[LOGO]
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 28, 2000
<PAGE>
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND,
EACH A SERIES OF PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED PORTFOLIOS
The Matrix Growth Fund seeks to provide investors with long-term growth of
capital, while conserving capital. The Fund will invest in the securities of
companies of any size.
The Matrix Emerging Growth Fund seeks to provide investors with long-term
capital appreciation. The Fund will invest primarily in the securities of
smaller companies.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is April 28, 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
An Overview of the Funds.................................................... 3
Performance ............................................................... 4
Fees and Expenses........................................................... 5
Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies................... 6
Principal Risks of Investing in the Funds................................... 7
Investment Advisor.......................................................... 7
Shareholder Information..................................................... 8
Pricing of Fund Shares...................................................... 12
Dividends and Distributions................................................. 12
Tax Consequences............................................................ 12
Rule 12b-1 Fees............................................................. 12
Financial Highlights........................................................ 13
2
<PAGE>
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT GOALS
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
The Growth Fund's primary investment goal is to seek long-term growth of
capital. The Growth Fund also seeks to preserve capital.
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
The Emerging Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
THE FUNDS' PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
The Growth Fund will seek to achieve its investment goal by investing at least
65% of its assets in the common stocks of U.S. companies of any size. In
selecting investments the Advisor will invest in companies that it believes have
good prospects for rising earnings and stable or rising share prices.
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
The Emerging Growth Fund will seek to achieve its investment goal by investing
at least 65% of its assets in the common stocks of U.S. companies. The Fund will
emphasize investments in smaller companies considered to be in the emerging or
developing growth phase. In selecting investments, the Advisor will invest in
companies which it believes have prospects for above-average growth over an
extended period of time.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
There is the risk that you could lose money on your investment in a Fund. This
could happen if any of the following events happen:
* The stock market goes down
* Interest rates go up
* Growth stocks fall out of favor with the stock market
* Stocks in a Fund's portfolio may not increase their earnings at the rate
anticipated because the Advisor's initial evaluation of the stock was
mistaken
* Developments occur which could have a negative effect on the value of
stocks of smaller companies in which the Emerging Growth Fund invests.
Investing in smaller companies involves greater risks than investing in
larger, more established companies.
WHO MAY WANT TO INVEST IN THE FUNDS
The Funds may be appropriate for investors who:
* Are pursuing a long-term goal such as retirement
* Want to add an investment with growth potential to diversify their
investment portfolio
* Are willing to accept higher short-term risk in exchange for a higher
potential of long-term growth
The Funds may not be appropriate for investors who:
* Need regular income
* Are pursuing a short-term investment goal
3
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
The following performance information indicates some of the risks of investing
in the Funds. The bar charts show how the Funds' total returns have varied from
year to year. The tables show the Funds' average returns over time compared with
broad-based market indices. This past performance will not necessarily continue
in the future.
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS (%)
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
-4.51% 34.16% 5.00% 9.29% -4.82 23.52% 17.53% 34.57% 23.44% 16.84%
During the period shown in the bar chart, the Growth Fund's highest quarterly
return was 21.16% for the quarter ended June 30, 1997 and the lowest quarterly
return was -16.37% for the quarter ended September 30, 1990.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
------ ------- --------
Growth Fund 16.04% 22.32% 14.37%
S&P 500 Index* 21.04 28.56 18.21
- ----------
* The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index generally representative of the
market for the stocks of large-sized U.S. companies.
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
CALENDAR YEAR TOTAL RETURNS (%)
1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ----
10.47% 18.58% -2.72% 29.58%
4
<PAGE>
During the period shown in the bar chart, the Emerging Growth Fund's highest
quarterly return was 39.59% for the quarter ended December 31, 1999 and the
lowest quarterly return was -23.45% for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
Since Inception
1 Year (April 4, 1995)
------ ---------------
Emerging Growth Fund 29.58% 17.01%
Russell 2000 Index* 21.26 16.49
S&P 500 Index** 21.04 27.51
- ----------
* The Russell 2000 Index is composed of the 2,000 smallest stocks in the
Russell 3000 Index, and is widely regarded in the industry as the premier
measure of small cap stocks. The Russell 3000 Index is an index composed of
the 3,000 largest U.S. companies.
** The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index generally representative of the
market for the stocks of large sized U.S. companies.
FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Funds.
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(Fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(Expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Growth Fund Emerging Growth Fund
----------- --------------------
Management Fees 0 90% 0 90%
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees 0 25% 0 25%
Other Expenses 0 83% 1 71%
----- -----
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses 1 98% 2 86%
Fee Reduction and/or Expense Reimbursement (0 23%) (0 86%)
Net Expenses* 1 75% 2 00%
===== =====
- ----------
* The Advisor has contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or pay expenses
of each Fund's total annual operating expenses (excluding interest and
taxes) to the net expense amounts shown. This contract has a one-year term,
renewable at the end of each fiscal year.
5
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE
This Example is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Funds
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in a Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be
higher or lower, under the assumptions, your costs would be:
One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
-------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Growth Fund $178 $599 $1,046 $2,288
Emerging Growth Fund $203 $805 $1,433 $3,124
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
The Matrix Growth Fund seeks long-term growth of capital as its primary
investment goal. The Fund also seeks to preserve capital. The Fund will invest
at least 65% of its assets in the common stocks of U.S. companies. The Fund may
also choose to invest in foreign securities, including American Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs").
Using a growth style, the Advisor selects the securities of companies that it
believes will have rising earnings and stable or rising share prices. Earnings
growth is evaluated relative to the earnings history of a company. Price trends
are also viewed relative to the long-term price behavior of a company's shares.
The Advisor considers several factors in determining whether to sell a stock in
the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor may sell a stock when it fails to meet
earnings expectations, has become overvalued or, in the Advisor's opinion, there
has been a deterioration in the underlying fundamentals for future growth.
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
The Matrix Emerging Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation as its
investment goal. The Fund will invest at least 65% of its assets in the common
stocks of smaller emerging or developing U.S. companies with long-term growth
potential. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities, including ADRs.
The Advisor uses the growth style in selecting stocks for the Fund's portfolio.
While economic forecasting and industry sector analysis play a part in the
research effort, the Advisor's stock selection process begins with an individual
company. This is often referred to as a bottom-up approach to investing. From a
group of companies that meet the Advisor's standards, the Advisor selects the
securities of those companies that it believes are capable of increasing
earnings over an extended period of time at an above average rate and are in a
sound financial position. The emphasis will be on companies that operate in
various fields of science or technology. The Advisor will also consider
companies in other areas that have developed innovative products or services
that in the Advisor's opinion have significant earnings growth potential.
The Advisor considers several factors in determining whether to sell a stock in
the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor may sell a stock when it fails to meet
earnings expectations, it ceases to be an attractive investment in relation to
its peer group or, in the Advisor's opinion, there has been a deterioration in
the underlying fundamentals for future growth.
6
<PAGE>
Under normal market conditions, each Fund will stay fully invested in stocks.
However, a Fund may temporarily depart from its principal investment strategies
by making short-term investments in cash equivalents in response to adverse
market, economic or political conditions. This may result in a Fund not
achieving its investment objective.
PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
The principal risks of investing in the Funds that may adversely affect a Fund's
net asset value or total return are discussed above in "An Overview of the
Funds." These risks are discussed in more detail below.
MANAGEMENT RISK. Management risk means that your investment in a Fund varies
with the success and failure of the Advisor's investment strategies and the
Advisor's research, analysis and security selection decisions. If the Advisor's
investment strategies do not produce the expected results, you could lose money.
MARKET RISK. The risk that the market value of securities held by a Fund will
move up and down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. These fluctuations may
cause a security to be worth less than the price originally paid for it, or less
than it was worth at an earlier time. Market risk may affect a single issuer,
industry, sector of the economy or the market as a whole.
SMALLER COMPANIES RISK. The Emerging Growth Fund will primarily invest in
smaller companies. Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve
greater risk than investing in larger companies because they can be subject to
more abrupt or erratic share price changes than larger companies. Small
companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources and
their management may be dependent on a limited number of key individuals.
Securities of these companies may have limited market liquidity and their share
prices can be extremely volatile.
SECTOR RISK. The Emerging Growth Fund may invest in companies that are in the
technology, communication or health care sectors. Companies in these sectors are
particularly vulnerable to rapidly changing technology, and relatively high
risks of obsolescence caused by rapid and significant scientific and
technological advances. In addition, companies that operate in this sector are
subject to extreme competition and may rapidly lose, or be unable to obtain
market share. The value of the Emerging Growth Fund's shares may be volatile and
fluctuate more than shares of a fund investing in a broader range of industries.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Sena Weller Rohs Williams, Inc. is the investment advisor to the Funds. The
Advisor's address is 300 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45020. The Advisor, whose
predecessor was established in 1901, provides investment management services to
mutual funds, individual and institutional investors with assets of
approximately $1.5 billion. The Advisor provides advice on buying and selling
securities. The investment advisor also furnishes the Funds with office space
and certain administrative services and provides most of the personnel needed by
the Funds. For its services, each Fund pays the Advisor a monthly management fee
based upon its average daily net assets. For the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, the investment advisor received advisory fees of 0.66% of average daily
net assets, net of waiver, for the Growth Fund and 0.04% of average daily net
assets, net of waiver, for the Emerging Growth Fund.
7
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Peter H. Williams and Robert S. Castellini are responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Growth Fund's portfolio. Mr. Williams, Senior Vice President
of the Advisor has managed the Fund's portfolio since 1988. Mr. Castellini
joined the Advisor in 1996 and began managing the Fund's portfolio in 1998. From
June 1994 to June 1996, he was employed by the investment brokerage firm of
Hilliard, Lyons.
Fred W. Weller and Michael E. Coombe are responsible for the day-to-day
management of the Emerging Growth Fund's portfolio. Mr. Weller, Senior Vice
President of the Advisor, has been associated with the Advisor since 1981. He
has managed the Advisor's emerging growth limited partnerships since 1981. Mr.
Coombe, Vice President of the Advisor, joined the Advisor in 1994. Prior to
that, he was associated with the investment management firm of Gradison &
Company.
FUND EXPENSES
Each Fund is responsible for its own operating expenses. The Advisor has
contractually agreed to reduce its fees and/or pay expenses of each Fund to
ensure that each Fund's aggregate annual operating expenses (excluding interest
and tax expenses) will not exceed the limits set forth in the Fees and Expenses
Table. That agreement has a one-year term, renewable at the end of each fiscal
year. Any reduction in advisory fees or payment of expenses made by the Advisor
which are the Funds' obligation are subject to reimbursement by a Fund, provided
a Fund is able to effect such reimbursement and remain in compliance with any
applicable expense limitations.
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may open a Fund account with $1,000 and add to your account at any time with
$100 or more. You may open a retirement plan account with $500 and add to your
account with $100 or more. You also may open a Fund account with $1,000 and make
subsequent monthly investments with $100 or more through the Automatic
Investment Check Plan. The minimum investment requirements may be waived from
time to time by the Funds.
You may purchase shares of the Funds by check or wire. All purchases by check
must be in U.S. dollars. Third party checks and cash will not be accepted. A
charge may be imposed if your check does not clear. The Funds reserve the right
to reject any purchase in whole or in part.
BY CHECK
If you are making an initial investment in a Fund, simply complete the
Application Form included with this Prospectus and mail it with a check (made
payable to "Matrix Growth Fund" or "Matrix Emerging Growth Fund") to:
Matrix Growth Fund OR
Matrix Emerging Growth Fund
c/o ICA Fund Services Corp.
4455 East Camelback Road
Suite 261E
Phoenix, AZ 85018
8
<PAGE>
If you wish to send your Application Form and check via an overnight delivery
service (such as FedEx), you should call the Transfer Agent at (800) 576-8229
for instructions:
If you are making a subsequent purchase, a stub is attached to the account
statement you will receive after each transaction. Detach the stub from the
statement and mail it together with a check made payable to "Matrix Growth Fund"
or "Matrix Emerging Growth Fund" in the envelope provided with your statement to
the address noted above. Your account number should be written on the check.
BY WIRE
If you are making your first investment in the Funds, before you wire funds, the
Transfer Agent must have a completed Account Application. You can mail or
overnight deliver your Account Application to the Transfer Agent at the above
address. You may also fax the Account Application to the Transfer Agent at (602)
522-8172. Upon receipt of your completed Account Application, the Transfer Agent
will establish an account for you. Once you have faxed your new account
application, you may instruct your bank to send the wire. Your bank must include
both the name of the Fund you are purchasing and your name so that monies can be
correctly applied. Your bank should transmit immediately available funds by wire
to:
Firstar Bank, N.A. Cinti/Trust
ABA #0420-001-3
Attn: Matrix Growth Fund or Matrix Emerging Growth Fund
DDA #483897989 DDA #483897997
Account name (shareholder name)
Shareholder account number
If you are making a subsequent purchase, your bank should wire funds as
indicated above. Before each wire purchase, you should be sure to notify the
Transfer Agent. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUR BANK INCLUDE COMPLETE INFORMATION
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT IN ALL WIRE INSTRUCTIONS. If you have questions about how to
invest by wire, you may call the Transfer Agent. Your bank may charge you a fee
for sending a wire to the Fund.
You may buy, sell and exchange shares of a Fund through certain brokers (and
their agents) that have made arrangements with a Fund to sell its shares. When
you place your order with such a broker or its authorized agent, your order is
treated as if you had placed it directly with the Funds' Transfer Agent, and you
will pay or receive the next price calculated by a Fund. The broker (or agent)
holds your shares in an omnibus account in the broker's (or agent's) name, and
the broker (or agent) maintains your individual ownership records. The Funds may
pay the broker (or its agent) for maintaining these records as well as providing
other shareholder services. The broker (or its agent) may charge you a fee for
handling your order. The broker (or agent) is responsible for processing your
order correctly and promptly, keeping you advised regarding the status of your
individual account, confirming your transactions and ensuring that you receive
copies of the Funds' prospectus.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
For your convenience, the Funds offer an Automatic Investment Plan. Under this
Plan, after your initial investment, you authorize a Fund to withdraw from your
personal checking account each month an amount that you wish to invest, which
must be at least $100. If you wish to enroll in this Plan, complete the
appropriate section in the Account Application. Each Fund may terminate or
modify this privilege at any time. You may terminate your participation in the
Plan at any time by notifying the Transfer Agent in writing.
9
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Funds offer an Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") plan. You may obtain
information about opening an IRA account by calling (800) 576-8229. If you wish
to open a Keogh, Section 403(b) or other retirement plan, please contact your
securities dealer.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your shares between the Growth Fund and the Emerging Growth
Fund on any day the Funds and the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") are open for
business.
You may exchange your shares by simply sending a written request to the Funds'
Transfer Agent. You should give your account number and the number of shares or
dollar amount to be exchanged. The letter should be signed by all of the
shareholders whose names appear in the account registration.
If your account has telephone privileges, you may also exchange Fund shares by
calling the Transfer Agent at (800) 576-8229 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). If you are exchanging shares by telephone, you will be
subject to certain identification procedures which are listed below under "How
to Sell Shares." The Funds may modify, restrict or terminate the exchange
privilege at any time.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may sell (redeem) your Fund shares on any day the Funds and the NYSE are
open for business either directly to the Fund or through your investment
representative.
You may redeem your shares by simply sending a written request to the Transfer
Agent. You should give your account number and state whether you want all or
some of your shares redeemed. The letter should be signed by all of the
shareholders whose names appear in the account registration. Redemption requests
for amounts of $5,000 or more require a signature guarantee. Call the Transfer
Agent for details. You should send your redemption request to:
Matrix Growth Fund OR
Matrix Emerging Growth Fund
ICA Fund Services Corp.
4455 East Camelback Road
Suite 261E
Phoenix, AZ 85018
If you complete the Redemption by Telephone portion of the Account Application,
you may redeem all or some of your shares by calling the Transfer Agent at (800)
576-8229 before the close of trading on the NYSE. This is normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time. Redemption proceeds will be mailed on the next business day to the
address that appears on the Transfer Agent's records. If you request, redemption
proceeds will be wired on the next business day to the bank account you
designated on the Account Application. The minimum amount that may be wired is
$1,000. Wire charges, if any, will be deducted from your redemption proceeds.
Telephone redemptions cannot be made if you notify the Transfer Agent of a
change of address within 30 days before the redemption request. If you have a
retirement account, you may not redeem shares by telephone.
When you establish telephone privileges, you are authorizing a Fund and its
Transfer Agent to act upon the telephone instructions of the person or persons
you have designated in your Application. Such persons may request that the
10
<PAGE>
shares in your account be either exchanged or redeemed. Redemption proceeds will
be transferred to the bank account you have designated on your Account
Application.
Before executing an instruction received by telephone, the Funds and the
Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that the telephone
instructions are genuine. These procedures may include recording the telephone
call and asking the caller for a form of personal identification. If the Funds
and the Transfer Agent follow these reasonable procedures, they will not be
liable for any loss, expense, or cost arising out of any telephone redemption or
exchange request that is reasonably believed to be genuine. This includes any
fraudulent or unauthorized request.
You may request telephone redemption privileges after your account is opened by
calling the Transfer Agent at (800) 576-8229 for instructions.
You may have difficulties in making a telephone redemption during periods of
abnormal market activity. If this occurs, you may make your redemption request
in writing.
Payment of your redemption proceeds will be made promptly, but not later than
seven days after the receipt of your written request in proper form. If you made
your initial investment by wire, payment of your redemption proceeds for those
shares will not be made until one business day after your completed Account
Application is received by the Fund. If you did not purchase your shares with a
certified check or wire, a Fund may delay payment of your redemption proceeds
for up to 15 days from purchase or until your check has cleared, whichever
occurs first.
Each Fund may redeem the shares in your account if the value of your account is
less than $1,000 as a result of redemptions you have made. This does not apply
to retirement plan or Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act accounts. You
will be notified that the value of your account is less than $1,000 before the
Fund makes an involuntary redemption. You will then have 30 days in which to
make an additional investment to bring the value of your account to at least
$1,000 before the Fund takes any action.
Each Fund has the right to pay redemption proceeds to you in whole or in part by
a distribution of securities from the Fund's portfolio. It is not expected that
a Fund would do so except in unusual circumstances. If either Fund pays your
redemption proceeds by a distribution of securities, you could incur brokerage
or other charges in converting the securities to cash.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
As another convenience, you may redeem your Fund shares through the Systematic
Withdrawal Program. If you elect this method of redemption, the Fund will send
you a check in a minimum amount of $100. You may choose to receive a check each
month or calendar quarter. Your Fund account must have a value of at least
$10,000 in order to participate in this Program. This Program may be terminated
at any time by the Funds. You may also elect to terminate your participation in
this Program at any time by writing to the Transfer Agent at:
ICA Fund Services Corp.
4455 East Camelback Road
Suite 261E
Phoenix, AZ 85018
A withdrawal under the Program involves a redemption of shares and may result in
a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. In addition, if the amount
withdrawn exceeds the dividends credited to your account, the account ultimately
may be depleted.
11
<PAGE>
PRICING OF FUND SHARES
The price of a Fund's shares is based on a Fund's net asset value ("NAV"). This
is done by dividing the Fund's assets, minus its liabilities, by the number of
shares outstanding. A Fund's assets are the market value of securities held in
its portfolio, plus any cash and other assets. A Fund's liabilities are fees and
expenses owed by the Fund. The number of Fund shares outstanding is the amount
of shares that have been issued to shareholders. The price you will pay to buy
Fund shares or the amount you will receive when you sell your Fund shares is
based on the NAV next calculated after your order is received by the Transfer
Agent in proper form. Orders are in proper form only after funds are converted
to U.S. funds.
The NAV of each Fund's shares is determined as of the close of regular trading
on the NYSE. This is normally 4:00 p.m., Eastern time. Fund shares will not be
priced on days that the NYSE is closed for trading (including certain U.S.
holidays).
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund will make distributions of dividends and capital gains, if any,
annually. Because of its investment strategies, each Fund expects that its
distributions will primarily consist of capital gains.
All distributions will be invested in Fund shares unless you choose one of the
following options: (1) receive dividends in cash while reinvesting capital gain
distributions in additional Fund shares; or (2) receive all distributions in
cash. If you wish to change your distribution option, write to the Transfer
Agent in advance of the payment date for the distribution.
TAX CONSEQUENCES
Each Fund intends to make distributions of dividends and capital gains.
Dividends are taxable to you as ordinary income. The rate you pay on capital
gain distributions will depend on how long the Fund held the securities that
generated the gains, not on how long you owned your Fund shares. You will be
taxed in the same manner whether you receive your dividends and capital gain
distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional Fund shares.
If you exchange or sell your Fund shares, it is considered a taxable event for
you. Depending on the purchase price and the sale price of the shares you
exchange or sell, you may have a gain or a loss on the transaction. You are
responsible for any tax liabilities generated by your transaction.
RULE 12b-1 FEES
Each Fund has adopted a distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Rule 12b-1 allows each Fund to pay distribution
fees for the sale and distribution of its shares and for services provided to
its shareholders. The annual distribution and service fee is 0.25% of each
fund's average daily net assets which is payable to the Advisor, as Distribution
Coordinator. Because these fees are paid out of a Fund's assets on an on-going
basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment in Fund
shares and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
12
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
These tables show the Funds' financial performance for up to the past five
years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single Fund share.
"Total return" shows how much your investment in a Fund would have increased or
decreased during each period, assuming you had reinvested all dividends and
distributions. This information has been audited by Tait, Weller & Baker,
Independent Certified Public Accountants. Their reports and the Funds' financial
statements are included in the Annual Reports, which are available upon request.
The information for periods prior to December 31, 1996 was audited by other
independent accountants.
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
FOR A CAPITAL SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .... $20.14 $18.64 $15.09 $14.96 $13.45
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment gain (loss) income ..... (0.08) (0.07) (0.06) (0.01) 0.10
Net realized and unrealized gain
on investments ...................... 2.97 3.72 5.24 2.69 3.06
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations ........ 2.89 3.65 5.18 2.68 3.16
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less distributions:
From net investment income ............ -- -- -- -- (0.10)
From net realized gains ............... (6.26) (2.15) (1.63) (2.55) (1.55)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total distributions ..................... (6.26) (2.15) (1.63) (2.55) (1.65)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period .......... $16.77 $20.14 $18.64 $15.09 $14.96
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Total return ............................ 16.04% 20.44% 34.57% 17.93% 23.52%
Ratios/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of year (millions)..... $ 13.3 $ 13.5 $ 12.6 $ 12.1 $ 12.3
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
Before expense reimbursement........... 1.98% 2.00% 1.98% 1.99% 1.76%
After expense reimbursement............ 1.75% 1.75% 1.75% 1.75% 1.75%
Ratio of net investment income (loss)
to average net assets:
Before expense reimbursement........... (0.72%) (0.63%) (0.57%) (0.33%) 0.47%
After expense reimbursement............ (0.49%) (0.38%) (0.34%) (0.08%) 0.48%
Portfolio turnover rate ................. 49% 1% -- -- 27%
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
FOR A CAPITAL SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, April 4, 1995*
--------------------------------------- through
1999 1998 1997 1996 Dec. 31, 1995
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ............. $15.62 $16.33 $14.24 $12.98 $10.00
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment loss ............................ (0.31) (0.26) (0.21) (0.18) (0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments................................. 4.93 (0.21) 2.56 1.54 3.01
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total from investment operations ................. 4.62 (0.47) 2.35 1.36 2.98
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Less distributions:
From net realized gains......................... -- (0.24) (0.26) (0.10) --
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Net asset value, end of period ................... $20.24 $15.62 $16.33 $14.24 $12.98
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Total return ..................................... 29.58% (2.72%) 16.58% 10.47% 29.80%
Ratios/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (millions)............ $ 7.3 $ 6.8 $ 7.0 $ 5.7 $ 4.3
Ratio of expenses to average net assets:
Before expense reimbursement.................... 2.86% 2.70% 2.71% 3.13% 3.43%+
After expense reimbursement..................... 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%+
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets:
Before expense reimbursement ................... (2.69%) (2.29%) (2.19%) (2.53%) (1.87%)+
After expense reimbursement .................... (1.83%) (1.59%) (1.48%) (1.40%) (0.43%)+
Portfolio turnover rate .......................... 25% 25% 41% 30% 10%
</TABLE>
* Commencement of operations.
+ Annualized.
14
<PAGE>
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND,
EACH A SERIES OF PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED PORTFOLIOS (THE "TRUST")
For investors who want more information about the Funds, the following documents
are available free upon request:
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS: Additional information about the Funds' investments
is available in the Funds' annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders. In
the Funds' annual reports, you will find a discussion of market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected each Fund's performance during
its last fiscal year.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI): The SAI provides more detailed
information about the Funds and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus.
You can get free copies of reports and the SAI, request other information and
discuss your questions about the Funds by contacting the Funds at:
ICA Fund Services Corp.
4455 East Camelback Road
Suite 261E
Phoenix, AZ 85018
Telephone: 1-800-576-8229
You can review and copy information including the Funds' Annual and Semi-Annual
Reports, SAI and other information at the Public Reference Room of the
Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. You can obtain
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling
1-202-942-8090. Reports and other information about the Funds are also
available:
* Free of charge from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Commission's
Internet website at http://www.sec.gov., or
* For a fee, by writing to the Public Reference Room of the Commission,
Washington, DC 10549-0102, or
* For a fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address:
[email protected].
(The Trust's SEC Investment Company Act
file number is 811-05037)
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APRIL 28, 2000
MATRIX GROWTH FUND
MATRIX EMERGING GROWTH FUND
EACH A SERIES OF
PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED PORTFOLIOS
300 MAIN ST., CINCINNATI, OH 45202-4123
(513) 621-2875
(800) 282-2340
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus
and it should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated April 28, 2000,
as may be revised, of the Matrix Growth Fund ("Growth Fund") and the Matrix
Emerging Growth Fund ("Emerging Growth Fund"), each a series of Professionally
Managed Portfolios (the "Trust"). The Growth Fund and the Emerging Growth Fund
are referred to herein collectively as the "Funds." Sena Weller Rohs Williams,
Inc. (the "Advisor") is the investment advisor to the Funds. A copy of the
Funds' Prospectus is available by calling the numbers listed above or (212)
633-9700.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Trust................................................................. B-2
Investment Objectives and Policies........................................ B-2
Investment Restrictions................................................... B-7
Distributions and Tax Information......................................... B-9
Trustees and Executive Officers........................................... B-12
The Funds' Investment Advisor............................................. B-14
The Funds' Administrator.................................................. B-14
The Funds' Distributor.................................................... B-15
Execution of Portfolio Transactions....................................... B-16
Portfolio Turnover........................................................ B-18
Additional Purchase and Redemption Information............................ B-18
Determination of Share Price.............................................. B-21
Performance Information................................................... B-22
General Information....................................................... B-23
Financial Statements...................................................... B-25
Appendix.................................................................. B-26
B-1
<PAGE>
THE TRUST
Professionally Managed Portfolios (the "Trust") is an open-end
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust. The
Trust may consist of various series which represent separate investment
portfolios. This SAI relates only to the Funds.
The Trust is registered with the SEC as a management investment
company. Such a registration does not involve supervision of the management or
policies of the Funds. The Prospectus of the Funds and this SAI omit certain of
the information contained in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC.
Copies of such information may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the
prescribed fee.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Matrix Growth Fund is a mutual fund with the investment objective
of long-term growth of capital with a secondary objective of conserving
principal. The Matrix Emerging Growth Fund is a mutual fund with the investment
objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation. Each Fund is diversified,
which under applicable federal law means that as to 75% of its total assets (1)
no more than 5% may be invested in the securities of a single issuer, and (2) it
may hold no more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single
issuer. The following discussion supplements the discussion of the Funds'
investment objectives and policies as set forth in the Prospectus. There can be
no assurance the objective of either Fund will be attained.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. Under such agreements,
the seller of the security agrees to repurchase it at a mutually agreed upon
time and price. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the
difference being income to the Funds, or the purchase and repurchase prices may
be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the Funds together with the
repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Funds is
unrelated to the interest rate on the U.S. Government security itself. Such
repurchase agreements will be made only with banks with assets of $500 million
or more that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or with
Government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Board and
registered as broker-dealers with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC")
or exempt from such registration. The Funds will generally enter into repurchase
agreements of short durations, from overnight to one week, although the
underlying securities generally have longer maturities. Each Fund may not enter
into a repurchase agreement with more than seven days to maturity if, as a
result, more than 15% of the value of its net assets would be invested in
illiquid securities including such repurchase agreements.
For purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), a
repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan from the Funds to the seller of the
U.S. Government security subject to the repurchase agreement. It is not clear
whether a court would consider the U.S. Government security acquired by the
B-2
<PAGE>
Funds subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by the Funds or as being
collateral for a loan by the Funds to the seller. In the event of the
commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller
of the U.S. Government security before its repurchase under a repurchase
agreement, the Funds may encounter delays and incur costs before being able to
sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of
the U.S. Government security. If a court characterizes the transaction as a loan
and the Funds have not perfected a security interest in the U.S. Government
security, the Funds may be required to return the security to the seller's
estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured
creditor, the Funds would be at the risk of losing some or all of the principal
and income involved in the transaction. As with any unsecured debt instrument
purchased for the Funds, the Advisor seeks to minimize the risk of loss through
repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the other party, in
this case the seller of the U.S. Government security.
Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is
also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the security. However, a
Fund will always receive as collateral for any repurchase agreement to which it
is a party securities acceptable to it, the market value of which is equal to at
least 100% of the amount invested by the Funds plus accrued interest, and the
Funds will make payment against such securities only upon physical delivery or
evidence of book entry transfer to the account of its Custodian. If the market
value of the U.S. Government security subject to the repurchase agreement
becomes less than the repurchase price (including interest), the Funds will
direct the seller of the U.S. Government security to deliver additional
securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the repurchase
agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price.
It is possible that the Funds will be unsuccessful in seeking to impose on the
seller a contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Funds may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued"
basis. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is
fixed at the time the commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment
for them take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within
one month of the purchase; during the period between purchase and settlement, no
payment is made by the Funds to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Funds.
To the extent that assets of the Funds are held in cash pending the settlement
of a purchase of securities, the Funds would earn no income; however, it is the
Funds' intention to be fully invested to the extent practicable and subject to
the policies stated above. While when-issued securities may be sold prior to the
settlement date, the Funds intend to purchase them with the purpose of actually
acquiring them unless a sale appears desirable for investment reasons. At the
time the Funds make the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued
basis, they will record the transaction and reflect the value of the security in
determining their net asset value. The market value of the when-issued
securities may be more or less than the purchase price. The Funds do not believe
that their net asset value or income will be adversely affected by their
purchase of securities on a when-issued basis. The Funds will establish a
segregated account with their Custodian in which they will maintain liquid
assets equal in value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such segregated
assets either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement
date.
B-3
<PAGE>
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
Neither Fund may invest more than 15% of the value of its net assets in
securities that at the time of purchase have legal or contractual restrictions
on resale or are otherwise illiquid. The Advisor will monitor the amount of
illiquid securities in each Fund's portfolio, under the supervision of the
Trust's Board of Trustees, to ensure compliance with the Fund's investment
restrictions.
Historically, illiquid securities have included securities subject to
contractual or legal restrictions on resale because they have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), securities
which are otherwise not readily marketable and repurchase agreements having a
maturity of longer than seven days. Securities which have not been registered
under the Securities Act are referred to as private placement or restricted
securities and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary
market. Mutual funds do not typically hold a significant amount of these
restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on
resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse
effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and a Fund might be unable
to sell restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices
and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemption requests within
seven days. A Fund might also have to register such restricted securities in
order to sell them, resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse market
conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
In recent years, however, a large institutional market has developed
for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act,
including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal
securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an
efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security can be readily
resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for repayment. The fact that
there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or
to certain institutions may not reflect the actual liquidity of such
investments. If such securities are subject to purchase by institutional buyers
in accordance with Rule 144A promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Act,
the Trust's Board of Trustees may determine that such securities are not
illiquid securities despite their legal or contractual restrictions on resale.
In all other cases, however, securities subject to restrictions on resale will
be deemed illiquid.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in foreign securities that are not publicly traded
in the United States. The Funds may invest without limitation in securities of
foreign issuers which are listed and traded on a domestic national securities
exchange.
B-4
<PAGE>
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS. Securities of foreign issuers may be held by the
Funds in the form of American Depositary Receipts and European Depositary
Receipts ("ADRs" and "EDRs"). These are certificates evidencing ownership of
shares of a foreign-based issuer held in trust by a bank or similar financial
institution. Designed for use in U.S. and European securities markets,
respectively, ADRs and EDRs are alternatives to the purchase of the underlying
securities in their national market and currencies.
Foreign investments can involve significant risks in addition to the
risks inherent in U.S. investments, including the following:.
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS. Individual foreign economies of certain
countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the US economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, diversification and balance of payments
position. The internal politics of some foreign countries may not be as stable
as those of the United States. Governments in some foreign countries also
continue to participate to a significant degree, through ownership interest or
regulation, in their respective economies. Action by these governments could
include restrictions on foreign investment, nationalization, expropriation of
goods or imposition of taxes, and could have a significant effect on market
prices of securities and payment of interest. The economies of many foreign
countries are heavily dependent upon international trade and are affected by the
trade policies and economic conditions of their trading partners. If these
trading partners enacted protectionist trade legislation, it could have a
significant adverse effect upon the securities markets of such countries.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS. Each Fund may invest in securities denominated
in foreign currencies. A change in the value of any such currency against the
U.S. dollar will result in a corresponding change in the U.S. dollar value of
the Fund's assets denominated in that currency. Such changes will also affect
the Fund's income. The value of the Fund's assets may also be affected
significantly by currency restrictions and exchange control regulations enacted
from time to time.
EURO CONVERSION. Several European countries adopted a single uniform
currency known as the "euro," effective January 1, 1999. The euro conversion,
that will take place over a several year period, could have potential adverse
effects on a Fund's ability to value its portfolio holdings in foreign
securities, and could increase the costs associated with the Fund's operations.
The Funds and the Advisor are working with providers of services to the Funds in
the areas of clearance and settlement of trade to avoid any material impact on
the Funds due to the euro conversion; there can be no assurance, however, that
the steps taken will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the Funds.
MARKET CHARACTERISTICS. The Advisor expects that many foreign
securities in which a Fund invests will be purchased in over-the-counter markets
or on exchanges located in the countries in which the principal offices of the
issuers of the various securities are located, if that is the best available
market. Foreign exchanges and markets may be more volatile than those in the
United States. While growing, they usually have substantially less volume than
U.S. markets, and the Funds' foreign securities may be less liquid and more
B-5
<PAGE>
volatile than U.S. securities. Also, settlement practices for transactions in
foreign markets may differ from those in United States markets, and may include
delays beyond periods customary in the United States. Foreign security trading
practices, including those involving securities settlement where Fund assets may
be released prior to receipt of payment or securities, may expose the Funds to
increased risk in the event of a failed trade or the insolvency of a foreign
broker-dealer.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS. Certain foreign countries may have less
supervision of securities markets, brokers and issuers of securities, and less
financial information available to issuers, than is available in the United
States.
TAXES. The interest and dividends payable on some of the Funds' foreign
portfolio securities may be subject to foreign withholding taxes, thus reducing
the net amount of income available for distribution to Fund shareholders.
COSTS. To the extent that a Fund invests in foreign securities, its
expense ratio is likely to be higher than those of investment companies
investing only in domestic securities, since the cost of maintaining the custody
of foreign securities is higher.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
Each Fund may invest in any of the following securities and
instruments:
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT, BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES AND TIME DEPOSITS. Each
Fund may hold certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and time deposits.
Certificates of deposit are negotiable certificates issued against funds
deposited in a commercial bank for a definite period of time and earning a
specified return. Bankers' acceptances are negotiable drafts or bills of
exchange, normally drawn by an importer or exporter to pay for specific
merchandise, which are "accepted" by a bank, meaning in effect that the bank
unconditionally agrees to pay the face value of the instrument on maturity.
Certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances acquired by a Fund will be
dollar- denominated obligations of domestic banks, savings and loan associations
or financial institutions which, at the time of purchase, have capital, surplus
and undivided profits in excess of $100 million (including assets of both
domestic and foreign branches), based on latest published reports, or less than
$100 million if the principal amount of such bank obligations are fully insured
by the U.S. Government.
In addition to buying certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances,
a Fund also may make interest-bearing time or other interest-bearing deposits in
commercial or savings banks. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits
maintained at a banking institution for a specified period of time at a
specified interest rate.
COMMERCIAL PAPER AND SHORT-TERM NOTES. Each Fund may invest a portion
of its assets in commercial paper and short-term notes. Commercial paper
consists of unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations. Commercial paper
and short-term notes will normally have maturities of less than nine months and
fixed rates of return, although such instruments may have maturities of up to
one year.
B-6
<PAGE>
Commercial paper and short-term notes will consist of issues rated at
the time of purchase "A- 2" or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group,
"Prime-1" or "Prime-2" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or similarly rated by
another nationally recognized statistical rating organization or, if unrated,
will be determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality. These rating
symbols are described in the Appendix.
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
The Growth Fund may at times purchase index put options, principally to
protect against declines in the value of the common stocks held in the Fund's
portfolio or to attempt to retain unrealized gains in the value of the
securities held.
When the Fund purchases a put, it pays a premium in return for the
right to sell the underlying security at the exercise price at any time during
the option period. If any put is not exercised or sold, it will become worthless
on its expiration date. The Fund's option positions may be closed out only on an
exchange which provides a secondary market for options of the same series, but
there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist at a given
time for any particular option.
In the event of a shortage of the underlying securities deliverable on
exercise of an option, the Options Clearing Corporation has the authority to
permit other, generally comparable securities to be delivered to satisfy option
exercise obligations. If the Options Clearing Corporation exercises its
discretionary authority to allow such other securities to be delivered, it may
also adjust the exercise prices of the affected options by setting different
prices at which otherwise ineligible securities may be delivered. As an
alternative to permitting such substitute deliveries, the Options Clearing
Corporation may impose special exercise settlement procedures.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options
markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant
price and rate movements may take place in the underlying markets that cannot be
reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following policies and investment restrictions have been adopted by
the Funds and (unless otherwise noted) are fundamental and cannot be changed
without the affirmative vote of a majority of the Funds' outstanding voting
securities as defined in the 1940 Act. Neither Fund may:
B-7
<PAGE>
1. Make loans to others, except (a) through the purchase of debt
securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b)
through the lending of its portfolio securities as described above and in its
Prospectus, or (c) to the extent the entry into a repurchase agreement is deemed
to be a loan.
2. (a) Borrow money, except temporarily for extraordinary or emergency
purposes from a bank and then not in excess of 10% of its total assets (at the
lower of cost or fair market value); any such borrowing will be made only if
immediately thereafter there is an asset coverage of at least 300% of all
borrowings and no additional investments may be made while any borrowings are in
excess of 5% of total assets.
(b) Mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any of its assets except in
connection with any such borrowings.
3. Purchase securities on margin, participate on a joint or joint and
several basis in any securities trading account, or underwrite securities. (Does
not preclude the Funds from obtaining such short-term credit as may be necessary
for the clearance of purchases and sales of its portfolio
securities.)
4. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodity contracts (As
a matter of operating policy, the Board of Trustees may in the future authorize
the Funds to engage in certain activities regarding futures contracts for bona
fide hedging purposes; any such authorization will be accompanied by appropriate
notification to shareholders).
5. Invest more than 25% of the market value of its assets in the
securities of companies engaged in any one industry. (Does not apply to
investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.)
6. Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, except that
this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the Funds from (a) making any
permitted borrowings, mortgages or pledges, or (b) entering into repurchase
transactions.
7. Invest in any issuer for purposes of exercising control or
management.
8. Buy or sell interests in oil, gas, mineral exploration or
development programs or leases, or real estate, provided that this restriction
does not preclude the investment in marketable securities of issuers engaged in
real estate related activities.
9. With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of its
total assets in securities of a single issuer or hold more than 10% of the
voting securities of such issuer, except that this restriction does not apply to
investment in the securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
B-8
<PAGE>
The Funds observe the following policies, which are not deemed
fundamental and which may be changed without shareholder vote. Neither Fund may:
10. Invest in securities of other investment companies which would
result in the Funds owning more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of
any one such investment company, the Funds owning securities of another
investment company having an aggregate value in excess of 5% of the value of the
Funds' total assets, or the Funds owning securities of investment companies in
the aggregate which would exceed 10% of the value of the Funds' total assets.
11. Invest, in the aggregate, more than 15% of its net assets in
securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale, securities which
are not readily marketable and repurchase agreements with more than seven days
to maturity.
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a
subsequent increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the
values of assets will not constitute a violation of that restriction, except
with respect to borrowing and illiquid securities, or as otherwise noted.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX INFORMATION
DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net profits
from the sale of securities are generally made annually, as described in the
Prospectus after the conclusion of the Funds' fiscal year (December 31). Also,
the Funds expect to distribute any undistributed net investment income on or
about December 31 of each year. Any net capital gains realized through the
period ended October 31 of each year will also be distributed by December 31 of
each year.
Each distribution by the Funds is accompanied by a brief explanation of
the form and character of the distribution. In January of each year the Funds
will issue to each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of
all distributions.
TAX INFORMATION
Each series of the Trust is treated as a separate entity for federal
income tax purposes. Each Fund intends to continue to qualify and elect to be
treated as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), provided it complies with all applicable
requirements regarding the source of its income, diversification of its assets
and timing of distributions. Each Fund's policy is to distribute to its
shareholders all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
capital gains for each fiscal year in a manner that complies with the
distribution requirements of the Code, so that the Fund will not be subject to
any federal income or excise taxes. To comply with the requirements, each Fund
must also distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each
calendar year (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income for such year, (ii) at
least 98% of the excess of its realized capital gains over its realized capital
losses for the 12-month period ending on October 31 during such year and (iii)
any amounts from the prior calendar year that were not distributed and on which
the Fund paid no federal income tax.
B-9
<PAGE>
Each Fund's ordinary income generally consists of interest and dividend
income, less expenses. Net realized capital gains for a fiscal period are
computed by taking into account any capital loss carryforward of the Funds.
Distributions of net investment income and net short-term capital gains
are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. In the case of corporate
shareholders, a portion of the distributions may qualify for the intercorporate
dividends-received deduction to the extent the Funds designate the amount
distributed as a qualifying dividend. This designed amount cannot, however,
exceed the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends received by the Funds for
their taxable year. In view of the Funds' investment policy, it is expected that
dividends from domestic corporations will be part of the Funds' gross income and
that, accordingly, part of the distributions by the Funds may be eligible for
the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. However, the
portion of a Fund's gross income attributable to qualifying dividends is largely
dependent on that Fund's investment activities for a particular year and
therefore cannot be predicted with any certainty. The deduction may be reduced
or eliminated if the Fund shares held by a corporate investor are treated as
debt-financed or are held for less than 46 days.
Any long-term capital gain distributions are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains regardless of the length of time shares have been held.
Capital gains distributions are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction referred to in the previous paragraph. Distributions of any ordinary
income and net realized capital gains will be taxable as described above,
whether received in shares or in cash. Shareholders who choose to receive
distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis for
federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset
value of a share on the reinvestment date. Distributions are generally taxable
when received. However, distributions declared in October, November or December
to shareholders of record on a date in such a month and paid the following
January are taxable as if received on December 31. Distributions are includable
in alternative minimum taxable income in computing a shareholder's liability for
the alternative minimum tax.
A redemption or exchange of Fund shares may result in recognition of a
taxable gain or loss. Any loss realized upon a redemption or exchange of shares
within six months from the date of their purchase will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term
capital gains during such six-month period. In determining gain or loss from an
exchange of Fund shares for shares of another mutual fund, the sales charge
incurred in purchasing the shares that are surrendered will be excluded from
their tax basis to the extent that a sales charge that would otherwise be
imposed in the purchase of the shares received in the exchange is reduced. Any
portion of a sales charge excluded from the basis of the shares surrendered will
be added to the basis of the shares received. Any loss realized upon a
redemption or exchange may be disallowed under certain wash sale rules to the
extent shares of the same Funds are purchased (through reinvestment of
distributions or otherwise) within 30 days before or after the redemption or
exchange.
B-10
<PAGE>
Under the Code, the Funds will be required to report to the Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS") all distributions of ordinary income and capital gains
as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund shares, except
in the case of exempt shareholders, which includes most corporations. Pursuant
to the backup withholding provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, distributions
of any taxable income and capital gains and proceeds from the redemption of Fund
shares may be subject to withholding of federal income tax at the rate of 31
percent in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to furnish the Funds
with their taxpayer identification numbers and with required certifications
regarding their status under the federal income tax law. If the withholding
provisions are applicable, any such distributions and proceeds, whether taken in
cash or reinvested in additional shares, will be reduced by the amounts required
to be withheld. Corporate and other exempt shareholders should provide the Funds
with their taxpayer identification numbers or certify their exempt status in
order to avoid possible erroneous application of backup withholding. The Funds
reserve the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide
a certified taxpayer identification number.
The Funds will not be subject to corporate income tax in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts as long as they qualify as regulated investment
companies for federal income tax purposes. Distributions and the transactions
referred to in the preceding paragraphs may be subject to state and local income
taxes, and the tax treatment thereof may differ from the federal income tax
treatment.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. citizens or residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates. Each shareholder who is not a
U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership
of shares of the Funds, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be
subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30 percent (or at a lower rate
under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts constituting ordinary income.
In addition, the foregoing discussion of tax law is based on existing
provisions of the Code, existing and proposed regulations thereunder, and
current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to
change. Any such charges could affect the validity of this discussion. The
discussion also represents only a general summary of tax law and practice
currently applicable to the Funds and certain shareholders therein, and, as
such, is subject to change. In particular, the consequences of an investment in
shares of the Funds under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing
jurisdictions are not discussed herein. Each prospective investor should consult
his or her own tax advisor to determine the application of the tax law and
practice in his or her own particular circumstances.
B-11
<PAGE>
TRUSTEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Trustees of the Trust, who were elected for an indefinite term by
the initial shareholders of the Trust, are responsible for the overall
management of the Trust, including general supervision and review of the
investment activities of the Funds. The Trustees, in turn, elect the officers of
the Trust, who are responsible for administering the day-to-day operations of
the Trust and its separate series. The current Trustees and officers, their
affiliations, dates of birth and principal occupations for the past five years
are set forth below.
Steven J. Paggioli,* 04/03/50 President and Trustee
915 Broadway, New York, New York 10010. Executive Vice President, The Wadsworth
Group (consultants) since 1986; Executive Vice President of Investment Company
Administration, L.L.C. ("ICA") (mutual fund administrator and the Trust's
administrator),and Vice President of First Fund Distributors, Inc. ("FFD") (a
registered broker-dealer and the Funds' Distributor) since 1990.
Dorothy A. Berry, 08/12/43 Chairman and Trustee
14 Five Roses East, Ancram, NY 12502. President, Talon Industries (venture
capital and business consulting); formerly Chief Operating Officer, Integrated
Asset Management (investment advisor and manager) and formerly President, Value
Line, Inc., (investment advisory and financial publishing firm).
Wallace L. Cook 09/10/39 Trustee
One Peabody Lane, Darien, CT 06820. Retired. Formerly Senior Vice President,
Rockefeller Trust Co. Financial Counselor, Rockefeller & Co.
Carl A. Froebel 05/23/38 Trustee
2 Crown Cove Lane, Savannah, GA 31411. Private Investor. Formerly Managing
Director, Premier Solutions, Ltd. Formerly President and Founder, National
Investor Data Services, Inc. (investment related computer software).
Rowley W.P. Redington 06/01/44 Trustee
1191 Valley Road, Clifton, New Jersey 07103. President; Intertech (consumer
electronics and computer service and marketing); formerly Vice President, PRS of
New Jersey, Inc. (management consulting), and Chief Executive Officer, Rowley
Associates (consultants).
B-12
<PAGE>
Robert M. Slotky* 6/17/47 Treasurer
2020 E. Financial Way, Suite 100, Glendora, California 91741. Senior Vice
President, ICA since May 1997; former instructor of accounting at California
State University-Northridge (1997); Chief Financial Officer, Wanger Asset
Management L.P. and Treasurer of Acorn Investment Trust (1992- 1996).
Robin Berger* 11/17/56 Secretary
915 Broadway, New York, New York 10010. Vice President, The Wadsworth Group
since June, 1993.
Robert H. Wadsworth* 01/25/40 Vice President
4455 E. Camelback Road, Suite 261E, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. President of The
Wadsworth Group since 1982, President of ICA and FFD since 1990.
* Indicates an "interested person" of the Trust as defined in the 1940 Act.
Set forth below is the rate of compensation received by the following
Trustees from all portfolios of the Trust. This total amount is allocated among
the portfolios. Disinterested Trustees receive an annual retainer of $10,000 and
a fee of $2,500 for each regularly scheduled meeting. These Trustees also
receive a fee of $1,000 for any special meeting attended. The Chairman of the
Board of Trustees receives an additional annual retainer of $5,000.
Disinterested trustees are also reimbursed for expenses in connection with each
Board meeting attended. No other compensation or retirement benefits were
received by any Trustee or officer from the portfolios of the Trust.
Name of Trustee Total Annual Compensation
- --------------- -------------------------
Dorothy A. Berry $25,000
Wallace L. Cook $20,000
Carl A. Froebel $20,000
Rowley W.P. Redington $20,000
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, trustees fees and
expenses of $5,343 were allocated to the Growth Fund and $4,224 to the Emerging
Growth Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees and officers of the Trust
as a group owned less than 1% of each of the Fund's outstanding shares.
B-13
<PAGE>
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT ADVISOR
As stated in the Prospectus, investment advisory services are provided
to the Funds by Sena Weller Rohs Williams, Inc. (the "Advisor") pursuant to an
Investment Advisory Agreement (the "Agreement"). As compensation, each Fund pays
the Advisor a monthly management fee (accrued daily) based upon the average
daily net assets of the Fund at the annual rate of 0.9% of the first $50 million
of the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.7% of the Fund's average daily net
assets in excess of $50 million and up to $100 million and 0.6% of the Fund's
average daily net assets in excess of $100 million.
The Agreement continues in effect for successive annual periods so long
as such continuation is approved at least annually by the vote of (1) the Board
of Trustees of the Trust (or a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds
to which the Agreement applies), and (2) a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of any party to the Agreement, in each case cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Agreement may
be terminated at any time, without penalty, by either party to the Agreement
upon sixty days' written notice and is automatically terminated in the event of
its "assignment," as defined in the 1940 Act.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the
Growth Fund paid advisory fees of $115,056, $118,473 and $104,356, respectively.
For the same periods, the Advisor reimbursed operating expenses in the amount of
$30,134, $33,090 and $26,619, respectively, in accordance with its undertaking
to limit the Fund's expenses to 1.75% annually.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the
Emerging Growth Fund paid advisory fees of $54,784, $64,626 and $57,805,
respectively. For the same periods, the Advisor reimbursed operating expenses in
the amount of $52,252, $50,214 and $40,592, respectively, in accordance with its
undertaking to limit the Fund's expenses to 2.00% annually.
THE FUNDS' ADMINISTRATOR
The Funds have an Administration Agreement with Investment Company
Administration, LLC (the "Administrator"), a corporation partly owned and
controlled by Messrs. Paggioli and Wadsworth with offices at 4455 E. Camelback
Rd., Ste. 261-E, Phoenix, AZ 85018. The Administration Agreement provides that
the Administrator will prepare and coordinate reports and other materials
supplied to the Trustees; prepare and/or supervise the preparation and filing of
all securities filings, periodic financial reports, prospectuses, statements of
additional information, marketing materials, tax returns, shareholder reports
and other regulatory reports or filings required of the Funds; prepare all
required filings necessary to maintain the Funds' qualification and/or
registration to sell shares in all states where the Funds currently do, or
intends to do business; coordinate the preparation, printing and mailing of all
materials (e.g., Annual Reports) required to be sent to shareholders; coordinate
the preparation and payment of Fund-related expenses; monitor and oversee the
activities of the Funds' servicing agents (i.e., transfer agent, custodian, fund
B-14
<PAGE>
accountants, etc.); review and adjust as necessary the Funds' daily expense
accruals; and perform such additional services as may be agreed upon by the
Funds and the Administrator. For its services, the Administrator receives a
monthly fee at the following annual rate:
Average net assets Fee or Fee rate
- ------------------ ---------------
under $15 million $30,000
$15 million to $50 million 0.20% of average net assets
$50 million to $100 million 0.15% of average net assets
$100 million to $150 million 0.10% of average net assets
Over $150 million 0.05% of average net assets
For each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997,
the Administrator received fees of $30,000 from each Fund.
THE FUNDS' DISTRIBUTOR
Reynolds, DeWitt Securities Company, (the "Distributor"), an affiliate
of the Advisor, acts as the Funds' principal underwriter in a continuous public
offering of the Funds' shares. The Distribution Agreement between the Funds and
the Distributor continues in effect from year to year if approved at least
annually by (i) the Board of Trustees or the vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act) and (ii) a majority
of the Trustees who are not interested persons of any such party, in each case
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
The Distribution Agreement may be terminated without penalty by the parties
thereto , upon sixty days' written notice, and is automatically terminated in
the event of its assignment as defined in the 1940 Act.
The Funds have adopted a Distribution Plan in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Plan provides that the Funds will pay a fee to the
Advisor, as Distribution COORDINATOR, at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of each Fund. The fee is paid to the Advisor, as
Distribution Coordinator, as reimbursement for or in anticipation of, expenses
incurred for distribution related activities. Expenses permitted to be paid by
each Fund under its Plan include: preparation, printing and mailing or
prospectuses, shareholder reports such as semi-annual and annual reports,
performance reports and newsletters; sales literature and other promotional
material to prospective investors; direct mail solicitation; advertising; public
relations; compensation of sales personnel, advisors or other third parties for
their assistance with respect to the distribution of the Funds' shares; payments
to financial intermediaries for shareholder support; administrative and
accounting services with respect to the shareholders of the Fund; and such other
expenses as may be approved from time to time by the Board of Trustees.
The Plan allows excess distribution expenses to be carried forward by
the Advisor, as Distribution Coordinator, and resubmitted for payment by a Fund
in a subsequent fiscal year provided that (i) distribution expenses cannot be
carried forward for more than three years following initial submission; (ii) the
B-15
<PAGE>
Board of Trustees has made a determination at the time of initial submission
that the distribution expenses are appropriate to be carried forward; and (iii)
the Board of Trustees makes a further determination, at the time any
distribution expenses which have been carried forward are resubmitted for
payment, to the effect that payment at the time is appropriate, consistent with
the objectives of the Plan and in the current best interests of shareholders.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Growth Fund paid
distribution fees of $31,960 of which $18,321 was used to compensate sales
personnel, $13,460 was used to compensate broker-dealers and $179 paid for
printing and postage.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Emerging Growth
Fund paid distribution fees of $15,218, of which $9,163 was used to compensate
sales personnel, $5,890 was used to compensate broker-dealers and $164 paid for
printing and postage.
EXECUTION OF PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Advisor determines
which securities are to be purchased and sold by the Funds and which
broker-dealers will be used to execute the Funds' portfolio transactions.
Purchases and sales of securities in the over-the-counter market will be
executed directly with a "market-maker" unless, in the opinion of the Advisor, a
better price and execution can otherwise be obtained by using a broker for the
transaction.
Purchases of portfolio securities for the Funds also may be made
directly from issuers or from underwriters. Where possible, purchase and sale
transactions will be made through dealers (including banks) which specialize in
the types of securities which the Funds will be holding, unless better
executions are available elsewhere. Dealers and underwriters usually act as
principal for their own account. Purchases from underwriters will include a
concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter and purchases from dealers will
include the spread between the bid and the asked price. If the execution and
price offered by more than one broker, dealer or underwriter are comparable, the
order may be allocated to a broker, dealer or underwriter that has provided
research or other services as discussed below.
In placing portfolio transactions, the Advisor will use its best
efforts to choose a broker-dealer capable of providing the services necessary to
obtain the most favorable price and execution available. The full range and
quality of services available will be considered in making these determinations,
such as the size of the order, the difficulty of execution, the operational
facilities of the firm involved, the firm's risk in positioning a block of
securities, and other factors. In those instances where it is reasonably
determined that more than one broker-dealer can offer the most favorable price
and execution available, consideration may be given to those broker-dealers
which furnish or supply research and statistical information to the Advisor that
it may lawfully and appropriately use in its investment advisory capacities, as
well as provide other services in addition to execution services. The Advisor
considers such information, which is in addition to and not in lieu of the
services required to be performed by it under its Agreement with the Funds, to
be useful in varying degrees, but of indeterminable value. Portfolio
transactions may be placed with broker-dealers who sell shares of the Funds
subject to rules adopted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
B-16
<PAGE>
While it is the Funds' general policy to seek first to obtain the most
favorable price and execution available, in selecting a broker-dealer to execute
portfolio transactions for the Funds, weight is also given to the ability of a
broker-dealer to furnish brokerage and research services to the Funds or to the
Advisor, even if the specific services are not directly useful to the Funds and
may be useful to the Advisor in advising other clients. In negotiating
commissions with a broker or evaluating the spread to be paid to a dealer, the
Funds may therefore pay a higher commission or spread than would be the case if
no weight were given to the furnishing of these supplemental services, provided
that the amount of such commission or spread has been determined in good faith
by the Advisor to be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and/or
research services provided by such broker-dealer. The standard of reasonableness
is to be measured in light of the Advisor's overall responsibilities to the
Funds.
Investment decisions for the Funds are made independently from those of
other client accounts or mutual Funds managed or advised by the Advisor.
Nevertheless, it is possible that at times identical securities will be
acceptable for both the Funds and one or more of such client accounts. In such
event, the position of the Funds and such client account(s) in the same issuer
may vary and the length of time that each may choose to hold its investment in
the same issuer may likewise vary. However, to the extent any of these client
accounts seeks to acquire the same security as the Funds at the same time, the
Funds may not be able to acquire as large a portion of such security as it
desires, or it may have to pay a higher price or obtain a lower yield for such
security. Similarly, the Funds may not be able to obtain as high a price for, or
as large an execution of, an order to sell any particular security at the same
time. If one or more of such client accounts simultaneously purchases or sells
the same security that the Funds are purchasing or selling, each day's
transactions in such security will be allocated between the Funds and all such
client accounts in a manner deemed equitable by the Advisor, taking into account
the respective sizes of the accounts and the amount being purchased or sold. It
is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on
the price or value of the security insofar as the Funds are concerned. In other
cases, however, it is believed that the ability of the Funds to participate in
volume transactions may produce better executions for the Funds.
The Funds do not place securities transactions through brokers solely
for selling shares of the Funds, although the Funds may consider the sale of
shares as a factor in allocating brokerage. However, as stated above,
broker-dealers who execute brokerage transactions may effect purchases of shares
of the Funds for their customers.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Growth Fund paid
$7,012 in brokerage commissions, of which $240 was paid to firms for research,
statistical or other services provided to the Advisor. The fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997, the Emerging Growth Fund paid $4,420 in brokerage
commissions, of which $2,231 was paid to firms for research, statistical or
other services provided to the Advisor.
B-17
<PAGE>
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Growth Fund and
Emerging Growth Fund paid $1,940 and $2,687, respectively, in brokerage
commissions.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, the Growth Fund paid
$11,315 in brokerage commissions, of which $2,110 was paid to firms for
research, statistical or other services provided to the Advisor. The fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999, the Emerging Growth Fund paid $2,174 in brokerage
commissions, none of which was paid to firms for research, statistical or other
services provided to the Advisor
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Although the Funds generally will not invest for short-term trading
purposes, portfolio securities may be sold without regard to the length of time
they have been held when, in the opinion of the Advisor, investment
considerations warrant such action. Portfolio turnover rate is calculated by
dividing (1) the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for the
fiscal year by (2) the monthly average of the value of portfolio securities
owned during the fiscal year. A 100% turnover rate would occur if all the
securities in a Fund's portfolio, with the exception of securities whose
maturities at the time of acquisition were one year or less, were sold and
either repurchased or replaced within one year. A high rate of portfolio
turnover (100% or more) generally leads to transaction costs and may result in a
greater number of taxable transactions. See "Execution of Portfolio
Transactions." Growth Fund's portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998 was 49% and 1%, respectively. Emerging Growth Fund's
portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998
was 25% and 25%, respectively. The Growth Fund enjoyed an unusual stability of
holdings in the 1997-1998 period. The individual stocks in each industry group
maintained satisfactory earnings growth and price performance to persist as
attractive holdings and hence portfolio turnover was unusually low. These
conditions began to change in early 1999, primarily as a reflection of the
accelerating earnings growth of technology companies particularly. Turnover in
1999 was hence much higher as the Advisor rebalanced the Fund to increase the
presence of companies with superior earnings growth.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
The information provided below supplements the information contained in
the Funds' Prospectus regarding the purchase and redemption of Fund shares.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may purchase shares of the Funds from selected securities brokers,
dealers or financial intermediaries. Investors should contact these agents
directly for appropriate instructions, as well as information pertaining to
accounts and any service or transaction fees that may be charged by those
agents. Purchase orders through securities brokers, dealers and other financial
intermediaries are effected at the next-determined net asset value after receipt
of the order by such agent before the Funds' daily cutoff time. Orders received
after that time will be purchased at the next-determined net asset value.
B-18
<PAGE>
The public offering price of Fund shares is the net asset value. Each
Fund receives the net asset value. Shares are purchased at the public offering
price next determined after the Transfer Agent receives your order in proper
form. In most cases, in order to receive that day's public offering price, the
Transfer Agent must receive your order in proper form before the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), normally 4:00 p.m.,
Eastern time. If you buy shares through your investment representative, the
representative must receive your order before the close of regular trading on
the NYSE to receive that day's public offering price. Orders are in proper form
only after funds are converted to U.S. funds.
The NYSE annually announces the days on which it will not be open for
trading. The most recent announcement indicates that it will not be open on the
following days: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day,
Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. However, the NYSE may close on days not included in that
announcement.
If you are considering redeeming, exchanging or transferring shares to
another person shortly after purchase, you should pay for those shares with a
certified check to avoid any delay in redemption, exchange or transfer.
Otherwise the Funds may delay payment until the purchase price of those shares
has been collected or. To eliminate the need for safekeeping, the Funds will not
issue certificates for your shares unless you request them.
The Trust reserves the right in its sole discretion (i) to suspend the
continued offering of each Fund's shares, (ii) to reject purchase orders in
whole or in part when in the judgment of the Advisor or the Distributor such
rejection is in the best interest of the Fund, and (iii) to reduce or waive the
minimum for initial and subsequent investments for certain fiduciary accounts,
for employees of the Advisor or under circumstances where certain economies can
be achieved in sales of a Fund's shares.
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You can sell your Fund shares any day the NYSE is open for regular
trading, either directly to the Fund or through your investment representative.
SELLING SHARES THROUGH YOUR INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIVE
Your investment representative must receive your request before the
close of regular trading on the NYSE to receive that day's net asset value. Your
investment representative will be responsible for furnishing all necessary
documentation to the Transfer Agent, and may charge you for its services.
B-19
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES
If you sell shares having a net asset value of $5,000 a signature
guarantee is required. Certain other transactions also require a signature
guarantee. The Funds may require additional documentation for the sale of shares
by a corporation, partnership, agent or fiduciary, or a surviving joint owner.
Contact the Transfer Agent for details.
Signature guarantees may be obtained from a bank, broker-dealer, credit
union (if authorized under state law), securities exchange or association,
clearing agency or savings institution. A notary public cannot provide a
signature guarantee.
DELIVERY OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS
Payments to shareholders for shares of the Funds redeemed directly from
the Funds will be made as promptly as possible but no later than seven days
after receipt by the Funds' Transfer Agent of the written request in proper
form, with the appropriate documentation as stated in the Prospectus, except
that the Funds may suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of
payment during any period when (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted as
determined by the SEC or the NYSE is closed for other than weekends and
holidays; (b) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC making disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Funds not reasonably
practicable; or (c) for such other period as the SEC may permit for the
protection of the Funds' shareholders. Under unusual circumstances, a Fund may
suspend redemptions, or postpone payment for more than seven days, but only as
authorized by SEC rules.
The value of shares on redemption or repurchase may be more or less
than the investor's cost, depending upon the market value of the Funds'
portfolio securities at the time of redemption or repurchase.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
Shareholders must have selected telephone transactions privileges on
the Account Application when opening a Fund account. Upon receipt of any
instructions or inquiries by telephone from a shareholder or, if held in a joint
account, from either party, or from any person claiming to be the shareholder, a
Fund or its agent is authorized, without notifying the shareholder or joint
account parties, to carry out the instructions or to respond to the inquiries,
consistent with the service options chosen by the shareholder or joint
shareholders in his or their latest Account Application or other written request
for services, including purchasing, exchanging or redeeming shares of the Fund
and depositing and withdrawing monies from the bank account specified in the
Bank Account Registration section of the shareholder's latest Account
Application or as otherwise properly specified to the Fund in writing.
The Transfer Agent will employ these and other reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine; if it fails to
employ reasonable procedures, a Fund and the Transfer Agent may be liable for
any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. If these procedures
are followed, an investor agrees, however, that to the extent permitted by
B-20
<PAGE>
applicable law, neither the Funds nor their agents will be liable for any loss,
liability, cost or expense arising out of any redemption request, including any
fraudulent or unauthorized request. For information, consult the Transfer Agent.
During periods of unusual market changes and shareholder activity, you
may experience delays in contacting the Transfer Agent by telephone. In this
event, you may wish to submit a written redemption request, as described in the
Prospectus, or contact your investment representative. The Telephone Redemption
Privilege may be modified or terminated without notice.
REDEMPTIONS-IN-KIND
The Trust has filed an election under SEC Rule 18f-1 committing to pay
in cash all redemptions by a shareholder of record up to amounts specified by
the rule (in excess of the lesser of (i) $250,000 or (ii) 1% of a Fund=s
assets). Each Fund has reserved the right to pay the redemption price of its
shares in excess of the amounts specified by the rule, either totally or
partially, by a distribution in kind of portfolio securities (instead of cash).
The securities so distributed would be valued at the same amount as that
assigned to them in calculating the net asset value for the shares being sold.
If a shareholder receives a distribution in kind, the shareholder could incur
brokerage or other charges in converting the securities to cash.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT CHECK PLAN
As discussed in the Prospectus, the Funds provide an Automatic
Investment Check Plan for the convenience of investors who wish to purchase
shares of the Funds on a regular basis. All record keeping and custodial costs
of the Automatic Investment Check Plan are paid by the Funds. The market value
of the Funds' shares is subject to fluctuation, so before undertaking any plan
for systematic investment, the investor should keep in mind that this plan does
not assure a profit nor protect against depreciation in declining markets.
DETERMINATION OF SHARE PRICE
As noted in the Prospectus, the net asset value and offering price of
shares of the Funds will be determined once daily as of the close of public
trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE
is open for trading. The Funds do not expect to determine the net asset value of
their shares on any day when the NYSE is not open for trading even if there is
sufficient trading in its portfolio securities on such days to materially affect
the net asset value per share. However, the net asset value of a Fund's shares
may be determined on days the NYSE is closed or at times other than 4:00 p.m. if
the Board of Trustees decides it is necessary.
In valuing the Funds' assets for calculating net asset value, readily
marketable portfolio securities listed on a national securities exchange or on
NASDAQ are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such
value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such exchange or on
NASDAQ on such day, the security is valued at the closing bid price on such day.
B-21
<PAGE>
Readily marketable securities traded only in the over-the-counter market and not
on NASDAQ are valued at the current or last bid price. If no bid is quoted on
such day, the security is valued by such method as the Board of Trustees of the
Trust shall determine in good faith to reflect the security's fair value. All
other assets of each Fund are valued in such manner as the Board of Trustees in
good faith deems appropriate to reflect their fair value.
The net asset value per share of the Funds is calculated as follows:
all liabilities incurred or accrued are deducted from the valuation of total
assets which includes accrued but undistributed income; the resulting net assets
are divided by the number of shares of the Funds outstanding at the time of the
valuation and the result (adjusted to the nearest cent) is the net asset value
per share.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Funds may state their total return in
advertisements and investor communications. Total return may be stated for any
relevant period as specified in the advertisement or communication. Any
statements of total return will be accompanied by information on the Funds'
average annual compounded rate of return for the most recent one, five and ten
year periods, or shorter periods from inception, through the most recent
calendar quarter. The Funds may also advertise aggregate and average total
return information over different periods of time.
The Funds' total return may be compared to relevant indices, including
Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index and indices published by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc. From time to time, evaluations of a Fund's performance
by independent sources may also be used in advertisements and in information
furnished to present or prospective investors in the Funds.
Investors should note that the investment results of the Funds will
fluctuate over time, and any presentation of the Funds' total return for any
period should not be considered as a representation of what an investment may
earn or what an investor's total return may be in any future period.
The Funds' average annual compounded rate of return is determined by
reference to a hypothetical $1,000 investment that includes capital appreciation
and depreciation for the stated period, according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial purchase order of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of the hypothetical $1,000 purchase
at the end of the period
Aggregate total return is calculated in a similar manner, except that
the results are not annualized.
B-22
<PAGE>
Average annual return for the Funds for the periods ending December 31,
1999 are as follows*:
One Five Ten Life
Fund Year Years Years Of Fund**
- ---- ---- ----- ----- --------
Growth Fund 16.04% 22.32% 14.37% N/A
Emerging Growth Fund 29.58 N/A N/A 17.01%
- ----------
* Certain fees and expenses of the Funds have been reimbursed from inception
through December 31, 1999. Accordingly, the Funds= return figures are
higher than that would have been had such fees and expenses not been
reimbursed.
** The Emerging Growth Fund commenced operations on April 4, 1995.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Investors in the Funds will be informed of the Funds' progress through
periodic reports. Financial statements certified by independent public
accountants will be submitted to shareholders at least annually.
Firstar Institutional Custody Services, located at 425 Walnut St.,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45201 acts as Custodian of the securities and other assets of
the Fund. ICA Fund Services Corp., 4455 East Camelback Road, Suite 261E,
Phoenix, AZ 85018 acts as the Fund's transfer and shareholder service agent. The
Custodian and Transfer Agent do not participate in decisions relating to the
purchase and sale of securities by the Fund.
Tait, Weller & Baker, 8 Penn Center Plaza, Philadelphia, PA 19103, are
the independent auditors for the Funds.
Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP, 345 California Street, 29th
Floor, San Francisco, California 94104, is legal counsel to the Fund.
As of March 31, 2000, the following shareholders owned of record and
beneficially 5% or more the outstanding shares of the Growth Fund:
Firstar IFW CIW 81 Trust - 7.37%
FBO R. Westheimer
Cincinnati, OH 45264
Firstar IFW CIW 81 Trust - 7.02%
FBO C. Westheimer
Cincinnati, OH 45264
B-23
<PAGE>
Firstar - 6.17%
Peter H. Williams IRA
Cincinnati, OH 45264
As of March 31, 2000, the following shareholders owned of record and
beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the Emerging Growth Fund:
Capinco - 27.00%
Milwaukee, WI 53201
Firstcinco - 20.23%
Cincinnati, OH 45264
The Provident Bank - 6.79%
Attn: Securities Processing
Cincinnati, OH 45269
Fifth Third Bank TTE FBO - 5.81%
Christ CH Harry Coombe
Cincinnati, OH 45263
Provident Bank Trustee - 5.68%
FBO: Sena Weller Rohs Williams
Cincinnati, OH 45269
The Provident Bank - 5.32%
Attn: Securities Processing
Cincinnati, OH 45269
The Trust was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on February
17, 1987. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees
to issue an limited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest,
without par value, which may be issued in any number of series. The Board of
Trustees may from time to time issue other series, the assets and liabilities of
which will be separate and distinct from any other series.
Shares issued by the Funds have no preemptive, conversion, or
subscription rights. Shareholders have equal and exclusive rights as to
dividends and distributions as declared by the Funds and to the net assets of
the Funds upon liquidation or dissolution. Each Fund, as a separate series of
the Trust, votes separately on matters affecting only the Fund (e.g., approval
of the Advisory Agreement); all series of the Trust vote as a single class on
matters affecting all series jointly or the Trust as a whole (e.g., election or
removal of Trustees). Voting rights are not cumulative, so that the holders of
more than 50% of the shares voting in any election of Trustees can, if they so
choose, elect all of the Trustees. While the Trust is not required and does not
intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders, such meetings may be called by
B-24
<PAGE>
the Trustees in their discretion, or upon demand by the holders of 10% or more
of the outstanding shares of the Trust, for the purpose of electing or removing
Trustees.
The shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust could, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its obligations.
However, the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust.
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust also provides for indemnification and
reimbursement of expenses out of the Funds' assets for any shareholder held
personally liable for obligations of the Funds or Trust. The Agreement and
Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the
defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of
the Funds or Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon. All such rights are limited
to the assets of the Funds. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust further
provides that the Trust may maintain appropriate insurance (for example,
fidelity bonding and errors and omissions insurance) for the protection of the
Trust, its shareholders, trustees, officers, employees and agents to cover
possible tort and other liabilities. Furthermore, the activities of the Trust as
an investment company would not likely give rise to liabilities in excess of the
Trust's total assets. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss
on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both
inadequate insurance exists and the Funds themselves are unable to meet their
obligations.
The Boards of the Trust, the Advisor and the Distributor have adopted Codes of
ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. These Codes permit, subject to certain
conditions, personnel of the Advisor and Distributor to invest in securities
that may be purchased or held by the Funds.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The annual report to shareholders for the Funds for the fiscal period
ended December 31, 1999 is a separate document supplied with this SAI and the
financial statements, accompanying notes and report of independent accountants
appearing therein are incorporated by reference in this SAI.
B-25
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Prime-1--Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated "Prime-1"
have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.
"Prime-1" repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following
characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries, high
rates of return on funds employed, conservative capitalization structures with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection, broad margins in earnings
coverage of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation, and
well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources of
alternate liquidity.
Prime-2--Issuers (or related supporting institutions) rated "Prime-2"
have a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This
will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a
lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, will be more
subject to variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate,
may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternative liquidity is
maintained.
STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
A-1--This highest category indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely
strong safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.
A-2--Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated "A-1".
B-26
