Recipient, where upon
such person's or entity's rights as a third-party beneficiary hereof shall
terminate. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, this Plan does not
obligate or in any way make the Fund liable to make any payment whatsoever to
any person or entity other than directly to the Distributor. The Distributor has
no obligation to pay any Service Fees or Distribution Assistance Fees to any
Recipient if the Distributor has not received payment of Service Fees or
Distribution Assistance Fees from the Fund.
4. Selection and Nomination of Trustees. While this Plan is in effect, the
selection and nomination of persons to be Trustees of the Fund who are not
"interested persons" of the Fund ("Disinterested Trustees") shall be committed
to the discretion of the incumbent Disinterested Trustees. Nothing herein shall
prevent the incumbent Disinterested Trustees from soliciting the views or the
involvement of others in such selection or nominations as long as the final
decision on any such selection and nomination is approved by a majority of the
incumbent Disinterested Trustees.
5. Reports. While this Plan is in effect, the Treasurer of the Fund shall
provide written reports to the Fund's Board for its review, detailing the amount
of all payments made under this Plan and the purpose for which the payments were
made. The reports shall be provided quarterly, and shall state whether all
provisions of Section 3 of this Plan have been complied with.
<PAGE>
6. Related Agreements. Any agreement related to this Plan shall be in writing
and shall provide that: (i) such agreement may be terminated at any time,
without payment of any penalty, by a vote of a majority of the Independent
Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Fund's outstanding Class B voting shares; (ii) such termination
shall be on not more than sixty days' written notice to any other party to the
agreement; (iii) such agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of
its "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act); (iv) such agreement shall go into
effect when approved by a vote of the Board and its Independent Trustees cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement; and (v)
such agreement shall, unless terminated as herein provided, continue in effect
from year to year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by a vote of the Board and its Independent Trustees cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance.
7. Effectiveness, Continuation, Termination and Amendment. This Amended and
Restated Plan has been approved by a vote of the Board and of the Independent
Trustees and replaces the Fund's prior Distribution and Service Plan for Class B
Shares. Unless terminated as hereinafter provided, it shall continue in effect
until renewed by the Board in accordance with the Rule and thereafter from year
to year or as the Board may otherwise determine but only so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of the Board
and its Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such continuance.
This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of
payments to be made under this Plan, without approval of the Class B
Shareholders at a meeting called for that purpose, and all material amendments
must be approved by a vote of the Board and of the Independent Trustees.
This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a "majority" (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding Class B voting shares. In the event
of such termination, the Board and its Independent Trustees shall determine
whether the Distributor shall be entitled to payment from the Fund of all or a
portion of the Service Fee and/or the Asset-Based Sales Charge in respect of
Shares sold prior to the effective date of such termination.
8. Disclaimer of Shareholder and Trustee Liability. The Distributor understands
that the obligations of the Fund under this Plan are not binding upon any
Trustee or shareholder of the Fund personally, but bind only the Fund and the
Fund's property. The Distributor represents that it has notice of the provisions
of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund disclaiming shareholder and Trustee
liability for acts or obligations of the Fund.
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
By: /s/ Andrew J. Donohue
Andrew J. Donohue
Vice President and Secretary
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
By: /s/ George C. Bowen
George C. Bowen
Vice President and Treasurer
AMENDED AND RESTATED
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN AND AGREEMENT
with
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
For Class C Shares of
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
This Amended and Restated Distribution and Service Plan and Agreement (the
"Plan") is dated as of the 24th day of February, 1998, by and between
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund (the "Fund") and OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor").
1. The Plan. This Plan is the Fund's written distribution and service plan for
Class C shares of the Fund (the "Shares"), contemplated by Rule 12b-1 as it may
be amended from time to time (the "Rule") under the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), pursuant to which the Fund will compensate the
Distributor for its services in connection with the distribution of Shares, and
the personal service and maintenance of shareholder accounts that hold Shares
("Accounts"). The Fund may act as distributor of securities of which it is the
issuer, pursuant to the Rule, according to the terms of this Plan. The terms and
provisions of this Plan shall be interpreted and defined in a manner consistent
with the provisions and definitions contained in (i) the 1940 Act, (ii) the
Rule, (iii) Rule 2830 of the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., or any applicable amendment or successor to such rule
(the "NASD Conduct Rules") and (iv) any conditions pertaining either to
distribution-related expenses or to a plan of distribution to which the Fund is
subject under any order on which the Fund relies, issued at any time by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
2. Definitions. As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
(a) "Recipient" shall mean any broker, dealer, bank or other person or
entity which: (i) has rendered assistance (whether direct, administrative or
both) in the distribution of Shares or has provided administrative support
services with respect to Shares held by Customers (defined below) of the
Recipient; (ii) shall furnish the Distributor (on behalf of the Fund) with such
information as the Distributor shall reasonably request to answer such questions
as may arise concerning the sale of Shares; and (iii) has been selected by the
Distributor to receive payments under the Plan.
(b) "Independent Trustees" shall mean the members of the Fund's Board
of Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
this Plan or in any agreement relating to this Plan.
(c) "Customers" shall mean such brokerage or other customers or
investment advisory or other clients of a Recipient, and/or accounts as to which
such Recipient provides administrative support services or is a custodian or
other fiduciary.
(d) "Qualified Holdings" shall mean, as to any Recipient, all Shares
owned beneficially or of record by: (i) such Recipient, or (ii) such Recipient's
Customers, but in no event shall any such Shares be deemed owned by more than
one Recipient for purposes of this Plan. In the event that more than one person
or entity would otherwise qualify as Recipients as to the same Shares, the
Recipient which is the dealer of record on the Fund's books as determined by the
Distributor shall be deemed the Recipient as to such Shares for purposes of this
Plan.
<PAGE>
5
3. Payments for Distribution Assistance and Administrative Support Services.
(a) Payments to the Distributor. In consideration of the payments made
by the Fund to the Distributor under this Plan, the Distributor shall provide
administrative support services and distribution services to the Fund. Such
services include distribution assistance and administrative support services
rendered in connection with Shares (1) sold in purchase transactions, (2) issued
in exchange for shares of another investment company for which the Distributor
serves as distributor or sub-distributor, or (3) issued pursuant to a plan of
reorganization to which the Fund is a party. If the Board believes that the
Distributor may not be rendering appropriate distribution assistance or
administrative support services in connection with the sale of Shares, then the
Distributor, at the request of the Board, shall provide the Board with a written
report or other information to verify that the Distributor is providing
appropriate services in this regard. For such services, the Fund will make the
following payments to the Distributor:
(i) Administrative Support Service Fees. Within forty-five
(45) days of the end of each calendar quarter, the Fund will make payments in
the aggregate amount of 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during
that calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset value of the Shares computed as
of the close of each business day (the "Service Fee"). Such Service Fee payments
received from the Fund will compensate the Distributor for providing
administrative support services with respect to Accounts. The administrative
support services in connection with Accounts may include, but shall not be
limited to, the administrative support services that a Recipient may render as
described in Section 3(b)(i) below.
(ii) Distribution Assistance Fees (Asset-Based Sales Charge).
Within ten (10) days of the end of each month, the Fund will make payments in
the aggregate amount of 0.0625% (0.75% on an annual basis) of the average during
the month of the aggregate net asset value of Shares computed as of the close of
each business day (the "Asset-Based Sales Charge"). Such Asset-Based Sales
Charge payments received from the Fund will compensate the Distributor for
providing distribution assistance in connection with the sale of Shares.
The distribution assistance services to be rendered by the Distributor
in connection with the Shares may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following: (i) paying sales commissions to any broker, dealer, bank or other
person or entity that sells Shares, and/or paying such persons "Advance Service
Fee Payments" (as defined below) in advance of, and/or in amounts greater than,
the amount provided for in Section 3(b) of this Agreement; (ii) paying
compensation to and expenses of personnel of the Distributor who support
distribution of Shares by Recipients; (iii) obtaining financing or providing
such financing from its own resources, or from an affiliate, for the interest
and other borrowing costs of the Distributor's unreimbursed expenses incurred in
rendering distribution assistance and administrative support services to the
Fund; and (iv) paying other direct distribution costs, including without
limitation the costs of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses (other
than those prospectuses furnished to current holders of the Fund's shares
("Shareholders")) and state "blue sky" registration expenses.
(b) Payments to Recipients. The Distributor is authorized under the
Plan to pay Recipients (1) distribution assistance fees for rendering
distribution assistance in connection with the sale of Shares and/or (2) service
fees for rendering administrative support services with respect to Accounts.
However, no such payments shall be made to any Recipient for any quarter in
which its Qualified Holdings do not equal or exceed, at the end of such quarter,
the minimum amount ("Minimum Qualified Holdings"), if any, that may be set from
time to time by a majority of the Independent Trustees. All fee payments made by
the Distributor hereunder are subject to reduction or chargeback so that the
aggregate service fee payments and Advance Service Fee Payments do not exceed
the limits on payments to Recipients that are, or may be, imposed by the NASD
Conduct Rules. The Distributor may make Plan payments to any "affiliated person"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Distributor if such affiliated person
qualifies as a Recipient or retain such payments if the Distributor qualifies as
a Recipient.
<PAGE>
In consideration of the services provided by Recipients, the
Distributor shall make the following payments to Recipients:
(i) Service Fee. In consideration of administrative support
services provided by a Recipient during a calendar quarter, the Distributor
shall make service fee payments to that Recipient quarterly, within forty-five
(45) days of the end of each calendar quarter, at a rate not to exceed 0.0625%
(0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during the calendar quarter of the
aggregate net asset value of Shares, computed as of the close of each business
day, constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of record by the
Recipient or by its Customers for a period of more than the minimum period (the
"Minimum Holding Period"), if any, that may be set from time to time by a
majority of the Independent Trustees.
Alternatively, the Distributor may, at its sole option, make the
following service fee payments to any Recipient quarterly, within forty-five
(45) days of the end of each calendar quarter: (A) "Advance Service Fee
Payments" at a rate not to exceed 0.25% of the average during the calendar
quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares, computed as of the close of
business on the day such Shares are sold, constituting Qualified Holdings, sold
by the Recipient during that quarter and owned beneficially or of record by the
Recipient or by its Customers, plus (B) service fee payments at a rate not to
exceed 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during the calendar
quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares, computed as of the close of
each business day, constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of
record by the Recipient or by its Customers for a period of more than one (1)
year. At the Distributor's sole option, Advance Service Fee Payments may be made
more often than quarterly, and sooner than the end of the calendar quarter. In
the event Shares are redeemed less than one year after the date such Shares were
sold, the Recipient is obligated to and will repay the Distributor on demand a
pro rata portion of such Advance Service Fee Payments, based on the ratio of the
time such Shares were held to one (1) year.
The administrative support services to be rendered by Recipients in
connection with the Accounts may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following: answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund, assisting in the
establishment and maintenance of accounts or sub-accounts in the Fund and
processing Share redemption transactions, making the Fund's investment plans and
dividend payment options available, and providing such other information and
services in connection with the rendering of personal services and/or the
maintenance of Accounts, as the Distributor or the Fund may reasonably request.
(ii) Distribution Assistance Fee (Asset-Based Sales Charge)
Payments. Irrespective of whichever alternative method of making service fee
payments to Recipients is selected by the Distributor, in addition the
Distributor shall make distribution assistance fee payments to each Recipient
quarterly, within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter,
at a rate not to exceed 0.1875% (0.75% on an annual basis) of the average during
the calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares computed as of
the close of each business day constituting Qualified Holdings owned
beneficially or of record by the Recipient or its Customers for a period of more
than one (1) year. Alternatively, at its sole option, the Distributor may make
distribution assistance fee payments to a Recipient quarterly, at the rate
described above, on Shares constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or
of record by the Recipient or its Customers without regard to the 1-year holding
period described above. Distribution assistance fee payments shall be made only
to Recipients that are registered with the SEC as a broker-dealer or are exempt
from registration.
The distribution assistance to be rendered by the Recipients in
connection with the sale of Shares may include, but shall not be limited to, the
following: distributing sales literature and prospectuses other than those
furnished to current Shareholders, providing compensation to and paying expenses
of personnel of the Recipient who support the distribution of Shares by the
Recipient, and providing such other information and services in connection with
the distribution of Shares as the Distributor or the Fund may reasonably
request.
<PAGE>
(c) A majority of the Independent Trustees may at any time or from time
to time (i) increase or decrease the rate of fees to be paid to the Distributor
or to any Recipient, but not to exceed the rates set forth above, and/or (ii)
direct the Distributor to increase or decrease any Minimum Holding Period, any
maximum period set by a majority of the Independent Trustees during which fees
will be paid on Shares constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of
record by a Recipient or by its Customers (the "Maximum Holding Period"), or
Minimum Qualified Holdings. The Distributor shall notify all Recipients of any
Minimum Qualified Holdings, Maximum Holding Period and Minimum Holding Period
that are established and the rate of payments hereunder applicable to
Recipients, and shall provide each Recipient with written notice within thirty
(30) days after any change in these provisions. Inclusion of such provisions or
a change in such provisions in a supplement or amendment to or revision of the
prospectus of the Fund shall constitute sufficient notice.
(d) The Service Fee and the Asset-Based Sales Charge on Shares are
subject to reduction or elimination under the limits to which the Distributor
is, or may become, subject under the NASD Conduct Rules.
(e) Under the Plan, payments may also be made to Recipients: (i) by
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. ("OFI") from its own resources (which may include profits
derived from the advisory fee it receives from the Fund), or (ii) by the
Distributor (a subsidiary of OFI), from its own resources, from Asset-Based
Sales Charge payments or from the proceeds of its borrowings, in either case, in
the discretion of OFI or the Distributor, respectively.
(f) Recipients are intended to have certain rights as third-party
beneficiaries under this Plan, subject to the limitations set forth below. It
may be presumed that a Recipient has provided distribution assistance or
administrative support services qualifying for payment under the Plan if it has
Qualified Holdings of Shares that entitle it to payments under the Plan. If
either the Distributor or the Board believe that, notwithstanding the level of
Qualified Holdings, a Recipient may not be rendering appropriate distribution
assistance in connection with the sale of Shares or administrative support
services for Accounts, then the Distributor, at the request of the Board, shall
require the Recipient to provide a written report or other information to verify
that said Recipient is providing appropriate distribution assistance and/or
services in this regard. If the Distributor or the Board of Trustees still is
not satisfied after the receipt of such report, either may take appropriate
steps to terminate the Recipient's status as a Recipient under the Plan,
whereupon such Recipient's rights as a third-party beneficiary hereunder shall
terminate. Additionally, in their discretion a majority of the Fund's
Independent Trustees at any time may remove any broker, dealer, bank or other
person or entity as a Recipient, whereupon such person's or entity's rights as a
third-party beneficiary hereof shall terminate. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Plan, this Plan does not obligate or in any way make the Fund
liable to make any payment whatsoever to any person or entity other than
directly to the Distributor. The Distributor has no obligation to pay any
Service Fees or Distribution Assistance Fees to any Recipient if the Distributor
has not received payment of Service Fees or Distribution Assistance Fees from
the Fund.
4. Selection and Nomination of Trustees. While this Plan is in effect, the
selection and nomination of persons to be Trustees of the Fund who are not
"interested persons" of the Fund ("Disinterested Trustees") shall be committed
to the discretion of the incumbent Disinterested Trustees. Nothing herein shall
prevent the incumbent Disinterested Trustees from soliciting the views or the
involvement of others in such selection or nomination as long as the final
decision on any such selection and nomination is approved by a majority of the
incumbent Disinterested Trustees.
5. Reports. While this Plan is in effect, the Treasurer of the Fund shall
provide written reports to the Fund's Board for its review, detailing the amount
of all payments made under this Plan and the purpose for which the payments were
made. The reports shall be provided quarterly, and shall state whether all
provisions of Section 3 of this Plan have been complied with.
<PAGE>
6. Related Agreements. Any agreement related to this Plan shall be in writing
and shall provide that: (i) such agreement may be terminated at any time,
without payment of any penalty, by a vote of a majority of the Independent
Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting Class C shares; (ii) such termination
shall be on not more than sixty days' written notice to any other party to the
agreement; (iii) such agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of
its "assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act); (iv) such agreement shall go into
effect when approved by a vote of the Board and its Independent Trustees cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such agreement; and (v)
such agreement shall, unless terminated as herein provided, continue in effect
from year to year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by a vote of the Board and its Independent Trustees cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance.
7. Effectiveness, Continuation, Termination and Amendment. This Amended and
Restated Plan has been approved by a vote of the Board and of the Independent
Trustees and replaces the Fund's prior Distribution and Service Plan for Class C
Shares. Unless terminated as hereinafter provided, it shall continue in effect
until renewed by the Board in accordance with the Rule and thereafter from year
to year or as the Board may otherwise determine but only so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of the Board
and its Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such continuance.
This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of
payments to be made under this Plan, without approval of the Class C
Shareholders at a meeting called for that purpose and all material amendments
must be approved by a vote of the Board and of the Independent Trustees.
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a "majority" (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding Class C voting shares. In the event
of such termination, the Board and its Independent Trustees shall determine
whether the Distributor shall be entitled to payment from the Fund of all or a
portion of the Service Fee and/or the Asset-Based Sales Charge in respect of
Shares sold prior to the effective date of such termination.
8. Disclaimer of Shareholder and Trustee Liability. The Distributor understands
that the obligations of the Fund under this Plan are not binding upon any
Trustee or shareholder of the Fund personally, but bind only the Fund and the
Fund's property. The Distributor represents that it has notice of the provisions
of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund disclaiming shareholder and Trustee
liability for acts or obligations of the Fund.
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
By: /s/ Andrew J. Donohue
Andrew J. Donohue
Vice President and Secretary
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
By: /s/ George C. Bowen
George C. Bowen
Vice President and Treasurer