THE AAL
MUTUAL FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
DECEMBER 29, 1997
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS (the "Funds") are a series of separate mutual fund
portfolios within a single Trust, each with a specific investment objective.
The Funds offer investment opportunities to eligible Lutherans (including their
families and their enterprises) and to members and employees of Aid Association
for Lutherans ("AAL"). This prospectus describes Class A and Class B shares for
the following Funds:
Equity-Oriented Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL SMALL CAP STOCK FUND
Investing in Small Company Stocks
THE AAL MID CAP STOCK FUND
Investing in Mid-Sized Company Stocks
THE AAL INTERNATIONAL FUND
Investing in Foreign Stocks
THE AAL CAPITAL GROWTH FUND
Investing in Large Company Stocks
THE AAL EQUITY INCOME FUND
(formerly known as The AAL Utilities Fund)
Investing in Income-Producing Equity Securities
THE AAL BALANCED FUND
Investing in Stocks, Bonds and Money Market Instruments
Income-Oriented Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
Investing in Below Investment Grade Bonds
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund invests primarily in lower-rated bonds, commonly
known as "junk bonds." Junk bonds are subject to greater loss of principal and
interest. You should carefully assess the risks associated with an investment
in this Fund. See "The AAL High Yield Bond Fund - Investment Factors and the
Risks Involved."
THE AAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Investing in Investment Grade Municipal Securities
THE AAL BOND FUND
Investing in Investment Grade Bonds
THE AAL MONEY MARKET FUND
Investing in Money Market Instruments
The U.S. government neither insures nor guarantees your investment in The AAL
Money Market Fund. Also, we (The AAL Mutual Funds) do not give you any assurance
that we will be able to maintain a net asset value of $1.00 per share for the
Fund.
The prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund's Class A and
Class B shares that you ought to know before investing. Read it carefully and
keep it for future reference. You can find more detailed information, including
investment policies, techniques, restrictions and the risks associated with
them, in the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"), dated December 29,
1997. The SAI has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"). The SAI, along with the most recent AAL Mutual Funds Annual Report are
incorporated in this prospectus by reference (which means that it is legally
considered part of this prospectus even though you will not find it printed
here). You can obtain a copy of the SAI and a copy of the annual report free by
calling 800-553-6319 or writing The AAL Mutual Funds at 222 West College Avenue,
Appleton, Wisconsin 54919-0007. The Telecommunications Device for the Deaf
("TDD") number is 800-684-3416. Institutional shares for the series in this
prospectus are described in a separate prospectus. In addition, The AAL U.S.
Government Zero Coupon Target Funds, Series 2001 and 2006 are described in a
separate prospectus and are closed to additional investments.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL FUND SHARES, NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAVE APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
- -----------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary................................ 2
Reading the Prospectus............................ 2
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund...................... 4
Expense Summaries and Example.................... 4
Financial Highlights............................. 5
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund........................ 6
Expense Summaries and Example.................... 6
Financial Highlights............................. 7
The AAL International Fund........................ 8
Expense Summaries and Example.................... 8
Financial Highlights............................. 9
The AAL Capital Growth Fund.......................10
Expense Summaries and Example....................10
Financial Highlights.............................10
The AAL Equity Income Fund........................12
Expense Summaries and Example....................12
Financial Highlights.............................13
The AAL Balanced Fund.............................14
Expense Summaries and Example....................14
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund......................16
Expense Summaries and Example....................16
Financial Highlights.............................17
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund.......................18
Expense Summaries and Example....................18
Financial Highlights.............................19
The AAL Bond Fund.................................20
Expense Summaries and Example....................20
Financial Highlights.............................21
The AAL Money Market Fund.........................22
Expense Summaries and Example....................22
Financial Highlights.............................23
Additional Investment Factors and Risks
Regarding the Funds..............................24
Risks of Investing in Foreign Securities..........27
Investment Restrictions...........................28
Board of Trustees.................................28
Management of the Trust...........................29
Buying Class A and Class B Shares in the Funds....30
Additional Information about Buying Shares........33
Selling (Redeeming) Your Shares...................34
Closing Small Accounts............................35
Reinstatement Privilege...........................35
Exchange Privilege................................36
Net Asset Value (NAV).............................36
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes................36
Shareholder Maintenance Agreement.................38
Yield and Performance Information.................38
Transfer Agent, Custodians and
Independent Accountants..........................39
Organization and Description of Shares............39
Asset Allocation..................................40
Questions.........................................40
Glossary of Important Terms.......................41
Appendix: Securities Ratings......................46
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 1
<PAGE>
Prospectus Summary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORGANIZATION OF THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS
------------------------------------
AAL Capital Management Corporation ("AAL CMC"), which is a Delaware corporation
organized in 1986, is the investment adviser ("Adviser") and Distributor
("Distributor") for the Funds. As the Adviser, AAL CMC makes the investment
decisions for the Funds. As the Distributor, AAL CMC sells the Fund's shares to
investors. As of October 1, 1997, AAL CMC managed about $4.4 billion for the
Funds.
AAL owns the outstanding stock in AAL CMC. AAL is a non-profit, non-stock
membership organization, licensed to do business as a fraternal benefit society.
AAL has a mission of bringing Lutherans and their families together to pursue
quality living through financial security, volunteer action and help for others.
AAL has about 1.7 million members and is one of the world's largest fraternal
benefit societies in terms of assets and life insurance in force. AAL ranks in
the top two percent of all life insurers in the U.S. in terms of ordinary life
insurance (nearly $78 billion in force). AAL offers life, health and disability
income insurance and fixed and variable annuities to its members. Members belong
to one of over 9,500 local AAL branches throughout the U.S.
READING THE PROSPECTUS
----------------------
References to "you" and "your" in the prospectus refer to prospective investors
or shareholders. References to "we," "us" or "our" refer to the Trust or the
Funds and Fund management (the Adviser (and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL
International Fund), Distributor, Administrator, Transfer Agent and Custodians)
generally.
We have placed a glossary defining important terms at the end of this
prospectus. If you are unsure of the meaning of any term in the prospectus,
please check the glossary. We also have an Appendix to the prospectus that
describes the NRSROs and their ratings for bonds and other debt and money market
instruments. If you are unsure of a rating as described in the prospectus,
please refer to the Appendix.
THE FUNDS
---------
In the prospectus, we provide you with information on: the investment
objectives, policies and risks of investing in the Funds, how to buy and sell
Class A and Class B shares, management and services provided to the Funds and
other information. For more information on the Funds' risks, please remember to
read "Additional Investment Factors and Risks Involved" after reading the
separate Fund descriptions. The table on page three summarizes the Funds
available for your investment.
This prospectus describes two share classes, Class A shares and Class B shares.
You pay a sales charge immediately when you purchase Class A shares (front-end
sales charge). You pay a sales charge when you redeem Class B shares held for
less than five years (contingent deferred sales charge). In addition, you pay
higher "12b-1 fees" for Class B shares than Class A shares. 12b-1 fees are
ongoing asset based fees that we charge pursuant to a plan to cover the costs of
certain activities related to the distribution and service of the Funds' shares.
We also offer an institutional class of shares ("Institutional shares"). They
are described in a separate prospectus. Institutional shares are for Lutheran
organizations or enterprises with the minimum initial investment in the Funds of
$500,000. We designed Institutional shares to give Lutheran organizations and
enterprises (non-natural persons) or financial institutions acting in a
fiduciary or agency capacity for them a convenient means of accumulating an
interest in The AAL Mutual Funds. Lutheran organizations or enterprises that
invest in Institutional shares purchase shares at net asset value. They neither
pay initial sales charges, redemption fees nor "12b-1 distribution or service
fees." The performance of Class A, Class B and Institutional shares will vary
based on differences in sales charges and fees. For more information on the
Funds' Institutional shares and a prospectus, you may call the Mutual Funds
Service Center at 800-553-6319.
Whether you should purchase Class A or Class B shares depends on how long you
intend to own the shares and the size of your investment. If you intend to own
shares for more than five years and plan to invest less than $100,000, you
should consider Class B shares. If you may redeem shares in less than five years
or invest $100,000 or more, you should consider Class A shares. The following
table shows some of the differences between Class A and Class B shares:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
- -------------- --------------
<S> <C>
Maximum 4% front-end sales charge No front-end sales charge
No contingent deferred sales charge Maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge
Lower annual expenses, which includes 12b-1 fees, Higher annual expenses, which includes 12b-1 fees,
than Class B shares than Class A shares
No conversion to Class B shares Automatic conversion to Class A shares after 5 years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Prospectus Summary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIMARY PRIMARY PRIMARY
OBJECTIVE INVESTMENTS RISKS*
========================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
THE AAL SMALL CAP STOCK FUND....Long-Term Capital Growth Small Company Stocks Financial and Market
THE AAL MID CAP STOCK FUND......Long-Term Capital Growth Mid-Sized Company Stocks Financial and Market
THE AAL INTERNATIONAL FUND......Long-Term Capital Growth Foreign Stocks Financial, Market and Foreign Investment
THE AAL CAPITAL GROWTH FUND.....Long-Term Capital Growth Large Company Stocks Financial and Market
THE AAL EQUITY INCOME FUND......Current Income, Long- Income-Producing Financial, Market and Interest Rate
(formerly known as The AAL Term Income Growth Securities
Utilities Fund) and Capital Growth
THE AAL BALANCED FUND...........Long-Term Total Return Stocks, Bonds and Financial, Market, Interest Rate
Money Market Instruments and Credit
THE AAL HIGH YIELD BOND FUND....High Current Income and Below Investment Interest Rate, Credit and Market
Secondarily Capital Growth Grade Bonds
THE AAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND.....Current Income Investment Grade Interest Rate and Credit
Exempt from Federal Municipal Bonds
Taxes Consistent with
Capital Preservation
THE AAL BOND FUND...............Current Income Investment Grade Bonds Interest Rate and Credit
Consistent with Capital
Preservation
THE AAL MONEY MARKET FUND.......Current Income Money Market Interest Rate
Consistent with Liquidity Instruments
and Capital Preservation
</TABLE>
----------------------------------------------------------------
*YOUR GUIDE TO RISK DISCLOSURE
------------------------------
Credit Risk.................Pages 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 41
Financial Risk....................Pages 4, 6, 10, 12 and 42
Foreign Investment Risk..............................Page 8
Interest Rate Risk......Pages 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 42
Market Risk...............Pages 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, 24 and 42
-----------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 3
<PAGE>
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks, and securities
convertible into common stocks, of small companies. By small companies we mean
those with market capitalizations of less than $1 billion.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in
stocks, not including convertible securities, of small companies. Generally, we
focus on companies with market capitalizations ranging from $30 million to $600
million. Small companies tend to be substantially less-seasoned than companies
listed in the Standard & Poor's ("S&P(R)") 500 ("S&P 500") or the S&P(R) MidCap
400 Index. Small cap companies trade in the over-the-counter market as well as
on U.S. securities exchanges.
We may invest the remaining 35% of the Fund's total assets in any combination of
additional small cap stocks, larger capitalization stocks and securities
convertible into such stocks. We look for small companies (including companies
initially offering their stocks to the public) that, in our opinion:
1) are in their early stages of development or positioned in new and emerging
industries;
2) have an opportunity for rapid growth;
3) have capable management; and
4) are financially sound.
Generally, the investing public does not know as much about or follow the stocks
of small companies as compared to stocks of larger companies. As a result, small
company stocks may provide greater opportunities for long-term capital growth as
a result of the relative inefficiencies in the marketplace.
We tend to sell the stocks of companies when we think that other investments
offer better opportunities. This tendency may, from time to time, cause the Fund
to have short-term gains or losses.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
. 0.75 of 1% on the first $200 million
. 0.65 of 1% on the average daily net assets over $200 million
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- -----------------
Kevin Schmitting, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since its
inception on July 1, 1996. Mr. Schmitting also managed The AAL Mid Cap Stock
Fund from November 1, 1995, through March 17, 1997. Prior to November 1, 1995,
Mr. Schmitting served as investment director and in other investment capacities
for the State of Wisconsin Investment Board beginning in 1984 through October
1995.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
Financial Risk
- --------------
Small, less-established companies may have relatively lower revenues, limited
product lines, lack of management depth and a lower share of the market for
their products or services than larger companies. Stocks of these companies
present a greater risk of losing value than stocks of larger, more established
companies.
Market Risk
- -----------
Over time, the stock market tends to move in cycles, with periods when stock
prices rise generally and periods when stock prices decline generally.
Historically, small capitalization stocks have experienced more price volatility
than mid-size and large capitalization stocks. Some of the reasons they have
greater volatility include: 1) less certain growth prospects of small firms; 2)
lower degree of liquidity in the markets for such stocks; and 3) greater
sensitivity of small companies to changing economic conditions. As a result, the
value of the Fund's investments tends to increase and decrease substantially
more than the stock market in general, as measured by the S&P 500(R). You have a
greater risk of losing your money invested in the Fund.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in this Fund.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares, we
based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- ------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net
asset value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for each
wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- ------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .75% .75%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses 1.06% 1.45%
- -----------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES 2.06% 3.20%
===========================================================
</TABLE>
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $60 $ 83 $ 33
After 3 years $103 $129 $ 99
After 5 years $148 $169 $169
After 10 years $273 N/A* N/A*
========================================================
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund for the
periods shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial
interest outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table
in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, all of
which have been audited by the Fund's independent accountants, Price Waterhouse
LLP.EAt your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL
Mutual Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial
statements and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's
performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
NET
NET REALIZED DISTRIBUTION NET
NAV: INVE- AND UN- DIVIDENDS FROM NET TOTAL TOTAL ASSETS
START STMENT REALIZED TOTAL FROM FROM NET REALIZED DIVIDENDS NAV: RETURN AT
OF INCOME GAIN INVESTMENT INVESTMENT GAIN ON AND DIST- END OF FOR END OF
PERIOD (LOSS) (LOSS) OPERATIONS INCOME INVESTMENTS RIBUTIONS PERIOD PERIOD/1/ PERIOD
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 1, 1996-
April 30, 1997 $10.00 $(0.055) $0.162 $0.107 $0 $(0.267) $(0.267) $9.84 0.78% $44,487,852
====================================================================================================================================
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 $11.17 $(0.032) $(1.328) $(1.360) $0 $ 0 $ 0 $9.81 (12.18)% $3,394,082
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIO
<CAPTION>
RATIO RATIO
OF NET OF NET
OPERATING INVESTMENT
EXPENSES INCOME
TO (LOSS) TO AVERAGE
AVERAGE AVERAGE PORTFOLIO COMMISSION
NET NET TURNOVER PAID
ASSETS/2/* ASSETS/2/* RATE PER SHARE
====================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
July 1, 1996-
April 30, 1997 2.06% (1.20)% 138.50% $0.059
====================================================================
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 3.20% (2.39)% 138.50% $0.059
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* IF THE FUND HAD PAID ALL OF ITS EXPENSES FOR CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES, THE
RATIOS WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Class A shares--Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets/2/:
2.06%.
Class B shares--Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets/2/:
3.21%.
Class A shares--Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets/2/: (1.20)%.
Class B shares--Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets/2/: (2.40)%.
Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but does
not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not annualized)
total return is shown for periods less than one year.
For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 5
<PAGE>
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- ---------------------------
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily
in a diversified portfolio of common stocks, and securities convertible into
common stocks, of mid-sized companies. By mid-sized companies, we mean those
with market capitalizations ranging from $100 million to $5 billion.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- --------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the fund's total assets in
stocks, not including convertible securities, of mid-sized companies. Generally,
we focus on companies with market capitalizations ranging from $400 million to
$3.5 billion. Mid-sized companies tend to be smaller and less seasoned than
companies listed in the S&P 500(R). These companies may trade in the over-the-
counter market as well as on U.S. national securities exchanges.
We may invest the remaining 35% of the Fund's total assets in any combination of
additional mid cap stocks, larger capitalization stocks and securities
convertible into such stocks.
We look for mid-sized companies (including companies initially offering their
stocks to the public) that, in our opinion:
1) have prospects for growth in their sales and earnings;
2) are in an industry with a good economic outlook;
3) have higher quality management and more management depth than small
companies; and
4) have a strong financial position.
We usually pick companies in the middle stages of their development. These
companies tend to have established a record of profitability and possess a new
technology, unique product or market niche.
We tend to sell stocks of companies when we think other investments offer better
opportunities. Due to this policy, the Fund may from time to time have short-
term gains or losses.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- --------------------
. 0.75 of 1% on the first $200 million
. 0.65 of 1% on average daily net assets over $200 million
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- ------------------
Michael R. Hochholzer, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since
March 1997. Prior to managing the Fund, Mr. Hochholzer served as a securities
analyst and portfolio manager for Aid Association for Lutherans, the parent
company of AAL Capital Management Corporation from 1989.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- --------------------------------------------
Financial Risk
- --------------
Stocks of mid-sized companies may present a greater risk of losing value than
stocks of larger, more established companies, but may present less risk than
stocks of smaller companies. Mid-sized companies tend to have relatively smaller
revenues, narrower product lines, less management depth and smaller shares of
the market for their products or services than large companies.
Market Risk
- -----------
Over time, the stock market tends to move in cycles, with periods when stock
prices rise generally and periods when stock prices decline generally. Due to
the tendency for mid cap stocks to have less liquidity in the market than large
company stocks, the value of the Fund's investments might increase and decrease
more than the stock market in general, as measured by the S&P 500(R). You could
lose money investing in the Fund.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- ------------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares, we
based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .69% .69%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses .41% .60%
- --------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND
OPERATING EXPENSES 1.35% 2.29%
==================================================
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to
a hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded
annually, in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $ 53 $ 74 $ 24
After 3 years $ 82 $102 $ 72
After 5 years $112 $124 $124
After 10 years $199 N/A* N/A*
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund for the periods
shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, all of which
have been audited by the Fund's independent accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP.
At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL Mutual
Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial statements
and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
NET
REALIZED
AND DISTRIBUTION NET
NET AND UN- DIVIDENDS FROM NET NAV: TOTAL ASSETS
NAV: INVESTMENT REALIZED TOTAL FROM FROM NET REALIZED TOTAL END RETURN AT
START OF INCOME GAIN INVESTMENT INVESTMENT GAIN ON DIVIDENDS AND OF FOR END OF
PERIOD (LOSS) (LOSS) OPERATIONS INCOME INVESTMENT DISTRIBUTIONS PERIOD PERIOD/1/ PERIOD
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, 1993-
April 30, 1994 $10.00 $(0.044) $ 0.424 $ 0.380 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 10.38 3.80% $142,529,469
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 10.38 (0.054) 0.594 0.540 0 0 0 10.92 5.20 220,792,070
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 10.92 (0.100) 6.290 6.190 0 0 0 17.11 56.59 424,974,829
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 17.11 (0.119) (1.628) (1.747) 0 (2.653) (2.653) 12.71 (11.08) 461,732,660
====================================================================================================================================
Class B Shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 $13.67 $(0.026) $(0.954) $(0.980) $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 12.69 (7.17)% $ 3,270,870
====================================================================================================================================
<CAPTION>
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
RATIO RATIO
OF NET OF NET
OPERATING INVESTMENT
EXPENSES INCOME
TO (LOSS) TO AVERAGE
AVERAGE AVERAGE PORTFOLIO COMMISSION
NET NET TURNOVER PAID
ASSETS* ASSETS* RATE PER SHARE
=======================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, 1993-
April 30, 1994 1.72% (1.14)% 55.49% $ --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 1.54 (0.77) 88.18 --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 1.39 (0.82) 90.14 0.055
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 1.35 (0.94) 112.60 0.060
=======================================================================
Class B Shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 2.29% (1.41)% 112.60% $0.060
=======================================================================
</TABLE>
* IF THE FUND HAD PAID ALL OF ITS EXPENSES FOR CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES, THE
RATIOS WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Class A shares--Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets
1.73%, 1.54%, 1.39% and 1.35%.
Class B shares--Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets:
2.29%.
Class A shares--Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets: (1.14)%, (0.77)%, (0.82)% and (0.94)%.
Class B shares--Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets: (1.41)%.
Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but does
not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not annualized)
total return is shown for periods less than one year.
For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 7
<PAGE>
The AAL International Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in a diversified
portfolio of foreign stocks.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the fund's total assets in
foreign stocks primarily traded in at least three countries, not including the
United States. We may not invest more than 25% of the Fund's assets in any one
country. We do not have any other limitations on how much of its assets it may
invest in securities primarily traded in any one country.
We focus on stocks primarily trading in the United Kingdom, Western Europe,
Australia, Far East, Latin America and Canada. Many of these markets are mature,
while others are emerging (for example, Indonesia and Argentina). We do not have
any limits on the extent to which we can invest in either mature or emerging
markets. We may invest up to 100% of the Fund's total assets in emerging
markets. We have listed the countries and their classifications as mature or
emerging in the Statement of Additional Information. From time to time, we may
invest in securities trading in other countries not listed here or in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Typically, we consider an issuer as domiciled in a particular country if it:
1) is incorporated under the laws of that country;
2) has at least 50% of the value of its assets located in that country; and
3) derives at least 50% of its income from operations or sales in that
country.
For issuers that do not meet the above domicile criterion, we make a good-faith
determination based on such factors as the location of issuer's assets,
personnel, sales and earnings.
We may invest the remaining 35% of the Fund's total assets in: additional
foreign stocks; U.S. stocks; structured notes and/or preferred stocks; and up to
20% of the Fund's total assets in U.S. and foreign bonds and other debt
obligations, including lower-rated debt, commonly referred to as "junk bonds"
(i.e., securities rated BB or lower by S&P or Ba or lower by Moody's Investor
Services, Inc. ("Moody's")) and unrated securities.
We do not place any restrictions on the debt ratings of securities acquired or
the portion of the Fund's assets we may invest in a particular rating category
for the Fund.
Pending the investment of cash from new sales or to meet ordinary daily cash
needs, we may hold cash temporarily (U.S. dollars, foreign currencies or
multinational foreign currency units) for the Fund. We may invest any portion of
the Fund's total assets in money market instruments.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
. 0.80 of 1% on average daily net assets
ANNUAL SUB-ADVISORY FEE
- -----------------------
. 0.55 of 1% on average daily net assets (payable from the 0.80% Annual
Advisory Fee paid to the Adviser)
SUB-ADVISER
- -----------
We have hired a sub-adviser ("Sub-Adviser"), Societe Generale Asset
Management Corp. ("SoGen"), who, under our direction and control, makes the day-
to-day investment decisions for the Fund. SoGen, 1221 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, New York 10020 is a registered investment adviser that is indirectly
owned by Societe Generale, one of France's largest banks. Under the Sub-
Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser for the Fund, subject to our (the Adviser
and Board of Trustees for the Fund) direction and control determines which
securities to purchase and sell for the Fund, arranges the purchases and sales
for the Fund, and renders other assistance to us in formulating and implementing
the investment program for the Fund.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- -----------------
Jean-Marie Eveillard has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since its
inception on August 1, 1995. Mr. Eveillard has served as SoGen's President and
Director since April 1990.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK
- -----------------------
In addition to the risks of investing in stocks of different sized companies, as
highlighted in our other stock fund offerings (financial and market risks),
investors face particular risks associated with foreign investing. Foreign
investment risks include currency, liquidity, political, economic and market
risks, as well as risks associated with governmental regulation and non-uniform
corporate disclosure standards. We may invest from 0% to 100% of the Fund's net
assets in emerging growth countries, which may entail more risk than investing
in mature countries. The greater the percentage of net assets the Fund invests
in emerging countries, the greater the risks to your investment. You may lose
money investing in this Fund.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL International Fund.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy, sell or hold
shares of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4%
sales charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B
shares, we based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge,
which is reduced by 1% for each year owned.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL International Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSE A B
- -----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
On December 1, 1997, we reduced the advisory fee for this Fund. The table has
been restated to reflect this reduced advisory fee as though it had been in
effect for the entire fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- -------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .80% .80%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses .85% .94%
- -------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES 1.90% 2.74%
=================================================
</TABLE>
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $ 59 $ 78 $ 28
After 3 years $ 98 $116 $ 86
After 5 years $140 $147 $147
After 10 years $257 N/A* N/A*
=================================================================
</TABLE>
*Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL International Fund for the periods
shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table in
conjunction with the fund's financial statements and related notes, all of which
have been audited by the Fund's independent accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP.
At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL Mutual
Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial statements
and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
NET
NET REALIZED DISTRIBUTION NET
NAV: INVEST- AND UN- DIVIDENDS FROM NET TOTAL TOTAL ASSETS
START MENT REALIZED TOTAL FROM FROM NET REALIZED DIVIDENDS NAV: RETURN AT
OF INCOME GAIN INVESTMENT INVESTMENT GAIN ON AND DIST- END OF FOR END OF
PERIOD (LOSS) (LOSS) OPERATIONS INCOME INVESTMENTS RIBUTIONS PERIOD PERIOD/1/ PERIOD
=================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period From
August 1, 1995- $10.00 $0.046 $1.058 $1.104 $(0.024) $ 0.000 $(0.024) $11.08 11.07% $ 57,117,185
April 30, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR Ended
April 30, 1997 11.08 0.005 0.680 0.685 (0.335) (0.060) (0.395) 11.37 6.32 116,153,782
=================================================================================================================================
Class B shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period From
Jan. 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 $10.98 $0.000 $0.360 $0.360 $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $11.34 $3.28% $2,559,958
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
RATIO RATIO
OF NET OF NET
OPERATING INVESTMENT
EXPENSES INCOME
TO (LOSS) TO AVERAGE
AVERAGE AVERAGE PORTFOLIO COMMISSION
NET NET TURNOVER PAID
ASSETS/2/* ASSETS/2/* RATE PER SHARE
======================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Period From
August 1, 1995- 2.15% 0.94% 1.30% $0.018
April 30, 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 2.10 0.88 12.95% $0.013
======================================================================
Class B shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Period From
Jan. 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 2.94% (0.03)% 12.95% $0.013
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* IF THE FUND HAD PAID ALL OF ITS EXPENSES FOR CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES, THE
RATIOS WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Class A shares - Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets:
2.32% and 2.10%.
Class B shares - Ration of net operating expenses to average net assets:
2.94%.
Class A shares - Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets: 0.77% and 0.88%.
Class B shares - Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets: (0.03)%.
(1) Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but
does not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not
annualized) total return is shown for periods less than one year.
(2) For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 9
<PAGE>
THE AAL CAPITAL GROWTH FUND
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- ---------------------------
The AAL Capital Growth Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of common stocks and securities convertible
into common stocks.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- --------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in
common stocks, not including convertible securities. Generally, we focus on
dividend-paying stocks issued by companies with earnings growth per share higher
than earnings growth per share of the S&P 500. In selecting stocks, we look for
quality,operating growth predictability and financial strength.
We may invest the remaining 35% of the Fund's total assets in additional common
stocks, preferred stocks and bonds. The Fund does not invest in bonds for
capital growth or for long time periods. We limit our investments in convertible
securities to no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- --------------------
. 0.70 of 1% on the first $250 million
. 0.65 of 1% on the next $250 million
. 0.575 of 1% on the next $500 million
. 0.50 of 1% on average daily net assets over $1 billion
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- ------------------
Frederick L. Plautz has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since November
1, 1995. Prior to managing the Fund, Mr. Plautz served as vice president and
portfolio manager for Federated Investors from 1990 through October 1995.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- --------------------------------------------
Financial Risk
- --------------
Many factors affect an individual company's performance, such as management or
the demand for a company's products or services and company performance affects
the value of stocks in the Fund's portfolio.
Market Risk
- -----------
Over time, the stock market tends to move in cycles, with periods when stock
prices rise generally and periods when stock prices decline generally. The
value of the Fund's investments may increase and decrease more than the stock
market in general, as measured by the S&P 500/R/. You could lose money investing
in the Fund.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- ------------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL Capital Growth Fund.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares, we
based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- -----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- -----------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- --------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .58% .58%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses .23% .31%
- --------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES 1.06% 1.89%
- --------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Expense Example
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $ 51 $ 69 $ 19
After 3 years $ 73 $ 90 $ 60
After 5 years $ 97 $104 $104
After 10 years $167 N/A* N/A*
- ----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after
five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- ---------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Capital Growth Fund for the
periods shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial
interest outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table
in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, all of
which have been audited by the Fund's independent accountants, Price Waterhouse
LLP. At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL
Mutual Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial
statements and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's
performance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL Capital Growth Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS AND RATIOS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET REALIZED TOTAL DIVIDENDS FROM DISTRIBUTION FROM
NAV: START OF NET INVESTMENT AND UNREALIZED FROM INVESTMENT NET INVESTMENT NET REALIZED GAIN
PERIOD INCOME (LOSS) GAIN (LOSS) OPERATIONS INCOME ON INVESTMENTS
====================================================================================================================================
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period From
July 16, 1987
April 30, 1988 $10.00 $ 0.112 $(1.709) $(1.597) $(0.043) $ 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 8.36 0.218 1.466 1.684 (0.204) 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 9.84 0.233 0.889 1.122 (0.242) 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 10.72 0.271 1.726 1.997 (0.269) (0.028)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 12.42 0.276 1.659 1.935 (0.280) (0.015)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 14.06 0.284 0.761 1.045 (0.274) (0.001)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 14.83 0.296 (0.287) 0.009 (0.286) (0.063)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 14.49 0.274 1.699 1.973 (0.298) (0.605)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 15.56 0.201 3.756 3.957 (0.217) (0.510)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 18.79 0.125 3.682 3.807 (0.150) (0.947)
====================================================================================================================================
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 8, 1997
April 30, 1997 $20.66 $(0.011) $ 0.801 $ 0.790 $ 0.000 $ 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RATIO OF NET RATIO OF NET
DIVIDENDS AND NAV: END TOTAL RETURN NET ASSETS AT OPERATING EXPENSES TO INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)
DISTRIBUTION OF PERIOD FOR PERIOD END OF PERIOD AVERAGE NET ASSETS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
====================================================================================================================================
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Period From
July 16, 1987
April 30, 1988 $(0.043) $ 8.36 (15.95)% $ 23,672,346 1.50% 2.61%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 (0.204) 9.84 20.46 48,915,003 1.50 2.80
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 (0.242) 10.72 11.45 119,731,099 1.44 2.56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 (0.297) 12.42 18.93 209,055,868 1.41 2.59
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 (0.295) 14.06 15.77 423,231,713 1.28 2.27
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 (0.275) 14.83 7.52 714,184,330 1.20 2.15
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 (0.349) 14.49 0.00 868,850,190 1.18 2.07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 (0.903) 15.56 14.37 1,032,168,121 1.17 1.89
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 (0.727) 18.79 25.85 1,381,352,222 1.12 1.16
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 (1.097) 21.50 20.55 1,794,422,211 1.06 0.62
====================================================================================================================================
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 8, 1997
April 30, 199 $ 0.000 $21.45 3.82% $ 11,025,073 1.89% (0.39)%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO AVERAGE COMMISSION
TURNOVER RATE PAID PER SHARE
=================================================================
Class A shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Period From
July 16, 1987
April 30, 1988 1.36% $ -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 2.78 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 1.43 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 2.26 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 1.11 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 2.99 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 40.60 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 33.34 -
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 44.26 0.053
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 24.30 0.057
=================================================================
Class B shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 8, 1997
April 30, 199 24.30% $0.057
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* IF THE FUND HAD PAID ALL OF ITS EXPENSES FOR CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES, THE
RATIOS WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Class A shares-Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets2:
1.91%, 1.77%, 1.49%, 1.41%, 1.28%, 1.20%, 1.18%, 1.17%, 1.12% and 1.06%.
Class B shares-Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets2:
1.89%.
Class A shares-Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets2: 2.21%, 2.54%, 2.51%, 2.59%, 2.27%, 2.15%, 2.07%, 1.89%, 1.16% and
0.62%.
Class B shares-Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets2: (0.39)%.
/1/Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but does
not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not annualized)
total return is shown for periods less than one year.
/2/For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 11
<PAGE>
The AAL Equity Income Fund (formerly known as The AAL Utilities Fund)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The AAL Equity Income Fund seeks current income, long-term income growth and
capital growth by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of income-
producing equity securities. By "income-producing equity securities," we mean
equity securities, including securities exchangeable or convertible into equity
securities, that offer dividend yields that exceed the average dividend yields
on stocks comprising the S&P 500*.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in
income-producing equity securities. We may invest the remainder of the Fund's
total assets, in whole or in part, in additional income-producing equity
securities, bonds and commercial paper.
In selecting equity securities for the Fund, we look for companies that: (1)
have a good growth rate and return on capital; (2) have favorable aspects for
future growth and dividends; (3) are financially sound; (4) have high-quality
management; and (5) are in a favorable competitive environment.
We buy bonds, including convertible securities, if, at the time of purchase at
least two NRSROs have rated them investment grade; or, if unrated, we have
determined them to be of investment grade. We may invest up to 5% of the Fund's
total assets in such securities rated below investment grade. We buy commercial
paper rated in the top two categories by an NRSRO. We may buy unrated commercial
paper, if we determine the commercial paper is investment grade.
Although we do not intend to do so at this time, we may invest up to 15% of the
Fund's net assets in securities located outside the United States. Without
regard to the 15% limitation, we may invest in foreign securities domestically
through depository receipts (i.e., American Depository Receipts ("ADRs")) and
securities of foreign issuers traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or
the NASDAQ National Market System.
We expect to realize income from dividends earned on equity investments and
interest earned on debt securities. We seek capital appreciation by attempting
to select income-producing equity securities that we believe are under-priced
relative to the securities of companies with comparable fundamentals.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
. 0.50 of 1% on the first $250 million
. 0.45 of 1% on average daily net assets over $250 million
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- -----------------
Lewis Alexander Bohannon, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since
November 1, 1995. From 1980 through 1994, Mr. Bohannon was at Cigna Corporation,
serving as managing director and portfolio manager from 1990 to 1994.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
Although we intend to diversify the Fund's investments in securities across many
different industries, income-producing equity securities tend to be more
prevalent in some market sectors than others. The higher dividend yielding
securities included in the S&P 500* are found primarily in the services
(communications and retail), energy, utilities, financial services and consumer
non-cyclical and cyclical market sectors. Accordingly, our investments for the
Fund may tend to emphasize certain market sectors more than others.
Financial Risk
- --------------
The market sectors in which companies tend to issue income-producing equity
securities usually have high operating, interest and other regulatory expenses,
such as the public utilities industry. Also, some of these sectors are maturing,
meaning that growth is peaking. Companies in these market sectors often use
their profits for paying higher dividends rather than reinvesting for company
growth. As a result, income-producing equity securities typically have lower
capital growth potential than equity securities in other sectors. Capital growth
for many income-producing equity securities typically corresponds to the
company's competitive position, in particular its capability to capture market
share from its competitors.
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
Like bonds, changes in the level of interest rates affect the value of income-
producing equity securities and the value of the Fund as a whole.
Market Risk
- -----------
Market cycles affect all equity securities over time, with periods when stock
prices rise generally and periods when stock prices decline generally. However,
income-producing equity securities may rise less and fall less than the market
as a whole because of the higher income component of these securities. You still
could lose money investing in the Fund.
TRANSITIONAL RESTRUCTURING OF INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------
As of September 1, 1997, the Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in
income-producing equity securities in a variety of industries rather than by
concentrating investments in the public utilities industry. Over a period of six
months to one year from September 1, 1997, we plan to sell some utilities
positions in favor of non-utilities positions to reduce the FundOs concentration
in, and exposure to, the utilities industry. This gradual reduction in the level
of concentration in utilities will give us the flexibility to spread the
recognition of capital gains over more than one tax year, if it is desirable to
do so. Because companies in the utilities industry still tend to offer higher
dividends on their equity securities than companies in other industries,
reducing our concentration in this industry may reduce the dividend yield on the
Fund, and therefore current income in the short term.
For information on risks associated with concentrating in utilities securities
during the transitional period, please see "Additional Investment Factors and
Risks Regarding the Funds."
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 The AAL Mutual Funds Prospectus
<PAGE>
The AAL Equity Income Fund (formerly known as The AAL Utilities Fund)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL Equity Income Fund.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares, we
based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shareholder Class Class
Transaction Expenses A B
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- -----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .50% .50%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses .40% .49%
- -----------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES 1.15% 1.99%
- -----------------------------------------
</TABLE>
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $ 51 $ 70 $ 20
After 3 years $ 76 $ 93 $ 63
After 5 years $102 $109 $109
After 10 years $177 N/A* N/A*
- ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
---------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Equity Income Fund for the periods
shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, all of which
have been audited by the Fund's independent accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP.
At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL Mutual
Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial statements
and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends Distribution
NAV Net Realized Total From From Net From Net NAV
Start of Net Investment and Unrealized Investment Investment Realized Gain Total Dividens End of
Period Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Operations Income on Investments and Distribution Period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period from
March 18, 1994 $10.00 $0.022 $(0.072) $(0.050) $0.000 $0.000 $0.000 $9.95
April 30, 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 9.95 0.338 (0.498) (0.160) (0.320) 0.000 (0.320) 9.47
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 9.47 0.360 1.420 1.780 (0.350) 0.000 (0.350) 10.90
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 10.90 0.390 0.455 0.845 (0.405) 0.000 (0.405) 11.34
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997
April 30, 1997 $11.40 $0.051 $(0.056) $(0.005) $(0.025) $0.000 $(0.025) $11.37
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
LESS DISTRIBUTION SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
Ratio of Net
Ratio of Net Investment Income Portfolio Average
Total Return Net Assets at Operating Expenses (Loss) to Average Turnover Commission
for Period End of Period to Average Net Assets Net Assets Rate Paid Per Share
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Period from
March 18, 1994 (0.50)% $ 15,423,861 1.60% 5.12% 0.00% $-----
April 30, 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 (1.51) 70,861,404 1.19 4.08 24.65 ---
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 18.90 114,460,386 1.20 3.58 21.79 0.056
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 7.88 134,196,399 1.15 3.57 5.14 0.060
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997
April 30, 1997 (0.04)% $ 494,969 1.89% 2.36% 5.14% $ 0.60
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* If the Fund had paid all of its expenses for Class A and Class B shares, the
ratios would be as follows:
Class A shares --- Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets:
2.91%, 1.19%, 1.20% and 1.15%.
Class B shares --- Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets:
1.99%.
Class A shares --- Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets: 3.81%, 4.08%, 3.58% and 3.57%.
Class B shares --- Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets: 2.36%.
/1/ Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distribution but does
not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not annualized)
total return is shown for periods less than one year.
/2/ For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The AAL Mutual Funds Prospectus 13
<PAGE>
The AAL Balanced Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Yen) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The AAL Balanced Fund seeks long-term total return through a balance between
income and the potential for long-term capital growth by investing primarily in
a diversified portfolio of common stocks, bonds and money market instruments.
We will select these investments consistent with the investment policies of The
AAL Capital Growth, Bond and Money Market Funds, respectively.
(Yen) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest 50 to 60% of the Fund's total assets in
common stocks, 30 to 40% in fixed-income securities and 0 to 20% in money market
instruments. We, however, at all times maintain an investment mix within the
following ranges: (1) 35 to 75% in common stocks; (2) 25 to 50% in fixed-income
securities; and (3) 0 to 40% in money market instruments.
We select investments for The AAL Balanced Fund in the following three market
sectors:
1) common stocks, including the securities in which The AAL Capital Growth
Fund may invest;
2) bonds and other debt securities with maturities generally exceeding one
year, including securities in which The AAL Bond Fund may invest; and
3) money market instruments and other debt securities with maturities
generally not exceeding 397 days, including the securities in which The AAL
Money Market Fund may invest.
We periodically review and adjust the mix of investments among three market
sectors to capitalize on potential variations in returns produced by the
interaction of changing financial markets and economic conditions. Changes in
the investment mix may occur several times within a year or over several years
depending on market and economic conditions.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
. 0.60 of 1% on average daily net assets
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
- ------------------
Frederick L. Plautz, manager of The AAL Capital Growth Fund and Michael R. Hilt,
manager of The AAL Bond and Money Market Funds, will serve as co-managers of the
Fund.
(Yen) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
STOCK INVESTMENTS
- -----------------
Financial Risk
- --------------
Many factors affect an individual company's performance, such as its management
or the demand for a company's products or services. Company performance affects
the value of stock and the value of stocks in the Fund's portfolio.
Market Risk
- -----------
Over time, the stock market tends to move in cycles, with periods when stock
prices rise generally and periods when stock prices decline generally. The
value of the Fund's investments may increase or decrease more than the stock
market in general, as measured by the S&P 500. Since we invest 35 to 75% of
the Fund's assets in stocks, fluctuating stock prices will have a significant
impact on the Fund's value (the price of the Fund's shares). You could lose
money investing in the Fund.
BOND AND MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENT INVESTMENTS
- --------------------------------------------
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
Changes in interest rate levels affect the value of the bonds and money market
instruments in the portfolio and the value of the Fund as a whole.
Credit Risk
- -----------
The creditworthiness of bond issuers will affect the value of their bonds and
money market instruments, which may decline during the Fund's holding periods
and affect the value of the Fund as a whole.
ASSET ALLOCATION
- ----------------
We may shift the portfolio's asset mix of stocks, bonds and money market
instruments based on existing or anticipated market conditions. The returns you
receive will depend on how we have allocated the Fund's investments across these
asset categories. As the allocation fluctuates over time your returns will
fluctuate as well.
The Fund seeks total return, consisting of both capital appreciation, current
income and long-term income growth, by following an asset allocation strategy.
The Fund, however, may not achieve as high a level of either capital
appreciation or income as a Fund that has only one of these as a primary
objective.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL Balanced Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL Balanced Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares,
we based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net
asset value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
================================================================================
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- -------------------------------
The following table reflects the annual operating expenses the Fund will pay.
The annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-
1 distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets and
include the Adviser's reimbursements of expenses to maintain "Total Fund
Operating Expenses" at 1.25% and 2.00% or lower for Class A and Class B shares,
respectively. Without reimbursements, "Total Fund Operating Expenses" are
estimated to be 1.50% and 2.48%, respectively. The Adviser anticipates that
this reimbursement will remain in effect through fiscal year end.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .60% .60%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses
(after expense reimbursement) .40% .40%
================================================================================
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AFTER EXPENSE
REIMBURSEMENT) 1.25% 2.00%
================================================================================
</TABLE>
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $52 $71 $21
After 3 years $79 $94 $64
================================================================================
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
</TABLE>
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 15
<PAGE>
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund seeks high current income and secondarily capital
growth by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of high risk, high
yield bonds commonly referred to as "junk bonds.O The Fund actively seeks to
achieve the secondary objective of capital growth to the extent it is consistent
with the primary objective of high current income.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in
high yield bonds. By high yield bonds, we mean debt securities rated below
investment grade by a NRSRO, such as Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by
S&P, or, if unrated, of comparable quality as we determine. Please refer to the
Appendix for information on NRSROs and their credit ratings. We define high
yield bonds to include: fixed, variable, floating rate and deferred interest
debt obligations; zero coupon bonds; pay-in-kind bonds; asset and mortgage-
backed debt obligations; structured debt obligations; and convertible bonds.
We invest the remaining 35% of the Fund's total assets in any combination of:
(1) additional high yield bonds; (2) investment grade bonds; (3) common and
preferred stocks (including structured preferred stocks); and (4) securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities
("U.S. Government Obligations").
We may invest up to 20% of the Fund's net assets in bonds of foreign issuers.
In evaluating the quality of a particular high yield bond for investment in the
Fund, we do not rely exclusively on ratings assigned by the NRSROs. In
appropriate circumstances, we perform our own credit analysis. We consider the
issuer's: (1) financial resources; (2) operating history; (3) sensitivity to
economic conditions and trends; (4) management's abilities; (5) debt maturity
schedules; (6) borrowing requirements; and (7) relative values based on
anticipated cash flow, interest and asset coverage and earnings prospects. We
attempt to identify those issuers of high yield bonds whose financial condition
is adequate to meet future obligations, has improved or is expected to improve
in the future. However, we do not have restrictions on the rating level of the
securities in the Fund's portfolio and may purchase and hold securities in
default.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- --------------------
. 0.60 of 1% on average daily net assets
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- ------------------
Dave Carroll, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since its
inception on January 8, 1997. Prior to managing the Fund, he served as an
analyst and trader for Cargill Financial Services from January through September
1996. From 1986 to August 1995 he was a second vice president and portfolio
manager for Fortis Advisers, Inc.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE RISK
- ------------------
Changes in interest rate levels affect the value of the bonds in the portfolio
and the value of the Fund as a whole.
CREDIT RISK
- -----------
The primary risk of investing in the high yield sector is the credit risk.
Bonds rated below investment grade have greater risks of default than investment
grade bonds and, may in fact, be in default.
MARKET RISK
- -----------
Frequently, high yield bonds have a less liquid resale market than the market
for investment grade bonds. In some cases, these bonds have no resale market at
all. As a result, we may have difficulty valuing portfolio securities, choosing
the securities to sell to meet redemption requests and/or selling or disposing
of portfolio securities on favorable terms.
The high yield market has in the past, and may in the future, experience market
risk due to adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, decreasing market values and liquidity, especially on the
lesser traded issues. In the past, Congress has attempted restricting the
advantages of high yield bonds and similar attempts could occur in the future.
The monthly weighted average composition of the Fund's portfolio for the period
from inception on January 8, 1997, through the end of the fiscal year on April
30, 1997, was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT PERCENTAGE OF
GRADE PORTFOLIO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
BB 25.0%
B 73.0%
CCC 1.0%
CC 0%
C 0%
D 0%
Non-rated 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal 100%
U.S. governments, equities
and others 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL 100%
================================================================================
</TABLE>
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- ------------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares,
we based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL High yield Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
================================================================================
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, and include the Adviser's reimbursement of
expenses to maintain Total Fund Operating Expenses at 1.00% and 1.75% for Class
A and Class B shares, respectively. Percentages shown for "Other Expenses" are
based on amounts incurred in the prior fiscal year, including reimbursements.
For the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, without reimbursements, "Other
Expenses" were .43% and .40%, respectively, resulting in "Total Fund Operating
Expenses" of 1.28% and 2.00%, respectively. The Adviser anticipates that
reimbursement will remain in effect through fiscal year end.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .60% .60%
12b-1 distribution and
service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses
(after expense reimbursement) .15% .15%
================================================================================
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AFTER EXPENSE
REIMBURSEMENT) 1.00% 1.75%
================================================================================
</TABLE>
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $50 $68 $18
After 3 years $71 $86 $56
After 5 years $94 $96 $96
After 10 years $160 N/A* N/A*
================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL High Yield Bond Fund for the
periods shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial
interest outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the
table in conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, all
of which have been audited by the Fund's independent accountants, Price
Waterhouse LLP. At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of
The AAL Mutual Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these
financial statements and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's
performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Investment Net Realized and Total from Investment Dividends from Net
Nav: Start of Period Income (Loss) Unrealized Gain (Loss) Operations Invesment Income
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8, 1997
$10.00 $0.270 $(0.120) $0.150 $(0.270)
April 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8,1997
$10.00 $0.251 $(0.120) $0.131 $(0.251)
April 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distribution from net
Realized Gain Total Dividends Total Return Net Assets at
on Investment and Distributions NAV: End of Period for Period End of Period
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8, 1997
$0.000 $(0.270) $9.88 1.51% $44,680,637
April 30,1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8, 1997
$0.000 $(0.251) $9.88 1.31% $ 2,660,309
April 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ratio of Net Ratio of Net
Operating Expenses Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets to Average Net Assets Portfolio Turnover Rate
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8, 1997
1.00% 9.11% 36.90%
April 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 8, 1997
1.75% 8.66% 36.90%
April 30, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*IF THE FUND HAD PAID ALL OF ITS EXPENSES FOR CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES, THE
RATIOS WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Class A shares-Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets/2/:
1.28%.
Class B shares-Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets/2/:
2.00%.
Class A shares-Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets/2/: 8.83%
Class B shares-Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets/2/: 8.41%.
1 Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but does
not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not annualized)
total return is shown for periods less than one year.
2 For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 17
<PAGE>
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund seeks a high level of current income exempt from
federal income taxes, consistent with capital preservation by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of municipal securities.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in
municipal bonds where the income is exempt from federal income tax. Of the 80%
invested in municipal bonds, we invest at least 75% of them in bonds rated
within the three highest rating categories assigned by at least one NRSRO at the
time of purchase.
State and local governments and municipalities issue municipal bonds to raise
money for a variety of public purposes, including general financing for state
and local governments or financing for specific projects or public facilities. A
municipality may issue municipal bonds in anticipation of future revenues from a
specific municipal project (revenue bonds), or backed by the full taxing power
of a municipality (general obligation bonds), or from the revenues of a specific
project on the credit of a private organization (industrial development bonds).
Federal law generally exempts the interest paid on municipal bonds from federal
income taxes.
We may invest 25% or more of the Fund's total assets in industrial development
bonds. The Fund tries not to invest more than 25% of its total assets in
municipal bonds that are so closely related that an economic, business or
political development affecting one bond could also affect the others.
We may purchase certain tax-exempt bonds that involve a private purpose. The
interest paid on these private activity bonds are subject to the alternative
minimum tax ("AMT paper"). We limit our purchases of AMT paper to 25% of the
Fund's total assets.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
0.50 of 1% on the first $250 million
0.45 of 1% on average daily net assets over $250 million.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- -----------------
Duane A. McAllister, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since
April 1994. Prior to joining AAL Capital Management Corporation on November 1,
1995, he managed the Fund while serving as vice president of Duff & Phelps
Investment Management Co. For the five-year period before managing the Fund, Mr.
McAllister managed portfolios for the Northern Trust Company and First National
Bank and Trust in Rockford, Illinois.
INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE RISK:
- ------------------
Changes in interest rate levels affect the value of the bonds in the portfolio
and the value of the Fund as a whole.
Credit Risk:
- -----------
The creditworthiness of bond issuers will affect the value of their bond, which
may decline during the Fund's holding periods and affect the value of the Fund
as a whole.
TAX RATES:
- ---------
Changes in federal income tax rates may affect both the net asset value and the
Fund's taxable equivalent interest.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL Municipal Bond Fund.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy, sell or hold
shares of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4%
sales charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B
shares, we based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge,
which is reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage of
offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
================================================================================
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects and annual operating expenses paid by
the Fund. The annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the
Adviser, 12b-1 distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining
shareholder records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and
financial reports. On September 1, 1997, we reduced the advisory fee for this
Fund. The table has been restated to reflect this reduced advisory fee as
though it had been in effect for the entire fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF CLASS CLASS
AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .46% .46%
12b-1 distribution and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses .13% .18%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES .84% 1.64%
================================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $48 $67 $17
After 3 years $66 $83 $53
After 5 years $86 $91 $91
After 10 years $141 N/A* N/A*
================================================================================
</TABLE>
*Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the FundOs actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Municipal Bond Fund for the
periods shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial
interest outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table
in conjunction with the FundOs financial statements and related notes, all of
which have been audited by the Funds' independent accountants, Price Waterhouse
LLP. At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL
Mutual Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial
statements and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's
performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
NET DISTRIBUTION
NAV: INVESTMENT NET DIVIDENDS FROM NET
START REALIZED INVESTMENT TOTAL FROM FROM NET REALIZED TOTAL NAV:
OF INCOME AND UNREALIZED FROM NET INVESTMENT GAIN ON DIVIDENDS END OF
PERIOD (LOSS) GAIN (LOSS) OPERATIONS INCOME INVESTMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PERIOD
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY,16 1987-
APRIL 30,1988 $10.00 $0.398 $(0.280) $0.118 $(0.398) $ 0.000 $(0.398) $ 9.72
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30,1989 9.72 0.599 0.020 0.619 (0.599) 0.000 (0.599) 9.74
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1990 9.74 0.608 (0.035) 0.573 (0.608) (0.005) (0.613) 9.70
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30,1991 9.70 0.616 0.434 1.050 (0.616) (0.004) (0.620) 10.13
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1992 10.13 0.598 0.234 0.832 (0.598) (0.004) (0.602) 10.36
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1993 10.36 0.571 0.631 1.202 (0.571) (0.001) (0.572) 10.99
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1994 10.99 0.539 (0.410) 0.129 (0.539) (0.020) (0.559) 10.56
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1995 10.56 0.523 0.186 0.709 (0.523) (0.056) (0.579) 10.69
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1996 10.69 0.521 0.300 0.821 (0.521) (0.080) (0.601) 10.91
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1997 10.91 0.521 0.194 0.715 (0.521) (0.184) (0.705) 10.92
====================================================================================================================================
CLASS B SHARES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAN 8, 1997-
APRIL 30, 1997 $10.91 $0.147 $0.010 $0.157 $0.147 $0.000 $(0.147) $10.92
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LESS DISTRIBUTION SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
RATIO OF NET RATIO OF NET INVESTMENT
TOTAL RETURN NET ASSETS AT OPERATING EXPENSES INCOME (LOSS) TO
FOR PERIOD/1/ END OF PERIOD TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AVERAGE NET ASSETS PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE
===================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JULY,16 1987-
APRIL 30,1988 1.29% $10,031,478 1.50% 5.72% 20.83%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30,1989 6.53 41,217,475 0.94 6.30 29.24
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1990 5.93 78,844,594 0.90 6.13 30.83
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30,1991 11.12 114,953,939 0.90 6.21 13.63
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1992 8.39 172,494,589 0.95 5.81 0.74
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1993 11.84 271,319,546 1.00 5.32 3.41
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1994 1.04 370,568,847 0.99 4.87 10.15
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1995 7.01 377,765,861 0.98 5.01 172.49
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1996 7.74 412,777,320 0.95 4.69 130.52
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED
APRIL 30, 1997 6.64 421,668,316 0.89 4.69 119.79
===================================================================================================================================
CLASS B SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAN 8, 1997-
APRIL 30, 1997 0.34% $764,783 1.69% 4.09% 119.79%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* If the Fund had paid all of its expenses for Class A and Class B shares, the
follows:
Class A shares -- Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets 2):
2.28%, 1.46%, 1.14%, 1.10%, 1.04%, 1.00%, 0.99%, 0.98%, 0.95% and 0.89%.
Class B shares -- Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets
(2):
1.69%
Class A shares -- Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets (2):4.95%, 5.79%, 5.89%, 6.01%, 5.72%, 5.32%, 4.87%, 5.01%, 4.69%
and 4.69%.
Class B shares -- Ratio of net investment expenses to average net assets
(2): 4.09%.
/1/ Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but
does not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not
annualized) total return is shown for periods less than one year.
/2/ For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
<PAGE>
The AAL Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The AAL Bond Fund seeks a high level of current income, consistent with capital
preservation by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment
grade bonds.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 65% of the Fund's total assets
in:
(1) bonds of U.S. and foreign issuers payable in U.S. dollars rated within the
four highest rating categories by at least two NRSROs at the time of
purchase; and
(2) bonds or other securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, primarily those securities supported by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.
We may invest the remaining 35% of the Fund's total assets in: (1) privately
issued or guaranteed mortgage-related securities rated within the four highest
categories by at least two NRSROs or unrated mortgage-related securities, if we
determine at the time of purchase these securities have credit equal to these
ratings; (2) commercial paper in the highest rating category by a NRSRO, or
commercial paper issued or guaranteed by a corporation who has outstanding debt
rated in the two highest categories by a NRSRO at the time of purchase; (3) bank
obligations, including repurchase agreements, of banks having total assets in
excess of $1 billion; and (4) corporate obligations, including variable rate
master notes, rated in the two highest categories by a NRSRO, or issued by a
corporation whose outstanding debt has an equal or better rating at the time of
purchase.
Although we have no restrictions on the maturity of the debt securities in the
portfolio, generally we maintain a weighted average effective maturity of
between 5 and 10 years. We use the effective maturity of a debt security in
calculating weighted average effective maturity, which takes into account
projected prepayments, call dates, put dates and sinking funds, if any, that
reduce the stated maturity date on the bond.
We anticipate that during normal market conditions the average portfolio
maturity of the Fund will not exceed 20 years. We use the stated final maturity
date of a security in calculating average maturity, notwithstanding earlier call
dates and possible prepayments.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
. 0.50 of 1% on the first $250 million
. 0.45 of 1% on average daily net assets over $250 million
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- -----------------
Michael R. Hilt, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since November
1, 1995. From April 1994 through August 1995, Mr. Hilt served as portfolio
manager and quantitative analyst for Conseco Capital Management, Inc. From
August 1992 through April 1994, he served as a portfolio manager and
quantitative analyst for PPM America, Inc. Mr. Hilt also manages The AAL Money
Market Fund.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
Changes in interest rate levels affect the value of the bonds in the portfolio
and the value of the Fund as a whole.
Credit Risk
- -----------
The creditworthiness of bond issuers will affect the value of their bonds, which
may decline during the Fund's holding periods and affect the value of the Fund
as a whole.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
- -----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in The AAL Bond Fund.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
- --------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, we based expenses on the maximum 4% sales
charge, which is reduced on purchases of $25,000 or more. For Class B shares,
we based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge, which is
reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) 4% None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- -----------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
- ------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
On September 1, 1997, we reduced the advisory fee for this Fund. The table has
been restated to reflect this reduced advisory fee as though it had been in
effect for the entire fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee .48% .48%
12b-1 distribution
and service fees .25% 1.00%
Other expenses .20% .33%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES .93% 1.81%
================================================================
</TABLE>
Expense Example
- ---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to a
hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded annually,
in each class, for the years shown.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $ 49 $ 69 $ 19
After 3 years $ 69 $ 88 $ 58
After 5 years $ 90 $100 $ 100
After 10 years $152 N/A* N/A*
===========================================================
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five
years.
You should use the expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Funds actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Bond Fund for the periods shown.
The information presented is based on a share of beneficial interest outstanding
throughout the applicable period. You should read the table in conjunction with
the Fund's financial statements and related notes, all of which have been
audited by the Funds' independent accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP. At your
request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL Mutual Funds
Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial statements and a
more detailed discussion and analysis of the Fund's performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
NAV: Net Net Realized Total from Dividends from Distribution from Net
Start of Investment and Unrealized Investment Net Investment Realized Gains
Period Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) Operations Income on Investments
====================================================================================================================================
Class A shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
July 16, 1987- $10.00 $0.602 $(0.360) $ 0.242 $(0.602) $ 0.000
April 30, 1988
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 9.64 0.826 (0.255) 0.571 (0.826) (0.055)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 9.33 0.806 (0.080) 0.726 (0.806) 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 9.25 0.772 0.510 1.282 (0.772) 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 9.76 0.721 0.273 0.994 (0.721) (0.013)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 10.02 0.661 0.627 1.288 (0.661) (0.037)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 10.61 0.584 (0.660) (0.076) (0.584) (0.260)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 9.69 0.580 (0.078) 0.502 (0.580) (0.002)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 9.61 0.584 0.010 0.594 (0.584) 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 9.62 0.595 0.010 0.605 (0.595) 0.000
====================================================================================================================================
Class B shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997
April 30, 1997 $9.71 $0.175 $(0.070) $0.105 $(0.175) $ 0.000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
AND RATIOS
Ratio of Net Ratio of Net Portfolio
Total NAV: Total Net Assets Operating Expenses Investments Income Turnover
Dividends End Return at End to Average (Loss) to Average Rate
and Distibutions of Period for Period of Period Net Assets* Net Assets
==================================================================================================================================
Class A shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
July 16, 1987- $(0.602) $ 9.64 2.56% $ 20,938,863 0.75% 8.67% 85.88%
April 30, 1988
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 (0.881) 9.33 6.21 54,006,123 0.83 8.86 54.49
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 (0.806) 9.25 7.84 94,937,997 0.98 8.38 38.00
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 (0.772) 9.76 14.34 139,228,954 1.00 8.06 6.39
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 (0.734) 10.02 10.47 229,309,955 1.03 7.19 12.18
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 (0.698) 10.61 13.22 370,219,492 1.03 6.35 26.12
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 (0.844) 9.69 (0.99) 442,962,543 1.02 5.61 27.75
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 (0.582) 9.61 5.47 429,355,163 1.03 6.12 44.57
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 (0.584) 9.62 6.18 430,846,686 1.01 5.89 125.77
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 (0.595) 9.63 6.43 389,342,652 0.98 6.10 212.49
==================================================================================================================================
Class B shares
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997
April 30, 1997 $(0.175) $9.64 0.96% $ 390,959 1.86% 5.51% 212.49%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
*If the Fund had paid all of its expenses for Class A and Class B shares, the
ratios would be as follows:
Class A shares - Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets (2):
1.83%, 1.37%, 1.22%, 1.17%, 1.08%, 1.03%, 1.02%, 1.03%, 1.01% and .98%.
Class B shares - Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets (2):
1.86%
Class A shares - Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets (2): 7.59%, 8.32%, 8.13%, 7.89%, 7.14%, 6.35%, 5.61%, 6.12%, 5.89%
and 6.10%. April 30, 1997
Class B shares - Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets (2): 5.51%.
(1) Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but
does not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not
annualized) total return is shown for periods less than one year.
(2) For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 21
<PAGE>
The AAL Money Market Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(YEN) INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------------
The AAL Money Market Fund seeks a high level of current income, consistent with
liquidity and the preservation of capital, by investing in a diversified
portfolio of high-quality, short-term money market instruments.
(YEN) INVESTMENT POLICIES
- -------------------------
We invest in short-term money market instruments for the Fund, such as:
1) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities;
2) certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and similar obligations of U.S.
banks, savings associations, foreign branches of U.S. banks and domestic
branches of foreign banks, which have total assets of more than $1 billion
at the time of purchase, and who are members of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC);
3) commercial paper that at the time of purchase is defined as First Tier or
"Second Tier" by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as long as we do not
invest more than 5% of the Fund's total assets in Second Tier commercial
paper; and
4) corporate obligations, including variable rate master notes that at the time
of purchase are in one of the two highest categories of a NRSRO, or, if
unrated, issued by a corporation with outstanding debt that has an
equivalent or better rating at the time of purchase.
We make investments for the Fund consistent with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. As such, we invest in securities maturing in 397 days or
less and maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of not more than
90 days. By limiting the maturity of the Fund's investments, we seek to lessen
the changes in asset values caused by fluctuations in short-term interest rates.
To the extent it is practical, we try to maintain a constant net asset value per
share of $1.00 for the Fund.
We may purchase participation interests (interests in securities held by others)
in securities we are authorized to invest for the Fund as described above.
THE U.S. GOVERNMENT NEITHER INSURES NOR GUARANTEES THE INVESTMENTS IN THIS FUND.
ANNUAL ADVISORY FEE
- -------------------
. 0.50 of 1% on the first $500 million
. 0.45 of 1% on average daily net assets over $500 million
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
- -----------------
Michael R. Hilt, CFA, has managed the day-to-day Fund investments since November
1, 1995. From April 1994 through August 1995, Mr. Hilt served as portfolio
manager and quantitative analyst for Conseco Capital Management, Inc. From
August 1992 through April 1994, he served as a portfolio manager and
quantitative analyst for PPM America, Inc.
(YEN) INVESTMENT FACTORS AND RISKS INVOLVED
- -------------------------------------------
Interest Rate Risk
- ------------------
Changes in interest rate levels affect the yield.
Credit Risk
- -----------
The Fund carries the risk that the creditworthiness of some securities issuers
may decline during the Fund's holding period.
EXPENSE SUMMARIES AND EXAMPLE
-----------------------------
The following expense summaries and example should assist you in understanding
the various recurring and non-recurring costs and expenses you may directly or
indirectly incur with your investment in the Fund.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
--------------------------------
Shareholder transaction expenses are charges you pay when you buy or sell shares
of the Fund. For Class A shares, you do not pay any sales charges or redemption
fees. For Class B shares, we based expenses on the maximum 5% contingent
deferred sales charge, which is reduced by 1% for each year owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER CLASS CLASS
TRANSACTION EXPENSES A B
- ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a percentage
of offering price) None None
Maximum sales charge imposed
on reinvested dividends (as a
percentage of net asset value) None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a percentage of net asset
value) None 5%
Redemption fee (The Funds
currently charge $12.00 for
each wire redemption.) None None
Exchange fee None None
- --------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
------------------------------
The following table reflects annual operating expenses paid by the Fund. The
annual operating expenses include a management fee paid to the Adviser, 12b-1
distribution and service fees and other expenses for maintaining shareholder
records and furnishing shareholder services, statements and financial reports.
Operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of average net assets for the
fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, and include the Adviser's waiver of 0.225 of
1% of the 0.50 of 1% maximum advisory fee we could charge for the Fund and a
waiver of 0.100 of 1% of the 0.125 of 1% maximum 12b-1 service fees we could
charge for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. For the fiscal year ended
April 30, 1997, without the expense waivers, "Total Fund Operating Expenses"
were 1.10% and 3.54% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. We anticipate
the waiver continuing through the fiscal year end.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE CLASS CLASS
OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) A B
- -------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Management fee
(after fee waiver) .28% .28%
12b-1 distribution and
service fees (after fee waiver) .02% .77%
Other expenses .48%* .83%
- --------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FUND OPERATING
EXPENSES (AFTER FEE WAIVER) .78% 1.88%
- --------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
EXPENSE EXAMPLE
---------------
The following expense example shows the cumulative expenses attributable to
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22 THE MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
The AAL Money Market Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a hypothetical $1,000 investment with an annual return of 5% compounded
annually, in each class, for the years shown.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPENSE CLASS CLASS CLASS B NO
EXAMPLE A B REDEMPTION
- ----------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
After 1 year $8 $69 $19
After 3 years $25 $90 $60
After 5 years $44 $103 $103
After 10 years $99 N/A* N/A*
====================================================
</TABLE>
* Class B shares convert into Class A shares after five years.
You should use this expense example for comparison purposes only. It does not
represent the Fund's actual expenses and returns, either past or future. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------
The financial highlights table covers The AAL Money Market Fund for the periods
shown. The information presented is based on a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout the applicable period. You should read the table in
conjunction with the Funds financial statements and related notes, all of which
have been audited by the Funds independent accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP.
At your request, we will provide you, without charge, a copy of The AAL Mutual
Funds Annual Report, dated April 30, 1997, containing these financial statements
and a more detailed discussion and analysis of the Funds performance.
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distr-
Net Re- Div- ibution
alized Total idends from Total
and from from Net Re- Di-
NAV: Net Inv- unre- Inve- Net alized vidends Total
Start estment alized stment Inve- Gain on and NAV: Return
of Income Gain Oper- stment Inve- Distri- End of for
Period (Loss) (Loss) ations Income stments butions Period Period/1/
================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 1, 1988-
April 30, 1988 $1.00 $0.009 $0.000 $0.009 $(0.009) $0.000 $(0.009) $1.00 0.91%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 1.00 0.078 0.000 0.078 (0.078) 0.000 (0.078) 1.00 8.10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 1.00 0.079 0.000 0.079 (0.079) 0.000 (0.079) 1.00 8.24
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 1.00 0.068 0.000 0.068 (0.068) 0.000 (0.068) 1.00 7.07
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 1.00 0.045 0.000 0.045 (0.045) 0.000 (0.045) 1.00 4.54
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 1.00 0.025 0.000 0.025 (0.025) 0.000 (0.025) 1.00 2.53
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 1.00 0.019 0.000 0.019 (0.019) 0.000 (0.019) 1.00 1.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 1.00 0.038 0.000 0.038 (0.038) 0.000 (0.038) 1.00 3.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 1.00 0.048 0.000 0.048 (0.048) 0.000 (0.048) 1.00 4.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 1.00 0.051 0.000 0.051 (0.051) 0.000 (0.051) 1.00 5.2
===============================================================================
Class B shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 $1.00 $0.013 $0.000 $0.013 $(0.013) $0.000 $(0.013) $1.00 1.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS
<CAPTION>
Ratio
Ratio of Net
of Net Inves-
Opera- tment
ting Income
Expenses (Loss)
to to
Net Assets Average Average Portfolio
at End Net Net Turnover
of Period Assets*2 Assets*2 Rate
=========================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------
March 1, 1988-
April 30, 1988 $ 7,990,507 .07% 7.06% N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1989 143,217,501 0.76 8.29 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1990 223,447,573 1.04 7.84 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1991 228,465,749 1.07 6.85 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1992 147,584,931 1.11 4.56 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1993 83,274,493 1.13 2.53 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1994 65,008,303 1.26 2.00 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1995 70,210,675 1.17 3.95 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1996 116,014,091 0.83 4.89 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended
April 30, 1997 189,616,902 0.55 4.91 N/A
=========================================================
Class B shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Jan. 8, 1997-
April 30, 1997 $ 569,097 1.78% 3.81% N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* IF THE FUND HAD PAID ALL OF ITS EXPENSES FOR CLASS A AND CLASS B SHARES, THE
RATIOS WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Class A shares--Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets/2/:
1.76%, 1.18%, 1.04%, 1.07%, 1.11%, 1.27%, 1.51%, 1.42%, 1.28% and 1.10%.
Class B shares--Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets/2/:
3.54%.
Class A shares--Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets/2/: 5.37%, 7.87%, 7.84%, 6.85%, 4.56%, 2.38%, 1.75%, 3.70%, 4.46% and
4.36%.
Class B shares--Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets/2/: 2.05% .
/1/ Total return assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions but
does not reflect any deductions for sales charges. The aggregate (not
annualized) total return is shown for periods less than one year.
/2/ For periods less than one year, both the ratio of net operating expenses to
average net assets and the ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets are calculated on an annualized basis.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 23
<PAGE>
Additional Investment Factors And Risks Regarding The Funds
- ------------------------------------------------------------
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE PURPOSES
- -----------------------------
We have a temporary defensive position policy that allows us to invest up to
100% of a Fund's total assets in cash and short-term money market obligations,
including tax-exempt money market funds and investment grade fixed-income
securities when significant adverse market, economic, political or other
circumstances require immediate action to avoid losses. Primarily, we may
purchase the following types of securities for temporary defensive purposes:
. securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities;
. commercial paper rated at the time of purchase in the highest rating
category by NRSROs; and
. bank obligations, including repurchase agreements, of banks having total
assets in excess of $1 billion.
We may invest up to 100% of The AAL International Fund's total assets in U.S.
securities or in securities primarily traded in one or more foreign countries,
or in debt securities to a greater extent than 20%.
INTEREST RATE RISK
-------------------
For The AAL Balanced, High Yield Bond, Municipal Bond, Bond and Money Market
Funds and, to some extent, The AAL Equity Income Fund, you can expect that
interest rate changes will significantly impact upon the value of your Fund
investments. Interest rates are influenced by supply and demand as well as
economic monetary policies. In general, a decline in prevailing interest rate
levels generally will increase the value of the securities, particularly the
bonds, held in a Fund's portfolio and vice versa. As a result, interest rate
fluctuations will affect a Fund's net asset values but not the income received
from its existing portfolio. However, changes in the prevailing interest rate
level will affect the yield on subsequently purchased securities. Because yields
on the securities available for purchase by the Funds will vary over time, we
cannot assure a specific yield on a Fund's shares.
Longer-term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes than shorter-term
bonds, reflecting the greater risk of holding these bonds for a longer period of
time. Longer-term bond prices increase more dramatically when interest rates
fall and decrease more dramatically when interest rates rise. Prices of short-
term debt, such as money market instruments, are less price sensitive to
interest rate changes because of their short duration. Securities that pay high
dividends, like bonds, are more sensitive to interest rate levels than other
equity securities that pay low dividends.
INVESTING IN BONDS VERSUS INVESTING IN A MUTUAL FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------
Investing in a mutual fund that owns bonds is not the same as buying an
individual bond. Both bonds and funds owning bonds offer regular income. While
individual bonds can offer a fixed amount of regular income until maturity, a
mutual fund portfolio may include a constantly changing pool of bonds with
differing interest rates and maturity prices. Both share prices and dividends
may fluctuate in a mutual fund owning bonds.
INVESTMENT GRADE AND MEDIUM GRADE BOND INVESTMENTS
- ---------------------------------------------------
We may purchase investment grade bonds for The AAL International, Equity Income,
Balanced, High Yield Bond, Municipal Bond and Bond Funds. A debt or other fixed-
income security is considered investment grade if it is rated investment grade
by a NRSRO, such as BBB or better by Duff and Phelps Credit Rating Co. (OD&PO)
and S&P or Baa or better by Moody's. Securities rated in the fourth highest
category, such as BBB by D&P or S&P or Baa by Moody's, are considered medium
grade bonds and have more sensitivity to economic changes and speculative
characteristics. If a bond in a Fund has lost its rating or has its rating
reduced, the Fund does not have to sell the security, but the Adviser will
consider the lost or reduced rating in determining whether that Fund should
continue to hold the bond.
HIGH YIELD BOND INVESTMENTS
----------------------------
We may invest in high yield bonds for The AAL International (up to 20% of total
assets), Equity Income (up to 5% of total assets) and High Yield Bond Funds.
Credit Risk: The primary risk of investing in the high yield sector is the
- -----------
credit risk. Bonds rated below investment grade have greater risks of default
than investment grade bonds (including medium grade bonds) and, may in fact, be
in default. Issuers of high yield bonds usually do not have strong historical
financial conditions, requiring them to offer higher yields to compensate for
the greater risk of default on the payment of interest and principal. These
bonds have speculative characteristics or are speculative. As a result, their
market values are less sensitive to interest rate changes on a short-term basis,
but more sensitive to adverse economic developments or individual corporate
developments because of their lower credit quality. During an economic downturn
or period of rising interest rates, issuers of lower-rated bonds may have more
difficulty meeting their principal and interest payment obligations or obtaining
additional financing to make the interest payments on their debt. When issuers
have difficulty meeting projected goals or obtaining additional financing, the
default rate on high yield bonds will likely rise.
Market Risk: Frequently, high yield bonds are less liquid than investment grade
- -----------
bonds. In some cases, these bonds have no resale market at all. As a result,
these bonds are more difficult to price accurately and are subject to price
volatility. We may experience difficulty in valuing the high yield securities in
these portfolios or purchasing or disposing of them on favorable terms,
particularly during adverse market or economic conditions. In the event of an
illiquid market or in the absence of readily available market
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
quotations for certain high yield bonds in the Funds' portfolios, our judgment
will play a greater role in valuing the securities.
CONVERTIBLE BONDS
- ------------------
Except for The AAL Money Market Funds, we may invest in convertible bonds,
subject to any restrictions on the quality of bonds in which a Fund may invest.
We also may retain any stocks received upon conversion that do not fall within
the Fund's investment parameters to: (1) permit orderly disposition; (2)
establish a long-term holding basis for Federal income tax purposes; or (3) seek
capital growth.
Convertible bonds are often rated below investment grade or not rated because
they fall below debt obligations and just above equities in order of preference
or priority on the issuer's balance sheet. Hence, any issuer with investment
grade senior debt may issue convertible securities with ratings less than
investment grade debt.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
- ---------------------------
For The AAL Balanced, High Yield Bond and Bond Funds, we may invest in mortgage-
backed securities with amortizing payments consisting of both interest and
principal and prepayment privileges (the ability to prepay the principal or a
portion thereof without penalty). Mortgaged-backed securities represent interest
in pools of mortgage loans made by lenders such as savings and loan
institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Various government,
government-related and private organizations combine these mortgages for sale to
investors (i.e., the Government National Mortgage Association (OGNMAO)
guarantees and issues mortgage-backed securities). Mortgage-backed securities
generally provide for a "pass through" of monthly payments made by individual
borrowers on their residential mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the
issuer or guarantor of the securities. The yield on these securities applies
only to the unpaid principal balance. We reinvest the periodic payments of
principal and interest and prepayments, if any, in securities at the prevailing
market interest rates. The prevailing rates may be higher or lower than the rate
on the original investment. During periods of declining interest rates,
prepayment of mortgages underlying mortgage-backed securities tend to
accelerate. Accordingly, any prepayments on mortgage-backed securities that we
hold for a Fund reduce our ability to maintain positions in high-yielding,
mortgage-backed securities and reinvest the principal at comparable yields for
the Fund. If we buy any mortgage-backed securities for a Fund at a premium, the
Fund receives prepayments, if any, at par or stated value, which lowers the
return on the Fund.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
- -------------------
We expect The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, Equity Income, High Yield
Bond, Municipal Bond and Bond Funds to have portfolio turnover greater than
100%, and the other Funds to have a portfolio turnover of less than 100%. We do
not calculate a portfolio turnover rate for The AAL Money Market Fund because of
the short maturities of its investments. Due to the high volume of buying and
selling activity in a portfolio with turnover in excess of 100%, we may pay more
commissions for a Fund and may realize more taxable gains than in portfolios
with less turnover, which may result in an increase in a Fund's expenses and
lower returns for shareholders. We may trade for a Fund at a portfolio rate
significantly exceeding 100% (i.e., 300% or more for The AAL Bond Fund), when we
believe the benefits of short-term investments outweigh any increase in
transactions costs or capital gains. For more information on transaction
expenses and taxes, please refer to sections entitled "Portfolio Transactions,"
"Dividends, Distributions, and Taxes," and "Yield and Performance Information."
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND BORROWING
- ------------------------------------
To earn income on available cash or for temporary defensive purposes, we may
invest in repurchase agreements for the Funds. We must hold an amount of cash or
government securities at least equal to the market value of the securities held
pursuant to the agreement. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a
seller of a repurchase agreement, we may experience delays and expenses in
liquidating the securities, declines in the securities' value and loss of
interest for a Fund. We may borrow money, but only from banks and only for
temporary or emergency purposes. We may not borrow more than 10% of a Fund's net
assets and we must repay any amount we borrow for a Fund before we can buy
additional securities.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------
To ensure the availability of suitable securities, we may buy when-issued or
delayed delivery securities for The AAL International, Equity Income, Balanced,
High Yield Bond, Municipal Bond, Bond and Money Market Funds. Generally, we will
not pay for when-issued securities or start earning interest until we have
received the underlying securities for the Funds. We do not speculate in when-
issued securities for the Funds. We purchase the securities with the expectation
of acquiring the underlying securities when delivered. However, we sell when-
issued securities before the settlement date when we believe it is in the best
interest of a Fund.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
- -----------------------------
To generate additional income, we may from time to time lend securities from a
Fund"s portfolios to brokers, dealers and financial institutions such as banks
and trust companies. You will find a full explanation of portfolio securities
lending and the restrictions thereon in the Statement of Additional Information.
Presently, we do
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 25
<PAGE>
not intend to lend portfolio securities for the Funds.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
- -----------------------------------
Except for The AAL Money Market Fund, we may hold up to 15% of a Fund's net
assets in illiquid securities. We may hold up to 10% of The AAL Money Market
Fund's net assets in restricted and other illiquid securities. Illiquid
securities are securities we believe cannot be sold within seven days in the
normal course of business at approximately the amount at which we have valued or
priced the securities for a Fund, including securities we acquired in private
placements that have restrictions on their resale ("restricted securities"). We
deem time deposits and repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days
illiquid. Because an active market may not exist for illiquid securities, we may
experience delays and additional cost when trying to sell illiquid securities.
For more information on restricted and other illiquid securities regarding The
AAL Money Market Fund, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information,
"Privately Issued Securities: The AAL Money Market Fund." The Board of Trustees
has established procedures for determining the liquidity of Fund securities and
has delegated the day-to-day liquidity determinations to the Adviser.
Subject to the limitations for illiquid investments stated above, we may
purchase liquid restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Act"), without regard to the 15% or 10%
limitation. Rule 144A permits certain qualified institutional buyers, such as
the Funds, to trade in privately placed securities not registered under the Act.
Institutional markets for restricted securities have developed as a result of
Rule 144A, providing both readily ascertainable market values for 144A
securities and the ability to liquidate these investments to satisfy redemption
orders. However, an insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers
interested in purchasing certain Rule 144A securities held by a Fund could
adversely affect their marketability, causing us to sell the securities at
unfavorable prices.
VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES
- ---------------------------
All of the Funds may purchase variable rate securities. The AAL Money Market
Fund may purchase variable rate securities (the yields will vary in relation to
changes in specific money market rates, such as the prime rate) with actual
maturities of 397 days or more, but only under conditions established by the
Securities and Exchange Commission rules that permit such securities to be
considered as having maturities of less than 397 days. We intend to invest in
these longer-term variable rate securities only when, in our view, we may be
able to take advantage of the higher yield that is usually paid on these
securities over other short-term securities, and it appears to us that the
variable rates on these securities may reduce the fluctuations in market value
typical of longer-term securities. We also may purchase variable rate securities
with a put option, which may further reduce the risk of fluctuations in market
value.
STRUCTURED SECURITIES
- ----------------------
The AAL International Fund may invest in structured notes and/or preferred
stocks. These securities have a value (i.e., principal amount at maturity and/or
coupons or dividend amounts) linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities,
indices or other financial indicators. Typically, these securities are debt
securities or deposits whose value at maturity (i.e., principal value) or coupon
rate is determined by reference to a specific instrument or statistic. For
example, gold structured securities may provide for maturity values that depend
on the price of gold, resulting in securities whose prices tend to rise and fall
together with gold prices. These securities involve additional risk, including
structures that may reduce the coupons and/or dividend amounts to zero or the
redemption amounts payable at maturity as a result of a decline in the value of
the underlying instrument. Structured securities may have more volatility than
the price of the underlying instrument.
TRANSITIONAL RISK OF CONCENTRATING INVESTMENTS IN UTILITIES SECURITIES FOR THE
AAL EQUITY INCOME FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the risks of investing in income producing equity securities, The
AAL Equity Income Fund will continue to have the risks associated with
concentrating investments in the public utilities industry during its
transitional period. These risks may include increased operating expenses, high
interest costs, environmental regulations and regulatory changes. Some public
utilities are facing increased competition, which may affect utilities companies
independently from the securities markets as a whole.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
- ------------------------------
Except for The AAL Money Market Fund, we may engage in options, futures and
options on futures transactions for the Funds, but only for bona fide hedging or
other permissible risk management purposes. Generally, we do not make these
investments if the initial margin deposits and premiums paid for un-expired
options exceed 5% of a Fund's total assets.
In addition, we do not:
. commit more than 25% of a Fund's net assets to such instruments;
. commit more than 25% of a Fund's net assets to covered options; or
. commit more than 5% of a Fund's net assets to the premiums for put or
call options.
Our options transactions and short sale transactions only consist of techniques
to hedge an unrealized gain on portfolio securities, such as:
1) selling short against the box, which involves selling short securities a
Fund already owns for delivery at a later date;
2) purchasing covered put options on portfolio securities, which allows us to
sell a Fund's securities to the writer (seller) of the option at a set price
on or before the expiration date of the option;
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
3) selling covered call options, which allows the holder of the options written
by us for a Fund to purchase securities at a set price before the expiration
date; and
4) entering into closing transactions with respect to such options.
If we sell a security short against the box for a Fund, we may protect
unrealized gains, but we may lose the opportunity to profit on such securities
for the Fund if the price rises. When we purchase covered put options for a
Fund, we pay the premiums for the options. We receive options for a Fund when we
write (sell) covered call options. The premiums we receive for a Fund from
writing (selling) covered call options may be completely or partially offset by
any declines in the prices of the underlying securities.
Also, we may purchase stock index options, write covered stock index options and
enter into closing transactions on these options.
We deal only in exchange-traded or over-the-counter options on securities and
stock indexes.
Our futures transactions for the Funds may include instruments such as interest
rate and index futures contracts and options thereon. We may use futures
transactions for several reasons, including: (1) hedging unrealized portfolio
gains; (2) minimizing adverse principal fluctuations in a Fund's debt and fixed-
income securities; or
(3) as a means of adjusting exposure to various markets.
Our ability to use futures and options transactions successfully depends upon
our skill for predicting the level and direction of the securities, options and
futures markets, interest rates and other factors. An incorrect prediction may
make the implementation of the hedging strategy in furtherance of a Fund's
investment objectives difficult. For example, significant differences may exist
between the securities and the options and futures markets that could result in
an imperfect correlation between them. Also, an incorrect prediction on the
changes in the level and direction of interest rates could cause us to have a
lower return for the Fund than it would have had if we had not attempted the
hedging transaction. In the absence of the ability to hedge, however, we might
take portfolio actions in anticipation of the same market movements with similar
investment results, but, presumably, at greater transaction costs.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
- ------------------------------
Foreign securities have currency risk, meaning the risk that changes in foreign
currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations will affect favorably
or unfavorably the U.S. dollar value of these securities (and any income
generated thereon). To manage this risk and facilitate the purchase and sale of
foreign securities for a Fund, we may engage in foreign currency transactions
involving: (1) the purchase and sale of forward foreign currency exchange
contracts (agreements to exchange one currency for another at a future date);
(2) options on foreign currencies; (3) currency futures contracts; or (4)
options on currency futures contracts. Although we use foreign currency
transactions to protect against adverse currency movements, they involve the
risk that we may not accurately predict the currency movements, which could
adversely affect a Fund's total return. We set forth further information on
foreign securities and currency transactions in the Statement of Additional
Information.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
- -------------------
The AAL Small Cap Stock (up to 10% of net assets), Mid Cap Stock (up to 10% of
net assets), International, Capital Growth (up to 10% of net assets), Equity
Income and Balanced Funds may invest in foreign securities domestically through
depository receipts (i.e., American Depository Receipts ("ADRs")) and securities
of foreign issuers traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or the NASDAQ
National Market System. The AAL Balanced (bond sector), High Yield Bond and Bond
Funds may invest up to 20% of their net assets in debt securities of foreign
issuers that are payable in U.S. dollars. The AAL International and Equity
Income (up to 15% of net assets) Funds may invest in foreign securities
primarily trading in countries outside of the United States. Foreign securities
may present a greater degree of risk (including risks related to tax provisions
or appropriation of assets) than do securities of domestic issuers.
FOREIGN INVESTING EXPENSES
- ---------------------------
Investing in foreign securities costs more than investing in U.S. securities due
generally to higher transaction costs, such as the commissions paid per share.
As a result, Funds that invest in foreign securities tend to have higher
expenses, particularly funds that invest primarily in foreign securities (i.e.,
The AAL International Fund). In addition to higher commissions, they generally
have higher advisory and custodial fees. However, you may find investing in a
fund that purchases foreign securities a more efficient way to invest in foreign
securities than investing in individual foreign securities. Higher expenses
attributable to a Fund that invests in foreign securities does not mean that the
Fund has higher expenses than other funds with similar investment policies and
percentages of assets invested in foreign securities.
RISK OF INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES
- ---------------------------------------
CURRENCY RISK
- --------------
Even though a Fund may hold securities denominated or traded in foreign
currencies, we measure a Fund's performance in terms of U.S. dollars, which may
subject the Fund to foreign currency risk. Foreign currency risk is the risk
that the U.S. dollar value of foreign securities (and any income generated
therefrom) held by a Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in
foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations. Therefore, the
net asset value of a Fund may go up or down as the value of the dollar rises or
falls compared to a foreign currency.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 27
<PAGE>
LIQUIDITY RISK
- ---------------
Foreign markets or exchanges tend to have less trading volume than the NYSE or
other domestic stock exchanges or markets, meaning the foreign market may have
less liquidity. The lower liquidity in a foreign market can affect our ability
to purchase or sell blocks of securities and obtain the best price in the
foreign market for a Fund. Foreign markets tend to have greater spreads between
bid and asked prices, trading interruptions or suspensions and brokerage and
other transaction costs. Settlement practices vary from country to country and
many foreign markets have longer settlement periods for their securities in
comparison to domestic securities. These differing practices may cause us to
lose opportunities for favorable purchases elsewhere and interest income. Also,
foreign markets may trade on days when the Funds do not value their portfolios.
This means that a Fund's Net Asset Value can change on days when a shareholder
cannot access his or her account. We may incur extra costs for a Fund when
involved in currency hedging. For example, restrictions on converting a foreign
currency into U.S. dollars may adversely affect the value of a Fund.
POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MARKET RISKS
- -------------------------------------
The degree of political and economic stability varies from country to country.
If a country expropriates money from foreigners or nationalizes an industry, a
Fund may lose some or all of any particular investment in that country.
Individual foreign economies may vary favorably or unfavorably from the U.S.
economy in such areas as growth of gross national product, inflation rate,
savings, balance of payments and capital investment, which may affect the value
of a Fund's investment in any foreign country.
GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION
- ------------------------
Many foreign countries do not subject their markets to the same degree and type
of laws and regulations that cover the U.S. markets. Also, many foreign
governments impose restrictions on investments in their capital markets as well
as taxes or other restrictions on repatriation of investment income. The
regulatory differences in some foreign countries make investing or trading in
their markets more difficult and risky.
NON-UNIFORM CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STANDARDS
- -------------------------------------------
Many countries have laws making information on publicly-traded companies, banks
and governments unavailable, more difficult to obtain, incomplete or
unavailable. The lack of uniform accounting standards and practices among
countries impairs the ability of investors to compare common valuation measures,
such as price/earnings ratios, as applied to securities of different countries.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to specific investment restrictions described in the SAI, only
a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares can change:
. except for The AAL Balanced and High Yield Bond Funds, the investment
objective of a Fund;
. the policies on borrowing and lending securities;
. the restriction on concentrating investments in a single industry,
which limits a Fund from investing more than 25% of its net assets
(25% of the total assets for The AAL Small Cap Stock, International,
Balanced and High Yield Bond Funds) in any single industry. This
restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; and
. the restriction requiring issuer diversification by limiting a Fund
from investing more than 5% of its net assets in a single issuer,
except that up to 25% of its net assets may be invested without regard
to this limitation. This restriction does not apply to securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
With the exception of the fundamental investment policy requiring us to invest
at least 80% of The AAL Municipal Bond Fund's net assets in municipal
securities, the Board of Trustees may change any of the Funds' other investment
policies without shareholder approval. For example, the Board of Trustees may
change the policies regarding specific investments, discussed above (other than
the policies on borrowing and securities lending). We have included a
description of all of the investment restrictions applicable to the Funds in the
Statement of Additional Information.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our Board of Trustees* decides matters of general policy and reviews the
activities of the Adviser and the officers who conduct and supervise the daily
business operations of the Funds.
The Trustees, their business addresses and principal occupations during the past
five years are:
JOHN H. PENDER**
P. O. Box 250
Dunbar, WV 25064
DOB 5/25/30
Chairman of the Board of Trustees and from 1987 through May 1996, President
of the Funds; prior to 1996, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer,
Aid Association for Lutherans (fraternal benefit society) and prior to 1992,
Treasurer
F. GREGORY CAMPBELL
2001 Alford Park Drive
Kenosha, WI 53140
DOB 12/16/39
Trustee; President of Carthage College, Kenosha, WI; Director, Kenosha Hospital
and Medical Center; Chairman, WI Assoc. of Independent Colleges and
Universities; Board Member, Kenosha Area
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
Development; and Board Member,
Prairie High School
RICHARD L. GADY
One Central Park Plaza
Omaha, NE 68102
DOB 2/28/43
Trustee; and Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief Economist, ConAgra, Inc.
(a food and agriculture corporation)
D. W. RUSSLER
P. O. Box 84
Minocqua, WI 54548
DOB 10/28/28
Trustee; from 1984 through 1988,
Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration, NCR Corporation; Director,
Capital Markets Assurance Corporation (reinsurance); and Member, Advisory
Board--Saratoga Partners II and III (corporate buy-out limited partnership)
LAWRENCE M. WOODS
P. O. Box 1860
Worland, WY 82401
DOB 4/14/32
Trustee; and Former Executive Vice President and Director, Mobil Oil Corp.
(international oil company)
RICHARD L. GUNDERSON**
10801 E. Happy Valley Road, # 67
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
DOB 6/14/33
Trustee; Chairman of the Board of Directors and from 1985 through 1996, Chief
Executive Officer, and from 1985 through 1995, President, Aid Association for
Lutherans (fraternal benefit society); Trustee, Lawrence University; and
Director, Banta Corp. (diversified printer and publisher)
RONALD G. ANDERSON**
4321 North Ballard Road
Appleton, WI 54919
DOB 10/2/48
Trustee and President; Senior Vice President and CFO, Aid Association
for Lutherans; President, AAL Capital Management Corporation; Director, General
Re -- CKAG Reinsurance and Investment S.ar.L. (Luxembourg reinsurance
corporation); and From 1991 through 1996, Chairman, General Re Financial
Products and from 1995 through 1996, Vice President Corporate Development,
General Re (both reinsurance)
JOHN O. GILBERT**
4321 North Ballard Road
Appleton, WI 54919
DOB 8/30/42
Trustee; President and Chief Executive Officer, Aid Association for Lutherans;
Regent, Luther College; Director, Life Office Management Association Inc.
*All of the Trustees except for Mr. Pender and Mr. Gunderson are Directors of
the AAL Variable Product Series Fund, Inc. Mr. Gunderson will retire from
the Funds' Board of Trustees effective January 1, 1998.
**Denotes an "interested person"
of the Funds as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940.
+ Through December 31, 1997.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
- -----------------------
THE ADVISER
-----------
Under an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust, and subject to the
supervision of the Funds' Board of Trustees, we, as the Adviser (AAL CMC),
manage the investment and reinvestment of the Funds' assets, provide the Funds
with personnel, facilities, and administrative services, and supervise the
Funds' daily business affairs. We formulate and implement a continuous
investment program for the Funds consistent with each Fund's investment
objectives, policies and restrictions.
We provide office space as well as executive and other personnel to the Funds.
In addition to investment advisory fees, each Fund incurs the following
expenses: legal, auditing and accounting expenses; trustees' fees and expenses;
insurance premiums; brokers' commissions; taxes and governmental fees; expenses
of issuing and redeeming shares; organizational expenses; expenses of
registering or qualifying shares for sale; postage and printing for reports and
notices to shareholders; fees and disbursements of the Custodian and Transfer
Agent; certain expenses with respect to membership fees of industry
associations; and any extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses.
We have engaged Societe Generale Asset Management Corp., 1221 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, NY 10020, to act as Sub-Adviser for The AAL International
Fund. The Sub-Adviser has registered as an investment adviser under the
securities laws. Societe Generale, which is one of France's largest banks,
indirectly owns the Sub-Adviser. Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the
Sub-Adviser, subject to the direction of the Adviser and the Board of Trustees,
determines the securities that The AAL International Fund purchases or sells and
renders other assistance to the Adviser in formulating and implementing the
investment program for the Fund.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
----------------------
As the Adviser (AAL CMC), we direct the placement of orders for the purchase and
sale of the Funds' portfolio securities. In directing orders, we consider a
number of factors to attain what we believe is the best combination of price and
execution for the Funds, including: when we believe that more than one broker or
dealer is capable of providing the best combination of price and execution in a
transaction. Normally, we select a broker or dealer who furnishes research
services.
As the Adviser, we may have other clients for which we are making investment and
order placement decisions similar to the Funds. When making simultaneous
purchases or sales for the Funds and another client, if any, our decisions could
have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the securities purchased or
sold for the Funds. In other cases, simultaneous purchases or sales of
securities for the Funds and our other clients could provide the Funds with the
ability to participate in volume transactions that may cost less per share or
unit traded than smaller transactions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 29
<PAGE>
BUYING CLASS A AND B SHARES IN THE FUNDS
- ----------------------------------------
You can buy Class A and Class B in the Funds through a licensed registered
representative, by mail or wire transfer. Sales charges and ongoing asset based
distribution fees mark the primary differences between Class A and Class B
shares. We describe the differences between the types of shares below.
CLASS A SHARES
- ---------------
SALES CHARGES
- -------------
You buy Class A shares of each Fund, except for The AAL Money Market Fund, at
net asset value ("NAV") plus a maximum sales charge of 4.00% of the public
offering price ("POP") incurred at the time of purchase. As a result, we do not
impose a sales charge when an investor redeems Class A shares of a Fund. We may
reduce or waive sales charges on certain purchases. The chart below shows the
sales charge percentage for Class A shares imposed at different dollar level
purchases.
You buy Class A shares of The AAL Money Market Fund at net asset value without a
sales charge and you do not pay a fee upon redemption.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50% SALES
SALES CHARGE 50% SALES CHARGE AS A % OF
YOUR SALES CHARGE AS A % OF NET CHARGE AS A NET AMOUNT
INVESTMENT AMOUNT AS A % OF POP* AMOUNT INVESTED* % OF POP* INVESTED*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000.......... 4.00% ...........4.17% ..........2.00% ........2.04%
$25,000
but less than $50,000..... 3.75% ...........3.90% ..........1.88% ........1.91%
$50,000
but less than $100,000.... 3.00% ...........3.09% ..........1.50% ........1.52%
$100,000*
but less than $250,000.... 2.00% ...........2.04% ..........1.00% ........1.01%
$250,000
but less than $500,000.... 1.00% ...........1.01% ..........0.50% ........0.50%
$500,000 and up*........... 0.00% ...........0.00% ..........0.00% ........0.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Registered Representatives may receive compensation not exceeding .75% of
the sales charge on amounts purchased and may receive compensation not
exceeding 50 of 1% of amounts invested at $500,000 and up.
** You should purchase Class A shares at this level of investment and above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
REDUCING YOUR SALES CHARGE
- ---------------------------
We may reduce your sales charges on purchases of Class A shares under certain
circumstances, described below. If you are eligible for one of these reductions,
you must tell us or your Registered Representative at the time you purchase
Class A shares or you may or may not receive the reduction. Trustees, directors
and employees of the Funds and the Adviser and Sub-Adviser, as well as persons
licensed to receive commissions for sales of The Funds may not pay a sales
charge on their purchases or on purchases made by family members residing with
them. We reserve the right to stop or change these reductions at any time.
50% Reduction: Non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, charitable remainder
- --------------
unitrusts, endowments, AAL branches and congregations pay only 50% of the normal
sales charge so long as there is a meaningful Lutheran affiliation. The
reduction does not apply to 403(b)(7) Retirement Plan Accounts.
Right of Accumulation: You can combine all your Class A and Class B share
- ----------------------
purchases, including the purchases of family members who live with you, when
computing your current sales charge for Class A shares. Eligible shares for
combination in computing the sales charge include those contained in individual,
joint tenant, gift/transfer to minor, trust and IRA accounts. Employer sponsored
plans can link the shares in the plan for purposes of calculating a sales charge
reduction. Rights of accumulation include the value of all Class A shares at the
public offering price, all Class B shares, and reinvested dividends and capital
gains.
LETTER OF INTENT
- -----------------
If you expect to invest $25,000 or more during the next 13 months, you can
reduce your sales charge on Class A shares by signing a Letter of Intent. Class
A or Class B share purchases fulfill the Letter of Intent, but you receive a
reduced sales charge on Class A shares only. You can include purchases in
accounts you have linked for purposes of the Right of Accumulation, and you can
back date a Letter of Intent to include purchases made in the last 90 days.
However, we do not recalculate the sales charge on prior purchases.
You do not have any obligation to buy additional shares. During the Letter of
Intent period, we will escrow shares totaling 5% of the investment goal. If for
some reason you do not fulfill the Letter of Intent within the 13-month period,
we will sell escrowed shares to cover any additional sales charges due from you.
You should sign only one Letter of Intent for all accounts combined under Right
of Accumulation.
Share purchases in The AAL Money Market Fund do not apply toward your Letter of
Intent, unless you paid a sales charge and exchanged them into shares
of The AAL Money Market Fund.
CLASS B SHARES
- ---------------
You buy Class B shares of each Fund at net asset value with no initial sales
charge. However, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge (expressed as a
percentage of the lesser of the current net asset value or original cost) of up
to 5% if you redeem shares within five years after purchase. We do not impose a
contingent deferred sales charge on shares you acquire through the reinvestment
of dividends and capital gains. To reduce your cost, when you redeem shares in a
Fund, you will redeem either shares that are not subject to a contingent
deferred sales
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29,1997
charge (i.e., those bought through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains)
or shares with the lowest contingent deferred sales charge. We waive the
contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption of shares following the death
or disability of a shareholder or for mandatory or hardship distributions from
retirement plans, IRAs and 403(b) plans or to meet certain retirement plan
requirements. Also, we reduce the amount of a contingent deferred sales charge
depending on the amount of years from the purchase of Class B shares until the
sale of those shares according to the following table:
DEFERRED
YEARS AFTER SALES CHARGE ON
PURCHASE SHARES BEING SOLD*
- -----------------------------------------
1st year 5.00%
2nd year 4.00%
3rd year 3.00%
4th year 2.00%
5th year 1.00%
After 5th year 0.00%
- -----------------------------------------
*Registered Representatives may receive compensation upon the sale of Class B
shares in the amount of 1.25% of the purchase amount even if such shares are not
redeemed within five years of purchase and thus not subject to a CDSC.
We base the sales charge on the lesser of the net asset value of the shares at
the time of the purchase or at the time of the sale.
You should not consider buying Class B shares if you can elect the 50% reduction
for purchases of Class A shares or you are investing $100,000 or more in the
Funds. ALSO, BECAUSE OF THE HIGHER EXPENSES, YOU SHOULD NOT CONSIDER BUYING
CLASS B SHARES OFETHE AAL MONEY MARKET FUND UNLESS YOU INTEND TO EXCHANGE THEM
FOR OTHER CLASS B SHARES OR AS PART OF THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS CAPITAL BUILDER PLAN
(SEE PAGE 33).
CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES
- ----------------------------
Your Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares after 5 years from
the purchase date, reducing future annual expenses. Class B shares provide the
benefit of putting all of your dollars to work from the time you make your
investment. However, until your Class B shares convert to Class A shares, you
will have a higher expense ratio, receive lower dividends and may have a lower
net asset value than Class A shares due to the higher 12b-1 fees.
You should consider the amount and intended length of time of your investment
when determining which share class would benefit you the most. In general, if
you intend to make a large investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales
charge, you might consider purchasing Class A shares. If you intend to make a
smaller investment, you might consider Class B shares because 100% of your
purchase is invested immediately.
PURCHASE PRICE
- ---------------
To determine the prices at which you buy shares, we calculate the net asset
value as of the business day on which our Transfer Agent receives your order in
proper form. The share price (net asset value per share) will decline on the ex-
dates when The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, International, Capital
Growth, Equity Income and Balanced Funds distribute dividends. Capital gains
reduce the share prices of all Funds by the amount of the distributions. If you
buy shares before the record date (Obuying the dividendO), you will pay the full
price for shares and then receive a portion of the price back as a taxable
distribution.
MINIMUM PURCHASE AMOUNT
PER ACCOUNT PER TRANSACTION
- ----------------------------
MINIMUM
PURCHASE AMOUNT
PER ACCOUNT INITIAL ADDITIONAL
PER TRANSACTION PURCHASE PURCHASE
- ------------------------------------------------
Regular Account $1,000 $ 50
IRA $ 250 $ 50
Automatic
Investment Plan $ 0 $ 25
Letter of Intent
(over a 13-month period) $25,000
- ------------------------------------------------
The Funds may waive the minimum investment amount needed to open or add to an
account for certain employer-sponsored accounts.
OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
- ----------------------
Your AAL Capital Management Corporation Registered Representative is ready to
help you open a new account. If you do not know the name of your Registered
Representative, please call the Mutual Fund Service Center at 800-553-6319. The
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) is 800-684-3416.
To open your account, just follow these steps:
1. After reviewing this prospectus, complete an AAL Mutual Funds Application
and New Account Form, which should be attached to the prospectus, for every
different account registration. For example, you need separate applications
for an individual account in The AAL Bond Fund and an IRA invested in The
AAL Bond Fund. Remember to designate whether you are purchasing Class A
shares or Class B shares. If you donOt complete the application properly,
your purchase may be delayed or rejected;
2. Make your check payable to the Fund you are buying, for example, "The AAL
Bond Fund." If you are buying more than one Fund, make your check payable to
"THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS." DO NOT MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO AAL OR AAL CAPITAL
MANAGEMENT CORPORATION; and
3. Mail your completed application and check to:
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS
222 WEST COLLEGE AVENUE
P. O. BOX 8004
APPLETON, WI 54913-8004.
BUYING SHARES FOR THE FIRST TIME BY WIRE
- -----------------------------------------
If your bank is a member of or has a corresponding relationship with a member of
the Federal Reserve System, you can buy shares of the Funds by wire transfer by
following these steps:
1. Call AAL Capital Management Corporation at 800-553-6319 (The AAL Mutual
Funds Service Center ("Service Center")) and provide the following
information:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 31
<PAGE>
. your account registration;
. the name of the Fund(s) in which you want to invest and whether you wish to
buy Class A or Class B shares;
. your address;
. your Social Security or tax identification number;
. the dollar amount;
. the name of the wiring bank; and
. the name and the telephone number of the person at your bank who the Funds
can contact about your purchase.
We must receive your wire order before the closing of the NYSE (normally 3:00
p.m. Central Time) to receive that day's price.
2. Instruct your bank to use the following instructions when wiring funds:
WIRE TO: FIRSTAR BANK MILWAUKEE, N.A.
CREDIT: FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY ACCOUNT 112-952-137
FURTHER
CREDIT: NAME OF FUND (SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNT NUMBER) (SHAREHOLDER REGISTRATION)
Please call (800) 553-6319 prior to sending the wire in order to obtain a
confirmation number and to ensure prompt and accurate handling of funds.
The Fund and its transfer agent are not responsible for the consequences of
delays resulting from the banking or Federal Reserve Wire system, or from
incomplete wiring instructions.
3. Complete The AAL Mutual Funds Application and mail it immediately to:
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS
222 WEST COLLEGE AVE.
P. O. BOX 8004
APPLETON, WI 54913-8004.
ACCOUNT REGISTRATION
- ---------------------
How you register your account with the Funds can affect your legal interests as
well as the rights and interests of your family and beneficiaries. You should
always consult with your legal and/or tax adviser to determine the account
registration that best meets your needs. You must clearly identify the type of
account you want on your AAL Mutual Funds Application. Some account
registrations may require additional documents.
ACCOUNTS FOR RETIREMENT SAVINGS
- --------------------------------
AAL members, their enterprises and Lutheran organizations may establish
their own individual or business retirement plans. These accounts may offer you
tax advantages. You should consult with your legal and/or tax adviser before you
establish a retirement plan.
A third-party maintenance fee may apply to some retirement accounts. Please
review plan documents for more information.
Your AAL Capital Management Corporation Registered Representative will provide
you with all the materials, documents and forms you need, and will work with you
in establishing your retirement plan from among these choices:
. Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account);
. "rollover" IRA;
. Roth IRA -- Available in 1998 (annual contributions are not tax deductible
but distributions may not be subject to income tax);
. SEP-IRA (Simplified Employee Pension Plan);
. SARSEP-IRA (Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan). No new
plans may start after 1996, but existing plans may continue;
. SIMPLE-IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees);
. Education IRA -- Available in 1998 (annual contributions are not tax
deductible, but distributions may not be subject to income tax);
. 403(b)(7) retirement plan account (legal restrictions apply to your ability
to withdraw funds from this account); and
. qualified retirement plans.
PRESTIGE ACCOUNT
- -----------------
We provide investors who maintain substantial account balances in one or a
combination of The Funds with additional benefits. You will have exclusive
access to our Prestige Account Network, personalized retirement or education
planning analysis, complimentary investment information, a Prestige Account
organizer and more. Your AAL Capital Management Corporation Registered
Representative can provide you with more detailed information.
BUYING ADDITIONAL SHARES FOR YOUR ACCOUNT
- ------------------------------------------
After you have opened an account with The AAL Mutual Funds, you can make
additional investments of $50 or more per account by mail, telephone or wire.
Please put your name and your AAL Mutual Funds Account number on the face of all
investment checks, and make sure your checks are payable to the specific Fund
in which you are investing (for example, "The AAL Bond Fund"). If you are
investing in more than one Fund, make your check payable to "THE AAL MUTUAL
FUNDS." DO NOT MAKE YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO AAL OR AAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION. Some retirement accounts, such as the 403(b)(7) Retirement Plan,
may allow you to make investments only by deferring part of your salary.
BY MAIL
- --------
REGULAR MAIL
- ------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS
C/O FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
615 EAST MICHIGAN STREET
P. O. BOX 2981
MILWAUKEE, WI 53201-2981
EXPRESS MAIL/PRIVATE DELIVERY
- -----------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS
C/O FIRSTAR TRUST COMPANY
MUTUAL FUNDS SERVICES, THIRD FLOOR
615 EAST MICHIGAN STREET
MILWAUKEE, WI 53202
BY WIRE
- --------
Follow the directions listed under "Buying Shares for the First Time by Wire" on
page 31.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ALL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
BY TELEPHONE
- -------------
Before you can buy additional shares by telephone, you must have selected the
Request for Telephone Purchase option on the application. Once you have selected
this option, you can call the Mutual Fund Service Center and we will withdraw
money from your bank checking or savings account to make your investment. You
pay the next price computed after the Funds have received your investment from
your bank, which is usually three business days after you authorize the
transfer. If you need to invest sooner, you should consider making a bank wire
purchase.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
- ---------------------------
To make regular investing more convenient, you can open an automatic investment
plan with no initial investment and a minimum of $25 per account per transaction
after you start your plan. Your AAL Capital Management Corporation Registered
Representative is ready to help you set up one of the following plans.
The Bank Draft Plan allows you to make regular investments in The AAL Mutual
- -------------------
Funds directly from your checking or savings account. The following rules and/or
guidelines apply:
. You can select up to two transaction dates per month (at least 10 days
apart). If you donOt select the date(s), the money will automatically be
withdrawn from your bank account on the 5th of the month;
. To start the plan or change your bank account, you must notify us in
writing at least 13 business days prior to the transaction date. All bank
account owners must sign the bank draft plan card;
. To stop or change the amount of your plan, you must notify us in writing or
via telephone at least 5 business days prior to the transaction date; and
. Make sure you have enough money in your bank account to make the investment
so you can avoid paying any possible fees from your bank or our Transfer
Agent.
The Capital Builder Plan allows you to transfer money every month from your AAL
- ------------------------
Money Market Fund Account into another AAL Mutual Funds Account. The following
rules and/or guidelines apply:
. You can select the transaction date. If you donOt select the date, we will
automatically transfer the money from your account on the 15th of the
month;
. To start the plan, you must notify us in writing at least 24 hours prior to
the transaction date. You must have all account owners sign the Capital
Builder Plan Card; and
. To stop or change the amount of your plan, you must tell us at least 24
hours prior to the transaction date.
The Payroll Deduction Savings and Investment Plan allows employees of AAL,
- -------------------------------------------------
employees of Lutheran-affiliated institutions and Lutheran employees whose
employers agree to invest in The AAL Mutual Funds through direct deduction from
their paychecks or commission checks.
All payroll deductions for retirement plan accounts will be considered current
year contributions unless we are notified in writing, via telephone or e-mail.
The Government Allotment Plan allows Lutheran Social Security recipients,
- ------------------------------
federal employees and military personnel to invest in The AAL Mutual Funds
through direct deduction from their paychecks.
Using The AAL Mutual Funds Automatic Investment Plans, you may implement
a strategy called dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging involves
investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals. When you "dollar cost
average," you purchase more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when
the price is high. Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit or protect
against a loss during declining markets. Because such a program involves
continuous investment regardless of changing share prices, you should consider
your ability to continue the program through times when the share prices are
low.
Additional Information About Buying Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNING INCOME
- ---------------
You begin earning income, if any, on your shares on the business day following
the day our Transfer Agent receives your payment.
PURCHASES
- ----------
Your purchase must be in U.S. dollars and your check must be drawn on a U.S.
bank. We do not accept cash or traveler's checks. If your check does not clear,
we will cancel your purchase and hold you liable for any losses and any
applicable fees. When you buy shares by any type of check, electronic funds
transfer or automatic investment purchase, you may not be able to redeem the
shares you purchased for 12 days or until your check has cleared, whichever is
later. This does not limit your right to redeem shares. Rather, it operates to
make sure that payment for the shares redeemed has been received by the Transfer
Agent.
CONFIRMATION
- -------------
We generally mail written confirmation of your purchases, except for The AAL
Money Market Fund, within two business days following the date of your purchase.
We mail confirmation of additional purchases in The AAL Money Market Fund
monthly. We mail confirmation of your automatic investment plan purchases at
least quarterly.
SHARE CERTIFICATES
- -------------------
We issue share certificates only upon written request, and then only for full
shares. You must make a new written request for a share certificate each time
you purchase shares. We do not charge a fee to issue share certificates. If you
have asked for or have received share certificates, you cannot use certain
shareholder services, including wire, check
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 33
<PAGE>
and telephone redemption, share exchange and any systematic withdrawal. Before
you can redeem, transfer or exchange your shares, you must deliver the share
certificates to our Transfer Agent in negotiable form (with a signature
guarantee). We may not have share certificates available for some retirement
accounts.
OTHER INFORMATION
- ------------------
The U.S. Postal Service or private delivery services are not agents of the
Funds, the Distributor, or the Transfer Agent. We do not legally receive your
purchase application or your request for redemption when you deposit them in the
mail, send them with a private delivery service or when you deposit them in our
Post Office Box. We must have physical possession of your request to consider
your request received. Current law will determine the legal effect of posting
for deadline purposes.
We reserve the right to suspend the offering of shares for a period of time and
the right to reject any specific purchase of shares.
Selling (Redeeming) Your Shares
- -------------------------------
You can sell your shares on any business day. When you sell your shares you
receive the net asset value per share, except for Class B shares for which you
will receive the net asset value per share minus the CDSC, if any, depending on
how long you have held the shares redeemed. If we receive your request in good
order, which means including all the information listed below, before the close
of the NYSE (normally 3:00 p.m. Central Time) you will receive that day's price.
If we receive your redemption request in good order on a holiday, weekend or a
day the NYSE is closed, we will process your transaction on the next business
day. You can sell shares several ways. Please note that transfers via Electronic
Funds Transfer (EFT) generally take up to three business days to reach your bank
account.
BY MAIL
- --------
Please include the following in your redemption request:
. name(s) of the account owner(s);
. account number(s);
. amount you want to receive or the number of shares you want to sell (for a
Class B share redemption we will redeem any additional shares required for
the CDSC to comply with your request for a specific amount);
. tax withholding information, if required, for retirement accounts; and
. signatures of all account owners.
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR SIGNATURE GUARANTEED IF:
- --------------------------------------------
1. You want to sell shares with a value of more than $25,000;
2. You want the proceeds sent to an address other than the one listed for your
account;
3. You want the check payable to someone other than the account owner(s); or
4. You hold share certificates (you must return the signed certificates with
your request).
You can usually obtain a signature guarantee at commercial banks, trust
companies or broker- dealers. A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IS NOT THE SAME THING AS A
NOTARIZED SIGNATURE. Accounts held by a corporation, trust, estate,
custodianship, guardianship, partnership or pension and profit sharing plan may
require more documentation.
Mail to:
REGULAR MAIL
- ------------
The AAL Mutual Funds
c/o Firstar Trust Company
P. O. Box 2981
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2981
EXPRESS MAIL/PRIVATE DELIVERY
- -----------------------------
The AAL Mutual Funds
c/o Firstar Trust Company
Mutual Funds Services, Third Floor
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
BY TELEPHONE
- -------------
To make investing in the Funds more convenient, you may buy, sell or exchange
shares by telephone. We have established reasonable procedures to protect
against anyone who attempts to use the telephone service fraudulently. Please be
aware, however, that The AAL Mutual Funds, AAL Capital Management Corporation,
the Custodian, the Transfer Agent or any of their employees will not be liable
for losses suffered by you that result from following telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be authentic after verification pursuant to these
procedures. Once you have made a telephone request you cannot cancel or modify
it! During periods of extreme volume caused by dramatic economic or stock market
changes, or when the telephone system is not fully functional, you may have
difficulty reaching us by telephone and telephone transactions may be difficult
to implement at those times. We reserve the right to temporarily discontinue or
limit the telephone purchase, redemption or exchange privileges at any time
during such periods.
The following rules and/or guidelines for selling by telephone apply:
. You must call the Mutual Fund Service Center at 800-553-6319;
. You must provide a form of personal identification to confirm your
identity;
. You can sell up to $25,000 worth of shares;
. The Funds will mail a check only to the person(s) named on the account
registration and only to the address on the account;
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
. Retirement plan accounts are not eligible;
. You cannot sell shares in certificate form by telephone;
. You can do only one telephone redemption within any 30-day period for each
authorized account;
. Telephone redemptions are not available if the address on the account has
been changed in the preceding 60 days; and
. If we receive your request in good order before the close of the NYSE
(normally 3:00 p.m. Central Time), you will receive that day's price.
BY WIRE
- --------
The following rules and/or guidelines for selling by wire apply:
. You must give us written authorization, including the signatures of all the
owners of the account, on The AAL Mutual Funds Application or Change Form;
. You can make a wire redemption for any amount;
. You pay a $12.00 fee for each wire redemption;
. We must receive your request in good order before the close of the NYSE
(normally 3:00 p.m. Central Time) for you to receive that day's price; and
. Wire redemptions may not be available to you for all retirement account
plans.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN (USUALLY ONLY APPROPRIATE FOR CLASS A SHARES)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can have money automatically withdrawn from your AAL Mutual Funds account(s)
on a regular basis by using our systematic withdrawal plan. The plan allows you
to receive funds or pay a bill at regular intervals. The following rules and/or
guidelines apply:
. You need a minimum of $5,000 in your account to start the plan;
. You can select the date(s) on which the money is withdrawn. If you don't
select the date(s), we will withdraw the money automatically from your
account on the 15th of the month:
. To start the plan or change the payee(s), you must notify us in writing at
least 13 business days prior to the first withdrawal and you must have all
account owner(s) sign the appropriate form;
. To stop or change your plan, you must notify us at least 5 business days
prior to the next withdrawal; and
. Because of sales charges, you must consider carefully the costs of frequent
investments in and withdrawals from your account.
THE AAL MONEY MARKET FUND CHECKS (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
- -------------------------------------------------------
You can write checks on your AAL Money Market Fund account, except for Class B
shares, if you complete a check writing signature card and agreement. You can
request checks on your AAL Mutual Funds Application or in writing. We do not
charge a fee for supplying your first set of checks, but charge $2.00 for each
additional packet of checks. The following rules and/or guidelines apply:
. The checks you write on The AAL Money Market Fund must be for $500 or more
(Because the Fund is not a bank, some features, such as stop payment, are
not available);
. Our Transfer Agent may impose reasonable fees for each check that is
returned;
. We do not return your canceled checks. For a fee, our Transfer Agent will
send a copy of your check to you at your request;
. Unless you purchased shares by bank wire, you must wait 12 days after you
purchase The AAL Money Market Fund shares to write checks against that
purchase; and
. You need a written request--NOT A CHECK--to close an AAL Money Market Fund
account. Your written request will require a signature guarantee to close
accounts over $25,000.
Closing Small Accounts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All AAL Mutual Funds account owners share the high cost of maintaining accounts
with low balances. To reduce this cost, we reserve the right, subject to legal
restrictions, if any, to close an account when, due to a redemption, its value
is less than $250. This does not apply to retirement plan accounts. We will
notify you in writing before closing any account, and you will have 30 days to
add money to bring the balance up to $250.
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A Shares Only)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You have 60 days after you sell shares to reinvest the dollar amount you
redeemed without having to pay another sales charge. You will pay the net asset
value per share on the day when you made your reinvestment and not on the day
when you sold your investment. The following rules and/or guidelines apply:
. You may use this privilege only ONCE per account;
. You must send a written request and a check for the amount you wish to
reinvest to the Funds Transfer Agent:
REGULAR MAIL
- ------------
The AAL Mutual Funds
c/o Firstar Trust Company
P. O. Box 2981
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2981
EXPRESS MAIL/PRIVATE DELIVERY
- -----------------------------
The AAL Mutual Funds
c/o Firstar Trust Company
Mutual Funds Services, Third Floor
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202;
. The dollar amount you reinvest cannot exceed the dollar amount you sold;
and
. The sale of your shares may be a taxable event despite the reinstatement.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 35
<PAGE>
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
- -------------------
You may exchange shares in an AAL Mutual Fund for shares in another AAL Mutual
Fund without paying any additional sales charge, if you initially paid a sales
charge. For example, if you had purchased Class A shares of the AAL
International Fund and paid the applicable sales charge and wanted to exchange
them for Class A shares of The AAL Bond Fund, you could do so without paying an
additional sales charge. However, if you initially purchased Class A shares of
The AAL Money Market, where you would not have had to pay an initial sales
charge, you would not be able to exchange these shares for another Fund without
paying the applicable sales charge. Also, if you had exchanged Class A Shares in
a Fund where you had to pay a sales charge into Class A shares of The AAL Money
Market Fund (so called "privileged shares" once exchanged for Money Market Fund
Shares), you would not have to pay an additional sales charge if you exchanged
these shares for Class A Shares in another fund. Class B shares are purchased at
net asset value without a sales charge, so the issue of paying additional sales
charges does not apply when exchanging Class B Shares. The following rules
and/or guidelines apply:
. Minimum investment rules may apply when you open a new account by
exchanging shares, and you may have to submit a new application (i.e., you
must exchange at least $1,000 worth of shares to another Fund and fill out
a new account form, if you have not invested shares in the other AAL Mutual
Fund account before);
. You can exchange for the same class of shares only (for example, Class A
shares for Class A shares and Class B shares for Class B shares);
. You may only exchange into Funds that are legally available for sale in
your state;
. You may have a taxable gain or loss as a result of an exchange;
. We reserve the right to end this privilege if you make more than 12
exchanges in a year;
. We reserve the right to change or end this privilege upon 60 days notice,
or suspend this privilege without notice when economic or market changes
make it difficult to carry out such transactions; and
. If you have share certificates, you need to sign the certificates, have
your signature guaranteed and return the certificates with your request.
BY MAIL
- --------
Please include the following in your request:
. name(s) of the account owner(s);
. account number(s);
. amount of shares (or dollar amount) you want to exchange;
. the name of the Fund you are exchanging into; and
. signatures of all account owners.
BY TELEPHONE
- -------------
The guidelines for exchanging by telephone are:
. You can exchange shares by calling the Mutual Fund Service Center at 800-
553-6319;
. When you call us, Mutual Fund Service Representatives will ask for a form
of personal identification to confirm your identity; and
. If we receive your request, in good order, before the close of the NYSE
(normally 3:00 p.m. Central Time), you will receive that day's price.
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)
- ----------------------
We compute the net asset value of a Fund share by adding up the value of the
individual Fund's assets (i.e., stocks and bonds in the Fund's portfolio),
subtracting the Fund's liabilities and dividing the balance by the total number
of shares outstanding. We compute the net asset value of a Fund at the end of
the day after trading on the NYSE closes (normally 3:00 p.m. Central Time). We
do not calculate the net asset value for the Funds on the days when the NYSE is
not open.
We value (or price) securities owned by a Fund at current market value. For
securities with readily available market quotations, we use the quotations to
price the security. If a security does not have a readily available quotation,
we value the security as determined in good faith by or under the direction of
the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees may approve the use of pricing
services to assist us in the determination of net asset values.
We value all securities held by The AAL Money Market Fund and money market
instruments with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less held by the other Funds
on an amortized cost basis. We comply with SEC requirements for the use of this
valuation method. For The AAL Money Market Fund, this method of calculation
facilitates, but does not assure, maintaining a constant net asset value of
$1.00 per share.
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- -----------------------------------
The Funds endeavor to qualify annually for, and elect tax treatment applicable
to, a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code ("Code"). Pursuant to the requirements of the Code, the Funds annually
intend to distribute substantially all of their net investment income and net
realized capital gains, if any, less any available
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
capital loss carryover, to its shareholders annually, so as to avoid paying
income tax on its net investment income and net realized capital gains or being
subject to a federal excise tax on undistributed net investment income and net
realized gains. Annually, we intend to comply with all of the requirements to
qualify as a regulated investment company for each Fund. Annually, we provide
you with full information on dividends and capital gains distributions for each
Fund.
Below, we provide you with a general description of the distribution policies
and some of the tax consequences for the Funds' shareholders. You should always
check with your tax adviser to determine whether any dividends and distributions
paid to you by a Fund are subject to any taxes, including state and local taxes.
THE AAL SMALL CAP STOCK, MID CAP STOCK, INTERNATIONAL, CAPITAL GROWTH, EQUITY
INCOME, BALANCED, HIGH YIELD BOND, BOND AND MONEY MARKET FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The dividends from net investment income of each of these Funds, including net
short-term capital gains, are taxable as ordinary income to shareholders whether
paid in additional shares or in cash. Any long-term and medium-term capital
gains distributed to shareholders are taxable as capital gains to shareholders,
whether they receive them in cash or in additional shares, and regardless of the
length of time a shareholder has owned the shares.
We distribute substantially all net investment income and any net realized
capital gains, if any, for the Funds as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CAPITAL
DIVIDENDS GAINS
FUND (IF ANY) (IF ANY)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
The AAL Small Cap
Stock Fund annually annually
The AAL Mid Cap
Stock Fund annually annually
The AAL International
Fund annually annually
The AAL Capital Growth
Fund semiannually annually
The AAL Equity Income
Fund quarterly annually
The AAL Balanced Fund quarterly annually
The AAL High Yield
Bond Fund monthly annually
The AAL Municipal
Bond Fund monthly annually
The AAL Bond Fund monthly annually
The AAL Money Market Fund monthly annually
</TABLE>
The AAL Bond, Municipal Bond, High Yield Bond and Money Market Funds accrue
income dividends daily.
THE AAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- ----------------------------
Dividends derived from the interest earned on municipal securities constitute
"exempt-interest dividends" and are generally not subject to federal income tax.
We accrue dividends daily and pay these dividends monthly for The AAL Municipal
Bond Fund. We pay the capital gains for the Fund at least annually. Realized
capital gains on municipal securities are subject to federal income tax. Thus,
shareholders will be subject to taxation at ordinary rates on the dividends they
receive that are derived from net short-term capital gains. Distributions of net
long-term and medium-term capital gains will be taxable as long-term capital
gains regardless of the length of time a shareholder holds them. We may, for
temporary defensive purposes, invest in short-term taxable securities for the
Fund. Shareholders of this Fund are subject to federal income tax at ordinary
rates on any income dividends they receive that are derived from interest on
taxable securities.
For shareholders who are receiving Social Security benefits, the federal
government requires you to add tax-exempt income, including exempt-interest
dividends from this Fund, to your taxable income in determining whether a
portion of your Social Security benefits will be subject to federal income tax.
The Internal Revenue Code provides that every person required to file a tax
return must report, solely for informational purposes, the amount of exempt-
interest dividends received from us for the Funds during the taxable year.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
- -------------------
Federal law requires us to withhold 31% of a shareholder's reportable payments
(which include dividends, capital gain distributions and redemption proceeds)
for those who have not properly certified that the Social Security or other
taxpayer identification number they provided is correct and that he or she is
not subject to backup withholding. We do not provide information on state and
local tax consequences of owning shares in the Funds.
REINVESTMENT OF FUND DISTRIBUTIONS
- -----------------------------------
You can reinvest all of your income dividends and/or capital gains distributions
into the Funds at net asset value and pay no up-front (Class A shares) or
contingent deferred (Class B shares) sales charges. You also can have your
distributions paid in cash. When you receive a distribution you may have to pay
taxes whether or not you reinvested them or had them paid out to you in cash. If
you have requested cash distributions and we cannot locate you, we will reinvest
your dividends.
DISTRIBUTION FEES
- ------------------
In addition to the sales charge deducted at the time of purchase, the Investment
Company Act of 1940, Rule 12b-1, thereunder, authorizes us pursuant to a Rule
12b-1 Distribution Plan for the Funds ("12b-1 Distribution Plan" or "Plan") to
use a portion of the Funds' assets to cover the costs of certain activities
relating to the distribution of its shares to investors.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 37
<PAGE>
The 12b-1 Distribution Plan permits us to reimburse the Distributor for expenses
incurred in distributing the Funds' shares to investors, which includes expenses
relating to: sales representative compensation (excluding the initial sales
charge); advertising; preparation and distribution of sales literature and
prospectuses to prospective investors; implementing and operating the Plan; and
performing other promotional or administrative activities on behalf of the
Funds.
Pursuant to the Plan, we may reimburse the Distributor for overhead expenses
incurred in distributing the Funds' shares. We may not reimburse the Distributor
for expenses of past fiscal years or in contemplation of expenses for future
fiscal years. We may not use distribution fees we pay for one Fund to finance
the distribution of shares for another Fund.
We charge a service fee of up to 0.25 of 1% of the average daily net assets of a
Fund for Class A and Class B shares. We use the shareholder servicing fee to
compensate the Distributor for certain shareholder services. We charge the
following 12b-1 distribution and servicing fees.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTION FEE
FUND CLASS A CLASS B
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
The AAL Small Cap Stock
Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Mid Cap
Stock Fund None 0.75%
The AAL International Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Capital Growth Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Equity Income Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Balanced Fund None 0.75%
The AAL High Yield
Bond Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Municipal Bond
Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Bond Fund None 0.75%
The AAL Money Market
Fund None 0.75%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERVICE FEE
FUND CLASS A CLASS B
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
The AAL Small Cap Stock
Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Mid Cap
Stock Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL International Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Capital Growth Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Equity Income Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Balanced Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL High Yield Bond
Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Municipal Bond
Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Bond Fund 0.25% 0.25%
The AAL Money Market
Fund 0.125% 0.125%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
SHAREHOLDER MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
- ----------------------------------
The Board of Trustees authorizes us to contract with AAL Capital Management
Corporation for certain shareholder maintenance services. AAL Capital Management
Corporation receives an annual fee for providing these services. This fee is
based upon, and limited by, the difference between the current account fees
charged and the normal full-service fee schedule published by our Transfer
Agent. It also includes reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs including postage
and telephone charges. This account differential, including reimbursement for
expenses, is currently $4.08 per account per year.
YIELD AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- ----------------------------------
From time to time, we calculate and advertise performance information for
different historical periods of time, by quoting yields or total returns
designed to inform you of the performance of a Fund. Whenever we advertise
performance, we include standardized yield and total return information
calculated in accordance with methods established by the Securities and Exchange
Commission. We may include other total return calculations, if we feel that you
would find such total return calculations useful in evaluating a Fund's
investment performance. We base yields and total returns on historical
performance. You should not use such historical performance information as an
indication of future performance. Your investment return and the principal value
of your investments (except for The AAL Money Market Fund, for which we intend
to maintain at a constant $1.00 net asset value) will fluctuate. At the time you
sell (redeem) your investment, its value may be worth more or less than your
original cost.
STANDARDIZED YIELD AND TOTAL RETURNS
- -------------------------------------
Whenever we advertise performance, we include standardized yield and total
return quotations calculated in accordance with rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, in the manner described in the following paragraphs.
THE AAL MONEY MARKET FUND N STANDARDIZED YIELD AND STANDARDIZED EFFECTIVE YIELD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We may advertise a standardized yield and a standardized effective yield for The
AAL Money Market Fund. We base both yield figures on historical earnings and do
not intend for these figures to indicate future performance.
The standardized yield of the Fund refers to the income generated by an
investment in the Fund over the seven-day period shown in the advertisement. The
income, less expenses, is then annualized, which means that the amount of income
generated by the investment during that week is assumed to be generated each
week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the beginning
investment value.
We calculate the standardized effective yield similarly but, when annualized, we
assume that any income earned by the Fund is reinvested. The effective yield
will be slightly higher than the yield because of the compounding effect of the
assumed reinvestment.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The AAL MUTUAL FUNDS DECEMBER 29, 1997
THE AAL SMALL CAP STOCK, MID CAP STOCK, INTERNATIONAL, CAPITAL GROWTH, EQUITY
INCOME, BALANCED, HIGH YIELD BOND, MUNICIPAL BOND AND BOND FUNDS--STANDARDIZED
CURRENT YIELD
- --------------
Except for The AAL Money Market Fund, we may advertise a standardized current
yield based on income generated by an investment in a particular Fund over a 30-
day period. We state the 30-day period in the advertisement. We determine income
earned on debt obligations by applying a calculated yield-to-maturity percentage
to the obligations held during the period. We determine income earned from
stocks by using the stated annual dividend rate applied over the performance
period. Then, we annualize the income earned. We assume that the amount of
income generated during the 30-day period is generated and reinvested monthly to
provide a six-month return which we then annualize. We show the return as a
percentage of the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period.
THE AAL MUNICIPAL BOND FUND--STANDARDIZED TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
For The AAL Municipal Bond Fund, we may advertise a standardized tax equivalent
yield, which illustrates the yield that would be required on a fully taxable
investment to result in the same net income to an investor in the Fund, after
payment of federal taxes at the stated rate. We compute the yield by dividing
the portion of the Fund's current yield that is tax-exempt by one minus a stated
federal income tax rate, and then adding the quotient to the value of any yield
of the Fund that is not tax exempt.
THE AAL SMALL CAP STOCK, MID CAP STOCK, INTERNATIONAL, CAPITAL GROWTH, EQUITY
INCOME, BALANCED, HIGH YIELD BOND, MUNICIPAL BOND AND BOND FUNDS--STANDARDIZED
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RATE OF RETURN
- ------------------------------------
We may advertise for each of The AAL Mutual Funds (except The AAL Money Market
Fund) a standardized average annual total rate of return for one, five and ten-
year periods, or so much thereof as a Fund has been in existence (since
inception). The standardized average annual total rate of return is the change
in redemption value of shares purchased with an assumed initial investment of
$1,000, after giving effect to the maximum applicable sales charge for Class A
shares or the applicable contingent deferred sales charge for Class B shares,
assuming the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
OTHER TOTAL RETURNS
- --------------------
If we believe it would be useful in evaluating performance, we may advertise
total returns for a Fund in another way than the Standardized Average Annual
Total Rate of Return or the other measures of return described above. For
example, except The AAL Money Market Fund, we may advertise total returns
calculated on the basis of the net amount invested in a Fund (the dollars
invested without giving effect to the maximum applicable sales charge). Return
calculations based on the net amount invested will be higher than those
calculated by the standardized methods for the same time period.
We have provided more information on yield and performance in the Statement of
Additional Information.
TRANSFER AGENT CUSTODIAN AND INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- -----------------------------------------------------
Transfer Agent
- --------------
Firstar Trust Company
P. O. Box 2981
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2981
Custodian (except for The AAL International Fund)
-------------------
Firstar Trust Company
P. O. Box 2981
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201-2981
Custodian for The AAL
International Fund
- ------------------
The Chase Manhattan Bank, N. A.
Chase Metro Tech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245
Independent Accountants
- -----------------------
Price Waterhouse LLP
100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500
Milwaukee, WI 53202
ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
- ---------------------------------------
The AAL Mutual Funds or "Trust" is a diversified open-end management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Each of the Funds
is a separate series of a Massachusetts Business Trust organized under a
Declaration of Trust dated March 13, 1987. The Declaration of Trust provides
that each shareholder shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by its terms.
The Declaration of Trust may be amended by a vote of shareholders or the Board
of Trustees. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares in one or more
series as the Board of Trustees may authorize. Currently, the Board has
authorized twelve series. This prospectus describes Class A and Class B shares
for ten series of the Trust. Institutional shares for these same series are
described in a separate prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 39
<PAGE>
Each Fund's classes of shares represent interests in the assets of the Fund and
have identical dividend, liquidation and other rights. The separate share
classes have the same terms and conditions, except each Class A and Class B
share bears its separate distribution and shareholder servicing expenses. At the
Trustees' discretion, each class may pay a different share of other expenses,
not including advisory or custodial fees or other expenses related to the
management of the Trust's assets, if each class incurs the expenses in different
amounts, or if a class receives services of a different kind or to a different
degree than the other class. The Funds allocate all other expenses to each class
on the basis of the net asset value of that class in relation to the net asset
value of the particular Fund. Class A and B shares (and Institutional shares)
have identical voting rights except that each class has exclusive voting rights
on any matter submitted to shareholders relating solely to the class. In
addition, Class A and Class B shares (and Institutional shares) have separate
voting rights on any matter submitted to shareholders where the interests of one
class differ from the interests of the other class. Class A and Class B shares
have exclusive voting rights on matters involving the 12b-1 Distribution Plan as
applied to that class. Matters submitted to shareholder vote must be approved by
each Fund separately except:
1) when required otherwise by the 1940 Act; or
2) when the Trustees determine that the matter does not affect all Funds: then,
only the shareholders of the affected Funds may vote.
Shares are freely transferable, entitled to dividends declared by the Trustees,
and receive the assets of their respective Fund in the event of liquidation. The
Trust generally holds annual shareholder meetings only when required by law or
at the written request of shareholders owning at least 10% of the Trust's
outstanding shares. Shareholders may remove Trustees from office by votes cast
in person or by proxy at a shareholders meeting.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust.
However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder, Trustee and/or officer
liability for acts on behalf of the Trust or for Trust obligations that are
binding only on the assets and property of the Trust. The Funds include this
disclaimer in each agreement, obligation, or contract entered into or executed
by the Trust or the Board. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification
out of the Trust's assets for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. The risk of a shareholder
incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is remote because
it is limited to circumstances where the Trust itself is unable to meets its
obligations.
ASSET ALLOCATION (DIVERSITICATION)
---------------------------------
You should not consider an investment in any one Fund a complete investment
program. Like most investors, you should hold a number of different investments,
each with a different level of risk, such as common stocks, bonds and money
market certificates. You may want to meet your goal of diversifying your
investments by purchasing shares in a number of different Funds, each of which
has a different investment strategy and level of risk.
QUESTIONS
---------
If you have questions, contact your AAL Capital Management Corporation
Registered Representative or the Mutual Fund Service Center by calling 800-553-
6319 or writing us at: The AAL Mutual Funds, 222 West College Avenue, Appleton,
WI 54919-0007.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Glossary of Important Terms
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMERICAN DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS (ADRs):
-----------------------------------
See Depository Receipts.
AMORTIZED: Paying the principal on a debt by installments; an accounting method
---------
that provides for the gradual decline in the value of an asset.
ANNUALIZED: Calculated to represent a year; a statement produced by calculating
----------
financial results for periods other than a complete year.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES: See Mortgage and Asset-Backed Securities, below.
-----------------------
BOND: An interest-bearing debt security, or discounted government or corporate
----
security, that requires the issuer to pay a specified amount of interest for a
specified time, usually a number of years, then repay the bondholder the face
amount of the bond.
BUSINESS DAY: Any day both the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the NYSE
------------
are open for business. A business day normally begins at 8:00 a.m. Central Time
when the NYSE opens, and usually ends at 3:00 p.m. Central Time when the NYSE
closes.
CALL OPTION: A contract giving the owner the right to buy 100 shares of a stock
-----------
at a predetermined price any time up to a predetermined expiration date.
CAPITAL GAIN OR LOSS: A capital gain or loss equals the increase or decrease in
--------------------
the value of a security over the original purchase price. A gain or loss is
REALIZED when the security that has increased or decreased in value is sold. An
UNREALIZED GAIN or LOSS occurs when the value of a security increases or
decreases but the security is not sold. If a security is held for more than the
applicable capital gains tax holding period and then sold at a profit, that
profit is a REALIZED LONG-TERM OR MEDIUM-TERM CAPITAL GAIN. If it is sold at a
profit before the applicable period, that profit is a REALIZED SHORT-TERM
CAPITAL GAIN.
CHARTERED FINANCIAL ANALYST (CFA):
---------------------------------
Designation earned by financial analysts who pass examinations in economics,
financial accounting, portfolio management, security analysis and standards of
conduct.
COLLATERAL: Something of value N such as real estate, stocks and bonds N
----------
pledged to secure a debt.
COMMERCIAL PAPER: Short-term, unsecured debt obligations issued by businesses
----------------
and sold at a discount but redeemed at pay within 2 to 270 days.
COMPOUND INTEREST: Interest paid upon interest; interest that is calculated and
-----------------
credited daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually on both
the principal and the already credited interest.
CONVERTIBLE BONDS: Bonds that convert or exchange into stocks or carry with it
-----------------
the right to acquire stocks evidenced by warrants attached to the bond or
acquired as part of the unit with the bonds.
COVERED OPTION: Option contract where the purchase or seller of the contract
--------------
owns or has the rights to purchase the shares underlying the option.
CREDIT RISK: The fundamental risk of investing that the issuer of a security
-----------
may not be able to meet its obligations to its investors, usually used in
describing the fundamental risk of debt securities. NRSROs rate debt securities
on the ability of the issuer to pay the interest and principal on the debt
issued.
DEBT SECURITIES: Bonds and other debt instruments used by issuers to borrow
---------------
money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of
interest, and must repay the amount borrowed at maturity.
DEFERRED INTEREST BONDS: Bonds that an issuer issues at a significant discount
-----------------------
from face value and does not begin paying interest on the bonds for a delayed
period of time. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds
will accrue and compound over the period until the first interest accrual date
at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of
issuance.
DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES: Refers to the delivery of securities later than
---------------------------
the scheduled date. A contract calling for delayed delivery, known as Oseller's
option,O is usually agreed to by both parties to a trade.
DEPOSITORY RECEIPTS: Depository receipts are receipts evidencing ownership in
-------------------
the underlying shares of a foreign company. Generally, U.S. banks and trusts
issue American depository receipts ("ADRs") and American depository shares
(("ADSs"). They hold the foreign company securities underlying the receipts in
their vaults. In addition to the underlying securities, the receipts entitle the
shareholder to all dividends and capital gains. The bank or trust company
issuing the receipts may have denominated the receipts in a currency other than
the currency underlying the foreign security. U.S. and European banks and trust
companies usually issue global depository receipts (("GDRs"), which are receipts
in the shares of a global offering of a foreign issuer who has issued two
securities simultaneously in two markets, usually publicly in non-U.S. markets
and privately in the U.S. market. European banks and trust companies generally
issue European depository receipts (("EDRs"), sometimes called continental
depository receipts (("CDRs") when issued in bearer form, which evidence
ownership in foreign securities.
EDUCATION IRA: Allows for contributions up to $500 per year to an Education IRA
-------------
for each beneficiary under age 18. Contributions are not tax deductible and the
funds must be distributed (or rolled over to an Education IRA for the benefit of
another family member) by the time the beneficiary reaches age 30. Distributions
are tax free if used for qualified higher education expenses for the beneficiary
it is established for or a family member who receives a roll over distribution
into their Education IRA. Education IRAs are not available until January 1,
1998.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECT 41
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF IMPORTANT TERMS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY: Ownership interest in a company; stocks represents the equity or amount
------
of ownership you have in the company issuing the stocks.
FACE VALUE: See Par.
----------
FDIC: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is an agency of the federal
----
government that guarantees individual deposits up to $100,000 at participating
banks and savings and loan associations.
FINANCIAL RISK: The fundamental risk of how a company will perform after
--------------
analyzing its balance sheet and income statements to forecast its future stock
price movements. Fundamental analysts consider past records of assets, earnings,
sales, product, management and markets in predicting future trends in these
indicators of a company's success or failure. There is a risk that factors
affecting a company's performance will change, causing the company's stock to
under-perform.
FLOATING RATE BONDS: See Variable or Floating Rate Bonds.
-------------------
403(b)(7) RETIREMENT PLAN: A personal retirement savings program that lets
-------------------------
employees of certain tax-exempt organizations or school systems and educational
institutions contribute a portion of their earnings, usually by salary deferral
agreement, into a special mutual fund account. Contributions are made on a pre-
tax basis and benefit from tax-deferred build up of income. The right to
withdraw funds is limited by law and amounts withdrawn are subject to income
taxes.
FUTURES CONTRACT: Agreement to buy or sell a specific amount of a commodity or
----------------
financial instrument at a particular price on a stipulated future date.
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS: Municipal bonds secured by the issuer's pledge of its
------------------------
credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA):
-----------------------------------
A personal retirement savings program that lets individuals with earned income
(and their spouses) under age 70 1/2 contribute both deductible and non-
deductible contributions to the account with the benefit of tax-deferred build
up of income. When investors withdraw funds from their IRA accounts they are
subject to income taxes, and if they withdraw funds before age 59 1/2 they may
be subject to penalties.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BONDS: Municipal bonds (usually revenue bonds), the
----------------------------
credit quality of which is normally directly related to the credit standing of
the industrial user involved or of the issuer of any credit enhancement such as
an insurance policy or letter of credit.
INFLATION RISK: The risk that a rise in the level of prices for goods and
--------------
services (inflation) will decrease the value of your money in terms of your
investments or the income from your investments.
INTEREST: The payment borrowers (i.e., bond issuers) make to lenders (i.e.,
--------
bond holders) for the use of their money, usually expressed as a percentage of
the amount borrowed (the principal). Usually interest is expressed as a rate per
period of time, typically one year, in which case it is called an annual rate of
interest.
INTEREST RATE RISK: The risk that a rise in the level of interest rates will
------------------
reduce the market value (price) of securities held, particularly bonds, in a
Fund's portfolio. Typically, a bond pays a fixed rate of interest (called the
"coupon"). When interest rates rise in the economy the value of the coupon (the
amount of money received on the bond periodically) falls in comparison. As a
result, the price of the bond declines. In general, a decline in prevailing
interest rate levels increases the value of the securities, particularly the
bonds, held in a Fund's portfolio and vice versa. Interest rate fluctuations
affect a Fund's net asset values but not the income received from its existing
portfolio because the income paid on the bonds or other securities does not
change. However, changes in prevailing interest rates will affect the yields on
subsequently purchased securities.
(Yen)INVESTTMENT GRADE: A bond or other fixed-income security is considered
----------------
investment grade if it is rated investment grade by a NRSRO, such as BBB or
better by D&P or S&P or Baa or better by Moody's. See the Appendix.
LIQUIDITY: The ease and speed at which an investor or holder of the security
---------
can sell or otherwise convert the security into cash.
MARGIN: Amount a customer deposits with a broker when borrowing from the broker
------
to buy securities.
MARKET CAPITALIZATION: The value of a corporation as determined by multiplying
---------------------
the current market price of a share of common stock by the number of shares held
by shareholders. Thus, if a corporation has one million shares outstanding and
the market price of a share is $10, the market capitalization of the corporation
is $10 million.
MARKET RISK: Refers to the tendency of security prices to move together. The
-----------
risk that a broad market downturn will affect investments in a particular field.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which an investor can buy or sell a security at a
------------
given time in an open market.
MATURITY: The date on which the principal of a debt obligation, such as a bond,
--------
comes due and must be repaid.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENT: Short-term, liquid debt, such as Treasury bills and
-----------------------
commercial paper. The issuers sell these instruments at a discount but redeem
them at par. See Commercial Paper.
MORTGAGE AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES:
------------------------------------
Typically these securities consist of interest in pools of mortgages or consumer
loans that provide monthly payments consisting of both interest and principal
payments. In effect, these securities "pass through" the monthly payments that
individual borrowers make on their mortgages
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Glossary of Important Terms
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
or consumer loans net of any fees paid to the issuers or guarantors of such
securities. Mortgage backed and/or asset-backed securities may make additional
payments due to principal prepayments made on the mortgages or loans,
refinancing or foreclosures on the underlying property. Mortgage-backed
securities also may include debt obligations collateralized by mortgage loans or
mortgage pass-through securities (("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed
securities, as well as other types of mortgage-backed securities. For more
information on mortgage-backed securities, please refer to the Statement of
Additional Information.
MUNICIPAL BONDS: Debt obligations issued by or on behalf of state governments,
---------------
U.S. territories or possessions, the District of Columbia and their political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. Generally, the interest on
municipal bonds is exempt from federal income tax.
MUTUAL FUND: Also called an open-end investment company. People invest by
-----------
buying shares in the mutual fund, thereby pooling shareholders' money and
allowing the fund to invest in a number of securities. The fund distributes any
profits from these investments, after expenses, to the fund's shareholders.
Although shares in the fund are sold publicly, they are not traded on an open
exchange because the fund will buy and sell shares to meet investor demand.
Since the company can issue more shares, the company's capitalization is not
fixed but open.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED STATISTICAL RATING ORGANIZATION (NRSRO): A company that
-------------------------------------------------------------
assesses the quality and potential performance of bonds, commercial paper,
preferred and common stocks and municipal short-term issues, and rates the
probability that the issuer of the debt will meet the scheduled interest
payments and repay the principal. Ratings are published by such companies as
Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"),
Duff & Phelps, Inc. ("D&P") and Fitch Investor Services, Inc. ("Fitch").
PAR: The stated principal value of a bond or the stated value per share of
---
stock. The par value of stock usually is only used to calculate fees for
incorporation. Typically bonds have a principal value of $1,000.00. A security
selling at its face value is said to be selling at "par". A security selling
below its face value is said to be selling below par or at a discount. A
security selling above its face value is said to be selling above par or at a
premium.
PRINCIPAL: Face value of an obligation (such as a bond or loan) that must be
---------
repaid at maturity.
PORTFOLIO: Combined holding of more than one stock, bond, commodity, real
---------
estate investment, cash equivalent or other asset by an individual or
institutional investor. The purpose of a portfolio is to reduce risk by
diversification.
PREFERRED STOCKS: Stocks with a fixed dividend that must be paid before the
----------------
dividends of common stocks are paid.
PUBLIC UTILITIES: A privately owned company that is involved in the generation,
----------------
transmission or distribution of electricity, gas, energy, water and telephone,
telegraph, satellite, microwave and other communication facilities for the
public benefit.
PUT OPTION: A contract giving the owner the right to sell 100 shares of stock
----------
at a predetermined price any time up to a predetermined expiration date.
QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS: Retirement plans established and maintained by an
--------------------------
employer for the benefit of its employees that must comply with special federal
tax and labor laws and regulations. Some of the more common types of qualified
plans are pension, profit sharing and 401(k) plans. A 401(k) plan also permits
employees to make contributions to the plan through salary deferrals.
RECORD DATE: Date on which a shareholder must officially own shares in order to
-----------
be entitled to a dividend.
REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY: Term used by Internal Revenue Code to define a
----------------------------
mutual fund.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT: Agreement between a seller and a buyer, usually of U.S.
--------------------
government securities, whereby the seller agrees to repurchase the securities at
an agreed upon price and, usually, at a stated time.
REVENUE BONDS: Municipal bonds that usually are payable only from the revenues
-------------
derived from a particular facility or class of facilities, or in some cases from
the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source.
RISK: The possibility that you may lose all or part of your investment, that
----
the value of your investment will decrease, or that you will receive little or
no return on your investment. There are many kinds of risks in investing. See
Credit Risk, Inflation Risk and Market Risk.
ROLLOVER IRA: An IRA that receives its funding through a distribution from
------------
another retirement plan, often because of the employee's termination of
employment from the retirement plan's sponsoring employer.
ROTH IRA: A personal retirement savings program that lets individuals make
--------
annual non-deductible contributions of the lessor of $2,000 or earned income to
the account with the benefit of tax-deferred build up of income. When investors
make qualified withdrawals from their Roth IRA accounts they are not subject to
income taxes, and if they withdraw funds before age 591U2 they may be subject to
penalties. Roth IRAs do not become available to investors until January 1, 1998.
SARSEP-IRA: A retirement plan that permits the employees to make contributions
----------
through salary reduction agreements. See SEP-IRA.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 43
<PAGE>
Glossary of Important Terms
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEC: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- ----
SEP-IRA: A Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEPO) is a form of employer-
- --------
sponsored retirement plan that permits employers to make tax-deductible
contributions directly into IRAs established for their employees. If the
employer permits the employees to make contributions through salary reduction
agreements, it is often called a Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension
Plan ("SARSEP-IRA"). No new plans may start after 1996, but existing plans may
continue.
SECURITIES: Financial instruments, usually stocks, bonds, money market
- -----------
instruments or mutual fund shares issued by corporations, municipalities and
state, local or national governments or investment companies to raise or borrow
money or give the public an opportunity to participate in the growth of a
company.
SIMPLE-IRA: A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees ("SIMPLE") is an IRA-
- -----------
based retirement plan that permits employees to defer part of their salary (up
to $6,000) on a pre-tax basis and to which the employer is required to make
certain matching or non-elective contributions. The IRS may impose a 25% penalty
for distributions made within the first two years.
STANDARD & POOR'S INDEX: Also known as the STANDARD & POOR'S 500 ("S&P 500");
- ------------------------
Standard & Poor's Corporation is a subsidiary of McGraw-Hill, Inc. that provides
a number of investor services. The S&P 500 is a measure of the changes in stock
market conditions based on the average performance of 500 widely held common
stocks. The S&P 500 is considered the benchmark for large stock investors.
S&P SMALL CAP 600 INDEX ("S&P SMALL CAP"): Introduced in October 1994 to track
- ------------------------------------------
small cap stocks. It contains companies chosen by a committee at Standard &
Poor's for their size, industry characteristics and liquidity. None of the
companies in the S&P Small Cap overlap with the S&P 500 or S&P Mid Cap. However,
some companies in the S&P Small Cap are larger than the S&P Mid Cap or S&P 500.
S&P MID CAP 400 INDEX ("S&P MID CAP"): Contains companies chosen by a committee
- --------------------------------------
at Standard & Poor's for their mid cap size and industry characteristics. None
of the companies in the S&P Mid Cap overlap with the S&P 500 or S&P Small Cap.
Some companies in the S&P Mid Cap, however, are larger than those in the S&P 500
and smaller than those in the S&P Small Cap. This is a function of the normal
drift that takes place in any index as some companies' stock prices appreciate
and those of others depreciate.
STOCKS: See Equity.
- -------
STRUCTURED SECURITIES: Securities that have a value (i.e., principal amount at
- ----------------------
maturity and/or coupons or dividend amounts) linked to currencies, interest
rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators. Typically, these
securities are debt securities or deposits whose value at maturity (i.e.,
principal value) or coupon rate is determined by reference to a specific
instrument or statistic. For example, gold structured securities may provide for
maturity values that depend on the price of gold, resulting in securities whose
prices tend to rise and fall together with gold prices. These securities involve
additional risk, including structures that may reduce the coupons and/or
dividend amounts to zero or the redemption amounts payable at maturity as a
result of a decline in the value of the underlying instrument. Structured
securities may have more volatility than the price of the underlying instrument.
TOTAL RETURN: The combination of the price change of an investment plus any
- -------------
income (or other distributions), expressed as a percentage gain or loss in the
investment's value.
TRANSFER AGENT: An agent appointed by a mutual fund to maintain shareholder
- ---------------
records and issue share certificates.
TRUST: An arrangement that permits one party, the Trustee, to hold legal title
- ------
of and control property for the benefit of another party, the beneficiary.
TURNOVER: Also called the Portfolio Turnover Rate; the percentage change in the
- ---------
assets held by a mutual fund due to its purchases and sales. A portfolio
turnover rate of 100% means that the Fund has purchased and sold securities
equal to 100% of the Fund's total net asset value for the year.
12B-1 DISTRIBUTION FEE: The fee a mutual fund charges shareholders to cover the
- -----------------------
expenses the fund has for shareholder service, advertising, promoting and
selling shares in the fund, also called distribution fee.
VARIABLE OR FLOATING RATE BONDS: Variable or floating rate debt obligations
- --------------------------------
bear variable or floating interest rates and carry rights that permit holders to
demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest from the
issuers or certain financial intermediaries. Floating rate instruments have
interest rates that change whenever there is a change in a designated base rate
while variable rate instruments provide for a specified periodic adjustment in
the interest rate. The interest rate formulas are designed to result in a market
value for the instruments that approximate their par values, reducing the effect
of changing market conditions on their underlying market values.
VARIABLE RATE MASTER DEMAND NOTES: Unsecured obligations, redeemable on notice,
- ----------------------------------
that permit investment of varying amounts at varying interest rates according to
an agreement with the issuer.
VOLATILITY: The measure of the rise and fall of a security's price over a
- -----------
stated period of time.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES: The term refers to a transaction made conditionally
- -----------------------
because the security, although authorized, has not yet been issued. New issues
of stocks and bonds, stocks that have split and
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Glossary of Important Terms
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Treasury securities are all traded on a when issued basis.
YIELD: The income generated by an investment (from dividends or interest) over
- ------
a given period of time, expressed as a percentage of either cost or current
price.
ZERO COUPON BONDS: Bonds that the issuer issues at a significant discount from
- ------------------
face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the bonds
will accrue and compound over the period until maturity reflecting the market
rate of the security at the time of issuance.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 45
<PAGE>
Appendix: Security Ratings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATINGS IN GENERAL
- -------------------
A nationally recognized statistical rating organization's ("NRSRO") rating
represents the organization's opinion on the credit quality a particular
security. The ratings are general and do not portray absolute standards on the
creditworthiness of an issuer. We continuously monitor the ratings given by the
NRSROs on the securities in the Funds' portfolios as part of our ongoing effort
to monitor the Funds' debt quality. Individual analysts give different
weightings to the various factors involved in credit analysis. A rating is not a
recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security. A rating does not take into
account market value or suitability for a particular investor. When a security
has received a rating from more than one service, the Fund's Adviser and/or the
Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund evaluates each rating independently.
Rating organizations base their ratings on current information furnished by the
issuer or obtained from other sources they consider reliable. Rating
organizations may change, suspend or withdraw their ratings due to changes in,
unavailability of, such information or for other reasons.
The Funds have provided the following rating characteristics used by four major
NRSROs, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff & Phelps"), Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") and Fitch
Investors Service ("Fitch").
BOND RATINGS
DUFF & PHELPS RATING SCALE DEFINITIONS
- ---------------------------------------
AAA: Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
AA+, AA, AA-: High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest
but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A, A-: Protection factors are average but adequate. However risk factors are
more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, BBB-: Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.
BB+, BB, BB-: Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when
due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move up or down
frequently within this category.
B+, B, B-: Below investment grade and possessing risk that the obligation might
no be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according
to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential
exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher
or lower rating category.
CCC: Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as
to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends. Protection
factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
economic/industry conditions and/or with unfavorable company developments.
DD: Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and or
interest payments.
DP: Preferred stocks with dividend arrearage.
MOODY'S RATING SCALE DEFINITIONS
- ---------------------------------
AAA: Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
AA: Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are general known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as Aaa securities or fluctuations of protective elements may
be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present that make long-
term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present that
suggest susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
BAA: Bonds that are rated Baa are considered medium-grade obligations (i.e. they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
BA: Bonds that are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds that are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over a long period of time may be small.
CAA: Bonds that are rated Caa have poor standing. Such issues may be in default
or present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
CA: Bonds that are rated Ca represent obligations that are speculative in a high
degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds that are rate C are the lowest-rated class of bonds and issues so rated
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
NOTE: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to B. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks in
the
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Appendix:Security Ratings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range
ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the lower end of
its generic rating category.
SRANDARD & POOR'S S&P RATING SCALE DEFINITIONS
- -----------------------------------------------
AAA: Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated "AA" has very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the higher-rated issues only in small degrees.
A: Debt rated "A" has strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt rated "BBB" has an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection parameters, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher-rated categories.
BB, B, CC, C , C: Debt rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" is regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. "BB"
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and "C" the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Debt rated "BB" has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions that could lead to inadequate
capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The "BBB" rating
category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an
actual or implied "BBB-" rating.
B: Debt rated "B" has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial or economic conditions likely will impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal. The "B" rating is also used for debt
subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied "BB" or "BB-"
rating.
CCC: Debt rated "CCC" has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default and
is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The OCCCO rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
"B" or "B-" rating.
CC: The rating "CC" is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
that is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.
C: The rating "C" is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" debt rating. The "C" rating may be used
to cover a situation in which a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt
service payments are continued.
CI: The rating "CI" is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is paid .
D: Debt rated "D" is in payment default. The "D" rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes such payments will
be made during such grace period. The "D" rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
NR: Indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate
the particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
category.
FITCH'S INVESTMENT GRADE BOND RATING DEFINITIONS
- -------------------------------------------------
AAA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit quality.
The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay
principal that is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although
not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA." Because bonds rated in the "AAA" and
"AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F-1+."
A: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are
more likely to have an adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair
timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below
investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus or Minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 47
<PAGE>
Appendix: Security Ratings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
- -------------------------
DUFF & PHELP'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
- ----------------------------------------
CATEGORY 1: TOP GRADE
DUFF 1 PLUS: Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity,
including internal operating factors and/or ready access to alternative sources
of funds, is clearly outstanding, and safety is just below risk-free U.S.
Treasury short-term obligations.
DUFF 1: Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are minor.
DUFF 1 MINUS: High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and
supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
CATEGORY 2: Good Grade
DUFF 2: Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company
fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are
small.
CATEGORY 3: Satisfactory Grade
DUFF 3: Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issue as to
investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more variation.
Nevertheless timely payment is expected.
MOODY'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
- ---------------------------------
Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay punctually
promissory obligations. Moody's employs the following three category
designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment capacity of rated issuers:
PRIME 1: Highest quality;
PRIME 2: Higher quality; and
PRIME 3: High quality.
S&P'S COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
- -------------------------------
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of
timely payment. Ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from "A" for
the highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest.
A: Issues assigned the highest rating category, A, are regarded as having the
greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in this category are delineated
with the numbers "1", "2" and "3" to indicate the relative degree of safety.
A-1: The designation A-1 indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is either overwhelming or very strong. A "+" designation is applied to
those issues rated "A-1" that possess extremely strong safety characteristics.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with the designation "A-2" is strong.
However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated
A-1.
A-3: Issues carrying the designation A-3 have a satisfactory capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effect of
changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
OTHER RATINGS
- --------------
MOODY'S MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS
- -------------------------------
MIG 1: This designation category denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2: This designation category denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3: This designation category denotes favorable quality. All security
elements are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the
preceding grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market
access for refinancing is likely to be less well established.
MOODY'S RATINGS OF THE DEMAND FEATURES ON VARIABLE RATE DEMAND SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's may assign a separate rating to the demand feature of a variable rate
demand security. Such a rating may include:
VMIG 1: This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
VMIG 2: This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.
VMIG 3: This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements are
accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.
S&P NOTE RATINGS
- -----------------
SP-1: Notes rated SP-1 have very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and
interest. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics
are designated as SP-1+.
SP-2: Notes rated SP-2 have satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
Notes due in three years or less normally receive a note rating. Notes maturing
beyond three years normally receive a bond rating, although the following
criteria are used in making that assessment: (1) the amortization schedule (the
larger the final maturity relative to other maturities, the more likely the
issue will be rated as a note); (2) and the source of payment (the more
dependent the issue is on the market for its refinancing, the more likely it
will be rated as a note).
S&P RATINGS OF THE DEMAND FEATURES ON VARIABLE RATE DEMAND SECURITIES
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P assigns dual ratings to all long-term debt issues that have as part of their
provisions a demand feature. The first rating addresses the likelihood of
repayment of principal and interest as due,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48 THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Appendix: Security Ratings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term debt
rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the
commercial paper rating symbols are usually used to denote the put (demand)
options (i.e., AAA/A-1+). Normally demand notes receive note rating symbols
combined with commercial paper symbols (i.e., SP-1+/A-1+).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE AAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROSPECTUS 49
<PAGE>
The AAL Mutual Funds
222 West College Avenue
Appleton, WI 54919-0007
Telephone (414) 734-7633, 800-553-5319
TDD 800-684-3416
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Class A and Class B Shares
Dated December 29, 1997
Equity-Oriented Funds
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund:
Investing In Small Company Stocks
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund):
Investing In Mid-Sized Company Stocks
The AAL International Fund:
Investing In Foreign Stocks
The AAL Capital Growth Fund:
Investing In Large Company Stocks
The AAL Equity Income Fund (Formerly Known as The AAL Utilities Fund):
Investing in Income-Producing Equity Securities
The AAL Balanced Fund
Investing in Common Stocks, Bonds and Money Market Instruments
Income-Oriented Funds
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund:
Investing in Below Investment Grade Securities
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund:
Investing In Investment Grade Municipal Securities
The AAL Bond Fund:
Investing In Investment Grade Bonds
The AAL Money Market Fund:
Investing in Money Market Instruments
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus, but provides
additional information that should be read in conjunction with The AAL Mutual
Funds Prospectus dated December 29, 1997, and any supplements thereto. The
prospectus may be obtained at no charge by writing or telephoning your AAL
Capital Management Corporation Registered Representative or The AAL Mutual Funds
at the address and telephone number above. Institutional shares and Two
additional series: The AAL U.S. Government Zero Coupon Target Fund, Series 2001
and The AAL U.S. Government Zero Coupon Target Fund, Series 2006, are described
in separate Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information.
<PAGE>
In this Statement of Additional Information, The AAL Mutual Funds may be
referred to as the "Trust," and The AAL Small Cap Stock , Mid Cap Stock,
International, Capital Growth Equity Income, Balanced, High Yield Bond,
Municipal Bond, Bond and Money Market Funds may be referred to collectively as
the "Funds" or individually as a "Fund." Terms not otherwise defined have the
same meaning as in the prospectus.
Table of Contents
Investment Objectives and Policies..................................... 2
Investment Techniques................................................... 4
Investment Restrictions................................................. 18
Purchases, Redemptions; Pricing Considerations ......................... 19
Compensation of The Board of Trustees .................................. 21
Investment Advisory Services............................................ 22
Distributor............................................................. 25
Distribution Plan....................................................... 26
Portfolio Transactions.................................................. 28
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes...................................... 29
Calculation of Yield and Total Return................................... 31
General................................................................. 36
Shareholder Maintenance Agreement ...................................... 38
Independent Accountants................................................. 38
Financial Statements.................................................... 38
Investment Objectives and Policies
The following information supplements the discussion of the Funds' respective
investment objectives and policies described in the prospectus. In pursuing
their respective objectives, each Fund invests as described below and employs
the investment techniques described in the prospectus and elsewhere in this
Statement of Additional Information. Each Fund's investment objective is a
fundamental policy, which may not be changed without the approval of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of that Fund. A "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" means the approval of the lesser of: (i) 67% or
more of the voting securities at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding voting securities of a Fund are present or represented by proxy;
or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund.
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund: Investing In Small Company Stocks
This Fund seeks capital growth by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio
of common stocks, and securities convertible into common stocks, of small-sized
companies with a market capitalization of less than $1 billion.
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund: Investing In Mid-Sized Company Stocks
This Fund seeks capital growth by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio
of common stocks, and securities convertible into common stocks, of mid-sized
companies with a market capitalization of between $100 million and $5 billion,
focusing on those with a market capitalization of between $400 million and $3.5
billion.
The AAL International Fund: Investing In Foreign Stocks
This Fund seeks capital growth by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio
of foreign stocks.
The AAL Capital Growth Fund: Investing In Large Company Stocks
This Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing in a diversified portfolio
of common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks.
The AAL Equity Income Fund: Investing In Income-Producing Equity Securities
This Fund seeks current income, long-term income growth and capital growth, by
investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of Income-Producing Equity
Securities. Prior to September 1, 1997, The AAL Equity Income Fund was known as
The AAL Utilities Fund.
The AAL Balanced Fund: Investing in Common Stocks, Bonds and Money Market
Instruments
The Fund seeks long-term total return through a balance between income and the
potential for long-term capital growth by investing primarily in a diversified
portfolio of common stocks, bonds and money market instruments. We will select
these investments consistent with the investment policies of The AAL Capital
Growth, Bond and Money Market Funds, respectively.
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund: Investing in Below-Investment Grade Securities
This Fund seeks high current income and secondarily capital growth by investing
primarily in a diversified portfolio of high yield, high risk bonds ("High Yield
Bonds").
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund: Investing In Investment Grade Municipal Securities
This Fund seeks a high level of current income that is exempt from federal
income taxes, consistent with preservation of capital, by investing primarily in
a diversified portfolio of municipal bonds.
The AAL Bond Fund: Investing In Investment Grade Bonds
This Fund seeks a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of
capital, by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade
bonds and other debt securities.
The AAL Money Market Fund: Investing In Money Market Instruments
This Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with capital
preservation and liquidity by investing in a diversified portfolio of
high-quality, short-term money market instruments.
<PAGE>
Investment Techniques
Each of the Funds may use the techniques described in the prospectus and in the
Statement of Additional Information in pursuit of its investment objective.
Lending Portfolio Securities
Subject to restriction (4) under "Investment Restrictions," below, a Fund may
lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers and financial institutions, such
as banks and trust companies. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL
International Fund will monitor the creditworthiness of any firm with which a
Fund engages in securities lending transactions. Any such loan must be
continuously secured by collateral in cash or cash equivalents maintained on a
current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities
loaned by the Fund. The Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the
interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned, and would
also receive an additional return which may be in the form of a fixed fee or a
percentage of the collateral. The Fund would have the right to call the loan and
obtain the securities loaned at any time on notice of not more than five
business days. The Fund would not have the right to vote the securities during
the existence of the loan, but would call the loan to permit voting of
securities during the existence of the loan if, in the Adviser's and/or
Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund's judgment, a material event
requiring a shareholder vote would otherwise occur before the loan was repaid.
In the event of bankruptcy or other default of the borrower, the Fund could
experience both delays in liquidating the loan collateral or recovering the
loaned securities and losses including: (a) possible decline in the value of the
collateral or in the value of the securities loaned during the period when the
Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto; (b) possible subnormal levels of
income and lack of access to income during this period; and (c) expenses of
enforcing its rights.
Repurchase Agreements
The Funds maintain procedures for evaluating and monitoring the creditworthiness
of firms with which they enter into repurchase agreements. A Fund may not invest
more than 10% of its net assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities
A Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, as
described in the prospectus. A Fund makes such commitments only with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities, but may sell the securities
before settlement date if the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL
International Fund deems it advisable for investment reasons.
At the time a Fund enters into a binding obligation to purchase securities on a
when-issued basis, liquid assets of the Fund having a value at least as great as
the purchase price of the securities to be purchased are identified on the books
of the Fund and held by the Funds' custodian throughout the period of the
obligation. The use of these investment strategies may increase net asset value
fluctuation.
Rated Securities
If the rating of a Fund security is lost or reduced, the Fund is not required to
sell the security, but the Adviser and/or the Sub-Adviser for The AAL
International Fund will consider such fact in determining whether that Fund
should continue to hold the security. The AAL Money Market Fund, however, will
sell downgraded commercial paper to the extent required to comply with Rule 2a-7
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act").
To the extent that the ratings given by nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations ("NRSRO") for debt securities change as a result of changes in a
NRSRO, or changes in a NRSRO's rating system, a Fund will attempt to use
comparable ratings as standards for its investments in debt securities in accord
with its investment policies.
High Yield Bond Market -- The AAL International, Equity Income and High Yield
Bond Funds
The AAL International, Equity Income and High Yield Bond Funds invest in high
yield, high risk bonds, with The AAL High Yield Bond Fund normally investing at
least 65% of its total assets in such securities. While the market for high
yield bonds has existed for many years and has weathered previous economic
downturns, the 1980s brought a dramatic increase in the use of such securities
to fund highly leveraged corporate acquisitions and restructuring. Past
experience may not provide an accurate indication of the future performance of
the high yield bond market, especially during periods of economic recession.
From 1989 to 1991, the percentage of lower-quality securities that defaulted
rose significantly above prior default levels. However, the default rate
decreased subsequently.
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund may invest in Iower-rated asset and mortgage-backed
securities, including interest in pools of lower-rated bonds, consumer loans or
mortgages, or complex instruments such as collateralized mortgage obligations
("CMOs") and stripped mortgage-backed securities (the separate income or
principal components). Changes in interest rates, the market's perception of the
issuers and the creditworthiness of the parties involved may significantly
affect the value of these bonds. Some of these securities may have a structure
that makes their reaction to interest rates and other factors difficult to
predict, causing their value to be highly volatile. These bonds also may be
subject to prepayment risk. During periods of declining interest rates,
prepayment of the loans and mortgages underlying these securities tend to
accelerate. Accordingly, any prepayments on these securities held by the Fund
reduces our ability to maintain positions in high-yielding, mortgage-backed
securities and reinvest the principal at comparable yields.
Certain high yield bonds carry particular market risks. Zero coupon, deferred
interest and payment-in-kind ("PIK") bonds, which are issued at deep discounts,
may experience greater volatility in market value. Asset and mortgage-backed
securities, including collateralized mortgage obligations, in addition to
greater volatility, may carry prepayment risks.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations and Multi-Class Pass-Through Securities --
The AAL Balanced, High Yield Bond and Bond Funds
The AAL Balanced, High Yield Bond and Bond Funds may invest in mortgage-backed
securities, including CMOs and multi-class through securities, which are debt
instruments issued by special purpose entities secured by pools of mortgage
loans or other mortgage-backed securities. Multi-class pass-through securities
are interests in a trust composed of mortgage loans or other mortgage-backed
securities. Payments of principal and interest on the underlying collateral
provide the money to pay debt service on the CMO or make scheduled distributions
on the multi-class pass-through security. Multi-class pass-through securities,
CMOs, and classes thereof (including those discussed below) are examples of the
types of financial instruments commonly referred to as "derivatives."
In a CMO, a series of bonds or certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each
class of CMO, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued a specified coupon
rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal payments on
collateral underlying a CMO may cause it to be retired substantially earlier
than the stated maturity or final distribution dates. Interest is paid or
accrues on all classes of a CMO on a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis.
The principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may be allocated among
the several classes of a CMO's series in many ways. In a common structure,
payment of principal on the underlying mortgages are applied according to
scheduled cash flow priorities to classes of a CMO's series.
There are many classes of CMOs. There are "IOs," which entitle the holder to
receive distributions consisting solely or primarily of all or a portion of the
interest in an underlying pool of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities
("Mortgage Assets"). There are also "POs," which entitle the holder to receive
distributions consisting solely or primarily of all or a portion of the
underlying pool of Mortgage Assets. In addition, there are "inverse floaters,"
which have a coupon rate that moves in the reverse direction to an applicable
index, and accrual (or "Z") bonds, which are described below.
Each Fund may not invest more than 7.5% of its net assets in any IOs, POs,
inverse floaters or accrual bonds at any one time or more than 15% of its net
assets in all such obligations at any one time.
Inverse floating CMOs are typically more volatile than fixed or adjustable rate
tranches of CMOs. Investments in inverse floating CMOs would be purchased by the
Funds to attempt to protect against a reduction in the income earned on the
Funds' investments due to decline in interest rates. The Funds would be
adversely affected by the purchase of such CMOs in the event of a increase in
the interest rates because the coupon rate thereon will decrease as interest
rates increase, and, like other mortgage-backed securities, the value will
decrease as interest rates increase.
The cash flows and yields on IO and PO classes are extremely sensitive to the
rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying
pool of mortgage loans or mortgage backed securities. For example, a rapid or
slow rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the yield
to maturity of IOs or POs, respectively. If the underlying Mortgage Assets
experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the holder of an
IO may incur substantial losses even if the IO class is rate AAA. Conversely, if
the underlying Mortgage Assets experience slower than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the yield and market value for the holder of a PO will be affected
more severely than would be the case with a traditional mortgage-backed
security.
However, if interest rates were expected to rise, the value of an IO might
increase and may partially offset other bond value declines, and if rates were
expected to fall, the inclusion of POs could balance lower reinvestment rates.
An accrual or Z bondholder is not entitled to receive cash payments until one or
more other classes of the CMO have been paid in full from payments on the
mortgage loans underlying the CMO. During the period in which cash payments are
not being made on the Z tranche, interest accrues on the Z tranche at a stated
rate, and this accrued interest is added to the amount of principal that is due
to the holder of the Z tranche. After the other classes have been paid in full,
cash payments are made on the Z tranche until its principal (including
previously accrued interest that was added to principal, as described above) and
accrued interest at the stated rate have been paid in full. Generally, the date
upon which cash payments begin to be made on a Z tranche depends on the rate at
which the mortgage loans underlying the CMO are prepaid, with a faster
prepayment rate resulting in an earlier commencement of cash payments on the Z
tranche. Like a zero coupon bond, during its accrual period the Z tranche of a
CMO has the advantage of eliminating the risk of reinvesting interest payments
at lower rates during a period of declining market interest rates. At the same
time, however, and also like a zero coupon bond, the market value of a Z tranche
can be expected to fluctuate more widely with changes in market interest rates
than would the market value of a tranche that pays interest currently. Changes
in market interest rates also can be expected to influence prepayment rates on
the mortgage loans underlying the CMO of which a Z tranche is a part. As noted
above, such changes in prepayment rates affect the date at which cash payments
begin to be made on a Z tranche, and therefore also influence its market value.
Structured Securities -- The AAL International and High Yield Bond Funds
The AAL International and High Yield Bond Funds may invest in structured notes
and/or preferred stocks, the value of which is linked to currencies, interest
rates, other commodities, indices or other financial indicators. The securities
differ from other securities in which the Funds may invest in several ways. For
example, the coupon, dividend and/or redemption amount at maturity may be
increased or decreased depending on the value of the underlying instrument.
Investment in structured securities involves certain risks. In addition to the
credit risk of the issuer and the normal risks of changes in interest rates, the
redemption amount may increase or decrease as a result of price changes in the
underlying instrument. Further, in the case of certain structured securities,
the coupon and/or dividend may be reduced to zero, and any further declines in
the value of the underlying instrument may then reduce the redemption amount
payable at maturity. Finally, structured securities may have more volatility
than the price of the underlying instrument.
Variable Rate Demand Notes
The Funds may purchase variable rate master demand notes, which are unsecured
instruments that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for
periodic adjustments in the interest rate. Although the notes are not normally
traded and there may be no secondary market in the notes, a Fund may demand
payment of principal at any time. Except for The AAL High Yield Bond Fund, the
notes purchased by the Fund must be rated in one of the two highest rating
categories by a NRSRO or that have been issued by an issuer that has received a
rating from the requisite NRSRO, in the top categories with respect to a class
of short-term debt obligations that is now comparable in priority and security
with the instrument. If an issuer of a variable rate master demand note
defaulted on its payment obligation, the Funds might be unable to dispose of the
note because of the absence of a secondary market and might, for this or other
reasons, suffer a loss to the extent of the default. The Funds invest in
variable rate master demand notes only when the Adviser deems the investment to
involve minimal credit risk.
In some instances, The AAL Money Market Fund may purchase variable rate
securities (the yields will vary in relation to changes in specific money market
rates, such as the prime rate) with actual maturities of 397 or more, but only
under conditions established by the Securities and Exchange Commission rules
that permit such securities to be considered to have maturities of less than 397
days. The Fund may invest in these longer-term variable rate securities only
when, in the Adviser's view, the Fund may be able to take advantage of the
higher yield that is usually paid on these securities over short-term
securities, and it appears to the Adviser that the variable rates on these
securities may reduce the fluctuations in market value typical of longer-term
securities. The Fund also may purchase variable rate securities with a put
option, which may further reduce the risk of fluctuations in market value.
Portfolio Turnover -- The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, High Yield Bond,
Municipal Bond and Bond Funds
As noted in the Prospectus, portfolio turnover rates in excess of 100% may
increase brokerage and other trading expenses incurred by a Fund. The AAL Small
Cap Stock and Mid Cap Stock Funds had portfolio turnover rates of 138.50% and
112.60%, and The AAL Municipal Bond and Bond Funds had portfolio turnover rates
of 119.70% and 212.49% for the fiscal year ended on April 30, 1997,
respectively. The turnover rates for The AAL Small Cap Stock and Mid Cap Stock
Funds reflect the portfolio managers' growth investment styles, the purchase of
initial public offerings, which tend to appreciate significantly after the
offering and then level off in price, and the volatility of small cap and mid
cap stock prices in general. The portfolio turnover rate for The AAL Bond Fund
reflects the portfolio manager's active selection of the individual securities
that he believes provide the best income for the portfolio within the Fund's
investment parameters at any one time. The portfolio manager has increased
buying and selling securities for The AAL Bond Fund recently. As a result, the
portfolio turnover rate for the next fiscal year may be in excess of 300%, and
may be as high as 600% or more. The turnover rate for The AAL Municipal Bond
Fund reflects the portfolio manager's pursuit of total return (growth and
income) in the municipal securities market.
The AAL Equity Income Fund may have portfolio turnover in excess of 100% during
its transition from concentrating its assets in the securities of public
utilities companies, to investing at least 65% of its total assets in
income-producing equity securities in any industry.
In seeking its objectives, The High Yield Bond Fund, which began operations on
January 8, 1997, buys or sells portfolio securities whenever the Adviser
believes it appropriate. The Adviser's decision will not generally be influenced
by how long the Fund may have owned the security. From time to time, the Fund
will buy securities intending to seek short-term trading profits. As a result,
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund's portfolio turnover rate may be higher than that
of other mutual funds. The turnover rate is not a limiting factor when
considering a change in the Fund's portfolio.
Options and Futures
The Funds, except for The AAL Money Market Fund, may engage in options, futures
and options on futures transactions that constitute bona fide hedging or other
permissible risk management transactions. The Funds will follow the requirements
of the SEC and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission and set aside liquid
assets in a separate account to secure a Fund's potential obligations under its
futures or options positions.
As the writer (seller) of a covered call option, a Fund may forego, during the
option's life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of
the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the
exercise price of the call option. However, if the market value of the security
declines, writing a call option would reduce the amount of any decline sustained
to the extent of the premium income received from the sale of the covered call
option.
In periods when the market is neutral or declining, additional incremental
income can be achieved by writing options and receiving the premiums. In
addition, through the writing and purchase of options and the purchase and sale
of futures contracts and related options, a Fund may at times seek to enhance
current returns or to hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned
by it or an increase in the price of securities it plans to purchase.
If additional types of options, futures contracts, or futures options are traded
in the future, a Fund may also use those investment vehicles provided that the
Board of Trustees determines that their use is consistent with a Fund's
investment objective.
Options on Securities and Indexes
Options and futures may be purchased and sold on debt or other securities or
indexes in standardized contracts traded on national securities exchanges,
boards of trade, or similar entities, or quoted on NASDAQ. In addition,
agreements sometimes called cash puts may accompany the purchase of a new issue
of bonds from a dealer. Currently there are no publicly traded options on
tax-exempt securities.
An option on a security (or index) is a contract that gives the holder of the
option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (call) or sell to (put)
the writer of the option the security underlying the option (or the cash value
of the index) at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the
option. The writer of an option on a security has the obligation upon exercise
of the option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise
price or to pay the exercise price upon delivery of the underlying security.
Upon exercise, the writer of an option on an index is obligated to pay the
difference between the cash value of the index and the exercise price multiplied
by the specified multiplier for the index option. (An index is designed to
reflect specified facets of a particular financial or securities market, a
specific group of financial instruments or securities, or certain economic
indicators.)
The Funds, except for The AAL Money Market Fund, will write call options and put
options only if they are "covered." In the case of a call option on a security,
the option is covered if a Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an
absolute and immediate right to acquire the security without additional cash
consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or cash
equivalents in such amount are held in a segregated account by its custodian)
upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. For a
call option on an index, the option is covered if a Fund maintains with their
custodian cash or cash equivalents equal to the contract value. A call option
also is covered if a Fund holds a call on the same security or index as the call
written where the exercise price of the call purchased is: (i) equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call; or (ii) greater than the exercise price of
the call written, provided the difference is maintained by a Fund in cash or
cash equivalents in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option on a
security or an index is covered if a Fund maintains a cash or cash equivalents
equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with their custodian. A put
option also is covered if a Fund holds a put on the same security or index as
the put written where the exercise price of the put held is: (i) equal to or
greater than the exercise price of the put written; or (ii) less than the
exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is maintained by a
Fund in cash or cash equivalents in a segregated account with its custodian.
If an option written by a Fund expires, the Fund realizes a capital gain equal
to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an option
purchased by the Fund expires un-exercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss
equal to the premium paid.
Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out by
an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type, exchange,
underlying security or index, exercise price and expiration). There can be no
assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected
when a Fund desires.
A Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction if the
cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from writing the
option, or, if it is more, a Fund will realize a capital loss. If the premium
received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium paid to
purchase the option, a Fund will realize a capital gain or, if it is less, a
Fund will realize a capital loss. The principal factors affecting the market
value of a put or call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the
current market price of the underlying security or index in relation to the
exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security or index
and the time remaining until the expiration date.
The premium paid for a put or call option purchased by a Fund is an asset of the
Fund. The premium received for an option written by the Fund is recorded as a
deferred liability. The value of an option purchased or written is marked to
market daily and is valued at the closing price on the exchange on which it is
traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing price is available, at the
mean between the last bid and asked prices.
Risks Associated with Options on Securities and Indexes
There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities
and on indexes. For example, there are significant differences between the
securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation
between them, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A
decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of
skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to
some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund seeks to
close out an option position. If a Fund were unable to close out an option that
it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to
realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If a Fund were unable to
close out a covered call option that it had written on security, it would not be
able to sell the underlying security unless the option expires without exercise.
As a writer of a covered call option, a Fund forgoes, during the option's life,
the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security
covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the exercise price of
the call.
If trading were suspended in an option purchased by a Fund, a Fund would not be
able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, a Fund
might be unable to exercise an option it has purchased. Except to the extent
that a call option on an index written by a Fund is covered by an option on the
same index purchased by a Fund, movements in the index may result in a loss to a
Fund; however, such losses may be mitigated by changes in the value of a Fund's
portfolio securities during the period the option was outstanding.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
A Fund may enter into interest rate and index futures contracts. An interest
rate or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and
purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument or
the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on
an index is an agreement by which two parties agree to take or make delivery of
an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the
close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index
contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a
function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of
those securities is made.
A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of indexes as well
as the following financial instruments: U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury
notes; GNMA certificates; three-month U.S. Treasury bills; 90 day commercial
paper; bank certificates of deposit; and Eurodollar certificates of deposit. It
is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded. A Fund
may engage in transactions involving new futures contracts (or options thereon)
if, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees, they are appropriate hedging
instruments for a Fund.
A Fund may purchase (and, if the Commodity Futures Trading Commission grants
certain regulatory relief, write) call and put futures options. Futures options
possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and indexes. A
futures option gives the holder the right, in return for the premium paid, to
assume a long position (call) or short position (put) in a futures contract at a
specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon
exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long position in the futures
contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short position. In the case of
a put option, the opposite is true.
As long as it is required by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over a
Fund, it will limit its use of futures contracts and futures options to hedging
transactions. For example, a Fund might use futures contracts to hedge against
anticipated changes in interest rates that might adversely affect either the
value of a Fund's securities or the price of the securities that a Fund intends
to purchase. A Fund's hedging may include sales of futures contracts, as an
offset against the effect of expected increases in interest rates, and purchases
of futures contracts as an offset against the effect of expected declines in
interest rates. Although other techniques could be used to reduce a Fund's
exposure to interest rate fluctuations, a Fund may be able to hedge its exposure
more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost by using futures contracts and
futures options.
The success of any hedging technique depends on the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser
for The AAL International Fund correctly predicting changes in the level and
direction of interest rates and other factors. Should those predictions be
incorrect, the Fund's return might have been better had it not attempted
hedging. However, in the absence of the ability to hedge, the Adviser and/or
Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund might have taken portfolio actions in
anticipation of the same market movements with similar investment results, but
presumably at greater transaction costs.
A Fund will only enter into futures contracts and futures options that are
standardized and traded on a U.S. exchange, board of trade, or similar entity,
or quoted on an automated quotation system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, a Fund is
required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a
specified amount of cash or U.S. government securities ("initial margin"). The
margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the
contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The
initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on
the futures contract that is returned to a Fund upon termination of the
contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. A Fund
expects to earn interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures
contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the
exchange on which it is traded. Each day a Fund pays or receives cash, called
"variation margin," equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract.
This process is known as "marking to market." Variation margin does not
represent a borrowing or loan by a Fund, but is instead a settlement between a
Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures
contract expired. In computing daily net asset value, a Fund will mark to market
its open futures positions.
A Fund also is required to deposit and maintain margin on any put and call
options on futures contracts that it has written. Such margin deposits will vary
depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related
initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option and other
futures positions held by a Fund.
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the
underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to
delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same
exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). If an offsetting
purchase price is less than the original sale price, a Fund realizes a capital
gain. If the offsetting purchase price is more, a Fund realizes a capital loss.
Conversely, if an offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase
price, a Fund realizes a capital gain. If the offsetting price is less, a Fund
realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these
calculations.
Risks Associated with Futures
There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and futures
options as hedging techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may
result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. There
can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between price movements in
the hedging vehicle and in the portfolio securities being hedged. In addition,
there are significant differences between the securities and futures markets
that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a
given hedge not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection of
correlation depends on circumstances such as: (1) variations in the speculative
market demand for futures, futures options and debt securities, including
technical influences in futures and futures options trading; and (2) differences
between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying
the standard contracts available for trading, such as interest rate levels,
maturities and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and
how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a
well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain
futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes
the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or
down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the current trading
session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to
the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit.
The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day,
and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to
prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices
have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days
with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions
and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when a Fund
seeks to close out a futures or futures options position. In such a case, a Fund
would continue to be required to meet margin requirements until the position is
closed. In addition, some of the contracts discussed above are relatively new
instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no
assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.
Limitations on Options and Futures
A Fund will not enter into a futures contract or purchase an option there on if:
the initial margin deposits for futures contracts held by a Fund plus premiums
paid by it for open futures options positions less the amount by which any such
positions are "in the money" exceed 5% of a Fund's net assets. A call option is
"in the money" if the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the
option exceeds the exercise price. A put option is "in the money" if the
exercise price exceeds the value of the futures contract that is the subject of
the option.
When purchasing a futures contract or writing a put on a futures contract, a
Fund must maintain with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) cash or
cash equivalents (including any margin) equal to the market value of such
contract. When writing a call option on a futures contract, a Fund similarly
will maintain with its custodian cash or cash equivalents (including any margin)
equal to the amount such option is in the money until the option expires or is
closed out by a Fund.
A Fund may not maintain open short positions in futures contracts, call options
written on futures contracts or call options written on indexes if, in the
aggregate, the market value of all such open positions exceeds the current value
of the securities in its portfolio, plus or minus unrealized gains and losses on
the open positions, adjusted for the historical relative volatility of the
relationship between the portfolio and the positions. For this purpose, to the
extent a Fund has written call options on specific securities in its portfolio,
the value of those securities will be deducted from the current market value of
the securities portfolio.
To comply with Commodity Futures Trading Commission Rules and thereby avoid
being deemed a "commodity pool operator," a Fund will not invest in a commodity
contract where the "underlying commodity value" of each long position at any
time exceeds the sum of:
(1) The value of the Fund's short-term U.S. debt obligations or
other U.S. dollar denominated, high-quality short-term money
market instruments and cash that it has set aside in an
identifiable manner, plus any funds deposited as margin on the
contract;
(2) Unrealized appreciation on the contract held by the broker; and
(3) Cash proceeds from existing investments due in not more than 30 days.
"Underlying commodity value" means the size of the contract multiplied by the
daily settlement price of the contract.
As long as the Fund continues to sell its shares in certain states, the Fund's
options transactions will also be subject to some of the non-fundamental
restrictions set forth in this Statement of Additional Information.
Taxation of Options and Futures
If a Fund exercises a call or put option, the premium paid for the option is
added to the cost of the security purchased (call) or deducted from the proceeds
of the sale (put). For cash settlement of options and futures options, the
difference between the cash received at exercise and the premium paid is a
capital gain or loss.
Entry into a closing purchase transaction will result in capital gain or loss.
If an option was "in the money" at the time it was written and the security
covering the option was held for more than one year prior to the writing of the
option, any loss realized as a result of a closing purchase transaction will be
long-term for federal tax purposes. The holding period of the securities
covering an "in the money" option will not include the period of time the option
is outstanding.
A futures contract held until delivery results in capital gain or loss equal to
the difference between the price at which the futures contract was entered into
and the settlement price on the earlier of delivery notice date or expiration
date. If a Fund delivers securities under a futures contract, a Fund also
realizes a capital gain or loss on those securities.
For Federal income tax purposes, a Fund generally is required to recognize as
income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses as of the end
of the year on options, futures and futures options positions ("year-end mark to
market"). Generally, any gain or loss recognized with respect to such positions
(either by year--end mark to market or by actual closing of the positions) is
considered to be 60% long term and 40% short term, without regard to the holding
periods of the contracts. However, in the case of positions classified as part
of a "mixed straddle," the recognition of losses on certain positions (including
options, futures and futures options positions, the related securities and
certain successor positions thereto) may be deferred to a later taxable year.
Sale of futures contracts or writing of call options (or futures call options)
or buying put options (or futures put options) that are intended to hedge
against a change in the value of securities held by a Fund may affect the
holding period of the hedged securities.
A Fund distributes to shareholders annually any net capital gains that have been
recognized for federal income tax purposes (including year-end mark-to-market
gains) on options and futures transactions. Such distributions are combined with
distributions of capital gains realized on a Fund's other investments and
shareholders are advised of the nature of the payments.
Federal Tax Treatment of Options, Futures Contracts and Forward Foreign
Exchange Contracts
A Fund may enter into certain option, futures and forward foreign exchange
contracts that will be treated as Section 1256 contracts or straddles under the
Internal Revenue Code.
Transactions that are considered Section 1256 contracts will be considered to
have been closed at the end of a Fund's fiscal year and any gains or losses will
be recognized for tax purposes at that time. Such gains or losses from the
normal closing or settlement of such transactions will be characterized as 60%
long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or loss
regardless of the holding period of the instrument. A Fund will be required to
distribute net gains on such transactions to shareholders even though it may not
have closed the transaction and received cash to pay such distribution.
Options, futures and forward foreign exchange contracts that offset a foreign
dollar denominated bond or currency position may be considered straddles for tax
purposes in which case a loss on any position in a straddle will be subject to
deferral to the extent of unrealized gain in an offsetting position.
For a Fund to continue to qualify for federal income tax treatment as a
regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross income for a taxable
year must be derived from qualifying income (i.e., dividends, interest, income
derived from loans of securities and gains from the sale of securities or
currencies). Pending tax regulations could limit the extent that net gains
realized from options, futures or foreign forward exchange contracts on
currencies are qualifying income for purposes of 90% requirement. In addition,
gains realized on the sale of other disposition of securities, including
options, futures or foreign forward exchange contracts on securities or
securities indices and, in some cases, currencies, held for less than three
months, must be limited to less than 30% of a Fund's annual gross income. To
avoid realizing excessive gains on securities or currencies held less than three
months, a Fund may be required to defer the closing out option, futures or
foreign forward exchange contracts beyond the time when it would otherwise be
advantageous to do so. It is anticipated that the unrealized gains on Section
1256 options, future and foreign forward exchange contracts, which had been open
for less than three months as of the end of a Fund's fiscal year and which are
recognized for tax purposes, will be considered gains on securities or
currencies held for three months or more for purposes of the 30% test.
Foreign Securities - The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, Capital Growth,
Balanced, Bond and High Yield Bond Funds
The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock and Capital Growth Funds may invest in
foreign securities traded domestically through depository receipts and
securities of foreign issuers traded on a U.S. national securities exchange or
the NASDAQ National Market System. These Funds do not intend to invest more than
10% of their net assets in such foreign securities. The AAL Bond Fund may invest
up to 20% of its net assets in debt securities of foreign issuers that are
payable in U.S. dollars. The AAL Balanced Fund may invest in foreign securities
to the extent The AAL Capital Growth and Bond Funds allow investments in foreign
securities for the common stock and fixed-income sectors of the Fund,
respectively. Foreign securities may present a greater degree of risk (including
risks relating to tax provisions or expropriation of assets) than do securities
of domestic issuers.
Foreign Securities - The AAL International, Equity Income and High Yield Bond
Funds
The AAL Equity Income Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in foreign
securities. The Fund also may invest in foreign securities traded domestically
through depository receipts and securities of foreign issuers traded on a U.S.
national securities exchange or the NASDAQ National Market System without regard
to the 15% limitation. The Funds consider depository receipts as investments in
the underlying stocks for purposes of diversification.
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in foreign
bonds. At this time, the Fund intends to limit its purchases of foreign bonds to
those trading in the U.S.
The AAL International Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in
foreign securities primarily trading in at least 3 different countries, not
including the U.S.
Foreign investments may involve risks that are in addition to the risks inherent
in U.S. securities. In many countries there is less public information available
about issuers and foreign companies may not be subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards. The value of foreign investments may
rise or fall because of changes in currency exchange rates, and a Fund may incur
costs in converting securities denominated in foreign currencies into U.S.
dollars. Dividends and interest on foreign securities may be subject to foreign
withholding taxes, which would reduce a Fund's income without providing a tax
credit to shareholders. Obtaining and enforcing judgments, when necessary, in
foreign countries may be more difficult and expensive than in the U.S. Although
these Funds intend to invest in securities of issuers of stable and developed
countries, there is the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation,
nationalization, currency blockage or political or social instability that could
affect investments in such countries.
The AAL International and Equity Income Funds may invest in American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs") without limit. ADR facilities may be either "sponsored" or
"un-sponsored." While similar, distinctions exist relating to the rights and
duties of ADR holders and market practices. A depository may establish an
un-sponsored facility without the participation by or consent of the issuer of
the deposited securities, although a letter of non-objection from the issuer is
often requested. Holders of un-sponsored ADRs generally bear all the costs of
such facility, which can include deposit and withdrawal fees, currency
conversion fees and other service fees. The depository of an un-sponsored
facility may be under no duty to distribute shareholder communications from the
issuer or to pass through voting rights. Issuers of un-sponsored ADRs are not
obligated to disclose material information in the U.S. and, therefore, there may
not be a correlation between such information and the market value of the ADR.
Sponsored facilities enter into an agreement with the issuer that sets out
rights and duties of the issuer, the depository and the ADR holder. This
agreement also allocates fees among the parties. Most sponsored agreements also
provide that the depository will distribute shareholder notices, voting
instructions and other communications. The AAL International and Equity Income
Funds may invest in sponsored and un-sponsored ADRS.
In addition to ADRS, The AAL International Fund may hold foreign securities in
the form of American Depository Shares ("ADSs"), Global Depository Receipts
("GDRs") and European Depository Receipts ("EDRs"), or other securities
convertible into foreign securities. These receipts may not be denominated in
the same currency as the underlying securities. Generally, American banks or
trust companies issue ADRs and ADSs, which evidence ownership of underlying
foreign securities. GDRs represent global offerings where an issuer issues two
securities simultaneously in two markets, usually publicly in a non-U.S. market
and privately in the U.S. market. EDRs (sometimes called Continental Depository
Receipts ("CDRs")) are similar to ADRs, but usually issued in Europe. Typically
issued by foreign banks or trust companies, EDRs and CDRs evidence ownership of
foreign securities. Generally, ADRs and ADSs in registered form trade in the
U.S. securities markets, GDRs in the U.S. and European markets, and EDRs and
CDRs (in bearer form) in European markets. The Adviser and Sub-Adviser for The
AAL International Fund consider investments in ADRs, ADSs, GDRs, EDRs and CDRs
as investments in the underlying stocks for purposes of diversification.
Classification of Foreign Markets -- The AAL International Fund
Foreign markets are often classified as mature or emerging. The countries in
which The AAL International Fund may invest are classified below. The Fund also
may invest in additional countries when such investments are consistent with the
Fund's objective and policies.
Mature: Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Canada, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.
Emerging: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece,
Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Israel, Jordan, Malaysia,
Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan,
Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, Venezuela and Vietnam.
Foreign Currency Transactions
To manage the currency risk accompanying investments in foreign securities and
to facilitate the purchase and sale of foreign securities, the Funds may engage
in foreign currency transactions on a spot (cash) basis at the spot rate
prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering into
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date ("forward
foreign currency" contracts or "forward" contracts).
A forward foreign currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a
specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time
of the contract. These contracts are principally traded in the inter-bank market
conducted directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and
their customers. A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement and no
commissions are charged at any stage for trades.
When a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar
price of the security. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a fixed amount of U.S. dollars equal to the amount of foreign currency
involved in the underlying security transaction, the Fund can protect itself
against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and the subject foreign currency during the period
between the date the security is purchased or sold and the date on which the
payment is made or received.
When the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund believe that
a particular foreign currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S.
dollar, they may enter into a forward contract to sell a fixed amount of the
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the
forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not
generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign
currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of
those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the
date it matures. The projection of short-term currency market movement is
extremely difficult and the successful execution of a short-term hedging
strategy is highly uncertain. A Fund will not enter into such forward contracts
or maintain a net exposure to such contracts where the consummation of the
contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in
excess of the value of the Fund's securities or other assets denominated in that
currency. Under normal circumstances, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL
International Fund consider the long-term prospects for a particular currency
and incorporate the prospects into their overall long-term diversification
strategies. The Adviser and Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund believe
that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward
contracts when they determine that the best interests of a Fund will be served.
At the maturity of a forward contract, a Fund may either sell the portfolio
securities and make delivery of the foreign currency, or it may retain the
securities and terminate its contractual obligation to deliver the foreign
currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract obligating it to purchase, on
the same maturity date, the same amount of foreign currency.
If a Fund retains the portfolio securities and engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that there has
been movement in forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an offsetting
transaction, it may subsequently enter into a forward contract to sell the
foreign currency. Should forward prices decline during the period when the Fund
entered into the forward contract for the sale of a foreign currency and the
date it entered into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the foreign
currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency
it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to
purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the
extent that the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the
price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
It is important to note that: (1) a foreign currency hedge transactions does not
protect against or eliminate fluctuations in the prices of particular portfolio
securities (i.e., if the price of such securities decline due to an issuer's
deteriorating credit situation); and (2) it is impossible to forecast with
precision the market value of securities at the expiration of a forward
contract. Accordingly, the Fund may have to purchase additional foreign currency
on the spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if: (1) the market
value of a Fund's securities are less than the amount of the foreign currency
the Fund is obligated to deliver; and (2) a decision is made to sell the foreign
securities and make delivery of the foreign currency upon expiration of the
contract. Conversely, the Fund may have to sell some of its foreign currency
received upon the sale of a portfolio security if the market value of the Fund's
securities exceed the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to
deliver. A Fund's dealings in forward foreign currency exchange contracts will
be limited to the transactions described above. Also a Fund may not be able to
hedge against a currency devaluation at a price above the anticipated level
where the market itself has generally anticipated the currency's devaluation.
Although the Funds value their assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, they do
not intend to convert their holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on
a daily basis. A Fund will do so from time to time and investors should be aware
of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not
charge a fee for conversion, they realize a profit based on the difference (the
"spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various
currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a Fund at one
rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell
that currency to the dealer.
Options and Futures Relating to Foreign Currencies
The Funds may purchase and sell currency futures and purchase and write currency
options to increase or decrease its exposure to different foreign currencies.
They also may purchase and write currency options in conjunction with the
currency futures or forward contracts of another series of the Funds. The uses
and risks of currency options and futures are similar to options and futures
relating to securities or indices, as discussed above.
Currency futures contracts are similar to forward foreign currency contracts,
except that they are traded on exchanges (and have margin requirements) and are
standardized as to contract size and delivery date. Most currency futures
contracts call for payment or delivery in U.S. dollars. The underlying
instrument of a currency option may be a foreign currency, which generally is
purchased or delivered in exchange for U.S. dollars, or may be a futures
contract. The purchaser of a currency call obtains the right to purchase the
underlying currency, and the purchaser of a currency put obtains the right to
sell the underlying currency.
Currency futures and options values can be expected to correlate with exchange
rates, but may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the respective
Fund's investments. A currency hedge, for example, should protect a
Yen-denominated security from a decline in the Yen, but will not protect a
particular Fund against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the
issuer's creditworthiness. Because the value of the Fund's foreign-denominated
investments change in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may
not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value
of the Fund's investments exactly overtime.
Privately Issued Securities: The AAL Money Market Fund
The AAL Money Market may invest in securities issued by major corporations
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 in reliance on certain
exemptions, including the "private placement" exemption afforded by Section 4(2)
of that Act. Section 4(2) paper is restricted as to disposition under the
federal securities laws in that any resale must be made in an exempt
transaction. This paper normally is resold to other institutional investors
through or with the assistance of investment dealers who make a market in it,
thus providing liquidity. In the opinion of the Adviser, Section 4(2) paper is
no less liquid or salable than commercial paper issued without legal
restrictions on disposition. However, should a section 4(2) paper issue be
deemed illiquid by the Adviser, the Fund would purchase such security only in
accordance with its limitations on illiquid securities. See "Additional
Investment Factors and Risks Regarding the Funds -- Illiquid and Restricted
Securities" in the prospectus.
Variable Rate Demand Notes--The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock,
International, Capital Growth, Equity Income, Balanced, High Yield Bond, Bond
and Money Market Funds
The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, International, Capital Growth, Equity
Income, Balanced, High Yield Bond, Bond and Money Market Funds (subject to Rule
2a-7) may purchase variable rate master demand notes, which are unsecured
instruments that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary and provide for
periodic adjustments in the interest rate. Although the notes are not normally
traded and there may be no secondary market in the notes, the Funds may demand
payment of principal at any time. The notes purchased by the Funds must be rated
in one of the two highest rating categories by a NRSRO or that have been issued
by an issuer that has received a rating from the requisite NRSRO, in the top
categories with respect to a class of short-term debt obligations that is now
comparable in priority and security with the instrument. If an issuer of a
variable rate master demand note defaulted on its payment obligation, the Funds
might be unable to dispose of the note because of the absence of a secondary
market and might, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss to the extent of the
default. The Funds invest in variable rate master demand notes only when the
Adviser deems the investment to involve minimal credit risk.
Investments In Other Investment Companies
An investment by a Fund in other investment companies, which is limited by
fundamental investment restriction 14 below, may cause a Fund to increase
payments of administration and distribution expenses.
Investment Restrictions
Each Fund operates under the following investment restrictions. A Fund may not:
(1) invest more than 5% of its net assets (or 5% of The AAL Small Cap
Stock, International, Balanced or High Yield Bond Funds' total assets),
taken at value at the time of each investment, in the securities (including
repurchase agreements) of any one issuer (for this purpose, the issuer(s)
of a debt security being deemed to be only the entity or entities whose
assets or revenues are subject to the principal and interest obligations of
the security), except that up to 25% of its net assets (or 25% of The AAL
Small Cap Stock, International, Balanced or High Yield Bond Funds' total
assets) may be invested without regard to this limitation and provided that
such restrictions shall not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof;
(2) purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit
necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but
a Fund may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options,
futures and options on futures;
(3) make short sales of securities or maintain a short position, or write,
purchase, or sell puts, calls, straddles, spreads, or combinations thereof,
except for the described transactions in options, futures, options on
futures and short sales against the box;
(4) make loans to other persons, except that the Fund reserves freedom of
action, consistent with its other investment policies and restrictions and
as described in the prospectus and this Statement, to: (a) invest in debt
obligations, including those that are either publicly offered or of a type
customarily purchased by institutional investors, even though the purchase
of such debt obligations may be deemed the making of loans; (b) enter into
repurchase agreements; and (c) lend portfolio securities, provided that the
Fund may not loan securities if, as a result, the aggregate value of all
securities loaned would exceed 33% of its total assets (taken at market
value at the time of such loan);
(5) issue senior securities or borrow, except that the Fund may borrow in
amounts not in excess of 10% of its net assets, taken at current value, and
then only from banks as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes (the Funds will not borrow to increase income, but only to meet
redemption requests that otherwise might require untimely dispositions of
portfolio securities; interest paid on any such borrowing will reduce net
income);
(6) mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or in any manner transfer, as security
for indebtedness, any securities owned or held by a Fund except as may be
necessary in connection with and subject to the limits in restriction (5);
(7) underwrite any issue of securities, except to the extent that the
purchase of securities directly from an issuer thereof in accord with a
Fund's investment objectives and policies may be deemed to be underwriting
or to the extent that in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities a Fund may be deemed an underwriter under federal securities
laws;
(8) purchase or sell real estate, or real estate limited partnership
interests provided that a Fund may invest in securities secured by real
estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real
estate or interests therein;
(9) purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that a Fund
may purchase or sell futures and options thereon for hedging purposes as
described this Statement;
(10) invest more than 25% of its net assets (or 25% or more of The AAL
Small Cap Stock, International, Balanced or High Yield Bond Funds' total
assets), taken at current value at the time of each investment, in
securities of non-governmental issuers whose principal business activities
are in the same industry (or 25% or more of The AAL Small Cap Stock,
International, Balanced or High Yield Bond Funds' total assets) in any
single industry or issuer (except the U.S. government or any agency or
instrumentality thereof);
(11) invest in oil, gas or mineral related programs or leases except as may
be included in the definition of public utilities, although a Fund may
invest in securities of enterprises engaged in oil, gas or mineral
exploration;
(12) invest in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days or in
other securities with legal or contractual restrictions on resale if, as a
result thereof, more than 10% of a Fund's net assets (taken at current
value at the time of such investment) would be invested in such securities;
(13) except for The AAL High Yield Bond Fund, invest in any security if as
a result a Fund would have more than 5% of its net assets invested in
securities of companies which, together with any predecessors, have been in
continuous operation for less than three years;
(14) purchase securities of other investment companies, if the purchase
would cause more than 10% of the value of a Fund's net assets (or 10% of
the value of The AAL Small Cap Stock, International, Balanced or High Yield
Bond Funds' total assets), to be invested in investment company securities
provided that: (a) no investment will be made in the securities of any one
investment company if immediately after such investment more than 3% of the
outstanding voting securities of such company would be owned by a Fund or
more than 5% of the value of a Fund's net assets (or 5% of the value of The
AAL Small Cap Stock, International, Balanced or High Yield Bond Funds'
total assets) would be invested in such company; and (b) no restrictions
shall apply to a purchase of investment company securities in connection
with a merger, consolidation acquisition or reorganization; or
(15) purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of an
issuer or invest for the purpose of exercising control or management.
Each of the above restrictions (1) through (15), as well as each Fund's
investment objective, except for The AAL Balanced and High Yield Bond Funds, is
a fundamental policy.
Purchases and Redemptions; Pricing Considerations
Purchases and redemptions are discussed in the prospectus under the headings
"How to Buy Shares," "How to Sell (Redeem) Shares" and "Net Asset Value," and
that information is incorporated herein by reference.
The Funds' net asset value is determined only on the days on which the New York
Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading. That Exchange is regularly closed
on Saturdays and Sundays and on New Years' Day, the third Monday in February,
Good Friday, the last Monday in May, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving
and Christmas. If one of these holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the
Exchange will be closed on the preceding Friday or the following Monday,
respectively.
The Funds determine the net asset value by adding up the value of a Fund's
assets, subtracting the Fund's liabilities, and dividing the balance by the
total number of shares outstanding. In determining the current market value for
securities traded or listed on an exchange, the Funds use the last sale price on
the exchange where the securities primarily trade. For securities that have
readily available market quotations, the Funds use an over-the-counter or
exchange bid quotation. When a Fund holds securities or other assets that do not
have readily available market quotations or are restricted, the Fund values them
at fair market value, as determined in good faith by management under the
direction of the Board of Trustees. The Funds may use pricing services in
determining the current or fair market value of securities held in their
portfolios. The Funds value money market instruments with a remaining maturity
of 60 days or less on an amortized costs basis. The Funds comply with the SEC's
requirements for using an amortized cost valuation method.
Reliable market quotations are not considered to be readily available for many
long-term corporate bonds and notes, certain preferred stocks, tax-exempt
securities or foreign securities. The Funds may, and generally will, value debt
securities on the basis of valuations furnished through a pricing service or
services approved by the Board of Trustees. A pricing service generally will
determine valuations based upon normal, institutional-size trading units of such
securities using market transactions for comparable securities and various
relationships between securities generally recognized by institutional traders.
Management prices foreign securities in terms of U.S. dollars at the official
exchange rate. Alternatively, it may price these securities at the average of
the current bid and asked price of such currencies against the dollar last
quoted by a major bank that is a regular participant in the foreign exchange
market, or on the basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes
provided by a number of such major banks. If management does not have either of
these alternatives available to it or the alternatives do not provide a suitable
method for converting a foreign currency into U.S. dollars, the Board of
Trustees in good faith will establish a conversion rate for such currency.
Generally, U.S. government securities and other fixed income securities complete
trading at various times prior to the close of the NYSE. For purposes of
computing net asset value, the Funds use the market value of such as of the time
their trading day ends. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such
securities may occur between such times and the close of the NYSE, which events
will not be reflected in the computation of a Fund's net asset value. If events
materially affecting the value of a Fund's securities occur during such a
period, then these securities will be valued at their fair value as determined
in good faith by the Trustees.
Foreign securities trading may not take place on all days when the NYSE is open,
or may take place on Saturdays and other days when NYSE is not open and the
Fund's net asset value is not calculated. When determining the net asset value
of the Fund, management values foreign securities primarily listed and/or traded
in foreign markets at their market value as of the close of the last primary
market where the securities traded. Unless material, as determined by management
under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, events affecting the valuation
of Fund securities occurring between the time its net asset value is determined
and the close of the NYSE will not be reflected in such asset value. As a
result, the Fund's net asset value may be significantly affected by such trading
on days when the Fund is not accepting purchases or redemptions.
The Funds intend to pay all redemptions in cash and are obligated to redeem
shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or one percent of the net
assets of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. However,
redemptions in excess of such limit may be paid wholly or partly by a
distribution in kind of securities. If redemptions were made in kind, the
redeeming shareholders might incur brokerage fees in selling the securities
received in the redemptions.
Each Fund reserves the right to suspend or postpone redemptions during any
period when: (a) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or that the Exchange is closed for other
than customary weekend and holiday closings; (b) the Securities and Exchange
Commission has by order permitted such suspension; or (c) an emergency, as
determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission, exists, making disposal of
portfolio securities or valuation of net assets of the Fund not reasonably
practicable.
The AAL Money Market Fund-Amortized Cost Valuation
The AAL Money Market Fund values its portfolio securities on the basis of their
amortized cost. Amortized cost is an approximation of market value, whereby the
difference between acquisition cost and value at maturity is amortized on a
straight-line basis over the remaining life of the instrument. The effect of
changes in the market value of a security as a result of fluctuating interest
rates is not taken into account and thus the amortized cost method of valuation
may result in the value of a security being higher or lower than its actual
market value. In addition, if a large number of redemptions take place at a time
when interest rates have increased, the Fund may have to sell portfolio
securities prior to maturity and at a price which might not be as desirable.
Although there is no assurance that it will be able to do so, the Fund will use
its best efforts to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share for
purchases and redemptions. The Board of Trustees has established procedures for
this purpose, which procedures include a review of the extent of any deviation
of net asset value per share, based on available market quotations, from the
$1.00 amortized cost per share. Should that deviation exceed 2 of 1% for the
Fund, the Board of Trustees will promptly consider whether any action should be
initiated to eliminate or reduce material dilution or other unfair results to
shareholders. Such action may include redemption of shares in kind, selling
portfolio securities prior to maturity, reducing or withholding dividends, and
utilizing a net asset value per share as determined by using available market
quotations. The Fund will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity
of 90 days or less and will not purchase any instrument deemed to have a
remaining maturity greater than 397 days, will limit portfolio investments,
including repurchase agreements, to those dollar denominated instruments that
the Board of Trustees determines present minimal credit risks as advised by the
Adviser, and will comply with the requirements as to the quality of certain
portfolio securities specified by the SEC for money market funds using the
amortized cost method of valuation and with certain reporting and record keeping
procedures. There is no assurance that constant net asset value can be
maintained at all times. In the event amortized cost ceases to represent fair
value, the Board will take appropriate action.
Letter of Intent
Under a Letter of Intent, as described in the prospectus, shares totaling 5% of
the dollar amount indicated in the letter will be held in escrow by the Transfer
Agent in the name of the purchaser. The Letter of Intent does not obligate the
investor to purchase, nor a Fund to sell, the indicated amount. In the event the
Letter of Intent goal is not achieved within the 13-month period, the Purchaser
is required to pay the difference between the sales commission otherwise
applicable to the purchases made during this period and sales charges actually
paid. The Distributor will liquidate sufficient escrowed shares to obtain such
difference after expiration of the Letter of Intent.
Compensation of the Board of Trustees
The Fund makes no payments to any of its officers for services. However, any of
the Trustees who are not officers or employees of the adviser or its parent are
paid, by The AAL Mutual Funds, an annual fee of $25,000. These fees are assessed
ratably to each series of The AAL Mutual Funds. Trustees are reimbursed by The
AAL Mutual Funds. Trustees are reimbursed by The AAL Mutual Funds for any
expenses they may incur by reason of attending such meetings or in connection
with services they may perform for The AAL Mutual Funds. For the fiscal year
ended April 30, 1997, The AAL Mutual Funds paid an aggregate of $60,280.54 in
Trustees' fees and expenses (the Trustees at the time were paid an annual fee of
$10,000 and a fee of $1,000 per meeting).
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Name of Capacities Aggregate Pension or Estimated Total
Person in which Remuneration Retirement Annual Compensation
Remuneration Benefits Benefits from
Received Accrued Upon Registrant
During Retirement and Fund
Last Complex Paid
Fiscal Year to Trustees*
Ronald G. Trustee - - - -
Anderson
dob 10/2/48
John H. Trustee - - - $4,500
Pender
dob 5/25/30
Richard L. Trustee - - - -
Gunderson
dob 6/14/33
F. Gregory Trustee $14,000 - - $20,000
Campbell
dob 2/16/39
R. W. Trustee $14,000 - - $20,000
Russler
dob 10/28/28
Richard L. Trustee $14,000 - - $20,000
Gady
dob 2/28/43
Lawrence M. Trustee $14,000 - - $20,000
Woods
dob 4/14/32
</TABLE>
*The Fund complex includes the AAL Variable Product Series Fund, Inc.
Investment Advisory Services
Please refer to the description of the Adviser, Advisory Agreement and Fees
under "Management of the Trust" in the Prospectus, which is incorporated herein
by reference.
The following Executive Officers of the Trust also serve as officers or
directors of the Adviser as shown:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Ronald G. Anderson President; Director and President of AAL Capital Management Corporation since
222 West College Avenue 2/26/97
Appleton, WI 54919-0007
dob 10/2/48
Robert G. Same Secretary; Director since 1987, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
222 West College Avenue Officer since 2/14/97, and Secretary of AAL Capital Management Corporation since
Appleton, WI 54919-0007 1987
Terrance P. Gallagher Treasurer; Director and Chief Financial Officer of AAL Capital Management
222 West College Avenue Corporation since 1994, Senior Vice President since 1987 and Comptroller since 1992
Appleton, WI 54919-0007
dob 9/20/58
</TABLE>
The Adviser furnishes the Funds, at the Adviser's expense, with all office space
and facilities, equipment and clerical personnel necessary for carrying out its
duties under the Advisory Agreement. The Adviser also will pay all compensation
of Trustees, officers and employees of the Trust who are affiliated persons of
the Adviser. All costs and expenses not expressly assumed by the Adviser under
the Advisory Agreement are paid by the Funds, including, but not limited to: (a)
interest and taxes; (b) brokerage commissions; (c) insurance premiums; (d)
compensation and expenses of its Trustees other than those affiliated with the
Adviser; (e) legal and audit expenses; (f) fees and expenses of the Trust's
custodian and transfer agent; (g) expenses incident to the issuance of the
Trust's shares, including stock certificates and issuance of shares on the
payment of, or reinvestment of, dividends; (h) fees and expenses incident to the
registration under Federal or state securities laws of the Trust or its shares;
(i) expenses of preparing, printing and mailing reports and notices and proxy
material to shareholders of the Trust; (j) all other expenses incidental to
holding meetings of the Trust's shareholders; (k) dues or assessments of or
contributions to the Investment Company Institute or its successor, or other
industry organizations; (l) such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including
litigation affecting the Trust and the legal obligations which the Trust may
have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto; and (m) all
expenses which the Trust agrees to bear in any distribution agreement or in any
plan adopted by the Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act.
The Adviser may waive its advisory fees for, assume or reimburse the expenses
of, any Fund at any time. As of September 1, 1997, the Adviser is waiving .225
of 1% of its .50 of 1% maximum advisory fee for The AAL Money Market Fund.
Effectively, the adviser is charging only a 0.275 of 1% advisory fee for the
Fund. The Adviser also is reimbursing The AAL High Yield Bond Fund expenses in
excess of 1.00%, 1.75% and .75% for Class A, Class B and Institutional shares,
respectively, and The AAL Balanced Fund expenses in excess of 1.25%, 2.00% and
1.00% for Class A, Class B and Institutional shares, respectively. Any fee
waivers or expense assumptions are voluntary and may be discontinued at any
time. The Funds have paid advisory fees net of reimbursements to the Adviser for
the past three fiscal years ended April 30, 1997, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
For the Year Ended April 30. 1995 April 30, 1996 April 30, 1997
Small Cap Stock Fund N/A N/A $159,016
Mid Cap Stock Fund $1,443,406 $2,207,510 $3,188,294
International Fund N/A $183,656 $873,585
Capital Growth Fund $5,910,666 $7,332,620 $9,121,422
Equity Income Fund $260,436 $445,179 $643,863
Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A
High Yield Bond Fund N/A N/A $60,205
Municipal Bond Fund $2,134,525 $2,215,237 $2,153,751
Bond Fund $2,448,730 $2,410,603 $2,214,486
Money Market Fund $335,173 $448,619 $780,148
</TABLE>
From its advisory fees, the Adviser pays the sub-advisory fees for The AAL
International Fund in accordance with the formula set forth in the prospectus.
Prior to November 1, 1995, the Adviser paid Sub-Advisory fees from the Advisory
fees received for The AAL Mid Cap Stock, Capital Growth, Equity Income,
Municipal Bond, Bond and Money Market Funds.
The Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement for The AAL International Fund
provide that subject to Section 36 of the Act, neither the Adviser nor
Sub-Adviser shall be liable to the Trust for any error of judgment or mistake of
law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in
the management of the Trust and the performance of their duties under the
Agreement except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of their duties or by reason of reckless disregard of their
obligations and duties under the agreements.
The Trust has agreed to use its best efforts to change its name if the Adviser
ceases to act as such with respect to the Funds. The continued use of the
Trust's present name would create confusion in the context of the Adviser or its
parent's business.
The Investment Advisory Agreement was approved by the Board of Trustees,
including a majority of the Trustees who were not interested persons (as defined
in the Act) of any party to the agreement on August 21, 1990, and was approved
by the shareholders of The AAL Municipal Bond Fund on November 27, 1990, and The
AAL Capital Growth, Bond and Money Market Funds on December 20, 1990. After
December 20, 1990, the Advisory Agreement was approved for:
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund by the Board of Trustees on May 18, 1993, and
the sole shareholder on June 30, 1993;
The AAL Equity Income Fund by the Board of Trustees on February 24, 1994,
and the sole shareholder on March 18, 1994;
The AAL International Fund by the Board of Trustees on May 23, 1995, and
the sole shareholder on July 31, 1995;
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund by the Board of Trustees on February 23, 1996,
and the sole shareholder on July 1, 1996; and
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund by the Board of Trustees on May 29, 1996, and
the sole shareholder on January 8, 1997; and
The AAL Balanced Fund by the Board of Trustees on November 19, 1997, and
the sole shareholder on January 2, 1998.
On October 16, 1995, the Board of Trustees terminated the Sub-Advisory
Agreements (effective November 1, 1995) with, and approved the assumption of the
duties by the Adviser of, the Sub-Advisers, Duff & Phelps Investment Management
Co., and Pilgrim Baxter & Associates Ltd., for The AAL Mid Cap Stock, Capital
Growth, Equity Income, Municipal Bond, Bond and Money Market Funds. The Board of
Trustees also approved reductions in the advisory fees for these Funds.
On May 23, 1995, the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who
were not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of any party to the
agreement approved the current Sub-Advisory Agreement with Societe Generale
Asset Management Corp. for The AAL International Fund.
The Advisory Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreement will continue in effect from
year to year only so long as such continuances are specifically approved at
least annually by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees
who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act). The Advisory Agreement
and Sub-Advisory Agreement are terminable upon assignment or at any time without
penalty by the Board of Trustees or by vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Trust. With respect to a particular Fund,
the Advisory or Sub-Advisory Agreement, if any, is terminable by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such Fund or by the Adviser on 60 days
written notice to the Trust.
Distributor
AAL Capital Management Corporation ("AAL CMC") is the exclusive underwriter for
the Funds under a written Distribution Agreement, dated June 15, 1987, as
amended, with the Funds. AAL CMC offers the Funds' shares for sale on a
continuous basis through its field sales force.
Class A Shares: The public offering price of a Fund's Class A share is the net
asset value next computed plus a sales charge that varies based on the quantity
purchased. The public offering price of a Fund's Class A share is calculated by
dividing the net asset value of the Class A share being purchased by the
difference (expressed as a decimal) between 100% and the sales charge percentage
of the offering price applicable to the purchase (See "Buying Shares In The
Funds" in the Prospectus). The sales charge scale set forth in the Prospectus
applies to purchases of Class A shares of a particular Fund alone or in
combination with shares of all classes of the other Funds (as noted under "Right
of Accumulation") by any person, including family members who live with the
purchaser (i.e., husband, wife and minor children) and bona fide trustees, and
also applies to purchases made under the Right of Accumulation or Letter of
Intent as set forth in the Prospectus. The Funds offer a reduction in the sales
charges for non-profit organizations, charitable trusts, charitable remainder
Unitrusts, endowments, AAL branches and congregations (See "50% Reduction" in
the Prospectus).
AAL CMC does not, and did not, receive compensation in connection with
redemptions and repurchases or brokerage commissions for Class A shares.
The aggregate underwriting commissions received and the amount of commissions
retained by AAL CMC for the past three years ended April 30, 1997 for Class A
Shares were as follows:
Class A Shares
For the Fiscal Year Ended Aggregate Commissions Retained Commissions
April 30, 1995 $13,705,723 $837,983
April 30, 1996 $17,870,771 $5,027,588
April 30, 1997 $18,026,973 $7,289,125
Class B Shares: The public offering price of a Fund's Class B share is the net
asset value (See "Buying Shares in the Funds" in the prospectus). The Funds
began offering Class B shares on January 8, 1997. From January 8, 1997 through
April 30, 1997, the aggregate redemption fees (underwriting commissions)
received and the amount of compensation retained by AAL CMC were as follows:
Class B Shares
Time Period Aggregate Commissions Retained
Commissions
From 1/8/97 to the Fiscal Year $71 $71
Ended 4/30/97
Institutional Shares: The public offering price of a Fund's Institutional shares
is the net asset value. The Funds began offering Institutional shares on
December 29, 1997. For information on Institutional shares, please see the
separate prospectus and statement of additional information.
General
AAL CMC also acts as exclusive underwriter for Institutional shares and two
additional series of The AAL Mutual Funds: The AAL U.S. Government Zero Coupon
Target Fund, Series 2001; and The AAL U.S. Government Zero Coupon Target Fund,
Series 2006.
Distribution Plan
The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for Class A and Class B shares (the
"Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under the Act.
The Plan authorizes the distributor to make certain payments (either as a "12b-1
Distribution Fee" or a "Service Fee") to any qualified recipient, as defined in
the Plan, that has rendered assistance in the distribution of the Funds' shares
(such as sale or placement of the Funds' shares, or administrative assistance,
such as maintenance of sub-accounting or other records). The Plan also
authorizes the Distributor to purchase advertising for shares of the Funds, to
pay for sales literature and other promotional material, and to make payments to
its sales personnel. The Distribution Plan does not cover Institutional shares.
As a result, the distributor may not make any payments pursuant to the plan in
connection with Institutional shares.
Any payments paid under the Plan to qualified recipients or expenses will be
reimbursed or paid by the Funds for Class A and Class B shares as follows:
Class A Shares -- The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, International, Capital
Growth, Equity Income, Balanced, High Yield Bond, Municipal Bond, Bond and Money
Market Funds -- In a given fiscal year, the Funds, pursuant to the Plan, will
pay up to a limit of 0.25 of 1% of the average net assets (0.125 of 1% for The
AAL Money Market Fund) as a Service Fee for Class A shares. The Funds will not
reimburse or pay for expenses of past fiscal years or in contemplation of
expenses for future fiscal years. Since September 1, 1997, the Distributor has
waived 0.100 of 1% of the 0.125 of 1% maximum 12b-1 service fee for Class A
shares under the Plan for The AAL Money Market Fund (prior to January 8, 1997
Class A share, 12b-1 service fees were described as "12b-1 Distribution Fees"),
effectively charging a 0.025 of 1%, 12b-1 service fee. This continuing
reimbursement (waiver) is voluntary and may be modified or discontinued at any
time.
Class B Shares -- The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, International, Capital
Growth, Equity Income, Balanced, High Yield Bond, Municipal Bond, Bond and Money
Market Funds -- In a given fiscal year, the Funds, pursuant to the Plan, will
pay up to a limit of 0.75 of 1% of the average daily net assets as a 12b-1
Distribution Fee and up to a limit of 0.25 of 1% of the average daily net assets
as a Service Fee for Class B shares. Pursuant to the Plan, the Funds will not
reimburse or pay for expenses of past fiscal years or in contemplation of
expenses for future fiscal years. Since September 1, 1997, the Distributor has
waived 0.100 of 1% of the 0.125 of 1% maximum 12b-1 service fee for Class B
shares under the Plan for The AAL Money Market Fund, effectively charging a
0.025 of 1%, 12b-1 service fee. This continuing reimbursement (waiver) is
voluntary and may be modified or discontinued at any time.
The Plan states that if and to the extent that any of the payments by a Fund for
Class A and Class B shares are considered to be "primarily intended to result in
the sale of shares" issued by a Fund within the meaning of the Rule, such
payments by a Fund are authorized without limit under the Plans and shall not be
included in the limitations contained in the Plan, including: (a) the costs of
the preparation, printing and mailing of all require reports and notices to
shareholders, irrespective of whether such reports or notices contain or are
accompanied by material intended to result in the sale of shares of the Fund or
other funds or other investments; (b) the costs of preparing, printing and
mailing of all prospectuses to shareholders; (c) the costs of preparing,
printing and mailing of any proxy statements and proxies, irrespective of
whether any such proxy statement includes any item relating to, or directed
toward, the sale of the Fund's shares; (d) all legal and accounting fees
relating to the preparation of any such reports, prospectuses, proxies and proxy
statements; (e) all fees and expenses relating to the qualification of the Funds
and or their shares under the securities or "Blue Sky" laws of any jurisdiction;
(f) all fees under the Act and the Securities Act of 1933, including fees in
connection with any application for exemption relating to or directed toward the
sale of the Fund's shares; (g) all fees and assessments of the Investment
Company Institute or any successor organization or industry association
irrespective of whether some of its activities are designed to provide sales
assistance, (h) all costs of preparing and mailing confirmations of shares sold
or redeemed or share certificates and reports of share balances; and (i) all
costs of responding to telephone or mail inquiries of shareholders.
The Plan also states that the costs of distribution of the Trust's Class A and
Class B shares are expected to exceed the sum of permitted payments, permitted
expenses, and the portion of the sales charge retained by the Distributor, and
that the profits, if any, of the Adviser are dependent primarily on the advisory
fees paid by the Funds to the Adviser. If and to the extent that any investment
advisory fees paid by the Funds might, in view of any excess distribution costs
and the common ownership of the Adviser and Distributor, be considered as
indirectly financing any activity that is primarily intended to result in the
sale of shares issued by the Funds, the payment of such fees is authorized under
the Plan. The Plan states that in taking any action contemplated by Section 15
of the Act as to any investment advisory contract to which the Trust is a party,
the Board of Trustees, including its Trustees who are not "interested persons"
as defined in the Act, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plans or any agreements related to the Plans ("Qualified
Trustees"), shall, in acting on the terms of any such contract, apply the
"fiduciary duty" standard contained in Sections 36(a) and (b) of the Act.
The Plan requires that while it is in effect the Distributor shall report in
writing at least quarterly to the Trustees, and the Trustees shall review, the
following: (a) the amounts of all payments, the identity of recipients of each
such payment, the basis on which each such recipient was chosen and the basis on
which the amount of the payments was were made; (b) the amounts of expenses and
the purpose of each such expense; and (c) all costs of the other payments
specified in the Plans (making estimates of such costs where necessary or
desirable) in each case during the preceding calendar or fiscal quarter. The
aggregate amount paid by the Funds to the Distributor under the Plan for Class A
shares for the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, and the manner in which this
amount was spent is as follows:
Class A Shares
Gross 12b-1 Fees Paid by the Funds for Class A Shares $7,719,753
Expenditures
Compensation to Registered Representatives $7,567,489
Other $152,264
Class B shares first became available to investors on January 8, 1997. The
aggregate amount paid by the Funds to the Distributor under the Plan for Class B
shares from January 8, 1997 through the fiscal year ended April 30, 1997, and
the manner in which this amount was spent is as follows:
Class B Shares
Gross 12b-1 Fees Paid by the Funds for Class B shares $18,104
Expenditures $4,833
Other $13,271
Management and the Board of Trustees believe that the Distribution Plan and the
Service and 12b-1 fees have a positive impact on sales of the Funds and the
retention of Fund assets, both of which are beneficial to the Funds and the
Funds' shareholders.
The Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Trust at the Trust's first
meeting of shareholders held on September 13, 1988. The Plan at that time and up
until January 8, 1997 included only the shares that now are referred to as Class
A shares. As of January 8, 1997, the Plan includes Class B shares. The Plan as
Amended and Restated was approved by the sole shareholder of the Trust's Class B
shares on January 8, 1997. The Plan will continue in effect from year-to-year
only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by
the Board of Trustees and the Qualified Trustees (as defined in the Plan) cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. The
Plan may be terminated at any time without penalty by a vote of a majority of
the Qualified Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities for each class of shares of the Trust, with
respect to any Fund by the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares for each
class of such Fund. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the
amount of payments to be made for the separate class shares without shareholder
approval of the class. While the Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination
of those Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust is committed to
the discretion of such disinterested Trustees. Nothing in the Plan will prevent
the involvement of others in such selection and nomination if the final decision
on any such selection and nomination is approved by a majority of such
disinterested Trustees.
Portfolio Transactions
The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund direct the
placement of orders for the purchase and sale of the Funds' portfolio
securities.
The cost of securities transactions for each Fund will consist primarily of
brokerage commissions or dealer or underwriter spreads. Bonds and money market
instruments are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve
either brokerage commissions or transfer taxes.
Occasionally, securities may be purchased directly from the issuer. For
securities traded primarily in the over-the-counter market, the sellers who make
a market in the securities will be dealt with directly unless better prices and
execution are available elsewhere. Such dealers usually act as principals for
their own account. In placing portfolio transactions, the Adviser seeks the best
combination of price and execution.
In determining which brokers provide best execution, the Adviser and/or
Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund look primarily to the stock price
quoted by the broker, and normally places orders with the broker through which
the most favorable price can be obtained. It is expected that securities will
ordinarily be purchased in the primary markets, and that in assessing the best
net price and execution available to a Fund, the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for
The AAL International Fund will consider all factors they deem relevant,
including the breadth or the market in the security, the price of the security,
the financial condition and execution capability of the broker or dealer and the
reasonableness of the commission, if any (for the specific transaction and on a
continuing basis). Although it is expected that sales of shares of the Funds
will be made only by the Distributor, the Adviser may in the future consider the
willingness of particular brokers to sell shares of the Funds as a factor in the
selection of brokers for the Funds' portfolio transactions, subject to the
overall best price and execution standard.
Assuming equal execution capabilities, other factors may be taken into account
in selecting brokers or dealers to execute particular transactions and in
evaluating the best net price and execution available. The Adviser and/or
Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund may consider "brokerage and research
services" (as those terms are defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934), statistical quotations, specifically the quotations
necessary to determine the Funds' net asset values, and other information
provided to the Funds, to the Adviser or Sub-Adviser (or their affiliates). The
Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund may also cause a Fund
to pay to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a
commission for executing a portfolio transaction which is in excess of the
amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting
that transaction. The Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund
must determine, in good faith, however, that such commission was reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided, viewed in
terms of that particular transaction or in terms of all the accounts over which
the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund exercise
investment discretion. It is possible that certain of the services received by
the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL International Fund attributable to a
particular transaction will benefit one or more other accounts for which
investment discretion is exercised by the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for The AAL
International Fund. The Funds paid, $1,108,673, $1,697,844 and $4,205,263 in
brokerage commissions in each of the past 3 fiscal years.
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, International, Capital Growth,
Equity Income, Balanced, High Yield Bond, Bond and Money Market Funds
Each of the Funds' dividends, except for The AAL Municipal Bond Fund's
dividends, from net investment income together with distribution of short-term
capital gains (collectively "income dividends") are taxable as ordinary income
to shareholders whether paid in additional shares or in cash. Any long-term
capital gains ("capital gains distributions") distributed to shareholders are
treated as such by the shareholders, whether received in cash or in additional
shares, regardless of the length of time a shareholder has owned the shares.
These Funds intend to distribute substantially all their net investment income
and net realized long-term capital gains in order to avoid imposition of federal
income and excise tax liability. The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock and
International Funds expect to pay any dividends annually. The AAL Capital Growth
Fund expects to pay any dividends semi-annually and The AAL Equity Income and
Balanced Funds expects to pay any dividends quarterly. The AAL High Yield Bond,
Bond and Money Market Funds will accrue income dividends daily and expect to pay
these dividends monthly. These Funds expect to distribute capital gains, if any,
at least annually.
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund
This Fund expects to accrue income dividends daily and to distribute to
shareholders all of its net investment income in monthly dividends and net
realized capital gains, if any, at least annually. Dividends derived from the
interest earned on municipal securities constitute "exempt-interest dividends"
and are generally not subject to federal income tax. Distributions of net
realized capital gains (whether from tax-exempt or taxable securities) are
taxable to shareholders. The federal income tax status of all distributions will
be reported to shareholders annually. Such report will allocate income dividends
between tax-exempt and taxable income (if any) in approximately the same
proportions as the Fund's total income during the year. Accordingly, income
derived from each of these sources by the Fund may vary substantially in any
particular distribution period from the allocation reported to shareholders
annually.
Interest on borrowing a shareholder incurs to purchase or carry shares of this
Fund may not be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Shareholders may be
subject to state and local taxes on dividends from this Fund, including those
which are exempt from federal income tax.
Entities or persons who are "substantial users" (or persons who are related to
"substantial users") of facilities financed by industrial revenue bonds should
consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares of The AAL Municipal Bond
Fund. For these purposes, the term "substantial user" is defined generally to
include a "nonexempt person" who regularly uses in trade or business a part of a
facility financed from the proceeds of industrial development revenue bonds.
The 1986 Tax Reform Act subjects tax-exempt interest attributable to certain
Aprivate activity bonds" (including, in the case of a regulated investment
company receiving interest on such bonds, a proportionate part of the
exempt-interest dividends paid by that company) to the individual and corporate
alternative minimum tax. However, the Fund will not invest more than 20% of its
assets in such private activity bonds. Moreover, certain corporate shareholders
may be subject to a federal "environmental" tax with respect to their receipt of
dividends and distributions.
The AAL International Fund -- Foreign Withholding Tax
The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on income and gains derived
from its investments outside the U.S. Such taxes would reduce the yield on the
Fund's investments. Tax treaties between certain countries and the U.S. may
reduce or eliminate such taxes. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's
total assets at the close of any taxable year consist of stocks or securities of
foreign corporations, the Fund may elect, for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
to treat any foreign country income or withholding taxes paid by the Fund that
can be treated as income taxes under U.S. income tax principles, as paid by its
shareholders. For any year that the Fund makes such an election, each of its
shareholders will be required to include in his income (in addition to taxable
dividends actually received) his allocable share of such taxes paid by the Fund
and will be entitled, subject to certain limitations, to credit his portion of
these foreign taxes against his U.S. federal income tax due, if any, or to
deduct it (as an itemized deduction) from his U.S. taxable income, if any.
Generally, credit for foreign taxes is subject to the limitation that it may not
exceed the shareholder's U.S. tax attributable to his foreign source taxable
income.
If the pass through election described above is made, the source of the Fund's
income flows through to its shareholders. Certain gains from the sale of
securities and currency fluctuations will not be treated as foreign source
taxable income. In addition, this foreign tax credit limitation must be applied
separately to certain categories of foreign source income, one of which is
foreign source "passive income." For this purpose, foreign "passive income"
includes dividends, interest, capital gains and certain foreign currency gains.
As a consequence, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a foreign tax
credit for the full amount of their proportionate share of the foreign tax paid
by the Fund.
The foreign tax credit can be used to offset only 90% of the alternative minimum
tax (as computed under the Code for purposes of this limitation) imposed on
corporations and individuals. If the Fund does not make the pass through
election described above, the foreign taxes it pays will reduce its income, and
distributions by the Fund will be treated as U.S. source income.
Each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's
taxable year whether, pursuant to the election described above, the foreign
taxes paid by the Fund will be treated as paid by its shareholders for that year
and, if so, such notification will designate: (i) such shareholder's portion of
the foreign taxes paid to such country; and (ii) the portion of the Fund's
dividends and distributions that represent income derived from sources within
such country.
Investments by the Fund in stocks of certain foreign corporations that generate
largely passive investment-type income, or which hold a significant percentage
of assets that generate such income (referred to as "passive foreign investment
companies" or "PFICs"), are subject to special tax rules designed to prevent
deferral of U.S. taxation of the Fund's share of the PFIC's earnings. In the
absence of certain elections to report these earnings on a current basis,
regardless of whether the Fund actually receives any distributions from the
PFIC, a Fund would be required to report certain "excess distributions" and any
gain from the disposition of stocks of the PFIC, as ordinary income. This
ordinary income would be allocated ratably to the Fund's holding period for the
stocks. Any amounts allocated to prior taxable year will be taxable to the Fund
at the highest rate of tax applicable in that year, increased by a interest
charge determined as though the amounts were underpayment of tax. Amounts
allocated to the year of the distribution or disposition would be included in
the Fund's net investment income for that year, and to the extent distributed as
a dividend to the Fund's shareholders would not be taxable to the Fund.
Summary
The foregoing is only a summary of certain tax considerations generally
affecting the Funds and their shareholders. Investors are urged to consult their
tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situations, including
state and local tax liability.
Calculation of Yield and Total Return
From time to time the Funds may advertise yield and total return for Class A and
Class B shares for various periods of investment. Such information will always
include uniform performance calculations based on standardized methods
established by The Securities and Exchange Commission, which reflect the
front-end sales charge on a Class A share and the contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC") on a Class B share, and may also include other total return
information without giving effect to the sales charges. Yield is based on
historical earnings and total return is based on historical calculated earnings;
neither is intended to indicate future performance. Performance information
should be considered in light of the particular Fund's investment objectives and
policies, characteristics and quality of its portfolio securities and the market
conditions during the applicable period and should not be considered as a
representation of what may be achieved in the future. Investors should consider
these factors, in addition to differences in the methods used in calculating
performance information and the impact of taxes on alternative investments when
comparing a particular Fund's performance to the performance data published for
alternative investments.
Standardized Performance Information
Average Annual Total Return. For each of the Funds, except The AAL Money Market
Fund, standardized average annual total return is computed by finding the
average annual compounded rates of return for Class A and Class B shares over
the 1, 5 and 10 year periods (or the portion thereof during which the Fund has
been in existence) that would equate the initial amount invested in each class
to the ending redeemable value according to the following formula:
T = (ERV/P)^(1/n) - 1
Where:
T = average annual total return for the class;
n = number of years and portion of a year;
ERV = ending redeemable value for the class (of the
hypothetical $1,000 payment) at the end of the
1, 5 and 10 year periods, or fractional portion
thereof, after deduction of all non-recurring
charges for the class (CDSC for Class B shares),
assuming redemption at the end of the period;
P = $1,000 (the hypothetical initial payment
before deduction of the maximum sales load, if
any); and
^ = raised to the power of.
<PAGE>
Annual Returns for the 1 and 5-Year and Since Inception Periods Ended April 30,
1997, for Class A Shares Based on
Gross Amount Invested
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The AAL Mutual Fund Total Return for the Average Annual Total Average Annual
and Inception Date 1-year Period Ended Return for the 5-year Total Return for
4/30/97 Period Ended 4/30/97 the Period Ended
4/30/97 Since
Inception
Small Cap Stock N/A N/A N/A
(7/1/96)
Mid Cap Stock
(6/30/93) (14.62%) N/A 10.36%
International
(8/1/95) 2.08% N/A 7.42%
Capital Growth
(7/16/87) 15.75% 12.36% 11.01%
Equity Income
(3/18/94) 3.61% N/A 6.20%
Balanced (12/29/97)
N/A N/A N/A
High Yield Bond
(1/8/97) N/A N/A N/A
Municipal Bond
(7/16/87) 2.42% 5.92% 6.38%
Bond
(7/16/87) 2.18% 5.09% 6.78%
</TABLE>
There is no standardized annual return information, which is based on gross
amount invested, available for Class B shares. Class B shares first became
available to investors on January 8, 1997.
Current Yield. Current yield quotations for the Funds, except The AAL Money
Market Fund, are based on a 30-day (or one-month) period, and are computed by
dividing the net investment income per share for each class earned during the
period by the maximum offering price per share for each class on the last day of
the period, according to the following formula:
Yield 2[((a - b)/(cd) + 1)^6 - 1]
where:
a = dividends and interest earned by the Class during the period;
b = expenses accrued by the Class for the period (net of
reimbursements);
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding for the Class
during the period they were entitled to receive dividends; and
d = the maximum offering price per share for the Class on the last
day of the period.
^ = to the power of.
For purposes of this calculation, income earned on debt obligations is
determined by applying a calculated yield-to-maturity percentage to the
obligations held during the period. Interest earned on mortgage-backed
securities will be calculated using the coupon rate and principal amount after
adjustment for a monthly pay down. Income earned on stocks is determined by
using the stated annual dividend rate applied over the performance period. The
yields for The AAL Capital Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
International, Equity Income, Bond, Municipal Bond and High Yield Bond Funds for
the 30-day period ended April 30, 1997, for Class A shares were:
The AAL Mutual Funds
Class A Share Yields
30-day period ended 4/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Small Cap Stock Mid Cap Stock International Capital Equity Income High Yield Municipal Bond Bond
Growth Bond
(1.07%) (.36)% 11.71% .82% 4.12% 9.01% 4.46% 5.96%
</TABLE>
The yields for the AAL Capital Growth, Mid Cap Stock, Small Cap Stock,
International, Equity Income, Bond, Municipal and High Yield Bond Funds for the
30-day period ended April 30, 1997 for Class B shares were:
The AAL Mutual Funds
Class B Share Yields
30-day period ended 4/30/97
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Small Cap Stock Mid Cap Stock International Capital Growth Equity Income High Yield Municipal Bond Bond
Bond
(1.89)% (1.19)% 11.38% .10% 3.54% 8.64% 3.89% 5.43%
</TABLE>
When advertising yield, a Fund will not advertise a one-month or a 30-day period
that ends more than 45 days before the date on which the advertisement is
published. There is not yield information available for The AAL Balanced Fund,
because the Fund first became available to investors on December 29, 1997.
Tax Equivalent Yield. The AAL Municipal Bond Fund will calculate a tax
equivalent yield based on a 30-day (or one-month) period for Class A and Class B
shares, computed by dividing that portion of the yield of the Fund for the share
class (computed as described above) that is tax-exempt by one minus a stated
income tax rate and adding the quotient to that portion if any, of the yield of
that share class for the Fund that is not tax exempt. The formula for
computation of the tax equivalent yield is:
X = ( N/1-F) + T
Where:
N = % of yield for the class derived from tax-exempt income;
F = federal income tax rate; and
T = % of yield for the class derived from taxable income.
The tax equivalent yield at 31% tax rate for the 30-day period ended April 30,
1997, for a Class A share and a Class B share for The AAL Municipal Bond Fund
were 6.46% and 5.64%, respectively. Class B shares first became available to
investors on January 8, 1997.
Current and Effective Yield - The AAL Money Market Fund. The AAL Money Market
Fund may quote a current yield or effective yield for Class A and Class B shares
from time-to-time. The current yield is an annualized yield based on the net
change in account value for each class for a seven-day period. The effective
yield is an annualized yield based on a daily compounding of the current yield
for each share class. These yields are each computed by first determining the
"Net Change in Account Value" for each share class for a hypothetical account
having a share balance of one share at the beginning of a seven-day period
("Beginning Account Value"), excluding capital changes. The Net Change in
Account Value will always equal the total dividends declared with respect to the
account. The yields for each share class are computed as follows:
Current Yield = Net Change in Account Value Per Class 365
Beginning Account Value Per Class x 7
Effective Yield = [1 + Net Change in Account Value Per Class] 365/7 - 1
For the seven-day period ended April 30, 1997, the current and effective yields
of The AAL Money Market Fund for Class A shares were 5.06% and 5.19%,
respectively, and for Class B shares 4.36% and 4.46%, respectively. Class B
shares first became available to investors on January 8, 1997.
In addition to fluctuations reflecting changes in net income of the Fund
resulting from changes in income earned on its portfolio securities and in its
expenses, the Fund's yield also would be affected if the Fund were to restrict
or supplement its dividends in order to maintain its net asset value at $1.00.
(See "Net Asset Value" in the Prospectus and in this Statement.) Portfolio
changes resulting from net purchase or net redemptions of Fund shares may affect
yield. Accordingly, the Fund's yield may vary from day to day and the yield
stated for a particular past period is not a representation as to its future
yield. The Fund's yield is not guaranteed nor is its principal insured. Although
there is no assurance that it will be able to do so, the Fund will use its best
efforts to maintain its net asset value per share at $1.00.
Other Performance Information
All of The AAL Mutual Funds may, from time to time, include in their sales
literature and advertisements: (1) total return quotations computed for
different time periods or by a method that differs from the computations
described in the section above for Class A and B shares; (2) calculations of the
growth of an investment (or series of investments), at various assumed interest
rates and compounding, to show the effect of the length of time, interest rate
and/or tax deferral on an investment for Class A and B shares; (3) illustrate
the concepts of asset allocation by use of hypothetical case studies using
various risk levels and life cycles, as well as illustrating the effect of
various tax brackets and tax deferrals on hypothetical systematic investing for
Class A and Class B shares; and (4) performance relative to the performance of
other investments such as stocks, bonds, closed end funds, certificates of
deposit, as well as various indices such as the Consumer Price Index and indices
generated by lbbotson & Associates and Chase Global Data and Research Products
for Class A and B shares.
Average Annual Total Return. All Funds, except The AAL Money Market Fund, may
advertise an average annual total return calculation for Class A and Class B
shares for any appropriate time period, based upon the value of a net investment
in the Fund for the class, after deduction of the maximum sales charge for Class
A shares and after deducting the CDSC for Class B shares according to the
following formula:
<PAGE>
T = n(ERV/P)^(1/n)-1
where:
T = average annual total return for the class;
n = number of years and portion of a year;
ERV = ending redeemable value for the class (of the
hypothetical $1,000 investment) at the end of
any period after deducting all non-recurring
charges (CDSC for Class B shares) assuming
redemption at the end of the period;
P = $1,000 (the hypothetical initial net
investment after deduction of the sales load, if
any).
^ = raised to the power of.
Annual Returns for the 1 and 5-Year and Since Inception Periods Ended April 30,
1997, for Class A Shares Based on
Net Amount Invested
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The AAL Mutual Fund and Total Return for the Average Annual Total Average Annual Total
Inception Date 1-Year Period Ended Return for the 5-Year Return for the Period
4/30/97 Period Ended 4/30/97 Ended 4/30/97 Since
Inception
Small Cap Stock N/A N/A N/A
(7/16/87)
Mid Cap Stock (6/30/93) (11.08%) N/A 11.55%
International (8/1/95) 6.32% N/A 9.98%
Capital Growth 20.55% 13.28% 11.48%
(7/16/87)
Equity Income (3/18/94) 7.88% N/A 7.61%
Balanced N/A N/A N/A
(12/29/97)
High Yield Bond N/A N/A N/A
(1/8/97)
Municipal Bond 6.64% 6.78% 6.83%
(7/16/87)
Bond 6.43% 5.96% 7.23%
(7/16/97)
</TABLE>
There is no annual return information based on net amount invested available for
Class B shares. Class B shares first became available to investors on January 8,
1997.
Performance information for Class A and B shares for the Funds may be compared
to various unmanaged indexes, such as Morgan Stanley's EAFE and World, Dow Jones
Industrial and Averages, the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, S&P Small Cap or Lehman
Brothers High Yield Index, Lehman Brothers Aggregate or other Lehman Bond
Indexes, as well as indices of similar mutual funds, and various foreign country
and currency indices. The Funds may include in their advertising rankings
published by recognized statistical services or publishers such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Weisenberger Investment Companies Services or
rankings shares published by other comparable national services that rank mutual
funds. They also may use information from publications such as Barron's,
Business Week, The Economist, Financial World, Forbes, Fortune, Kiplinger's
Personal Finance, Money, Smart Money, the Star, The Wall Street Journal or
Worth, and from videotapes of television shows and interviews involving
investment experts, including employees of the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser for
The AAL International Fund. Advertisements may depict performance graphically.
General
The Trust's Declaration of Trust permits its Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest and to divide or
combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby
changing the proportionate beneficial interest in a Fund. Pursuant to this
authority, the Trustees have issued Class A, Class B and Institutional shares
for the Funds, except for The AAL U.S. Government Zero Coupon Target Funds,
Series 2001 and 2006. Each class share represents an interest in a Fund
proportionately equal to the interest of each other share in its class. If the
Trust were to liquidate, all shareholders of a Fund would share pro rata in its
net assets for the class available for distribution to shareholders. If they
deem it advisable and in the best interests of shareholders, the Board may
create additional classes of shares that may differ from each other only as to
dividends or, as is the case with the Funds, as to assets and liabilities (in
which case any such class would have a designation including the word "Series").
Shares of each series are entitled to vote as a series only to the extent
required by the '40 Act or as permitted by the Trustees. Income and operating
expenses are allocated fairly among the series by the Trustees.
As of October 1, 1997, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned less than 1%
of the shares of any Funds. As of October 1, 1997, the following account holders
held in excess of 5% of the following Funds' shares:
Shareholder Ownership Percentage
Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL)
4321 N. Ballard Road
Appleton, Wisconsin 54919
The AAL High Yield Bond Fund 25%
AAL Capital Management Corporation
The AAL Money Market Fund 5%
LCMS Foundation
The AAL Bond Fund 6%
Because AAL owns more than 25% of The AAL High Yield Bond Fund, AAL is
considered a control person of the Fund and, as such, has voting power in
connection with any matters subject to a shareholders vote for the Fund.
Except for the election of Trustees and ratification of the selection of
accountants, any matter required to be submitted to shareholder vote is not
deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a
"majority" (as defined in the Rule) of the voting securities of each Series
affected by the matter.
The AAL Small Cap Stock, Mid Cap Stock, Capital Growth, Equity Income, Balanced,
Bond, Municipal Bond, High Yield Bond and Money Market Funds' custodian is
Firstar Trust Company. The AAL International Fund's custodian is The Chase
Manhattan Bank, N. A. The custodians are responsible for holding the Funds'
assets.
AAL Capital Management Corporation provides certain administrative, accounting
and pricing services to the Funds, including calculating the daily net asset
value per class share; maintaining original entry documents and books of record
and general ledgers; posting cash receipts and disbursements; reconciling bank
account balances monthly; recording purchases and sales based on Sub-Adviser
communications; and preparing monthly and annual summaries to assist in the
preparation of financial statements of, and regulatory reports for, the Funds.
These services were formerly provided by the Funds' Custodian. An Administrative
Services Agreement with the Adviser was approved by a majority of the Trustees
of the Funds, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested
persons of the Funds or of the Adviser and was approved by the shareholders of
The AAL Municipal Bond Fund on November 27, 1990 and of The AAL Capital Growth,
Bond and Money Market Funds on December 20, 1990, The Board of Trustees approved
the addition of:
The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund to this agreement on May 18, 1993; The AAL
Equity Income Fund on February 24, 1994; The AAL International Fund on May
23, 1995; The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund on February 28, 1996; The AAL High
Yield Bond Fund on May 29, 1996; and The AAL Balanced Fund on November 19,
1997.
The principal motivation for having the Adviser provide these services was cost.
The Adviser has agreed to provide these services at rates that would not exceed
the rates charged by unaffiliated vendors for similar services. The initial rate
of payment for these services was $25,000 per Fund per year, plus the cost of
outside pricing services but only to the extent the Adviser is not voluntarily
absorbing any expenses of that Fund. The annual rates of payment approved by the
Trustees presently are:
The AAL Small Cap Stock Fund - $35,000 The AAL Mid Cap Stock Fund - $35,000
The AAL International Fund - $40,000 The AAL Capital Growth Fund - $35,000
The AAL Equity Income Fund - $35,000 The AAL Balanced Fund - $35,000 The
AAL High Yield Bond Fund - $30,000 The AAL Municipal Bond Fund - $35,000
The AAL Bond Fund - $35,000 The AAL Money Market Fund - $35,000
The AAL U. S. Government Zero Coupon Target Fund Series 2001 - $2,500
The AAL U. S. Government Zero Coupon Target Fund Series 2006 - $2,500
The Agreement will continue in effect from year to year, as long as it is
approved at least annually by the Funds' Board of Trustees or by a vote of the
outstanding voting securities of the Funds and in either case by a majority of
the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons of any
such party. The Agreement terminates automatically if assigned and may be
terminated without penalty by either party on 60-days' notice. The Agreement
provides that neither the Adviser nor its personnel shall be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any act or
omission in the execution and the discharge of its obligations under the
Agreement, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of their duties or by reason of reckless disregard of their
obligations and duties under the Agreement.
<PAGE>
Shareholder Maintenance Agreement
The Board of Trustees authorized the Funds to contract with AAL Capital
Management Corporation for certain shareholder maintenance services, effective
April 1, 1995. These shareholder services include answering customer inquiries
regarding account status, explaining and assisting customers with the exercise
of their account options and facilitating shareholder telephone transaction
requests.
The annual fee payable to AAL Capital Management Corporation for providing such
services is based upon, and limited by, the difference between the current
account fees actually charged by Firstar Trust Company, as transfer and dividend
disbursing agent, and the normal full-service fee schedule published by Firstar
Trust Company, as well as reimbursement for certain actual out-of-pocket costs
including postage and telephone charges. This account differential, including
reimbursement for expenses, is at an annualized rate of $4.08 per account,
effective June 1, 1996. The Agreement will continue in effect from year to year,
as long as it is approved at least annually by the Funds' Board of Trustees or
by a vote of the outstanding voting securities of the Funds and in either case
by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the Agreement or interested
persons of any such party. The Agreement terminates automatically if assigned
and may be terminated without penalty by either party on 60-days notice. The
Agreement provides that neither the Adviser nor its personnel shall be liable
for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any
act or omission in the execution and the discharge of its obligations under the
Agreement, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of their duties or by reason of reckless disregard of their
obligations and duties under the Agreement. These fees are not currently
assessed against the Fund but may be in the future.
Independent Accountants
The Trust's independent accountants, Price Waterhouse LLP, examine the Funds'
annual financial statements, assist in the preparation of certain reports to the
Securities and Exchange Commission and review the Trust's state and Funds'
federal tax returns.
Financial Statements
The financial statements, notes to financial statements and report of
independent accountants for the Funds included in the Annual Report to
Shareholders of the Trust, for the year ended April 30, 1997, are hereby
incorporated by reference.
