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PREMIER GNMA FUND
(LION LOGO)
PROSPECTUS MAY 1, 1995
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Premier GNMA Fund (the "Fund") is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company, known as a mutual
fund. Its goal is to provide you with as high a level of current income
as is consistent with the preservation of capital by investing principally
in instruments issued by the Government National Mortgage Association.
By this Prospectus, Class A and Class B shares of the Fund
are being offered. Class A shares are subject to a sales charge imposed
at the time of purchase and Class B shares are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge imposed at the time of redemption on redemptions
made within five years of purchase. Other differences between the two
Classes include the services offered to and the expenses borne by each
Class and certain voting rights, as described herein. The Fund offers
these alternatives to permit an investor to choose the method of
purchasing shares that is most beneficial given the amount of the
purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and
other circumstances.
The Fund provides free redemption checks with respect to
Class A, which you can use in amounts of $500 or more for cash or to pay
bills. You continue to earn income on the amount of the check until it
clears. You can purchase or redeem shares by telephone using the
TELETRANSFER Privilege.
The Dreyfus Corporation professionally manages the Fund's
portfolio.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely information about the
Fund that you should know before investing. It should be read and
retained for future reference.
The Statement of Additional Information, dated May 1, 1995,
which may be revised from time to time, provides a further discussion of
certain areas in this Prospectus and other matters which may be of
interest to some investors. It has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is incorporated herein by reference. For a free
copy, write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New
York 11556-0144, or call 1-800-554-4611. When telephoning, ask for
Operator 144.
MUTUAL FUND SHARES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY
OTHER AGENCY. MUTUAL FUND SHARES INVOLVE CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISKS,
INCLUDING THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR
HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fee Table.......................................... 3
Condensed Financial Information.................... 4
Alternative Purchase Methods....................... 4
Description of the Fund............................ 5
Management of the Fund............................. 8
How to Buy Fund Shares............................. 9
Shareholder Services............................... 14
How to Redeem Fund Shares.......................... 18
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan.... 22
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................. 23
Performance Information............................ 25
General Information................................ 26
Page 2
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEE TABLE
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS A CLASS B
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% none
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge Imposed on Redemptions
(as a percentage of the amount subject to charge) none* 3.00%
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*A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% may be assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares purchased
without an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million or more.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
Management Fees....................................... .55% .55%
12b-1 Fees............................................ none .50%
Other Expenses ....................................... .45% .51%
Total Fund Operating Expenses......................... 1.00% 1.56%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) except where noted, redemption
at the end of each time period: CLASS A CLASS B CLASS B*
1 Year...................................... $ 55 $ 46 $ 16
3 Years..................................... $ 75 $ 69 $ 49
5 Years..................................... $ 98 $ 95 $ 85
10 Years**.................................. $162 $157 $157
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*Assuming no redemption of Class B shares.
**Ten-year figures assume conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares at the end of the sixth year following the
date of purchase.
</TABLE>
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THE AMOUNTS LISTED IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS
REPRESENTATIVE OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES AND
ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE INDICATED. MOREOVER,
WHILE THE EXAMPLE ASSUMES A 5% ANNUAL RETURN, THE FUND'S ACTUAL
PERFORMANCE WILL VARY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACTUAL RETURN GREATER OR LESS
THAN 5%.
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The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist you in
understanding the various costs and expenses that investors will bear,
directly or indirectly, the payment of which will reduce investors'
return on an annual basis. Long-term investors in Class B shares could
pay more in 12b-1 fees than the economic equivalent of paying a front-end
sales charge. The information in the foregoing table does not reflect any
fee waivers or expense reimbursement arrangements that may be in effect.
Certain Service Agents (as defined below) may charge their clients direct
fees for effecting transactions in Fund shares; such fees are not
reflected in the foregoing table. See "Management of the Fund," "How to
Buy Fund Shares" and "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
Page 3
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The information in the following table has been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report thereon
appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Further financial
data and related notes are included in the Statement of Additional
Information, available upon request.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Contained below is per share operating performance for a
share of beneficial interest outstanding, total investment return, ratios
to average net assets and other supplemental data for each year
indicated. This information has been derived from the Fund's financial
statements.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
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YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED
-------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
-----------------
PER SHARE DATA: 1987(1) 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1993(2) 1994
--------- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value,
beginning of year.. $14.50 $13.87 $14.01 $14.28 $14.38 $15.30 $14.90 $14.84 $14.98 $14.84
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net.. 1.28 1.35 1.36 1.32 1.20 1.10 .95 .88 .83 .80
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments.. (.63) .40 .31 .10 .92 (.15) .24 (1.30) .16 (1.29)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT
OPERATIONS......... .65 1.75 1.67 1.42 2.12 .95 1.19 (.42) .99 (.49)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
DISTRIBUTIONS:
Dividends from investment
income-net......... (1.28) (1.35) (1.36) (1.32) (1.20) (1.10) (.95) (.88) (.83) (.80)
Dividends from net realized gain
on investments..... -- (.26) (.04) -- -- (.25) (.30) -- (.30) --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (1.28) (1.61) (1.40) (1.32) (1.20) (1.35) (1.25) (.88) (1.13) (.80)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of year.. $13.87 $14.01 $14.28 $14.38 $15.30 $14.90 $14.84 $13.54 $14.84 $13.55
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(3).. 5.14%(4) 12.96% 12.51% 10.57% 15.43% 6.50% 8.20% (2.91%) 7.03%(4) (3.39%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Ratio of expenses to
average net assets... -- -- -- .08% .64% .71% .78% .94% 1.30%(4) 1.51%
Ratio of net investment
income to average
net assets......... 9.86%(4) 9.28% 9.50% 9.28% 8.09% 7.23% 6.24% 6.20% 5.38%(4) 5.61%
Decrease reflected in above
expense ratios
due to undertakings by
The Dreyfus Corporation.. 1.50%(4) 1.50% 1.50% 1.20% .52% .36% .22% .06% .20%(4) .05%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.. 64.18%(5) 2,089.62%(6) 1,069.14%(6) 19.44% 36.90% 60.12% 274.95% 427.27% 274.95% 427.27%
Net Assets, end of year
(000's omitted).. $7,265 $13,612 $30,068 $53,875 $113,434 $163,967 $197,239 $141,456 $29,648 $35,710
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(1) From January 29, 1987 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1987.
(2) From January 15, 1993 (commencement of initial offering) to December 31, 1993.
(3) Exclusive of sales charge.
(4) Annualized.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) The high portfolio turnover rate arose due to the selling off of large amounts
of unsettled securities bought to take advantage of favorable short-term market fluctuations.
</TABLE>
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained
in its annual report, which may be obtained without charge by writing to
the address or calling the number set forth on the cover page of this
Prospectus.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE METHODS
The Fund offers you two methods of purchasing Fund shares;
you may choose the Class of shares that best suits your needs, given the
amount of your purchase, the length of time you expect to hold your
shares and any other relevant circumstances. Each Class A and Class B
share represents an identical pro rata interest in the Fund's investment
portfolio.
Page 4
Class A shares are sold at net asset value per share plus a
maximum initial sales charge of 4.50% of the public offering price
imposed at the time of purchase. The initial sales charge may be reduced
or waived for certain purchases. See "How to Buy Fund Shares-Class A
Shares." These shares are subject to an annual service fee at the rate of
.25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class A. See
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan-Shareholder Services
Plan."
Class B shares are sold at net asset value per share with no
initial sales charge at the time of purchase; as a result, the entire
purchase price is immediately invested in the Fund. Class B shares are
subject to a maximum 3% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC"), which
is assessed only if you redeem Class B shares within the first five years
of their purchase. See "How to Buy Fund Shares-Class B Shares" and "How
to Redeem Fund Shares-Contingent Deferred Sales Charge-Class B Shares."
These shares also are subject to an annual service fee at the rate of .25
of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B. In
addition, Class B shares are subject to an annual distribution fee at the
rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class
B. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan." The
distribution fee paid by Class B will cause such Class to have a higher
expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than Class A. Approximately six
years after the date of purchase, Class B shares automatically will
convert to Class A shares, based on the relative net asset values for
shares of each Class, and will no longer be subject to the distribution
fee. Class B shares that have been acquired through the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions will be converted on a pro rata basis
together with other Class B shares, in the proportion that a
shareholder's Class B shares converting to Class A shares bears to the
total Class B shares not acquired through the reinvestment of dividends
and distributions.
The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial
to you depends on the amount and intended length of time of your
investment. You should consider whether, during the anticipated life of
your investment in the Fund, the accumulated distribution fee and CDSC on
Class B shares prior to conversion would be less than the initial sales
charge on Class A shares purchased at the same time, and to what extent,
if any, such differential would be offset by the return of Class A. In
this regard, generally, Class B shares may be more appropriate for
investors who invest less than $100,000 in Fund shares. Additionally,
investors qualifying for reduced initial sales charges who expect to
maintain their investment for an extended period of time might consider
purchasing Class A shares because the accumulated continuing distribution
fees on Class B shares may exceed the initial sales charge on Class A
shares during the life of the investment. Generally, Class A shares may
be more appropriate for investors who invest $250,000 or more in Fund
shares.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's goal is to provide you with as high a level of
current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital. The
Fund's investment objective cannot be changed without approval by the
holders of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940)
of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. There can be no assurance that
the Fund's investment objective will be achieved.
Page 5
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
It is a fundamental policy of the Fund that it will invest at
least 65% of the value of its net assets (except when maintaining a
temporary defensive position) in "GNMA Certificates" (popularly called
"Ginnie Maes").
Ginnie Maes are backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Ginnie Maes are mortgage-backed securities representing
part ownership of a pool of mortgage loans which are insured by the
Federal Housing Administration or Farmers' Home Administration or
guaranteed by the Veterans' Administration. The Fund invests in Ginnie
Maes only of the "fully modified pass-through" type which are guaranteed
as to timely payment of principal and interest by the Government National
Mortgage Association, a U.S. Government corporation. The Fund may
purchase Ginnie Maes on a when-issued basis as described under
"Investment Considerations" below.
The Fund may purchase other securities issued or guaranteed
by, or exchangeable for securities issued or guaranteed by, the U.S.
Government or issued by its agencies or instrumentalities that are backed
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. For temporary
defensive purposes, the entire portfolio may be so invested.
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which
differ in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance.
Obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities that are supported by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury include those issued by the United States Maritime
Administration.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
LEVERAGE THROUGH BORROWING - The Fund may borrow for investment
purposes up to 331/3% of the value of its total assets. This borrowing,
which is known as leveraging, generally will be unsecured, except to the
extent the Fund enters into reverse repurchase agreements described
below. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any
increase or decrease in the market value of the Fund's portfolio. Money
borrowed for leveraging will be subject to interest costs that may or may
not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain
cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased.
Among the forms of borrowing in which the Fund may engage is
the entry into reverse repurchase agreements with banks, brokers or
dealers. These transactions involve the transfer by the Fund of an
underlying debt instrument in return for cash proceeds based on a
percentage of the value of the security. The Fund retains the right to
receive interest and principal payments on the security. At an agreed
upon future date, the Fund repurchases the security at principal, plus
accrued interest.
DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTIONS - The Fund may engage in dollar roll
transactions, which is a form of secured borrowing. A dollar roll
transaction involves a sale by the Fund of a security to a financial
institution, such as a bank or broker-dealer, concurrently with an
agreement by the Fund to repurchase a similar security from the
institution at a later date at an agreed-upon price. The securities that
are repurchased will bear the same interest rate as those sold, but
generally will be collateralized by different pools of mortgages with
different prepayment histories than those sold. Proceeds of the sale will
be invested in additional instruments for the Fund, and the income from
these investments, together with any additional fee income
Page 6
received on the sale, are expected to generate income for the Fund
exceeding the yield on the securities sold. Dollar roll transactions
involve the risk that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund
may decline below the repurchase price of those securities.
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES - The Fund may (i) borrow to the extent
permitted under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which currently
limits borrowing to no more than 331/3% of the value of the Fund's total
assets; and (ii) invest up to 25% of its total assets in the securities
of issuers in any industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on
the purchase of Ginnie Maes and other securities issued, guaranteed or
backed by the U.S. Government, as described above. This paragraph
describes fundamental policies that cannot be changed without approval by
the holders of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares. See "Investment Objective
and Management Policies-Investment Restrictions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The prices of Ginnie Maes are inversely affected by changes
in interest rates and, therefore, Ginnie Maes are subject to the risk of
market price fluctuations. Although Ginnie Maes may offer yields which
are higher than those available on other types of U.S. Government
securities, they may be less effective as a means of "locking in"
attractive long-term interest rates. This is a result of the need to
reinvest prepayment of principal generally and the possibility of
significant unscheduled prepayments resulting from declines in mortgage
interest rates. Prepayments and scheduled payments of principal will be
reinvested at prevailing interest rates, which may be less than the rate
of interest that was payable on the Ginnie Maes in respect of which the
principal payment was made. Ginnie Maes have less potential for capital
appreciation during periods of declining interest rates than other
investments of comparable maturities, and may decline in value at a
slower rate during periods of rising interest rates.
Although principal and interest payments on a Ginnie Mae are
guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association, the market
value of a Ginnie Mae, which may fluctuate, is not so secured. If the
Fund purchases a Ginnie Mae at a premium, all or part of the premium may
be lost if there is a decline in the market value of the security whether
resulting from changes in interest rates or prepayments in the underlying
mortgage collateral. For these and other reasons, a Ginnie Mae's stated
maturity may be shortened and, therefore, it is not possible to predict
accurately the Ginnie Mae's return to the Fund.
Ginnie Maes purchased by the Fund often are offered on a
when-issued basis, which means that the price is fixed at the time of
commitment, but delivery and payment take place a number of days after
the date of the commitment to purchase. The Fund will make commitments to
purchase such Ginnie Maes only with the intention of actually acquiring
the securities, but the Fund may sell these securities before the
settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Ginnie Maes purchased on a
when-issued basis and the securities held in the Fund's portfolio are
subject to changes in value (both generally changing in the same way,
i.e., appreciating when interest rates decline and depreciating when
interest rates rise) based upon changes, real or anticipated, in the
level of interest rates. Ginnie Maes purchased on a when-issued basis may
expose the Fund to risk because they may experience such fluctuations
prior to their actual delivery. Purchasing Ginnie Maes on a when-issued
securities basis can involve the additional risk that the yield available
in
Page 7
the market when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than
that obtained in the transaction itself. The Fund will not accrue income
in respect of a Ginnie Mae purchased on a when-issued basis prior to its
stated delivery date. A segregated account of the Fund consisting of
cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Government securities or other high
quality liquid debt securities at least equal to the amount of the
when-issued securities will be established and maintained at the Fund's
custodian bank. Purchasing Ginnie Maes on a when-issued basis when the
Fund is fully or almost fully invested may result in greater potential
fluctuations in the value of the Fund's net assets and its net asset
value per share.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from
those of other investment companies advised by The Dreyfus Corporation.
However, if such other investment companies are prepared to invest in, or
desire to dispose of, securities of the type in which the Fund invests at
the same time as the Fund, available investments or opportunities for
sales will be allocated equitably to each investment company. In some
cases, this procedure may adversely affect the size of the position
obtained for or disposed of by the Fund or the price paid or received by
the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Dreyfus Corporation, located at 200 Park Avenue, New
York, New York 10166, was formed in 1947 and serves as the Fund's
investment adviser. The Dreyfus Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Mellon Bank, N.A., which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mellon Bank
Corporation ("Mellon"). As of March 31, 1995, The Dreyfus Corporation
managed or administered approximately $72 billion in assets for more than
1.9 million investor accounts nationwide.
The Dreyfus Corporation supervises and assists in the overall
management of the Fund's affairs under a Management Agreement with the
Fund, subject to the overall authority of the Fund's Board of Trustees in
accordance with Massachusetts law. The Fund's primary portfolio manager
is Garitt Kono. He has held that position since September 1993 and has
been employed by The Dreyfus Corporation since September 1992. For more
than five years prior to joining The Dreyfus Corporation, Mr. Kono was
Vice-President_Fixed Income at The First Boston Corporation. The Fund's
other portfolio managers are identified in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information. The Dreyfus Corporation also provides research
services for the Fund as well as other funds advised by The Dreyfus
Corporation through a professional staff of portfolio managers and
securities analysts.
Mellon is a publicly owned multibank holding company
incorporated under Pennsylvania law in 1971 and registered under the
Federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. Mellon provides a
comprehensive range of financial products and services in domestic and
selected international markets. Mellon is among the twenty-five largest
bank holding companies in the United States based on total assets.
Mellon's principal wholly-owned subsidiaries are Mellon Bank, N.A.,
Mellon Bank (DE) National Association, Mellon Bank (MD), The Boston
Company, Inc., AFCOCredit Corporation and a number of companies known as
Mellon Financial Services Corporations. Through its subsidiaries,
including The Dreyfus Corporation, Mellon managed approximately $193
billion in assets as of December 31, 1994, including approximately $70
billion in mutual fund assets. As of December 31, 1994,
Page 8
Mellon, through various subsidiaries, provided non-investment services,
such as custodial or administration services, for approximately $654
billion in assets including approximately $74 billion in mutual fund
assets.
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Fund has
agreed to pay The Dreyfus Corporation a monthly fee at the annual rate of
.55 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. From time
to time, The Dreyfus Corporation may waive receipt of its fees and/or
voluntarily assume certain expenses of the Fund, which would have the
effect of lowering the overall expense ratio of the Fund and increasing
yield to investors at the time such amounts are waived or assumed, as the
case may be. The Fund will not pay The Dreyfus Corporation at a later
time for any amounts it may waive, nor will the Fund reimburse The
Dreyfus Corporation for any amounts it may assume. For the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1994, the Fund paid The Dreyfus Corporation a
management fee at the effective annual rate of .49 of 1% of the value of
the Fund's average daily net assets pursuant to an undertaking in effect.
The Dreyfus Corporation may pay the Fund's distributor for
shareholder services from The Dreyfus Corporation's own assets,
including past profits but not including the management fee paid by the
Fund. The Fund's distributor may use part or all of such payments to pay
Service Agents in respect of these services.
The Fund's distributor is Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc.
(the "Distributor"), located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02109. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Distribution
Services, Inc., a provider of mutual fund administration services, which
in turn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FDI Holdings, Inc., the parent
company of which is Boston Institutional Group, Inc.
The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a subsidiary of First
Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9671, is
the Fund's Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent (the "Transfer Agent").
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, is
the Fund's Custodian.
HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
GENERAL
Fund shares may be purchased only by clients of certain
financial institutions (which may include banks), securities dealers
("Selected Dealers"), and other industry professionals (collectively,
"Service Agents"), except that full-time or part-time employees of The
Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors
of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Fund's Board, or the spouse
or minor child of any of the foregoing may purchase Class A shares
directly through the Distributor. Subsequent purchases may be sent
directly to the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent. Service Agents may
receive different levels of compensation for selling different Classes of
shares. Management understands that some Service Agents may impose
certain conditions on their clients which are different from those
described in this Prospectus, and, to the extent permitted by applicable
regulatory authority, may charge their clients direct fees which would be
in addition to any amounts which might be received under the Shareholder
Services Plan. Each Service Agent has agreed to transmit to its clients a
schedule of such fees. You should consult your Service Agent in this
regard.
Page 9
When purchasing Fund shares, you must specify whether the
purchase is for Class A or Class B shares. Share certificates are issued
only upon your written request. No certificates are issued for fractional
shares. The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000. Subsequent
investments must be at least $100. The initial investment must be
accompanied by the Fund's Account Application. The Fund reserves the
right to offer Fund shares without regard to minimum purchase requirements
to employees participating in certain qualified or non-qualified employee
benefit plans or other programs where contributions or account
information can be transmitted in a manner and form acceptable to the
Fund. The Fund reserves the right to vary further the initial and
subsequent investment minimum requirements at any time.
You may purchase Fund shares by check or wire, or through the
TELETRANSFER Privilege described below. Checks should be made payable to
"Premier GNMA Fund," or, if for Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to "The
Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian." Payments to open new accounts which
are mailed should be sent to Premier GNMA Fund, P.O. Box 9387,
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-9387, together with your Account
Application indicating which Class of shares is being purchased. For
subsequent investments, your Fund account number should appear on the
check and an investment slip should be enclosed and sent to Premier GNMA
Fund, P.O. Box 105, Newark, New Jersey 07101-0105. For Dreyfus retirement
plan accounts, both initial and subsequent investments should be sent to
The Dreyfus Trust Company, Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-6427. Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be
made by third party check.
Wire payments may be made if your bank account is in a
commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System or any
other bank having a correspondent bank in New York City. Immediately
available funds may be transmitted by wire to The Bank of New York, DDA
#8900119322/Premier GNMA Fund-Class A shares, or DDA #8900115033/Premier
GNMA Fund-Class B shares, as the case may be, for purchase of Fund shares
in your name. The wire must include your Fund account number (for new
accounts, your Taxpayer Identification Number ("TIN") should be included
instead), account registration and dealer number, if applicable. If your
initial purchase of Fund shares is by wire, please call 1-800-645-6561
after completing your wire payment to obtain your Fund account number.
Please include your Fund account number on the Fund's Account Application
and promptly mail the Account Application to the Fund, as no redemptions
will be permitted until the Account Application is received. You may
obtain further information about remitting funds in this manner from your
bank. All payments should be made in U.S. dollars and, to avoid fees and
delays, should be drawn only on U.S. banks. A charge will be imposed if
any check used for investment in your account does not clear. The Fund
makes available to certain large institutions the ability to issue
purchase instructions through compatible computer facilities.
Subsequent investments also may be made by electronic
transfer of funds from an account maintained in a bank or other domestic
financial institution that is an Automated Clearing House member. You
must direct the institution to transmit immediately available funds
through the Automated Clearing House to The Bank of New York with
instructions to credit your Fund account. The instructions must specify
your Fund account registration and your Fund account number PRECEDED BY
THE DIGITS "1111."
Page 10
Fund shares are sold on a continuous basis. Net asset value
per share is determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the
New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time), on each day
the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. Net asset value per
share of each Class is computed by dividing the value of the Fund's net
assets represented by such Class (i.e., the value of its assets less
liabilities) by the total number of shares of such Class outstanding. The
Fund's investments are valued each business day by an independent pricing
service approved by the Board of Trustees and are valued at fair value as
determined by the pricing service. The pricing service's procedures are
reviewed under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees. For
further information regarding the methods employed in valuing Fund
investments, see "Determination of Net Asset Value" in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Federal regulations require that you provide a certified TIN
upon opening or reopening an account. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" and the Fund's Account Application for further information
concerning this requirement. Failure to furnish a certified TIN to the
Fund could subject you to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service (the "IRS").
If an order is received by the Transfer Agent or other agent
by the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
(currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) on any business day, Fund shares
will be purchased at the public offering price determined as of the close
of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.
Otherwise, Fund shares will be purchased at the public offering price
determined as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock
Exchange on the next business day, except where shares are purchased
through a dealer as provided below.
Orders for the purchase of Fund shares received by dealers by
the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on any
business day and transmitted to the Distributor or its designee by the
close of its business day (normally 5:15 p.m., New York time) will be
based on the public offering price per share determined as of the close
of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on that day.
Otherwise, the orders will be based on the next determined public
offering price. It is the dealer's responsibility to transmit orders so
that they will be received by the Distributor or its designee before the
close of its business day.
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price for Class A shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class plus a sales load as shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL SALES LOAD
----------------------------------
AS A % OF AS A % OF DEALERS' REALLOWANCE
OFFERING PRIC NET ASSET VALUE AS A % OF
AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION PER SHARE PER SHARE OFFERING PRICE
__________________ ---------------- -------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000......... 4.50 4.70 4.25
$50,000 to less than $100,000.... 4.00 4.20 3.75
$100,000 to less than $250,000...... 3.00 3.10 2.75
$250,000 to less than $500,000.... 2.50 2.60 2.25
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000... 2.00 2.00 1.75
</TABLE>
There is no initial sales charge on purchases of $1,000,000 or
more of Class A shares. However, if you purchase Class A shares without
an initial sales charge as part of an investment of at least $1,000,000
and redeem those shares within two years after purchase, a CDSC of 1% will
be imposed at the time of redemption. The terms contained in the section
of the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Redeem Fund Shares - Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge - Class B" (other than the
Page 11
amount of the CDSC and its time periods) are applicable to the Class A
shares subject to a CDSC. Letter of Intent and Right of Accumulation apply
to such purchases of Class A shares.
Full-time employees of NASD member firms and full-time
employees of other financial institutions which have entered into an
agreement with the Distributor pertaining to the sale of Fund shares (or
which otherwise have a brokerage-related or clearing arrangement with an
NASD member firm or other financial institution with respect to sales of
Fund shares) may purchase Class A shares for themselves directly or
pursuant to an employee benefit plan or other program, or for their
spouses or minor children, at net asset value, provided that they have
furnished the Distributor with such information as it may request from
time to time in order to verify eligibility for this privilege. This
privilege also applies to full-time employees of financial institutions
affiliated with NASD member firms whose full-time employees are eligible
to purchase Class A shares at net asset value. In addition, Class A shares
are offered at net asset value to full-time or part-time employees of The
Dreyfus Corporation or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, directors
of The Dreyfus Corporation, Board members of a fund advised by The
Dreyfus Corporation, including members of the Fund's Board, or the spouse
or minor child of any of the foregoing.
Class A shares will be offered at net asset value without a
sales load to employees participating in qualified or non-qualified
employee benefit plans or other programs where (i) the employers or
affiliated employers maintaining such plans or programs have a minimum of
250 employees eligible for participation in such plans or programs, or
(ii) such plan's or program's aggregate investment in the Dreyfus Family
of Funds or certain other products made available by the Distributor to
such plans or programs exceeds one million dollars ("Eligible Benefit
Plans"). Plan sponsors, administrators or trustees, as applicable, are
responsible for notifying the Distributor when the relevant requirement
is satisfied. The Distributor may pay dealers a fee of up to .5% of the
amount invested through such dealers in Class A shares at net asset value
by employees participating in Eligible Benefit Plans. All present
holdings of shares of funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds by Eligible
Benefit Plans will be aggregated to determine the fee payable with
respect to each such purchase of Class A shares. The Distributor reserves
the right to cease paying these fees at any time. The Distributor will
pay such fees from its own funds, other than amounts received from the
Fund, including past profits or any other source available to it.
Class A shares also may be purchased (including by exchange)
at net asset value without a sales load for Dreyfus-sponsored IRA
"Rollover Accounts" with the distribution proceeds from a qualified
retirement plan or a Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan, provided that, at
the time of such distribution, such qualified retirement plan or
Dreyfus-sponsored 403(b)(7) plan (a) satisfied the requirements set forth
under either clause (i) or clause (ii) in the preceeding paragraph and
all or a portion of such plan's assets were invested in funds in the
Premier or Dreyfus Family of Funds or certain other products made
available by the Distributor to such plans, or (b) invested all of its
assets in funds in the Premier Family of Funds or certain funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds or certain other products made available by the
Distributor to such plans.
The dealer reallowance may be changed from time to time but
will remain the same for all dealers. The Distributor, at its own
expense, may provide additional promotional incentives to dealers that
sell shares of funds advised by The
Page 12
Dreyfus Corporation which are sold with a sales load, such as the Fund.
In some instances, these incentives may be offered only to certain dealers
who have sold or may sell significant amounts of shares. For the period
from January 1, 1994 through August 23, 1994, Dreyfus Service Corporation,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dreyfus Corporation and distributor of
the Fund's shares until August 24, 1994, retained $23,891 from sales
loads on Class A shares.
CLASS B SHARES
The public offering price for Class B shares is the net asset
value per share of that Class. No initial sales charge is imposed at the
time of purchase. A CDSC is imposed, however, on certain redemptions of
Class B shares as described under "How to Redeem Fund Shares." The
Distributor compensates certain Service Agents for selling Class B shares
at the time of purchase from the Distributor's own assets. The proceeds
of the CDSC and the distribution fee, in part, are used to defray these
expenses. For the period from January 1, 1994 through August 23, 1994,
$64,196 was retained by Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former
distributor, from the CDSC on Class B shares.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION - CLASS A SHARES
Reduced sales loads apply to any purchase of Class A shares,
shares of other funds in the Family of Premier Funds, shares of certain
other funds advised by The Dreyfus Corporation which are sold with a
sales load and shares of certain other funds acquired by a previous
exchange of such shares (hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Funds"), by
you and any related "purchaser" as defined in the Statement of Additional
Information, where the aggregate investment, including such purchase, is
$50,000 or more. If, for example, you have previously purchased and still
hold Class A shares of the Fund, or of any other Eligible Fund or
combination thereof, with an aggregate current market value of $40,000
and subsequently purchase Class A shares of the Fund or an Eligible Fund
having a current value of $20,000, the sales load applicable to the
subsequent purchase would be reduced to 4% of the offering price. All
present holdings of Eligible Funds may be combined to determine the
current offering price of the aggregate investment in ascertaining the
sales load applicable to each subsequent purchase.
To qualify for reduced sales loads, at the time of a purchase
you or your Service Agent must notify the Distributor if orders are made
by wire, or the Transfer Agent if orders are made by mail. The reduced
sales load is subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of
appropriate records.
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE
You may purchase Fund shares (minimum $500, maximum $150,000
per day) by telephone if you have checked the appropriate box and
supplied the necessary information on the Fund's Account Application or
have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The
proceeds will be transferred between the bank account designated in one
of these documents and your Fund account. Only a bank account maintained
in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. The Fund may modify or terminate this
Privilege at any time or charge a service fee upon notice to
shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated.
If you have selected the TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a TELETRANSFER purchase of Fund shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Page 13
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The services and privileges described under this heading may
not be available to clients of certain Service Agents and some Service
Agents may impose certain conditions on their clients which are different
from those described in this Prospectus. You should consult your Service
Agent in this regard.
FUND EXCHANGES
Clients of certain Service Agents may purchase, in exchange
for Class A or Class B shares of the Fund, shares of the same Class in
certain other funds managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation,
to the extent such shares are offered for sale in your state of
residence. These funds have different investment objectives which may be
of interest to you. You also may exchange your Fund shares that are
subject to a CDSC for shares of Dreyfus Worldwide Dollar Money Market
Fund, Inc. The shares so purchased will be held in a special account (an
"Exchange Account") created solely for this purpose. Exchanges of shares
from an Exchange Account only can be made into certain other funds
managed or administered by The Dreyfus Corporation. No CDSC is charged
when an investor exchanges into an Exchange Account; however, the
applicable CDSC will be imposed when shares are redeemed from an Exchange
Account or other applicable Fund account. Upon redemption, the applicable
CDSC will be calculated without regard to the time such shares were held
in an Exchange Account. See "How to Redeem Fund Shares." Redemption
proceeds for Exchange Account shares are paid by Federal wire or check
only. Exchange Account shares are eligible for the Auto-Exchange
Privilege, Dividend Sweep and the Automatic Withdrawal Plan. If you desire
to use the Fund Exchanges service, you should consult your Service Agent
or call 1-800-645-6561 to determine if it is available and whether any
other conditions are imposed on its use.
To request an exchange, your Service Agent acting on your
behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in writing
or by telephone. Before any exchange, you must obtain and should review a
copy of the current prospectus of the fund into which the exchange is
being made. Prospectuses may be obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561.
Except in the case of Personal Retirement Plans, the shares being
exchanged must have a current value of at least $500; furthermore, when
establishing a new account by exchange, the shares being exchanged must
have a value of at least the minimum initial investment required for the
fund into which the exchange is being made. The ability to issue exchange
instructions by telephone is given to all shareholders automatically,
unless you check the applicable "No" box on the Account Application,
indicating that you specifically refuse this Privilege. The Telephone
Exchange Privilege may be established for an existing account by written
request, signed by all shareholders on the account, or by a separate
signed Shareholder Services Form, also available by calling
1-800-645-6561. If you have established the Telephone Exchange Privilege,
you may telephone exchange instructions by calling 1-800-221-4060 or, if
you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306. See "How to Redeem
Fund Shares_Procedures." Upon an exchange into a new account, the
following shareholder services and privileges, as applicable and where
available, will be automatically carried over to the fund into which the
exchange is being made: Telephone Exchange Privilege, Check Redemption
Privilege, TELETRANSFER Privilege and the dividend/capital gain
distribution option (except for Dividend Sweep) selected by the investor.
Shares will be exchanged at the next determined net asset
value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to exchanges of
Class A shares into funds
Page 14
sold with a sales load. No CDSC will be imposed on Class B shares at the
time of an exchange; however, Class B shares acquired through an exchange
will be subject on redemption to the higher CDSC applicable to the
exchanged or acquired shares. The CDSC applicable on redemption of the
acquired Class B shares will be calculated from the date of the initial
purchase of the Class B shares exchanged. If you are exchanging Class A
shares into a fund that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share
prices which do not include the sales load or which reflect a reduced
sales load, if the shares of the fund from which you are exchanging were:
(a) purchased with a sales load, (b) acquired by a previous exchange from
shares purchased with a sales load, or (c) acquired through reinvestment
of dividends or distributions paid with respect to the foregoing
categories of shares. To qualify, at the time of your exchange your
Service Agent must notify the Distributor. Any such qualification is
subject to confirmation of your holdings through a check of appropriate
records. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. No fees currently are charged shareholders directly in
connection with exchanges, although the Fund reserves the right, upon not
less than 60 days' written notice, to charge shareholders a nominal fee in
accordance with rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Fund reserves the right to reject any exchange
request in whole or in part. The availability of Fund Exchanges may be
modified or terminated at any time upon notice to shareholders.
The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given in
exchange by the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder may
realize a taxable gain or loss.
AUTO-EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The Auto-Exchange Privilege enables you to invest regularly
(on a semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly or annual basis), in exchange for
Class A or Class B shares of the Fund, in shares of the same Class of
other funds in the Premier Family of Funds or certain other funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are currently an investor. The
amount you designate, which can be expressed either in terms of a
specific dollar or share amount ($100 minimum), will be exchanged
automatically on the first and/or fifteenth of the month according to the
schedule you have selected. Shares will be exchanged at the then-current
net asset value; however, a sales load may be charged with respect to
exchanges of Class A shares into funds sold with a sales load. No CDSC
will be imposed on Class B shares at the time of an exchange; however,
Class B shares acquired through an exchange will be subject on redemption
to the higher CDSC applicable to the exchanged or acquired shares. The
CDSC applicable on redemption of the acquired Class B shares will be
calculated from the date of the initial purchase of the Class B shares
exchanged. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. The right to exercise this Privilege may be modified or
cancelled by the Fund or the Transfer Agent. You may modify or cancel
your exercise of this Privilege at any time by writing to Premier GNMA
Fund, P.O. Box 6587, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587. The Fund may
charge a service fee for the use of this Privilege. No such fee currently
is contemplated. The exchange of shares of one fund for shares of another
is treated for Federal income tax purposes as a sale of the shares given
in exchange by the shareholder and, therefore, an exchanging shareholder
may realize a taxable gain or loss. For more information concerning this
Privilege and the funds in the Premier Family of Funds or the Dreyfus
Family of Funds eligible to participate in this Privilege, or to obtain
an Auto-Exchange Authorization Form, please call toll free
1-800-645-6561.
Page 15
AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
AUTOMATIC Asset Builder permits you to purchase Fund shares
(minimum of $100 and maximum of $150,000 per transaction) at regular
intervals selected by you. Fund shares are purchased by transferring
funds from the bank account designated by you. At your option, the bank
account designated by you will be debited in the specified amount, and
Fund shares will be purchased, once a month, on either the first or
fifteenth day, or twice a month, on both days. Only an account maintained
at a domestic financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House
member may be so designated. To establish an AUTOMATIC Asset Builder
account, you must file an authorization form with the Transfer Agent. You
may obtain the necessary authorization form by calling 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel your participation in this Privilege or change the amount
of purchase at any time by mailing written notification to Premier GNMA
Fund, P.O. Box 6587, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587, or, if for
Dreyfus retirement plan accounts, to The Dreyfus Trust Company,
Custodian, P.O. Box 6427, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6427, and the
notification will be effective three business days following receipt. The
Fund may modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a
service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated.
GOVERNMENT DIRECT DEPOSIT PRIVILEGE
Government Direct Deposit Privilege enables you to purchase
Fund shares (minimum of $100 and maximum of $50,000 per transaction) by
having Federal salary, Social Security, or certain veterans', military or
other payments from the Federal government automatically deposited into
your Fund account. You may deposit as much of such payments as you elect.
To enroll in Government Direct Deposit, you must file with the Transfer
Agent a completed Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form for each type of payment
that you desire to include in this Privilege. The appropriate form may be
obtained from your Service Agent or by calling 1-800-645-6561. Death or
legal incapacity will terminate your participation in this Privilege. You
may elect at any time to terminate your participation by notifying in
writing the appropriate Federal agency. Further, the Fund may terminate
your participation upon 30 days' notice to you.
DIVIDEND OPTIONS
Dividend Sweep enables you to invest automatically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, paid by the Fund in
shares of the same Class of another fund in the Premier Family of Funds
or the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which you are a shareholder. Shares of
the other fund will be purchased at the then-current net asset value;
however, a sales load may be charged with respect to investments in
shares of a fund sold with a sales load. If you are investing in a fund
that charges a sales load, you may qualify for share prices which do not
include the sales load or which reflect a reduced sales load. If you are
investing in a fund that charges a CDSC, the shares purchased will be
subject on redemption to the CDSC, if any, applicable to the purchased
shares. See "Shareholder Services" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Dividend ACHpermits you to transfer electronically dividends
or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, from the Fund to a
designated bank account. Only an account maintained at a domestic
financial institution which is an Automated Clearing House member may be
so designated. Banks may charge a fee for this service.
For more information concerning these privileges, or to
request a Dividend Options Form, please call toll free 1-800-645-6561.
You may cancel these privileges by mailing written notification to
Premier GNMA Fund, P.O. Box 6587, Providence,
Page 16
Rhode Island 02940-6587. Enrollment in or cancellation of these privileges
is effective three business days following receipt. These privileges are
available only for existing accounts and may not be used to open new
accounts. Minimum subsequent investments do not apply for Dividend Sweep.
The Fund may modify or terminate these privileges at any time or charge
a service fee. No such fee currently is contemplated. Shares held under
Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement plans are not eligible for these
privileges.
AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits you to request
withdrawal of a specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a
monthly or quarterly basis if you have a $5,000 minimum account. An
application for the Automatic Withdrawal Plan can be obtained by calling
1-800-645-6561. There is a service charge of 50cents for each withdrawal
check. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be ended at any time by you, the
Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which certificates have been
issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic Withdrawal Plan.
Class B shares withdrawn pursuant to the Automatic Withdrawal
Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC. Purchases of additional
Class A shares where the sales load is imposed concurrently with
withdrawals of Class A shares generally are undesirable.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers a variety of pension and profit-sharing
plans, including Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts,"
401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services
also are available. You can obtain details on the various plans by
calling the following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call
1-800-358-5566; for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call
1-800-645-6561; and for SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and
403(b)(7) Plans, please call 1-800-322-7880.
LETTER OF INTENT - CLASS A SHARES
By signing a Letter of Intent form, available from the
Distributor, you become eligible for the reduced sales load applicable to
the total number of Eligible Fund shares purchased in a 13-month period
pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Letter of Intent. A
minimum initial purchase of $5,000 is required. To compute the applicable
sales load, the offering price of shares you hold (on the date of
submission of the Letter of Intent) in any Eligible Fund that may be used
toward "Right of Accumulation" benefits described above may be used as a
credit toward completion of the Letter of Intent. However, the reduced
sales load will be applied only to new purchases.
The Transfer Agent will hold in escrow 5% of the amount
indicated in the Letter of Intent for payment of a higher sales load if
you do not purchase the full amount indicated in the Letter of Intent.
The escrow will be released when you fulfill the terms of the Letter of
Intent by purchasing the specified amount. If your purchases qualify for
a further sales load reduction, the sales load will be adjusted to
reflect your total purchase at the end of 13 months. If total purchases
are less than the amount specified, you will be requested to remit an
amount equal to the difference between the sales load actually paid and
the sales load applicable to the aggregate purchases actually made. If
such remittance is not received within 20 days, the Transfer Agent, as
attorney-in-fact pursuant to the terms of the Letter of Intent, will
redeem an appropriate number of Class A shares held in escrow to realize
the difference. Signing a Letter of Intent does not bind you to purchase,
or the Fund to sell, the full amount indicated at
Page 17
the sales load in effect at the time of signing, but you must complete
the intended purchase to obtain the reduced sales load. At the time you
purchase Class A shares, you must indicate your intention to do so under
a Letter of Intent. Purchases pursuant to a Letter of Intent will be made
at the then-current net asset value plus the applicable sales load in
effect at the time such Letter of Intent was executed.
HOW TO REDEEM FUND SHARES
GENERAL
You may request redemption of your Class A or Class B shares
at any time. Redemption requests should be transmitted to the Transfer
Agent as described below. When a request is received in proper form, the
Fund will redeem the shares at the next determined net asset value as
described below. If you hold Fund shares of more than one Class, any
request for redemption must specify the Class of shares being redeemed.
If you fail to specify the Class of shares to be redeemed or if you own
fewer shares of the Class than specified to be redeemed, the redemption
request may be delayed until the Transfer Agent receives further
instructions from you or your Service Agent.
The Fund imposes no charges (other than any applicable CDSC)
when shares are redeemed. Service Agents may charge a nominal fee for
effecting redemptions of Fund shares. Any certificates representing Fund
shares being redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request. The
value of the shares redeemed may be more or less than their original
cost, depending upon the Fund's then-current net asset value.
The Fund ordinarily will make payment for all shares redeemed
within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of a redemption
request in proper form, except as provided by the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUND SHARES BY
CHECK, BY THE TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE OR THROUGH AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER
AND SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMIT A WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUEST TO THE TRANSFER
AGENT, THE REDEMPTION PROCEEDS WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO YOU PROMPTLY UPON
BANK CLEARANCE OF YOUR PURCHASE CHECK, TELETRANSFER PURCHASE OR AUTOMATIC
ASSET BUILDER ORDER, WHICH MAY TAKE UP TO EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS OR MORE. IN
ADDITION, THE FUND WILL NOT HONOR REDEMPTION CHECKS UNDER THE CHECK
REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE, AND WILL REJECT REQUESTS TO REDEEM SHARES PURSUANT
TO THE TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE, FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHT BUSINESS DAYS AFTER
RECEIPT BY THE TRANSFER AGENT OF THE PURCHASE CHECK, THE TELETRANSFER
PURCHASE OR THE AUTOMATIC ASSET BUILDER ORDER AGAINST WHICH SUCH
REDEMPTION IS REQUESTED. THESE PROCEDURES WILL NOT APPLY IF YOUR SHARES
WERE PURCHASED BY WIRE PAYMENT, OR IF YOU OTHERWISE HAVE A SUFFICIENT
COLLECTED BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO COVER THE REDEMPTION REQUEST. PRIOR
TO THE TIME ANY REDEMPTION IS EFFECTIVE, DIVIDENDS ON SUCH SHARES WILL
ACCRUE AND BE PAYABLE, AND YOU WILL BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE ALL OTHER
RIGHTS OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. Fund shares will not be redeemed until
the Transfer Agent has received your Account Application.
The Fund reserves the right to redeem your account at its
option upon not less than 30 days' written notice if your account's net
asset value is $500 or less and remains so during the notice period.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE - CLASS B SHARES
A CDSC payable to the Distributor is imposed on any
redemption of Class B shares which reduces the current net asset value of
your Class B shares to an amount which is lower than the dollar amount of
all payments by you for the purchase of
Page 18
Class B shares of the Fund held by you at the time of redemption. No CDSC
will be imposed to the extent that the net asset value of the Class B
shares redeemed does not exceed (i) the current net asset value of Class
B shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions, plus (ii) increases in the net asset value of Class B
shares above the dollar amount of all your payments for the purchase of
Class B shares of the Fund held by you at the time of redemption.
If the aggregate value of the Class B shares redeemed has
declined below their original cost as a result of the Fund's performance,
a CDSC may be applied to the then-current net asset value rather than the
purchase price.
In circumstances where the CDSC is imposed, the amount of the
charge will depend on the number of years from the time you purchased the
Class B shares until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for
purposes of determining the number of years from the time of any payment
for the purchase of Class B shares, all payments during a month will be
aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first day of the month.
The following table sets forth the rates of the CDSC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR SINCE CDSC AS A % OF AMOUNT
PURCHASE PAYMENT INVESTED OR REDEMPTION
WAS MADE PROCEEDS
--------- ---------------------
<S> <C>
First.................................................... 3.00
Second................................................... 3.00
Third.................................................... 2.00
Fourth................................................... 2.00
Fifth.................................................... 1.00
Sixth.................................................... 0.00
</TABLE>
In determining whether a CDSC is applicable to a redemption,
the calculation will be made in a manner that results in the lowest
possible rate. It will be assumed that the redemption is made first of
amounts representing shares acquired pursuant to the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions; then of amounts representing the increase in
net asset value of Class B shares above the total amount of payments for
the purchase of Class B shares made during the preceding five years; then
of amounts representing the cost of shares purchased five years prior to
the redemption; and finally, of amounts representing the cost of shares
held for the longest period of time within the applicable five-year
period.
For example, assume an investor purchased 100 shares at $10
per share for a cost of $1,000. Subsequently, the shareholder acquired
five additional shares through dividend reinvestment. During the second
year after the purchase the investor decided to redeem $500 of his or her
investment. Assuming at the time of the redemption the net asset value
had appreciated to $12 per share, the value of the investor's shares
would be $1,260 (105 shares at $12 per share). The CDSC would not be
applied to the value of the reinvested dividend shares and the amount
which represents appreciation ($260). Therefore, $240 of the $500
redemption proceeds ($500 minus $260) would be charged at a rate of 3%
(the applicable rate in the second year after purchase) for a total CDSC
of $7.20.
WAIVER OF CDSC
The CDSC will be waived in connection with (a) redemptions
made within one year after the death or disability, as defined in Section
72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
of the shareholder, (b) redemptions by Eligible Benefit Plans, (c)
redemptions as a result of a combination of any investment company with
the Fund by merger, acquisition of assets or otherwise, and (d) a
distribution following retirement under a tax-deferred retirement plan or
upon attaining age 701/2 in the case of an IRA or Keogh plan or custodial
account
page 19
pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code. If the Fund's Trustees
determine to discontinue the waiver of the CDSC, the disclosure in the
Fund's prospectus will be revised appropriately. Any Fund shares subject
to a CDSC which were purchased prior to the termination of such waiver
will have the CDSC waived as provided in the Fund's prospectus at the
time of the purchase of such shares.
To qualify for a waiver of the CDSC, at the time of
redemption you must notify the Transfer Agent or your Service Agent must
notify the Distributor. Any such qualification is subject to confirmation
of your entitlement.
PROCEDURES
You may redeem Fund shares by using the regular redemption
procedure through the Transfer Agent, the Check Redemption Privilege with
respect to Class A shares only, the TELETRANSFER Privilege or, if you are
a client of a Selected Dealer, through the Selected Dealer. If you have
given your Service Agent authority to instruct the Transfer Agent to
redeem shares and to credit the proceeds of such redemptions to a
designated account at your Service Agent, you may redeem shares only in
this manner and in accordance with the regular redemption procedure
described below. If you wish to use the other redemption methods
described below, you must arrange with your Service Agent for delivery of
the required application(s) to the Transfer Agent. Other redemption
procedures may be in effect for clients of certain Service Agents. The
Fund makes available to certain large institutions the ability to issue
redemption instructions through compatible computer facilities.
Your redemption request may direct that the redemption
proceeds be used to purchase shares of other funds advised or
administered by The Dreyfus Corporation that are not available through
the Exchange Privilege. The applicable CDSC will be charged upon the
redemption of Class B shares. Your redemption proceeds will be invested
in shares of the other fund on the next business day. Before you make
such a request, you must obtain and should review a copy of the current
prospectus of the fund being purchased. Prospectuses may be obtained by
calling 1-800-645-6561. The prospectus will contain information
concerning minimum investment requirements and other conditions that may
apply to your purchase.
You may redeem Fund shares by telephone if you have checked
the appropriate box on the Fund's Account Application or have filed a
Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. If you select the
TELETRANSFER redemption privilege or telephone exchange privilege (which
is granted automatically unless you refuse it), you authorize the Transfer
Agent to act on telephone instructions from any person representing
himself or herself to be you, or a representative of your Service Agent,
and reasonably believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The Fund
will require the Transfer Agent to employ reasonable procedures, such as
requiring a form of personal identification, to confirm that instructions
are genuine and, if it does not follow such procedures, the Fund or the
Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. Neither the Fund nor the Transfer Agent will be
liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be
genuine.
During times of drastic economic or market conditions, you
may experience difficulty in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone
to request a TELETRANSFER redemption or an exchange of Fund shares. In
such cases, you should consider using the other redemption procedures
described herein. Use of these other redemption procedures may result in
your redemption request being processed
Page 20
at a later time than it would have been if TELETRANSFER redemption had
been used. During the delay, the Fund's net asset value may fluctuate.
REGULAR REDEMPTION - Under the regular redemption procedure, you may
redeem shares by written request mailed to Premier GNMA Fund, P.O. Box
6587, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-6587. Written redemption requests
must specify the Class of shares being redeemed. Redemption requests must
be signed by each shareholder, including each owner of a joint account,
and each signature must be guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted
standards and procedures pursuant to which signature-guarantees in proper
form generally will be accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers,
credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities
associations, clearing agencies and savings associations, as well as from
participants in the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program,
the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock
Exchanges Medallion Program. If you have any questions with respect to
signature-guarantees, please contact your Service Agent or call the
telephone number listed on the cover of this Prospectus.
Redemption proceeds of at least $1,000 will be wired to any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System in accordance with a written
signature-guaranteed request.
CHECK REDEMPTION PRIVILEGE - CLASS A SHARES - If you hold Class A
shares, you may request on the Account Application, Shareholder Services
Form or by later written request that the Fund provide Redemption Checks
drawn on the Fund's account. Redemption Checks may be made payable to the
order of any person in the amount of $500 or more. Potential fluctuations
in the net asset value of Class A shares should be considered in
determining the amount of the check. Redemption Checks should not be used
to close your account. Redemption Checks are free, but the Transfer Agent
will impose a fee for stopping payment of a Redemption Check upon your
request or if the Transfer Agent cannot honor the Redemption Check due to
insufficient funds or other valid reason. You should date your Redemption
Checks with the current date when you write them. Please do not postdate
your Redemption Checks. If you do, the Transfer Agent will honor, upon
presentment, even if presented before the date of the check, all
postdated Redemption Checks which are dated within six months of
presentment for payment, if they are otherwise in good order. Class A
shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by
Redemption Check. Class A shares held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other
retirement plans are not eligible for this Privilege. This Privilege may
be modified or terminated at any time by the Fund or the Transfer Agent
upon notice to shareholders.
TELETRANSFER PRIVILEGE - You may redeem Fund shares (minimum $500
per day) by telephone if you have checked the appropriate box and
supplied the necessary information on the Fund's Account Application or
have filed a Shareholder Services Form with the Transfer Agent. The
proceeds will be transferred between your Fund account and the bank
account designated in one of these documents. Only such an account
maintained in a domestic financial institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member may be so designated. Redemption proceeds will be
on deposit in your account at an Automated Clearing House member bank
ordinarily two days after receipt of the redemption request or, at your
request, paid by check (maximum $150,000 per day) and mailed to your
address. Holders of jointly registered Fund or bank accounts may redeem
through the TELETRANSFER Privilege for
Page 21
transfer to their bank account not more than $250,000 within any 30-day
period. The Fund reserves the right to refuse any request made by
telephone, including requests made shortly after a change of address, and
may limit the amount involved or the number of such requests. The Fund may
modify or terminate this Privilege at any time or charge a service fee
upon notice to shareholders. No such fee currently is contemplated.
If you have selected the TELETRANSFER Privilege, you may
request a TELETRANSFER redemption of Fund shares by telephoning
1-800-221-4060 or, if you are calling from overseas, call 1-401-455-3306.
Shares of the Fund held under Keogh Plans, IRAs or other retirement
plans, and shares issued in certificate form, are not eligible for this
Privilege.
REDEMPTION THROUGH A SELECTED DEALER - If you are a customer of a
Selected Dealer, you may make redemption requests to your Selected
Dealer. If the Selected Dealer transmits the redemption request so that
it is received by the Transfer Agent prior to the close of trading on the
floor of the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., New York
time), the redemption request will be effective on that day. If a
redemption request is received by the Transfer Agent after the close of
trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the redemption
request will be effective on the next business day. It is the
responsibility of the Selected Dealer to transmit a request so that it is
received in a timely manner. The proceeds of the redemption are credited
to your account with the Selected Dealer. See "How to Buy Fund Shares"
for a discussion of additional conditions or fees that may be imposed
upon redemption.
In addition, the Distributor or its designee will accept
orders from Selected Dealers with which the Distributor has sales
agreements for the repurchase of shares held by shareholders. Repurchase
orders received by dealers by the close of trading on the floor of the
New York Stock Exchange on any business day and transmitted to the
Distributor or its designee prior to the close of its business day
(normally 5:15 p.m., New York time) are effected at the price determined
as of the close of trading on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on
that day. Otherwise, the shares will be redeemed at the next determined
net asset value. It is the responsibility of the Selected Dealer to
transmit orders on a timely basis. The Selected Dealer may charge the
shareholder a fee for executing the order. This repurchase arrangement is
discretionary and may be withdrawn at any time.
REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE - CLASS A SHARES - Upon written request, you
may reinvest up to the number of Class A shares you have redeemed, within
30 days of redemption, at the then-prevailing net asset value without a
sales load, or reinstate your account for the purpose of exercising the
Exchange Privilege. The Reinvestment Privilege may be exercised only
once.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Class A and Class B shares are subject to a Shareholder
Services Plan and only Class B shares are subject to a Distribution Plan.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Under the Distribution Plan, adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund pays the Distributor
for distributing the Fund's Class B shares at an annual rate of .50 of 1%
of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the
Distributor for the provision of certain services to the holders of Class
A and Class B shares a fee at
Page 22
the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets
of Class A and Class B. The services provided may include personal
services relating to shareholder accounts, such as answering shareholder
inquiries regarding the Fund and providing reports and other information,
and services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Under the
Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor may make payments to Service
Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents. Each Service Agent is required to
disclose to its clients any compensation payable to it by the Fund
pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan and any other compensation
payable by their clients in connection with the investment of their assets
in Class A or Class B shares.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund ordinarily declares dividends from its net
investment income on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for
business. Fund shares begin earning income dividends on the day
immediately available funds ("Federal Funds" (monies of member banks
within the Federal Reserve System which are held on deposit at a Federal
Reserve Bank)) are received by the Transfer Agent in written or
telegraphic form. If a purchase order is not accompanied by remittance in
Federal Funds, there may be a delay between the time the purchase order
becomes effective and the time the shares purchased start earning
dividends. If your payment is not made in Federal Funds, it must be
converted into Federal Funds. This usually occurs within one business day
of receipt of a bank wire and within two business days of receipt of a
check drawn on a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. Checks drawn
on banks which are not members of the Federal Reserve System may take
considerably longer to convert into Federal Funds.
Dividends usually are paid on the last calendar day of each
month, and are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Class
from which they were paid at net asset value without a sales load or, at
your option, paid in cash. The Fund's earnings for Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays are declared as dividends on the preceding business day. If you
redeem all shares in your account at any time during the month, all
dividends to which you are entitled will be paid to you along with the
proceeds of the redemption. Distributions from net realized securities
gains, if any, generally are declared and paid once a year, but the Fund
may make distributions on a more frequent basis to comply with the
distribution requirements of the Code, in all events in a manner
consistent with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940. The
Fund will not make distributions from net realized securities gains
unless capital loss carryovers, if any, have been utilized or have
expired. You may choose whether to receive dividends and distributions in
cash or to reinvest in additional Fund shares of the same Class from
which they were paid at net asset value without a sales load. All
expenses are accrued daily and deducted before declaration of dividends
to investors. Dividends paid by each Class will be calculated at the same
time and in the same manner and will be of the same amount, except that
the expenses attributable solely to Class A or Class B will be borne
exclusively by such Class. Class B shares will receive lower per share
dividends than Class A shares because of the higher expenses borne by
Class B. See "Fee Table."
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of
certain market discount bonds, paid by the Fund generally are taxable as
ordinary income, whether received in cash or rein-
Page 23
vested in additional shares. Distributions from net realized long-term
securities gains of the Fund generally are taxable to U.S. shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of how long shareholders have held
their Fund shares and whether such distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares. The Code provides that the net capital gain
of an individual generally will not be subject to Federal income tax at a
rate in excess of 28%. No dividends or distributions will qualify for the
dividends received deduction allowable to certain U.S. corporations.
Dividends and distributions may be subject to state and local taxes.
Dividends derived from net investment income, together with
distributions from net realized short-term securities gains and all or a
portion of any gains realized from the sale or other disposition of
certain market discount bonds, paid by the Fund to a foreign investor
generally are subject to U.S. nonresident withholding taxes at the rate
of 30%, unless the investor claims the benefit of a lower rate specified
in a tax treaty. Distributions from net realized long-term securities
gains paid by the fund to a foreign investor as well as the proceeds of
any redemptions from a foreign investor's account, regardless of the
extent to which gain or loss may be realized, generally will not be
subject to U.S. nonresident withholding tax. However, such distributions
and redemption proceeds may be subject to backup withholding, as
described below, unless the foreign investor certifies his non-U.S.
residency status.
Notice as to the tax status of your dividends and
distributions will be mailed to you annually. You also will receive
periodic summaries of your account which will include information as to
dividends and distributions from securities gains, if any, paid during
the year.
The Code provides for the "carryover" of some or all of the
sales load imposed on Class A shares if you exchange your Class A shares
for shares of another fund advised by The Dreyfus Corporation within 91
days of purchase and such other fund reduces or eliminates its otherwise
applicable sales load for the purpose of the exchange. In this case, the
amount of the sales load charge for Class A shares, up to the amount of
the reduction of the sales load charge on the exchange, is not included
in the basis of your Class A shares for purposes of computing gain or
loss on the exchange, and instead is added to the basis of the fund
shares received on the exchange.
Federal regulations generally require the Fund to withhold
("backup withholding") and remit to the U.S. Treasury 31% of dividends,
distributions from net realized securities gains of the Fund and the
proceeds of any redemption, regardless of the extent to which gain or
loss may be realized, paid to a shareholder if such shareholder fails to
certify either that the TIN furnished in connection with opening an
account is correct or that such shareholder has not received notice from
the IRS of being subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure
to properly report taxable dividend or interest income on a Federal
income tax return. Furthermore, the IRS may notify the Fund to institute
backup withholding if the IRS determines a shareholder's TIN is incorrect
or if a shareholder has failed to properly report taxable dividend and
interest income on a Federal income tax return.
A TIN is either the Social Security number or employer
identification number of the record owner of the account. Any tax
withheld as a result of backup withholding does not constitute an
additional tax imposed on the record owner of the account, and may be
claimed as a credit on the record owner's Federal income tax return.
Management of the Fund believes that the Fund has qualified
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 as a "regulated investment
company" under the Code.
Page 24
The Fund intends to continue to so qualify if such qualification is in the
best interests of its shareholders. Such qualification relieves the Fund
of any liability for Federal income tax to the extent its earnings are
distributed in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code. In
addition, the Fund is subject to a non-deductible 4% excise tax, measured
with respect to certain undistributed amounts of taxable investment income
and capital gains.
You should consult your tax adviser regarding specific
questions as to Federal, state or local taxes.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
For purposes of advertising, performance for each Class of
shares may be calculated on several bases, including current yield,
average annual total return and/or total return. These total return
figures reflect changes in the price of the shares and assume that any
income dividends and/or capital gain distributions made by the Fund
during the measuring period were reinvested in shares of the same Class.
Class A total return figures include the maximum initial sales charge and
Class B total return figures include any applicable CDSC. These figures
also take into account any applicable service and distribution fees. As a
result, at any given time, the performance of Class B should be expected
to be lower than that of Class A. Performance for each Class will be
calculated separately.
Current yield refers to the Fund's annualized net investment
income per share over a 30-day period, expressed as a percentage of the
maximum offering price per share in the case of Class A or the net asset
value per share in the case of Class B at the end of the period. For
purposes of calculating current yield, the amount of net investment
income per share during that 30 day period, computed in accordance with
regulatory requirements, is compounded by assuming that it is reinvested
at a constant rate over a six-month period. An identical result is then
assumed to have occurred during a second six-month period which, when
added to the result for the first six months, provides an "annualized"
yield for an entire one-year period. Calculations of the Fund's current
yield may reflect absorbed expenses pursuant to any undertaking that may
be in effect. See "Management of the Fund."
Average annual total return is calculated pursuant to a
standardized formula which assumes that an investment in the Fund was
purchased with an initial payment of $1,000 and that the investment was
redeemed at the end of a stated period of time, after giving effect to
the reinvestment of dividends and distributions during the period. The
return is expressed as a percentage rate which, if applied on a
compounded annual basis, would result in the redeemable value of the
investment at the end of the period. Advertisements of the Fund's
performance will include the Fund's average annual total return for Class
A and Class B for one, five and ten year periods, or for shorter periods
depending upon the length of time during which the Fund has operated.
Total return is computed on a per share basis and assumes the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions. Total return generally is
expressed as a percentage rate which is calculated by combining the
income and principal changes for a specified period and dividing by the
maximum offering price per share in the case of Class A or the net asset
value per share in the case of Class B at the beginning of the period.
Advertisements may include the percentage rate of total return or may
include the value of a hypothetical investment at the end of the period
which assumes the application of the percentage rate of total return.
Total return also may be calculated by using the net asset value per
share at the beginning of the period instead of the maximum offering
price per share at the beginning of the period for Class A shares or
without giving effect to any applicable CDSC at the
Page 25
end of the period for Class B shares. Calculations based on the net asset
value per share do not reflect the deduction of the applicable sales
charge which, if reflected, would reduce the performance quoted.
Performance will vary from time to time and past results are
not necessarily representative of future results. You should remember
that performance is a function of portfolio management in selecting the
type and quality of portfolio securities and is affected by operating
expenses. Performance information, such as that described above, may not
provide a basis for comparison with other investments or other investment
companies using a different method of calculating performance.
Comparative performance information may be used from time to
time in advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., Bank Rate
Monitortrademark, N. Palm Beach, Fla. 33408, Moody's Bond Survey Bond
Index, Lehman Brothers Mortgage Backed Bond Index, Salomon Brothers
Corporate Bond Rate-of-Return Index, Bond Buyer's 20-Bond Index and
mortgage trade and other publications. In addition, data may be used in
comparing the difference in yields between Ginnie Maes and comparable
term Treasury Notes (which are direct obligations of the U.S.
Government).
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Fund was organized as an unincorporated business trust
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to an
Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Trust Agreement") dated
September 19, 1986, and commenced operations on January 29, 1987. The
Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial
interest, par value $.001 per share. The Fund's shares are classified
into two classes-Class A and Class B. Each share has one vote and
shareholders will vote in the aggregate and not by class except as
otherwise required by law or when class voting is permitted by the Board
of Trustees. Holders of Class A and Class B shares will be entitled to
vote on matters submitted to shareholders pertaining to the Shareholder
Services Plan and only holders of Class B shares will be entitled to vote
on matters submitted to shareholders pertaining to the Distribution Plan.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders could, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund.
However, the Trust Agreement disclaims shareholder liability for acts or
obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be
given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or
executed by the Fund or a Trustee. The Trust Agreement provides for
indemnification from the Fund's property for all losses and expenses of
any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund.
Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund
itself would be unable to meet its obligations, a possibility which
management believes is remote. Upon payment of any liability incurred by
the Fund, the shareholder paying such liability will be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Fund. The Trustees intend to
conduct the operations of the Fund in such a way so as to avoid, as far
as possible, ultimate liability of the shareholders for liabilities of
the Fund. As discussed under "Management of the Fund" in the Statement of
Additional Information, the Fund ordinarily will not hold shareholder
meetings; however, shareholders under certain circumstances may have the
right to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting to
remove Trustees.
The Transfer Agent maintains a record of your ownership and
sends you confirmations and statements of account.
Page 26
Shareholder inquiries may be made to your Service Agent or by
writing to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York
11556-0144.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
AND IN THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER
OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH OTHER INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
FUND. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH,
OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
027/614P15050195
Page 27
__________________________________________________________________________
PREMIER GNMA FUND
CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES
PART B
(STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION)
MAY 1, 1995
__________________________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a prospectus,
supplements and should be read in conjunction with the current Prospectus
of Premier GNMA Fund (the "Fund"), dated May 1, 1995, as it may be revised
from time to time. To obtain a copy of the Fund's Prospectus, please
write to the Fund at 144 Glenn Curtiss Boulevard, Uniondale, New York
11556-0144.
The Dreyfus Corporation (the "Manager") serves as the Fund's
investment adviser.
Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") is the
distributor of the Fund's shares.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Investment Objective and Management Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2
Management of the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
Management Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-8
Purchase of Fund Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-10
Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-11
Redemption of Fund Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-13
Shareholder Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
Determination of Net Asset Value. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-18
Portfolio Transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
Performance Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-19
Information About the Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21
Custodian, Transfer and Dividend Disbursing Agent,
Counsel and Independent Auditors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-21
Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-22
Report of Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-30
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Description of the Fund."
Ginnie Maes. Ginnie Maes are created by an "issuer," which is a
Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") approved mortgagee that also meets
criteria imposed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA").
The issuer assembles a pool of FHA, Farmers' Home Administration or
Veterans' Administration ("VA") insured or guaranteed mortgages which are
homogeneous as to interest rate, maturity and type of dwelling. Upon
application by the issuer, and after approval by GNMA of the pool, GNMA
provides its commitment to guarantee timely payment of principal and
interest on the Ginnie Maes backed by the mortgages included in the pool.
The Ginnie Maes, endorsed by GNMA, then are sold by the issuer through
securities dealers.
GNMA is authorized under the National Housing Act to guarantee timely
payment of principal and interest on Ginnie Maes. This guarantee is
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. GNMA may borrow
U.S. Treasury funds to the extent needed to make payments under its
guarantee.
When mortgages in the pool underlying a Ginnie Mae are prepaid by
mortgagors or by result of foreclosure, such principal payments are passed
through to the certificate holders. Accordingly, the life of the Ginnie
Mae is likely to be substantially shorter than the stated maturity of the
mortgages in the underlying pool. Because of such variation in prepayment
rates, it is not possible to predict the life of a particular Ginnie Mae,
but FHA statistics indicate that 25- to 30-year single family dwelling
mortgages have an average life of approximately 12 years. The majority of
Ginnie Maes are backed by mortgages of this type, and accordingly the
generally accepted practice treats Ginnie Maes as 30-year securities which
prepay fully in the 12th year.
Ginnie Maes bear a stated "coupon rate" which represents the
effective FHA-VA mortgage rate at the time of issuance, less 0.5%, which
constitutes GNMA's and the issuer's fees. For providing its guarantee,
GNMA receives an annual fee of 0.06% of the outstanding principal on
certificates backed by single family dwelling mortgages, and the issuer
receives an annual fee of 0.44% for assembling the pool and for passing
through monthly payments of interest and principal.
Payments to holders of Ginnie Maes consist of the monthly
distributions of interest and principal less GNMA's and the issuer's fees.
The actual yield to be earned by a holder of a Ginnie Mae is calculated by
dividing interest payments by the purchase price paid for the Ginnie Mae
(which may be at a premium or a discount from the face value of the
certificate). Monthly distributions of interest, as contrasted to
semi-annual distributions which are common for other fixed interest
investments, have the effect of compounding and thereby raising the ef-
fective annual yield earned on Ginnie Maes. Because of the variation in
the life of the pools of mortgages which back various Ginnie Maes, and
because it is impossible to anticipate the rate of interest at which
future principal payments may be reinvested, the actual yield earned from
a portfolio of Ginnie Maes will differ significantly from the yield
estimated by using an assumption of a 12-year life for each Ginnie Mae
included in such a portfolio as described above.
Leverage through Borrowing. The Fund may borrow money for investment
purposes. The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"),
requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total
assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of
300% of the amount borrowed. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as
a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required
to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce debt
and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous
from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. The Fund
also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection
with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line
of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of
borrowing over the stated interest rate. The Fund will maintain in a
segregated custodial account cash or U.S. Government securities or other
high quality liquid debt securities at least equal to the aggregate amount
of its reverse repurchase obligations, plus accrued interest, in certain
cases, in accordance with releases promulgated by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Securities and Exchange Commission views reverse
repurchase transactions as collateralized borrowings by the Fund. These
agreements, which are treated as if reestablished each day, are expected
to provide the Fund with a flexible borrowing tool.
Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted investment
restrictions numbered 1 through 9 as fundamental policies. These
restrictions cannot be changed without approval by the holders of a
majority (as defined in the Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting shares.
Investment Restriction number 10 is not a fundamental policy and may be
changed by vote of a majority of the Trustees of any time. The Fund may
not:
1. Purchase common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants or other
equity securities, or purchase corporate bonds or debentures, state bonds,
municipal bonds or industrial revenue bonds.
2. Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the Act
(which currently limits borrowing to no more than 33-1/3% of the value of the
Fund's total assets).
3. Sell securities short or purchase securities on margin or write
or purchase put or call options or combinations thereof.
4. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except to the extent
the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, by virtue of disposing of portfolio securities.
5. Purchase or sell real estate, real estate investment trust
securities, commodities, or oil and gas interests, provided that the Fund
may purchase Ginnie Maes without limitation.
6. Make loans to others except through the purchase of debt
obligations referred to in the Prospectus.
7. Invest more than 25% of its assets in securities of issuers in
any industry, provided that there shall be no limitation on the purchase
of Ginnie Maes or other securities issued, guaranteed or backed by the
U.S. Government, as described in the Prospectus.
8. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
9. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except as
they may be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of
assets.
10. Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its assets,
except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment,
a later increase in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets
will not constitute a violation of that restriction.
The Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the restrictions
listed above so as to permit the sale of Fund shares in certain states.
Should the Fund determine that a commitment is no longer in the best
interests of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to
revoke the commitment by terminating the sale of Fund shares in the state
involved.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Trustees and officers of the Fund, together with information as to
their principal business occupations during at least the last five years,
are shown below. Each Trustee who is deemed to be an "interested person"
of the Fund, as defined in the Act, is indicated by an asterisk.
Trustees of the Fund
CLIFFORD L. ALEXANDER, JR., Trustee. President of Alexander & Associates,
Inc., a management consulting firm. From 1977 to 1981, Mr. Alexander
served as Secretary of the Army and Chairman of the Board of the
Panama Canal Company, and from 1975 to 1977, he was a member of the
Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson
and Alexander. He is a director of American Home Products
Corporation, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, MCI Communications
Corporation, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company and Equitable
Resources, Inc., a producer and distributor of natural gas and crude
petroleum. Mr. Alexander is also a Board member of 17 other funds in
the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 61 years old and his address is
400 C Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.
PEGGY C. DAVIS, Trustee. Shad Professor of Law, New York University
School of Law. Professor Davis has been a member of the New York
University law faculty since 1983. Prior to that time, she served
for three years as a judge in the courts of New York State; was
engaged for eight years in the practice of law, working in both
corporate and non-profit sectors; and served for two years as a
criminal justice administrator in the government of the City of New
York. She writes and teaches in the fields of evidence,
constitutional theory, family law, social sciences and the law, legal
process and professional methodology and training. Professor Davis
is also a Board member of 15 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds. She is 52 years old and her address is c/o New York
University School of Law, 249 Sullivan Street, New York, New York
10011.
*JOSEPH S. DiMARTINO, Chairman of the Board. Since January 1995, Mr.
DiMartino has served as Chairman of the Board of various funds in the
Dreyfus Family of Funds. For more than five years prior thereto, he
was President, a director and, until August 1994, Chief Operating
Officer of the Manager and Executive Vice President and a director of
Dreyfus Service Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Manager
and, until August 24, 1994, the Fund's distributor. From August 1994
to December 31, 1994, he was a director of Mellon Bank Corporation.
Mr. DiMartino is a director and former Treasurer of The Muscular
Dystrophy Association; a trustee of Bucknell University; Chairman of
the Board of Directors of Noel Group, Inc.; a director of HealthPlan
Corporation; a director of Belding Heminway Company, Inc.; and a
director of Curtis Industries, Inc. Mr. DiMartino is also a Board
member of 92 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 51
years old and his address is 200 Park Avenue, New York, New York
10166.
ERNEST KAFKA, Trustee. A physician engaged in private practice
specializing in the psychoanalysis of adults and adolescents. Since
1981, he has served as an Instructor at the New York Psychoanalytic
Institute and, prior thereto, held other teaching positions. For
more than the past five years, Dr. Kafka has held numerous
administrative positions and has published many articles on subjects
in the field of psychoanalysis. Dr. Kafka is also a Board member of
15 other funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 62 years old
and his address is 23 East 92nd Street, New York, New York 10128.
SAUL B. KLAMAN, Trustee. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SBK
Associates, which provides research and consulting services to
financial institutions. Dr. Klaman was President of the National
Association of Mutual Savings Banks until November 1983, President of
the National Council of Savings Institutions until June 1985, Vice
Chairman of Golembe Associates Inc. until 1989 and Vice Chairman and
Chairman Emeritus of BEI Golembe, Inc. until November 1992. He also
served as an Economist to the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and on several Presidential Commissions, and has held
numerous consulting and advisory positions in the fields of economics
and housing finance. Dr. Klaman is also a Board member of 15 other
funds in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. He is 75 years old and his
address is 431-B Dedham Street, The Gables, Newton Center,
Massachusetts 02159.
NATHAN LEVENTHAL, Trustee. President of Lincoln Center for the Performing
Arts, Inc. Mr. Leventhal was Deputy Mayor for Operations of New York
City from September 1979 to March 1984, and Commissioner of the
Department of Housing Preservation and Development of New York City
from February 1978 to September 1979. Mr. Leventhal was an associate
and then a member of the New York law firm of Poletti Freidin
Prashker Feldman and Gartner from 1974 to 1978. He was Commissioner
of Rent and Housing Maintenance for New York City from 1972 to 1973.
Mr. Leventhal serves as Chairman of Citizens Union, an organization
that strives to reform and modernize city and state governments. Mr.
Leventhal is also a Board member of 15 other funds in the Dreyfus
Family of Funds. He is 52 years old and his address is 70 Lincoln
Center Plaza, New York, New York 10023-6583.
For so long as the Fund's plans described in the section captioned
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan" remain in effect, the
Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund, as
defined in the Act, will be selected and nominated by the Trustees who are
not "interested persons" of the Fund.
Each Trustee, except for Mr. DiMartino, was elected at a meeting of
shareholders held on August 3, 1994. There ordinarily will be no further
meetings of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees unless and
until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office
have been elected by shareholders, at which time the Trustees then in
office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
Under the Act, shareholders of record of not less than two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of the Fund may remove a Trustee through a declaration
in writing or by vote cast in person or by proxy at a meeting called for
that purpose. The Trustees are required to call a meeting of shareholders
for the purpose of voting upon the question of removal of any such Trustee
when requested in writing to do so by the shareholders of record of not
less than 10% of the Fund's outstanding shares.
The Fund typically pays its Trustees an annual retainer and a per
meeting fee and reimburses them for their expenses. The Chairman of the
Board receives an additional 25% of such compensation. For the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1994, the aggregate amount of compensation paid to
each Trustee by the Fund and by all other funds in the Dreyfus Family of
Funds for which such person is a Board member were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(3) (5)
(2) Pension or (4) Compensation from
(1) Aggregate Retirement Benefits Estimated Annual Fund and Fund
Name of Board Compensation from Accrued as Part of Benefits Upon Complex Paid to
Member Fund(*) Fund's Expenses Retirement Board Member
_____________ ________________ _________________ _________________ ________________
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Clifford Alexander, Jr. $4,500 none none $73,210
Peggy C. Davis $4,500 none none $61,751
Joseph S. DiMartino(**) $5,525 none none $445,000
Ernest Kafka $4,500 none none $61,001
Saul B. Klaman $4,500 none none $61,751
Nathan Leventhal $4,500 none none $61,751
</TABLE>
_______________________________________
* Amount does not include reimbursed expenses for attending Board
meetings, which amounted to $708 for all Trustees as a group.
** Estimated amounts for the current fiscal year ending December 31,
1995.
Officers of the Fund
MARIE E. CONNOLLY, President and Treasurer. President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From December 1991
to July 1994, she was President and Chief Compliance Officer of Funds
Distributor, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boston Company,
Inc. Prior to December 1991, she served as Vice President and
Controller, and later as Senior Vice President, of The Boston Company
Advisors, Inc. She is 37 years old.
JOHN E. PELLETIER, Vice President and Secretary. Senior Vice President
and General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other
investment companies advised or administered by the Manager. From
February 1992 to July 1994, he served as Counsel for The Boston
Company Advisors, Inc. From August 1990 to February 1992, he was
employed as an Associate at Ropes & Gray, and prior thereto, he was
employed as an Associate at Sidley & Austin. He is 30 years old.
ERIC B. FISCHMAN, Vice President and Assistant Secretary. Associate
General Counsel of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From September
1992 to August 1994, he was an attorney with the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System. He is 30 years old.
FREDERICK C. DEY, Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice
President of the Distributor and an officer of other investment
companies advised or administered by the Manager. From 1988 to
August 1994, he was manager of the High Performance Fabric Division
of Springs Industries Inc. He is 33 years old.
JOSEPH S. TOWER, III, Assistant Treasurer. Senior Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Distributor and an
officer of other investment companies advised or administered by the
Manager. From July 1988 to August 1994, he was employed by The
Boston Company, Inc. where he held various management positions in
the Corporate Finance and Treasury areas. He is 32 years old.
JOHN J. PYBURN, Assistant Treasurer. Assistant Treasurer of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From 1984 to July 1994, he was
Assistant Vice President in the Mutual Fund Accounting Department of
the Manager. He is 59 years old.
PAUL FURCINITO, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From January 1992 to July 1994, he was
a Senior Legal Product Manager, and from January 1990 to January
1992, he was a mutual fund accountant, for The Boston Company
Advisers, Inc. He is 28 years old.
RUTH D. LEIBERT, Assistant Secretary. Assistant Vice President of the
Distributor and an officer of other investment companies advised or
administered by the Manager. From March 1992 to July 1994, she was a
Compliance Officer for The Managers Funds, a registered investment
company. From March 1990 until September 1991, she was Development
Director of The Rockland Center for the Arts. She is 50 years old.
The address of each officer of the Fund is 200 Park Avenue, New York,
New York 10166.
Trustees and officers of the Fund, as a group, owned less than 1% of
the Fund's shares of beneficial interest outstanding on April 25, 1995.
The following entity owned of record 5% or more of the Fund's Class A
shares outstanding as of April 25, 1995: BHC Securities, 2005 Market
Street, Fl 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7042--6.5%.
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Management
of the Fund."
The Manager provides management services pursuant to the Management
Agreement (the "Agreement") dated August 24, 1994 with the Fund, which is
subject to annual approval by (i) the Fund's Board of Trustees or (ii)
vote of a majority (as defined in the Act) of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, provided that in either event its continuance also
is approved by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the Act) of the Fund or the Manager, by vote cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The
Agreement was approved by shareholders on August 3, 1994 and was last
approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees, including a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of any party to the Agreement,
at a meeting held on July 20, 1994. The Agreement is terminable without
penalty, on 60 days' notice, by the Fund's Board of Trustees or by vote of
the holders of a majority of the Fund's shares, or, upon not less than 90
days' notice, by the Manager. The Agreement will terminate automatically
in the event of its assignment (as defined in the Act).
The following persons are officers and/or directors of the Manager:
Howard Stein, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer; W. Keith
Smith, Vice Chairman of the Board; Robert E. Riley, President, Chief
Operating Officer and a director; Lawrence S. Kash, Vice Chairman-
Distribution and director; Philip L. Toia, Vice Chairman-Operations and
Administration; Paul H. Snyder, Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial
Officer; Daniel C. Maclean, Vice President and General Counsel; Barbara E.
Casey, Vice President-Dreyfus Retirement Services; Diane M. Coffey, Vice
President-Corporate Communications; Elie M. Genadry, Vice President-
Institutional Sales; Henry D. Gottmann, Vice President-Retail Sales and
Service; Mark N. Jacobs, Vice President-Legal and Secretary; Jeffrey N.
Nachman, Vice President-Mutual Fund Accounting; Katherine C. Wickham, Vice
President-Human Resources; William F. Glavin, Jr., Vice President-Product
Management; Andrew S. Wasser, Vice President-Information Services; Elvira
Oslapas, Assistant Secretary; Maurice Bendrihem, Controller; and Mandell
L. Berman, Frank V. Cahouet, Alvin E. Friedman, Lawrence M. Greene, Julian
M. Smerling and David B. Truman, directors.
The Manager manages the Fund's portfolio of investments in accordance
with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to the approval of the
Fund's Board of Trustees. The Manager is responsible for investment
decisions and provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized
by the Board of Trustees to execute purchases and sales of securities.
The Fund's portfolio managers are Garitt A. Kono and Gerald E. Thunelius.
The Manager also maintains a research department with a professional staff
of portfolio managers and securities analysts who provide research
services for the Fund as well as for other funds advised by the Manager.
All purchases and sales are reported for the Trustees' review at the
meeting subsequent to such transactions.
All expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund are borne by the
Fund, except to the extent specifically assumed by the Manager. The
expenses borne by the Fund include: taxes, interest, brokerage fees and
commissions, if any, fees of Trustees who are not officers, directors,
employees or holders of 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of
the Manager, Securities and Exchange Commission fees, state Blue Sky
qualification fees, advisory fees, charges of custodians, transfer and
dividend disbursing agents' fees, certain insurance premiums, industry
association fees, outside auditing and legal expenses, costs of
independent pricing services, costs of maintaining the Fund's existence,
costs attributable to investor services (including, without limitation,
telephone and personnel expenses), costs of shareholder reports and
meetings, and any extraordinary expenses. Class A and Class B shares are
subject to an annual service fee for ongoing personal services relating to
shareholder accounts and services related to the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. In addition, Class B shares are subject to an
annual distribution fee for advertising, marketing and distributing Class
B shares pursuant to a distribution plan adopted in accordance with
Rule 12b-1 under the Act. See "Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services
Plan."
The Manager maintains office facilities on behalf of the Fund, and
furnishes statistical and research data, clerical help, accounting, data
processing, bookkeeping and internal auditing and certain other required
services to the Fund. The Manager also may make such advertising and
promotional expenditures, using its own resources, as it from time to time
deems appropriate.
As compensation for the Manager's services to the Fund, the Fund has
agreed to pay the Manager a monthly management fee at the annual rate of
.55 of 1% of the value of the Fund's average daily net assets. The
management fees payable for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1992, 1993
and 1994 amounted to $744,616, $1,114,510 and $1,124,608, respectively,
which fees were reduced by $481,001, $443,578 and $120,163, respectively,
pursuant to various undertakings in effect, resulting in net fees paid to
the Manager of $263,615 in fiscal 1992, $670,932 in fiscal 1993 and
$1,004,445 in fiscal 1994.
The Manager has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate
expenses of the Fund, exclusive of taxes, brokerage fees, interest on
borrowings and (with the prior written consent of the necessary state
securities commissions) extraordinary expenses, but including the
management fee, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Fund, the Fund may deduct from the payment to be
made to the Manager under the Agreement, or the Manager will bear, such
excess expense to the extent required by state law. Such deduction or
payment, if any, will be estimated daily, and reconciled and effected or
paid, as the case may be, on a monthly basis.
The aggregate of the fees payable to the Manager is not subject to
reduction as the value of the Fund's net assets increases.
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Fund Shares."
The Distributor. The Distributor serves as the Fund's distributor
pursuant to an agreement dated August 24, 1994 which is renewable
annually. The Distributor also acts as distributor for the other funds in
the Premier Family of Funds, the Dreyfus Family of Funds and for certain
other investment companies.
Using Federal Funds. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., the
Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent"), or
the Fund may attempt to notify the investor upon receipt of checks drawn
on banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System as to the
possible delay in conversion into Federal Funds and may attempt to arrange
for a better means of transmitting the money. If the investor is a
customer of a securities dealer ("Selected Dealer") and his order to
purchase Fund shares is paid for other than in Federal Funds, the Selected
Dealer, acting on behalf of its customer, will complete the conversion
into, or itself advance, Federal Funds generally on the business day
following receipt of the customer order. The order is effective only when
so converted and received by the Transfer Agent. An order for the
purchase of Fund shares placed by an investor with sufficient Federal
Funds or a cash balance in his brokerage account with a Selected Dealer
will become effective on the day that the order, including Federal Funds,
is received by the Transfer Agent.
Sales Loads--Class A. The scale of sales loads applies to purchases
of Class A shares made by any "purchaser," which term includes an
individual and/or spouse purchasing securities for his, her or their own
account or for the account of any minor children, or a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing securities for a single trust estate or a single
fiduciary account (including a pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")), although more
than one beneficiary is involved; or a group of accounts established by or
on behalf of the employees of an employer or affiliated employers pursuant
to an employee benefit plan or other program (including accounts
established pursuant to Sections 403(b), 408(k), and 457 of the Code); or
an organized group which has been in existence for more than six months,
provided that it is not organized for the purpose of buying redeemable
securities of a registered investment company and provided that the
purchases are made through a central administration or a single dealer, or
by other means which result in economy of sales effort or expense.
Offering Prices. Based upon the Fund's net asset value at the close
of business on December 31, 1994, the maximum offering price of the Fund's
shares would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Class A Shares:
NET ASSET VALUE per Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.54
Sales load for individual sales of shares
aggregating less than $50,000 - 4.5% of
offering price (approximately 4.7% of
net asset value per share). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Offering Price to the Public. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.18
Class B Shares:
NET ASSET VALUE, redemption price and
offering price to public(*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.55
</TABLE>
____________________________________
* Class B shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on
certain redemptions. See "How to Redeem Fund Shares" in the Fund's
Prospectus.
TeleTransfer Privilege. TeleTransfer purchase orders may be made
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any
business day that the Transfer Agent and the New York Stock Exchange are
open. Such purchases will be credited to the shareholder's Fund account
on the next bank business day. To qualify to use the TeleTransfer
Privilege, the initial payment for the purchase of Fund shares must be
drawn on, and redemption proceeds paid to, the same bank and account as
are designated on the Account Application or Shareholder Services Form on
file. If the proceeds of a particular redemption are to be wired to an
account at any other bank, the request must be in writing and
signature-guaranteed. See "Redemption of Fund Shares--TeleTransfer
Privilege."
Reopening an Account. Any investor may reopen an account with a
minimum investment of $100 without filing a new Account Application during
the calendar year in which the account is closed or during the following
calendar year, provided the information on the old Account Application is
still applicable.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICES PLAN
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Distribution Plan and Shareholder Services Plan."
Class A and Class B shares are subject to a Shareholder Services Plan
and Class B shares only are subject to a Distribution Plan.
Distribution Plan. Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule"), adopted by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Act, provides, among other
things, that an investment company may bear expenses of distributing its
shares only pursuant to a plan adopted in accordance with the Rule. The
Fund's Board of Trustees has adopted such a plan (the "Distribution Plan")
with respect to Class B shares, pursuant to which the Fund pays the
Distributor for distributing Class B shares. The Fund's Board of Trustees
believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Distribution Plan
will benefit the Fund and holders of its Class B shares. In some states,
certain financial institutions effecting transactions in Fund shares may
be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Distribution
Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred, must be
made to the Trustees for their review. In addition, the Distribution Plan
provides that it may not be amended to increase materially the costs which
holders of Class B shares may bear for distribution pursuant to the
Distribution Plan without such shareholders' approval and that other
material amendments of the Distribution Plan must be approved by the Board
of Trustees, and by the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as
defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any agreement
entered into in connection with the Distribution Plan, by vote cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments.
The Distribution Plan is subject to annual approval by such vote of the
Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
the Distribution Plan. The Distribution Plan was last approved by the
Fund's Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
"interested persons," at a meeting held on July 20, 1994. The
Distribution Plan is terminable at any time by vote of a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" and have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any
agreement entered into in connection with the Distribution Plan or by vote
of a majority of the Class B shares.
For the period from January 1, 1994 through August 23, 1994, the Fund
paid Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former distributor, $110,960 with
respect to Class B under the Distribution Plan. For the period from
August 24, 1994 through December 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor
$66,374 with respect to Class B under the Distribution Plan.
Shareholder Services Plan. The Fund has adopted a Shareholder
Services Plan, pursuant to which the Fund pays the Distributor for the
provision of certain services to the holders of Class A and Class B
shares. Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Distributor may make
payments to certain financial institutions, securities dealers and other
financial industry professionals (collectively, "Service Agents") in
respect of these services.
A quarterly report of the amounts expended under the Shareholder
Services Plan, and the purposes for which such expenditures were incurred,
must be made to the Trustees for their review. In addition, the
Shareholder Services Plan provides that it may not be amended without
approval of the Board of Trustees, and by the Trustees who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Shareholder
Services Plan or in any agreements entered into in connection with the
Shareholder Services Plan, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of considering such amendments. The Shareholder Services Plan
and related agreements are subject to annual approval by such vote of the
Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
the Shareholder Services Plan. The Shareholder Services Plan was so
approved on July 20, 1994. The Shareholder Services Plan is terminable at
any time by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested
persons" and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Shareholder Services Plan or in any agreements entered
into in connection with the Shareholder Services Plan.
For the period from January 1, 1994 through August 23, 1994, the Fund
paid Dreyfus Service Corporation, as former distributor, $290,028, with
respect to Class A, and $55,480, with respect to Class B, under the
Shareholder Services Plan. For the period from August 24, 1994 through
December 31, 1994, the Fund paid the Distributor $135,819, with respect to
Class A, and $33,187, with respect to Class B, under the Shareholder
Services Plan.
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to
Redeem Fund Shares."
Check Redemption Privilege--Class A. An investor may indicate on the
Account Application, Shareholder Services Form or by later written request
that the Fund provide Redemption Checks ("Checks") drawn on the Fund's
account. Checks will be sent only to the registered owner(s) of the
account and only to the address of record. The Account Application,
Shareholder Services Form or later written request must be manually signed
by the registered owner(s). Checks may be made payable to the order of
any person in an amount of $500 or more. When a Check is presented to the
Transfer Agent for payment, the Transfer Agent, as the investor's agent,
will cause the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of full and fractional
Class A shares in the investor's account to cover the amount of the Check.
Dividends are earned until the Check clears. After clearance, a copy of
the Check will be returned to the investor. Investors generally will be
subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to the checking
accounts, although election of this Privilege creates only a share-
holder-transfer agent relationship with the Transfer Agent.
If the amount of the Check is greater than the value of the shares in
an investor's account, the Check will be returned marked insufficient
funds. Checks should not be used to close an account.
TeleTransfer Privilege. Investors should be aware that if they have
selected the TeleTransfer Privilege, any request for a wire redemption
will be effected through the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") system
unless more prompt transmittal specifically is requested. Redemption
proceeds will be on deposit in the investor's account at an ACH member
bank ordinarily two business days after receipt of the redemption request.
See "Purchase of Fund Shares--TeleTransfer Privilege."
Share Certificates; Signatures. Any certificates representing Fund
shares to be redeemed must be submitted with the redemption request.
Written redemption requests must be signed by each shareholder, including
each holder of a joint account, and each signature must be guaranteed.
Signatures on endorsed certificates submitted for redemption also must be
guaranteed. The Transfer Agent has adopted standards and procedures
pursuant to which signature guarantees in proper form generally will be
accepted from domestic banks, brokers, dealers, credit unions, national
securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing
agencies and savings associations, as well as from participants in the New
York Stock Exchange Medallion Signature Program, the Securities Transfer
Agents Medallion Program ("STAMP") and the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program. Guarantees must be signed by an authorized signatory of the
guarantor and "Signature-Guaranteed" must appear with the signature. The
Transfer Agent may request additional documentation from corporations,
executors, administrators, trustees or guardians, and may accept other
suitable verification arrangements from foreign investors, such as
consular verification.
Redemption Commitment. The Fund has committed itself to pay in cash
all redemption requests by any shareholder of record, limited in amount
during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the value of
the Fund's net assets at the beginning of such period. Such commitment is
irrevocable without the prior approval of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. In the case of requests for redemption in excess of such
amount, the Board of Trustees reserves the right to make payments in whole
or in part in securities or other assets in case of an emergency or any
time a cash distribution would impair the liquidity of the Fund to the
detriment of the existing shareholders. In this event, the securities
would be valued in the same manner as the Fund's portfolio is valued. If
the recipient sold such securities, brokerage charges would be incurred.
Suspension of Redemptions. The right of redemption may be suspended
or the date of payment postponed (a) during any period when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend and holiday
closings), (b) when trading in the markets the Fund ordinarily utilizes is
restricted, or when an emergency exists as determined by the Securities
and Exchange Commission so that disposal of the Fund's investments or
determination of its net asset value is not reasonably practicable, or (c)
for such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission by order
may permit to protect the Fund's shareholders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Shareholder Services."
Fund Exchanges. Class A and Class B shares of the Fund may be
exchanged for shares of the respective Class of certain other funds
advised or administered by the Manager. Shares of the same class of such
funds purchased by exchange will be purchased on the basis of relative net
asset value per share as follows:
A. Class A shares of funds purchased without a sales load may be
exchanged for Class A shares of other funds sold with a sales
load, and the applicable sales load will be deducted.
B. Class A shares of funds purchased with or without a sales load
may be exchanged without a sales load for Class A shares of
other funds sold without a sales load.
C. Class A shares of funds purchased with a sales load, Class A
shares of funds acquired by a previous exchange from Class A
shares purchased with a sales load, and additional Class A
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or
distributions of any such funds (collectively referred to herein
as "Purchased Shares") may be exchanged for Class A shares of
other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein as
"Offered Shares"), provided that, if the sales load applicable
to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load that could
have been imposed in connection with the Purchased Shares (at
the time the Purchased Shares were acquired), without giving
effect to any reduced loads, the difference will be deducted.
D. Class B shares of any fund may be exchanged for Class B shares
of other funds without a sales load. Class B shares of any fund
exchanged for Class B shares of another fund will be subject to
the higher applicable contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
of the two funds and, for purposes of calculating CDSC rates and
conversion periods, will be deemed to have been held since the
date the shares being exchanged were initially purchased.
To accomplish an exchange under item C above, an investor's Service
Agent must notify the Transfer Agent of the investor's prior ownership of
such Class A shares and the investor's account number.
To request an exchange, the investor's Service Agent acting on the
investor's behalf must give exchange instructions to the Transfer Agent in
writing or by telephone. The ability to issue exchange instructions by
telephone is given to all Fund shareholders automatically, unless the
investor checks the applicable "No" box on the Account Application,
indicating that the investor specifically refuses this privilege. By
using the Telephone Exchange Privilege, the investor authorizes the
Transfer Agent to act on telephonic instructions from any person
representing himself or herself to be the investor or a representative of
the investor's Service Agent, and reasonably believed by the Transfer
Agent to be genuine. Telephone exchanges may be subject to limitations as
to the amount involved or the number of telephone exchanges permitted.
Shares issued in certificate form are not eligible for telephone exchange.
To establish a Personal Retirement Plan by exchange, shares of the
fund being exchanged must have a value of at least the minimum initial
investment required for shares of the same class of the fund into which
the exchange is being made. For Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs and
IRAs set up under a Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP-IRAs") with
only one participant, the minimum initial investment is $750. To exchange
shares held in Corporate Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans and SEP-IRAs with more
than one participant, the minimum initial investment is $100 if the plan
has at least $2,500 invested among shares of the same Class of the funds
in the Dreyfus Family of Funds. To exchange shares held in Personal
Retirement Plans, the shares exchanged must have a current value of at
least $100.
Auto-Exchange Privilege. The Auto-Exchange Privilege permits an
investor to purchase, in exchange for Class A or Class B shares of the
Fund, shares of the same class of another fund in the Premier Family of
Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds. This Privilege is available only
for existing accounts. Shares will be exchanged on the basis of relative
net asset value as described above under "Fund Exchanges." Enrollment in
or modification or cancellation of this Privilege is effective three
business days following notification by the investor. An investor will be
notified if his account falls below the amount designated to be exchanged
under this Privilege. In this case, an investor's account will fall to
zero unless additional investments are made in excess of the designated
amount prior to the next Auto-Exchange transaction. Shares held under IRA
and other retirement plans are eligible for this Privilege. Exchanges of
IRA shares may be made between IRA accounts and from regular accounts to
IRA accounts, but not from IRA accounts to regular accounts. With respect
to all other retirement accounts, exchanges may be made only among those
accounts.
Fund Exchanges and the Auto-Exchange Privilege are available to
shareholders resident in any state in which shares of the fund being
acquired may legally be sold. Shares may be exchanged only between
accounts having identical names and other identifying designations.
Shareholder Services Forms and prospectuses of the other funds may be
obtained by calling 1-800-645-6561. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any exchange request in whole or in part. The Fund Exchanges service or
the Auto-Exchange Privilege may be modified or terminated at any time upon
notice to shareholders.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan. The Automatic Withdrawal Plan permits an
investor with a $5,000 minimum account to request withdrawal of a
specified dollar amount (minimum of $50) on either a monthly or quarterly
basis. Withdrawal payments are the proceeds from sales of Fund shares,
not the yield on the shares. If withdrawal payments exceed reinvested
dividends and distributions, the investor's shares will be reduced and
eventually may be depleted. There is a service charge of $.50 for each
withdrawal check. Automatic Withdrawal may be terminated at any time by
the investor, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. Shares for which
certificates have been issued may not be redeemed through the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan. Class B shares withdrawn pursuant to the Automatic
Withdrawal Plan will be subject to any applicable CDSC.
Dividend Sweep. Dividend Sweep allows investors to invest on payment
date their dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions, if any,
from the Fund in shares of the same class of another fund in the Premier
Family of Funds or the Dreyfus Family of Funds of which the investor is a
shareholder. Shares of the same Class of other funds purchased pursuant
to this privilege will be purchased on the basis of relative net asset
value per share as follows:
A. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund may be invested without imposition of a sales load in
Class A shares of other funds that are offered without a sales
load.
B. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund which does not charge a sales load may be invested in
Class A shares of other funds sold with a sales load, and the
applicable sales load will be deducted.
C. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class A shares
by a fund which charges a sales load may be invested in Class A
shares of other funds sold with a sales load (referred to herein
as "Offered Shares"), provided that, if the sales load
applicable to the Offered Shares exceeds the maximum sales load
charged by the Fund from which dividends or distributions are
being swept, without giving effect to any reduced loads, the
difference will be deducted.
D. Dividends and distributions paid with respect to Class B shares
by a fund may be invested without imposition of a sales load in
Class B shares of other funds and the CDSC will not be imposed
upon redemption of such shares.
Corporate Pension, Profit-Sharing and Personal Retirement Plans. The
Fund makes available to corporations a variety of prototype pension and
profit-sharing plans including a 401(k) Salary Reduction Plan. In
addition, the Fund makes available Keogh Plans, IRAs, including SEP-IRAs
and IRA "Rollover Accounts," and 403(b)(7) Plans. Plan support services
also are available. Investors can obtain details on the various plans by
calling the following numbers toll free: for Keogh Plans, please call 1-
800-358-5566; for IRAs and IRA "Rollover Accounts," please call 1-800-645-
6561; and for SEP-IRAs, 401(k) Salary Reduction Plans and 403(b)(7) Plans,
please call 1-800-322-7880.
Investors who wish to purchase Fund shares in conjunction with a
Keogh Plan, a 403(b)(7) Plan or an IRA, including a SEP-IRA, may request
from the Distributor forms for adoption of such plans.
The entity acting as custodian for Keogh Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans or
IRAs may charge a fee, payment of which could require the liquidation of
shares. All fees charged are described in the appropriate form.
Shares may be purchased in connection with these plans only by direct
remittance to the entity acting as custodian. Such purchases will be
effective when payments received by the Transfer Agent are converted into
Federal Funds. Purchases for these plans may not be made in advance of
receipt of funds.
The minimum initial investment for corporate plans, Salary Reduction
Plans, 403(b)(7) Plans, and SEP-IRAs, with more than one participant, is
$2,500, with no minimum on subsequent purchases. The minimum initial
investment for Dreyfus-sponsored Keogh Plans, IRAs, SEP-IRAs and 403(b)(7)
Plans, with only one participant, is normally $750, with no minimum on
subsequent purchases. Individuals who open an IRA also may open a non-
working spousal IRA with a minimum investment of $250.
The investor should read the Prototype Retirement Plan and the
appropriate form of Custodial Agreement for further details as to
eligibility, service fees and tax implications, and should consult a tax
adviser.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "How to Buy
Fund Shares."
Valuation of Portfolio Securities. The Fund's investments are valued
each business day using available market quotations or at fair value as
determined by one or more independent pricing services (collectively, the
"Service") approved by the Board of Trustees. The Service may use
available market quotations, employ electronic data processing techniques
and/or a matrix system to determine valuations. The Service's procedures
are reviewed by the Fund's officers under the general supervision of the
Board of Trustees. Expenses and fees, including the management fee
(reduced by the expense limitation, if any) and, with respect to the
Class A and Class B shares, fees pursuant to the Shareholder Services Plan
and, with respect to the Class B shares only, fees pursuant to the
Distribution Plan, are accrued daily and are taken into account for the
purpose of determining the net asset value of the relevant class of
shares. Because of the difference in operating expenses incurred by each
Class, the per share net asset value of each Class will differ.
New York Stock Exchange Closings. The holidays (as observed) on
which the New York Stock Exchange is closed currently are: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes."
Dividends from net investment income, together with distributions
from any realized short-term securities gains, generally are taxable as
ordinary income whether or not reinvested. Distributions from net
realized long-term capital gains generally are taxable as long-term
capital gain to a shareholder who is a citizen or resident of the United
States, regardless of the length of time the shareholder has held his
shares.
Any dividend or distribution declared and paid shortly after an
investor's purchase may have the effect of reducing the net asset value of
his shares below the cost of his investment. Such a distribution would be
a return on investment in an economic sense although taxable as stated
above. In addition, the Code provides that if a shareholder has not held
his shares for more than six months and has received a capital gains
dividend with respect to such shares, any loss incurred on the sale of
such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss.
Ordinarily, gains and losses realized from portfolio transactions
will be treated as capital gain or loss. However, all or a portion of any
gains realized from the sale or other disposition of certain market
discount bonds will be treated as ordinary income under Section 1276 of
the Code.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Portfolio securities ordinarily are purchased from and sold to
parties acting as either principal or agent. Newly-issued securities
ordinarily are purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter;
other purchases and sales usually are placed with those dealers from which
it appears that the best price or execution will be obtained. Usually no
brokerage commissions, as such, are paid by the Fund for such purchases
and sales, although the price paid usually includes an undisclosed
compensation to the dealer acting as agent. The prices paid to
underwriters of newly-issued securities usually include a concession paid
by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases of after-market securities
from dealers ordinarily are executed at a price between the bid and asked
price. No brokerage commissions have been paid by the Fund to date.
Transactions are allocated to various dealers by the Fund's portfolio
managers in their best judgment. The primary consideration is prompt and
effective execution of orders at the most favorable price. Subject to
that primary consideration, dealers may be selected for research,
statistical or other services to enable the Manager to supplement its own
research and analysis with the views and information of other securities
firms.
Research services furnished by brokers through which the Fund effects
securities transactions may be used by the Manager in advising other funds
it advises and, conversely, research services furnished to the Manager by
brokers in connection with other funds the Manager advises, may be used by
the Manager in advising the Fund. Although it is not possible to place a
dollar value on these services, it is the opinion of the Manager that the
receipt and study of such services should not reduce the overall expenses
of its research department.
The Fund anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate
generally will not exceed 100%, but the turnover rate will not be a
limiting factor when the Fund deems it desirable to sell or purchase
securities. Therefore, depending upon market conditions, the Fund's
annual portfolio turnover rate may exceed 100% in particular years.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate during the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994, was 60.12%, 274.95% and 427.27%,
respectively. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate increased during
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993 and 1994 as a result of
adjustments made to the coupon structure of certain of the Fund's
portfolio securities in order to avoid prepayments.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled
"Performance Information."
Current yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 1994 was 6.18%
for Class A and 5.91% for Class B. Current yield is computed pursuant to
a formula which operates, with respect to each Class, as follows: the
amount of the Fund's expenses with respect to such Class accrued for the
30-day period (net of reimbursements) is subtracted from the amount of the
dividends and interest earned (computed in accordance with regulatory
requirements) by the Fund with respect to such Class during the period.
That result is then divided by the product of: (a) the average daily
number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to
receive dividends, and (b) the maximum offering price per share in the
case of Class A or the net asset value per share in the case of Class B on
the last day of the period less any undistributed earned income per share
reasonably expected to be declared as a dividend shortly thereafter. The
quotient is then added to 1, and that sum is raised to the 6th power,
after which 1 is subtracted. The current yield is then arrived at by
multiplying the result by 2.
The average annual total return for the 1, 5 and 7.923 year periods
ended December 31, 1994 for Class A was -7.28%, 6.40% and 7.82%, respec-
tively. The average annual total return for Class B for the 1 and 1.962
year periods ended December 31, 1994 was -6.13% and 0.22%, respectively.
Average annual total return is calculated by determining the ending
redeemable value of an investment purchased with a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the period (assuming the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions), dividing by the amount of the initial
investment, taking the "n"th root of the quotient (where "n" is the number
of years in the period) and subtracting 1 from the result. A Class's
average annual total return figures calculated in accordance with such
formula assume that in the case of Class A the maximum sales load has been
deducted from the hypothetical initial investment at the time of purchase
or in the case of Class B the maximum applicable CDSC has been paid upon
redemption at the end of the period.
The total return for the period January 29, 1987 (commencement of
operations) to December 31, 1994 for Class A was 81.58%. Based on net
asset value per share, the total return for Class A was 90.09% for this
period. The total return for Class B for the period from January 15, 1993
(commencement of initial offering of Class B shares) through December 31,
1994 was 0.43%. Without giving effect to the applicable CDSC, total
return for Class B was 6.76% for this period. Total return is calculated
by subtracting the amount of the Fund's maximum offering price per share
at the beginning of a stated period from the net asset value per share at
the end of the period (after giving effect to the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions during the period and any applicable CDSC),
and dividing the result by the maximum offering price per share at the
beginning of the period. Total return also may be calculated based on the
net asset value per share at the beginning of the period instead of the
maximum offering price per share at the beginning of the period for Class
A shares or without giving effect to any applicable CDSC at the end of the
period for Class B shares. In such cases, the calculation would not
reflect the deduction of the sales load with respect to Class A shares or
any applicable CDSC with respect to Class B shares, which, if reflected,
would reduce the performance quoted.
From time to time, the Fund may compare its performance against
inflation with the performance of other instruments against inflation,
such as short-term Treasury bills (which are direct obligations of the
U.S. Government) and FDIC-insured bank money market accounts. In
addition, advertising for the Fund may indicate that investors may
consider diversifying their investment portfolios in order to seek
protection of the value of their assets against inflation.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUND
The following information supplements and should be read in
conjunction with the section in the Fund's Prospectus entitled "General
Information."
Each share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in accordance
with the terms of the offering, is fully paid and non-assessable. Shares
have no preemptive or subscription rights and are freely transferable.
The Fund sends annual and semi-annual financial statements to all its
shareholders.
On August 3, 1994, the Fund's shareholders approved a proposal to
change, among other things, certain of the Fund's Fundamental policies and
investment restrictions to increase (i) the amount the Fund may borrow;
and (ii) the amount of the Fund's assets it may pledge to secure such
borrowings and make such policy non-fundamental.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT,
COUNSEL AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286,
is the Fund's custodian. The Shareholder Services Group, Inc., a
subsidiary of First Data Corporation, P.O. Box 9671, Providence, Rhode
Island 02940-9671, is the Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
Neither The Bank of New York nor The Shareholder Services Group, Inc. has
any part in determining the investment policies of the Fund or which
securities are to be purchased or sold by the Fund.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan, 7 Hanover Square, New York, New York
10004-2696, as counsel for the Fund, has rendered its opinion as to
certain legal matters regarding the due authorization and valid issuance
of the shares of beneficial interest being sold pursuant to the Fund's
Prospectus.
Ernst & Young LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York 10019,
independent auditors, have been selected as auditors of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER GNMA FUND
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1994
PRINCIPAL
BONDS AND NOTES-95.9% AMOUNT VALUE
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES-75.1%
Government National Mortgage Association I:
7 1/2%, 12/15/2007-11/15/2024........................................... $ 49,171,027 $ 45,990,539
8%, 6/15/2001-12/15/2017................................................ 28,520,712 27,938,367
8 1/2%, 11/1/2019-12/15/2024............................................ 26,055,899 25,656,722
9% (a).................................................................. 6,000,000 6,065,580
9%, 12/15/2009-5/15/2022................................................ 11,806,164 11,940,762
9 1/4%, 10/15/2023...................................................... 4,850,147 4,830,406
10%, 10/15/2016-10/15/2020.............................................. 1,833,927 1,933,070
10 1/2%, 2/15/2016-8/15/2019............................................ 780,329 834,952
11%, 2/15/2010-8/15/2019................................................ 3,563,845 3,886,800
11 1/2%, 1/15/2013...................................................... 230,303 257,651
--------------
129,334,849
--------------
Government National Mortgage Association II;
11%, 7/20/2013-10/20/2015............................................... 3,429,393 3,645,856
--------------
TOTAL MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES.......................................... 132,980,705
--------------
U.S. TREASURY BONDS-7.9%
8%, 11/15/2021.......................................................... 14,000,000 14,059,066
--------------
U.S. TREASURY NOTES-12.9%
7 1/4%, 11/30/1996...................................................... 23,000,000 22,823,912
--------------
TOTAL BONDS AND NOTES
(cost $171,856,509)..................................................... $169,863,683
===============
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS-7.1%
U.S. TREASURY BILLS:
3.52%, 1/12/1995 (b).................................................... $ 2,224,000 $ 2,221,242
4%, 3/9/1995............................................................ 3,687,000 3,649,135
4 3/4%, 2/2/1995........................................................ 6,829,000 6,799,499
--------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(cost $12,669,876)...................................................... $ 12,669,876
===============
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(cost $184,526,385)..................................................... 103.0% $182,533,559
======== ==============
LIABILITIES, LESS CASH AND RECEIVABLES...................................... (3.0%) $ (5,367,379)
======== ==============
NET ASSETS ................................................................ 100.0% $177,166,180
======== ==============
NOTES TO STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS:
(a) Purchased on a when-issued basis.
(b) Held by the custodian in a segregated account for when-issued
securities purchased.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PREMIER GNMA FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
(cost $184,526,385)-see statement..................................... $182,533,559
Cash.................................................................... 1,029,422
Interest receivable..................................................... 1,215,012
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest subscribed................. 73,841
Prepaid expenses........................................................ 14,358
--------------
184,866,192
LIABILITIES:
Due to The Dreyfus Corporation.......................................... $ 84,869
Due to Distributor...................................................... 53,913
Payable for investment securities purchased............................. 7,358,186
Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest redeemed...................... 75,834
Accrued expenses........................................................ 127,210 7,700,012
------------ --------------
NET ASSETS ................................................................ $177,166,180
==============
REPRESENTED BY:
Paid-in capital......................................................... $195,048,953
Accumulated net realized (loss) on investments.......................... (15,889,947)
Accumulated net unrealized (depreciation) on investments-Note 3......... (1,992,826)
--------------
NET ASSETS at value......................................................... $177,166,180
==============
Shares of Beneficial Interest outstanding:
Class A Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 10,450,270
==============
Class B Shares
(unlimited number of $.001 par value shares authorized)............... 2,635,810
==============
NET ASSET VALUE per share:
Class A Shares
($141,455,742 / 10,450,270 shares).................................... $13.54
=======
Class B Shares
($35,710,438 / 2,635,810 shares)...................................... $13.55
=======
See notes to financial statements.
PREMIER GNMA FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
INVESTMENT INCOME:
INTEREST INCOME......................................................... $ 14,602,827
EXPENSES:
Management fee-Note 2(a).............................................. $ 1,124,608
Shareholder servicing costs-Note 2(c)................................. 716,605
Distribution fees (Class B Shares)-Note 2(b).......................... 177,334
Custodian fees........................................................ 71,683
Professional fees..................................................... 46,737
Registration fees..................................................... 45,631
Prospectus and shareholders' reports.................................. 20,497
Trustees' fees and expenses-Note 2(d)................................. 20,230
Miscellaneous......................................................... 22,071
--------------
2,245,396
Less-reduction in management fee due to
undertakings-Note 2(a)............................................ 120,163
--------------
TOTAL EXPENSES.................................................... 2,125,233
--------------
INVESTMENT INCOME-NET............................................. 12,477,594
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
Net realized (loss) on investments-Note 3............................... $(15,855,259)
Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments............................ (3,139,629)
--------------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS................. (18,994,888)
--------------
NET (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS...................... $ (6,517,294)
==============
See notes to financial statements.
PREMIER GNMA FUND
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
1993 1994
-------------- --------------
OPERATIONS:
Investment income-net................................................... $ 12,508,104 $ 12,477,594
Net realized gain (loss) on investments................................. 4,539,185 (15,855,259)
Net unrealized (depreciation) on investments for the year............... (2,212,208) (3,139,629)
-------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS... 14,835,081 (6,517,294)
-------------- --------------
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Investment income-net:
Class A shares........................................................ (11,694,890) (10,554,358)
Class B shares........................................................ (813,214) (1,923,236)
Net realized gain on investments:
Class A shares........................................................ (3,934,125) ---
Class B shares........................................................ (560,637) ---
-------------- --------------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS................................................... (17,002,866) (12,477,594)
-------------- --------------
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from shares sold:
Class A shares........................................................ 62,147,529 17,118,960
Class B shares........................................................ 30,451,001 14,080,674
Dividends reinvested:
Class A shares........................................................ 11,052,185 7,266,865
Class B shares........................................................ 968,162 1,207,098
Cost of shares redeemed:
Class A shares........................................................ (38,519,104) (64,284,402)
Class B shares........................................................ (1,011,574) (6,115,464)
-------------- --------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS 65,088,199 (30,726,269)
-------------- --------------
TOTAL INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS......................... 62,920,414 (49,721,157)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year....................................................... 163,966,923 226,887,337
-------------- --------------
End of year............................................................. $226,887,337 $177,166,180
============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------- --------------------------------
1993 1994 1993* 1994
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold............................ 4,091,068 1,204,210 1,999,212 989,793
Shares issued for dividends reinvested. 734,937 516,077 64,715 85,980
Shares redeemed........................ (2,537,003) (4,564,951) (66,707) (437,183)
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN
SHARES OUTSTANDING............. 2,289,002 (2,844,664) 1,997,220 638,590
============== ============== ============== ==============
* From January 15, 1993 (commencement of initial offering) to December 31, 1993.
See notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
PREMIER GNMA FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Reference is made to page 4 of the Fund's Prospectus dated May 1, 1995.
See notes to financial statements.
PREMIER GNMA FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1-SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("Act")
as a diversified open-end management investment company. Dreyfus Service
Corporation, until August 24, 1994, acted as the Distributor of the Fund's
shares. Dreyfus Service Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Dreyfus Corporation ("Manager"). Effective August 24, 1994, the Manager
became a direct subsidiary of Mellon Bank, N.A.
On August 24, 1994, Premier Mutual Fund Services, Inc. (the
"Distributor") was engaged as the Fund's distributor. The Distributor,
located at One Exchange Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Institutional Administration Services, Inc., a provider of
mutual fund administration services, the parent company of which is Boston
Institutional Group, Inc.
The Fund offers both Class A and Class B shares. Class A shares are subject
to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase and Class B shares are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge imposed at the time of
redemption on redemptions made within five years of purchase. Other
differences between the two Classes include the services offered to and the
expenses borne by each Class and certain voting rights.
(A) PORTFOLIO VALUATION: The Fund's investments (excluding short-term
investments) are valued each business day by an independent pricing service
("Service") approved by the Board of Trustees. Investments for which quoted
bid prices are readily available and are representative of the bid side of
the market in the judgment of the Service are valued at the mean between the
quoted bid prices (as obtained by the Service from dealers in such
securities) and asked prices (as calculated by the Service based upon its
evaluation of the market for such securities). Other investments (which
constitute a majority of the portfolio securities) are carried at fair value
as determined by the Service, based on methods which include consideration
of: yields or prices of securities of comparable quality, coupon, maturity
and type; indications as to values from dealers; and general market
conditions. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost, which
approximates value.
(B) SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities
transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Realized gain and loss from
securities transactions are recorded on the identified cost basis. Interest
income, including, where applicable, amortization of discount on short-term
investments, is recognized on the accrual basis.
(C) DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS: It is the policy of the Fund to declare
dividends daily from investment income-net. Such dividends are paid monthly.
Dividends from net realized capital gain are normally declared and paid
annually, but the Fund may make distributions on a more frequent basis to
comply with the distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. To
the extent that net realized capital gain can be offset by capital loss
carryovers, it is the policy of the Fund not to distribute such gain.
(D) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES: It is the policy of the Fund to continue to
qualify as a regulated investment company, if such qualification is in the
best interests of its shareholders, by complying with the applicable
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, and to make distributions of taxable
income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all Federal income and
excise taxes.
The Fund has an unused capital loss carryover of approximately
$10,221,000 available for Federal income tax purposes to be applied against
future net securities profits, if any, realized subsequent to December 31,
1994. The carryover does not include net realized securities losses from
November 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994 which are treated, for Federal
income tax purposes, as arising in fiscal 1995. If not applied, the carryover
expires in fiscal 2002.
PREMIER GNMA FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
NOTE 2-MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES:
(A) Pursuant to a management agreement ("Agreement") with the Manager,
the management fee is computed at the annual rate of .55 of 1% of the average
daily value of the Fund's net assets and is payable monthly. The Agreement
provides for an expense reimbursement from the Manager should the Fund's
aggregate expenses, exclusive of taxes, brokerage, interest on borrowings and
extraordinary expenses, exceed the expense limitation of any state having
jurisdiction over the Fund for any full year. The most stringent state
expense limitation applicable to the Fund presently requires reimbursement of
expenses in any full year that such expenses (exclusive of distribution
expenses and certain expenses as described above) exceed 2 1/2% of the first
$30 million, 2% of the next $70 million and 1 1/2% of the excess over $100
million of the average value of the Fund's net assets in accordance with
California "blue sky" regulations. However, the Manager had undertaken from
January 1, 1994 through June 30, 1994, to waive receipt of the management fee
payable to it by the Fund in excess of an annual rate of .45 of 1% of the
average daily value of the Fund's net assets, and thereafter, had undertaken
from July 1, 1994 through July 14, 1994 to reduce the management fee paid by
the Fund, to the extent that the Fund's aggregate expenses, excluding
(certain expenses as described above) exceeded specified annual percentages
of the Fund's average daily net assets. The reduction in management fee,
pursuant to the undertakings, amounted to $120,163 for the year ended
December 31, 1994.
Dreyfus Service Corporation retained $23,891 during the year ended
December 31, 1994 from commissions earned on sales of the Fund's Class A
shares.
Prior to August 24, 1994, Dreyfus Service Corporation retained $64,196
from contingent deferred sales charges imposed upon redemptions of the Fund's
Class B shares.
(B) On August 3, 1994, the Fund's shareholders approved a revised
Distribution Plan with respect to Class B shares only (the "Class B
Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. Pursuant to the
Class B Distribution Plan, effective August 24, 1994, the Fund pays the
Distributor for distributing the Fund's Class B shares at an annual rate of
.50 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets of Class B shares.
Prior to August 24, 1994, the Distribution Plan ("prior Class B
Distribution Plan") provided that the Fund pay Dreyfus Service Corporation at
an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the value of the Fund's Class B shares average
daily net assets, for the costs and expenses in connection with advertising,
marketing and distributing the Fund's Class B shares. Dreyfus Service
Corporation made payments to one or more Service Agents based on the value of
the Fund's Class B shares owned by clients of the Service Agent.
During the year ended December 31, 1994, $66,374 was charged to the Fund
pursuant to the Class B Distribution Plan and $110,960 was charged to the
Fund pursuant to the prior Class B Distribution Plan.
(C) Under the Shareholder Services Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor,
at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the value of the average daily net assets
of Class A and Class B shares for servicing shareholder accounts. The
services provided may include personal services relating to shareholder
accounts, such as answering shareholder inquiries regarding the Fund and
providing reports and other information, and services related to the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor may make payments to
Service Agents in respect of these services. The Distributor determines the
amounts to be paid to Service Agents. From January 1, 1994 to August 23,
1994, $290,028 and $55,480 were charged to Class A and Class B shares,
respectively, by Dreyfus Service Corporation. From August 24, 1994 through
December 31, 1994, $135,819 and $33,187 were charged to Class A and Class B
shares, respectively, by the Distributor pursuant to the Shareholder Services
Plan.
PREMIER GNMA FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(D) Prior to August 24, 1994, certain officers and trustees of the Fund
were "affiliated persons," as defined in the Act, of the Manager and/or
Dreyfus Service Corporation. Each trustee who is not an "affiliated person"
receives an annual fee of $2,500 and an attendance fee of $500 per meeting.
Prior to May 1, 1994, the annual fee was $1,000 and prior to April 20, 1994,
an attendance fee was not paid.
NOTE 3-SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS:
The aggregate amount of purchases and sales (including paydowns) of
investment securities, excluding short-term securities, during the year ended
December 31, 1994, amounted to $765,714,535 and $789,798,361, respectively.
At December 31, 1994, accumulated net unrealized depreciation on
investments was $1,992,826, consisting of $318,141 gross unrealized
appreciation and $2,310,967 gross unrealized depreciation.
At December 31, 1994, the cost of investments for Federal income tax
purposes was substantially the same as the cost for financial reporting
purposes (see the Statement of Investments).
PREMIER GNMA FUND
REPORT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
SHAREHOLDERS AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PREMIER GNMA FUND
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of
Premier GNMA Fund, including the statement of investments, as of December 31,
1994, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the
statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period
then ended, and financial highlights for each of the years indicated therein.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures
in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of
securities owned as of December 31, 1994 by correspondence with the custodian
and brokers. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide
a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights
referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Premier GNMA Fund at December 31, 1994, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of
the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each
of the indicated years, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
(Ernst & Young Signature Logo)
New York, New York
February 8, 1995
