Registration No. 33-16494
File No. 811-5281
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / X /
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. _____ / /
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 13 / X /
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY / X /
ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 13 / X /
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
3410 South Galena Street
Denver, Colorado 80231
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
303-671-3200
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Andrew J. Donohue, Esq.
Oppenheimer Management Corporation
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate
box):
/ / Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
/ X / On Janary 27, 1995 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule
485
/ / On ______________, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485
/ / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule
485
/ / On ______________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares under the
Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 promulgated under the
Investment Company Act of 1940; a Rule 24f-2 Notice for the Registrant's
fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, was filed on November 29, 1994.
<PAGE>
FORM N-1A
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
Cross Reference Sheet
Part A of
Form N-1A
Item No. Prospectus Heading
1 Front Cover Page
2 Expenses; Overview of the Fund
3 Financial Highlights; Performance of the Fund
4 Front Cover Page; How the Fund is Managed - Organization and
History; Investment Objectives and Policies
5 How the Fund is Managed; Expenses; Back Cover
5A Performance of the Fund
6 How the Fund is Managed - Organization and History; - The
Transfer Agent; Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes; Investment
Objective and Policies - Portfolio Turnover
7 Shareholder Account Rules and Policies; How To Buy Shares; How
to Exchange Shares; Special Investor Services; How to Sell
Shares
8 How to Sell Shares; Special Investor Services
9 *
Part B of
Form N-1A
Item No. Heading in Statement of Additional Information
10 Cover Page
11 Cover Page
12 *
13 Investment Objectives and Policies; Other Investment Techniques
and Strategies; Additional Investment Restrictions
14 How the Fund is Managed - Trustees and Officers of the Fund
15 How the Fund is Managed - Major Shareholders
16 How the Fund is Managed; Distribution and Service Plans
17 Brokerage Policies of the Fund
18 Additional Information About the Fund
19 Your Investment Account - How to Buy Shares; How to Sell
Shares; How to Exchange Shares
20 Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
21 How the Fund is Managed; Brokerage Policies of the Fund
22 Performance of the Fund
23 *
_____________
* Not applicable or negative answer.
<PAGE>
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
Supplement dated January 27, 1995 to the
Prospectus dated January 27, 1995
The Prospectus is amended by adding the following text
below the Class A shares sales charge table in "Class A Shares":
In addition to paying dealers the regular commission for sales
of Class A shares stated in the sales charge table above, the
Distributor will pay the following additional commission for
shares of the Fund sold in "qualifying transactions" from
January 16, 1995, through April 17, 1995: (1) .75% of the
offering price of Class A shares and (2) .50% of the offering
price of Class B shares sold by a registered representative of
a participating broker or dealer or a sales representative of
a participating financial institution that has a sales agreement
with the Distributor. "Qualifying transactions" are sales in
the amount of $150,000 or more (calculated at offering price)
of Class A and/or Class B shares (if available) of any one or
more of the following OppenheimerFunds: the Fund, Oppenheimer
Main Street Income & Growth Fund, Oppenheimer Global Fund,
Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc., Oppenheimer High Yield
Fund, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund, and Oppenheimer
Limited-Term Government Fund. "Qualifying transactions" do not
include sales of Class A shares (a) at net asset value without
sales charge, (b) subject to a contingent deferred sales charge,
or (c) intended but not yet transacted under a Letter of Intent.
January 27, 1995
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Prospectus dated January 27, 1995
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund (the "Fund") is a mutual fund with
the primary investment objective of seeking a high level of current income
primarily by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-yield, lower-
rated, fixed-income securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") believed
by the Fund's investment manager not to involve undue risk. As a
secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with
its primary objective.
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in "junk bonds," which
are securities that may be considered to be speculative and involve
greater risks, including risk of default, than higher-rated securities.
An investment in the Fund is not a complete investment program and is not
appropriate for investors unable or unwilling to assume the high degree
of risk associated with investing in lower-rated, high-yield securities.
Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing. Please
refer to "Investment Objectives and Policies - Investment Policies and
Strategies" for more information about the types of securities the Fund
invests in and the risks of investing in the Fund.
The Fund offers two classes of shares: (1) Class A shares, which are
sold at a public offering price that includes a front-end sales charge,
and (2) Class C shares,which are sold without a front-end sales charge,
although you may pay a sales charge when you redeem your shares, depending
on how long you hold them. A contingent deferred sales charge is imposed
on most Class C shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Class C
shares are also subject to an annual "asset-based sales charge." Each
class of shares bears different expenses. In deciding which class of
shares to buy, you should consider how much you plan to purchase, how long
you plan to keep your shares, and other factors discussed in "How to Buy
Shares" starting on page ___.
This Prospectus explains concisely what you should know before
investing in the Fund. Please read this Prospectus carefully and keep it
for future reference. You can find more detailed information about the
Fund in the January 27, 1995 Statement of Additional Information. For a
free copy, call Oppenheimer Shareholder Services, the Fund's Transfer
Agent, at 1-800-525-7048, or write to the Transfer Agent at the address
on the back cover. The Statement of Additional Information has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated into this
Prospectus by reference (which means that it is legally part of this
Prospectus).
Because of the Fund's investment policies and practices, the Fund's
shares may be considered to be speculative.
Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of any bank, are not
guaranteed by any bank, and are not insured by the F.D.I.C. or any other
agency, and involve investment risks, including the possible loss of the
principal amount invested.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Contents
ABOUT THE FUND
Expenses
A Brief Overview of the Fund
Financial Highlights
Objectives and Policies
How the Fund is Managed
Performance of the Fund
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
How to Buy Shares
Class A Shares
Class C Shares
Special Investor Services
AccountLink
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange
Plans
Reinvestment Privilege
Retirement Plans
How to Sell Shares
By Mail
By Telephone
Checkwriting
How to Exchange Shares
Shareholder Account Rules and Policies
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Appendix: Description of Ratings
<PAGE>
ABOUT THE FUND
Expenses
The Fund pays a variety of expenses directly for management of its
assets, administration, distribution of its shares and other services, and
those expenses are subtracted from the Fund's assets to calculate the
Fund's net asset value per share. All shareholders therefore pay those
expenses indirectly. Shareholders pay other expenses directly, such as
sales charges and account transaction charges. The following tables are
provided to help you understand your direct expenses of investing in the
Fund and your share of the Fund's business operating expenses that you
will bear indirectly. The numbers below are based on the Fund's expenses
during its last fiscal year ended September 30, 1994.
- Shareholder Transaction Expenses are charges you pay when you buy
or sell shares of the Fund. Please refer to "About Your Account," from
pages _____ through _____ for an explanation of how and when these charges
apply.
Class A Shares Class C Shares
Maximum Sales Charge on Purchases
(as a % of offering price) 4.75% None
Sales Charge on Reinvested Dividends None None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a % of the lower of the original
purchase price or redemption proceeds None(1) 1.0%(2)
Exchange Fee $5.00(3) $5.00(3)
(1) If you invest more than $1 million in Class A shares, you may have
to pay a sales charge of up to 1.0% if you sell your shares within
18 calendar months from the end of the calendar month during which
you purchased those shares. See "How to Buy Shares - Class A
Shares" below.
(2) If you redeem Class C shares within 12 months of buying them, you
may have to pay a 1.0% contingent deferred sales charge. See "How
to Buy Shares - Class C Shares" below.
(3) The fee is waived for automated exchanges, as described in "How to
Exchange Shares."
- Annual Fund Operating Expenses are paid out of the Fund's assets
and represent the Fund's expenses in operating its business. For example,
the Fund pays management fees to its investment adviser, Oppenheimer
Management Corporation (which is referred to in this Prospectus as the
"Manager"). The rates of the Manager's fees are set forth in "How the
Fund is Managed," below. The Fund has other regular expenses for
services, such as transfer agent fees, custodial fees paid to the bank
that holds its portfolio securities, audit fees and legal expenses. Those
expenses are detailed in the Fund's Financial Statements in the Statement
of Additional Information.
The numbers in the chart below are projections of the Fund's business
expenses based on the Fund's expenses in its last fiscal year. These
amounts are shown as a percentage of the average net assets of each class
of the Fund's shares for that year. The 12b-1 Distribution Plan Fees for
Class A shares are Service Plan Fees (which are a maximum of 0.25% of
average annual net assets of that class), and for Class C shares are
Distribution and Service Plan Fees (which are a maximum of 0.25% for the
service fee, and an asset-based sales charge of 0.75%). These plans are
described in greater detail in "How to Buy Shares."
The actual expenses for each class of shares in future years may be
more or less than the numbers in the chart, depending on a number of
factors, including the actual value of the Fund's assets represented by
each class of shares. Class C shares were not publicly sold before
December 1, 1993. Therefore, the Annual Fund Operating Expenses shown for
Class C shares are based on expenses for the period from December 1, 1993
through September 30, 1994.
Class A Shares Class C Shares
Management Fees .69% .69%
12b-1 Distribution Plan
Fees .25% 1.00%
Other Expenses .28% .25%
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.22% 1.94%
- Examples. To try to show the effect of these expenses on an
investment over time, we have created the hypothetical examples shown
below. Assume that you make a $1,000 investment in each class of shares
of the Fund, and that the Fund's annual return is 5%, and that its
operating expenses for each class are the ones shown in the Annual Fund
Operating Expenses chart above. If you were to redeem your shares at the
end of each period shown below, your investment would incur the following
expenses by the end of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years:
1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years(1)
Class A Shares $59 $84 $111 $188
Class C Shares $30 $61 $105 $226
If you did not redeem your investment, it would incur the following
expenses:
Class A Shares $59 $84 $111 $188
Class C Shares $20 $61 $105 $226
(1) Because of the effect of the asset-based sales charge imposed on
Class C shares of the Fund, long-term shareholders of Class C
shares could pay the economic equivalent of more than the maximum
front-end sales charge allowed under applicable regulations.
These examples show the effect of expenses on an investment, but are
not meant to state or predict actual or expected costs or investment
returns of the Fund, all of which will vary.
<PAGE>
A Brief Overview of the Fund
Some of the important facts about the Fund are summarized below,
with references to the section of this Prospectus where more complete
information can be found. You should carefully read the entire Prospectus
before making a decision about investing. Keep the Prospectus for
reference after you invest, particularly for information about your
account, such as how to sell or exchange shares.
- What Are the Fund's Investment Objectives? The Fund's primary
investment objective is to seek a high level of current income primarily
by investing in a diversified portfolio of high- yield, lower-rated,
fixed-income securities believed by the Manager not to involve undue risk.
The Fund has a secondary objective to seek capital growth when consistent
with its primary objective.
- What Does the Fund Invest In? To seek high current income, the
Fund anticipates that under normal conditions at least 65% of its total
assets will be invested in high-yield, lower-rated fixed-income
securities, such as long-term debt and preferred stock issues (commonly
referred to as "junk bonds"). The Fund's remaining assets may be invested
in cash or cash equivalents, or in common stocks and other equity
securities when consistent with the Fund's investment objectives or if
acquired as part of a unit consisting of a combination of fixed-income
securities and equity investments. The Fund may purchase debt and equity
securities of U.S. and foreign companies and governments although it
presently does not intend that foreign investments will exceed 25% of its
net assets. The Fund may also use hedging instruments and some derivative
investments to try to manage investment risks or increase income. These
investments are more fully explained in "Investment Objectives and
Policies," starting on page ___.
- Who Manages the Fund? The Fund's investment adviser is
Oppenheimer Management Corporation, which (including a subsidiary) advises
investment company portfolios having over $29 billion in assets. The
Fund's portfolio manager, who is primarily responsible for the selection
of the Fund's securities, is Ralph W. Stellmacher. The Manager is paid
an advisory fee by the Fund, based on its assets. The Fund's Board of
Trustees, elected by shareholders, oversees the investment adviser and the
portfolio manager. Please refer to "How the Fund is Managed," starting
on page ___ for more information about the Manager and its fees.
- How Risky is the Fund? All investments carry risks to some
degree. The Fund may invest all or any portion of its assets in high-
yield, lower-rated fixed-income securities. The primary advantage of
high-yield securities is their relatively higher investment return.
However, such securities are considered speculative and may be subject to
greater market fluctuations and risks of loss of income and principal and
have less liquidity than investments in higher-rated securities. Fixed-
income securities are also subject to interest rate risks and credit risks
which can negatively impact the value of the security and the Fund's net
asset value per share. There are certain risks associated with
investments in foreign securities, including those related to changes in
foreign currency rates, that are not present in domestic securities.
While the Manager tries to reduce risks by diversifying investments, by
carefully researching securities before they are purchased for the
portfolio, and in some cases by using hedging techniques, there is no
guarantee of success in achieving the Fund's objectives and your shares
may be worth more or less than their original cost when you redeem them.
Please refer to "Investment Objectives and Policies" starting on page ___
for a more complete discussion.
- How Can I Buy Shares? You can buy shares through your dealer or
financial institution, or you can purchase shares directly through the
Distributor by completing an Application or by using an Automatic
Investment Plan under AccountLink. Please refer to "How to Buy Shares"
on page ___ for more details.
- Will I Pay a Sales Charge to Buy Shares? The Fund has two
classes of shares. Class A shares are offered with a front-end sales
charge, starting at 4.75%, and reduced for larger purchases. Class C
shares are offered without a front-end sales charge, but may be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% if redeemed within 12 months
of purchase. There is also an annual asset-based sales charge on Class
C shares. Please review "How to Buy Shares" starting on page ___ for more
details, including a discussion about which class may be appropriate for
you.
- How Can I Sell My Shares? Shares can be redeemed by mail or by
telephone call to the Transfer Agent on any business day, or through your
dealer. Please refer to "How to Sell Shares" on page ___.
- How Has the Fund Performed? The Fund measures its performance by
quoting its yield and total returns, which measure historical performance.
These yields and returns can be compared to the yields and returns (over
similar periods) of other funds. Of course, other funds may have
different objectives, investments, and levels of risk. The Fund's
performance can also be compared to broad-based market indices and
narrower market indices, which we have done on page ___. Please remember
that past performance does not guarantee future results.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The table on this page presents selected financial information about
the Fund, including per share data and expense ratios and other data based
on the Fund's average net assets. This information has been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Fund's independent auditors, whose report on
the Fund's financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1994, is included in the Statement of Additional Information. Class C
shares were publicly offered only during a portion of that period,
commencing December 1, 1993.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS C
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------
YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988(2) 1994(1)
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<C>
PER SHARE OPERATING DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.90 $12.26 $11.49 $10.46 $11.53 $12.10 $11.43 $13.13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 1.10 1.22 1.41 1.45 1.43 1.42(3) 1.24 .75
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments, options written
and foreign currency transactions (.38) .64 .77 1.04 (1.08) (.43) .67 (.60)
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total income from
investment operations .72 1.86 2.18 2.49 .35 .99 1.91 .15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:
Dividends from net
investment income (1.10) (1.22) (1.41) (1.46) (1.42) (1.42) (1.24) (.77)
Dividends in excess of net
investment income (.01) -- -- -- -- -- -- --(4)
Distributions from net realized
gain on investments -- -- -- -- -- (.14) -- --
Distributions in excess of net
realized gain on investments (.19) -- -- -- -- -- -- (.19)
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and
distributions to shareholders (1.30) (1.22) (1.41) (1.46) (1.42) (1.56) (1.24) (.96)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $12.32 $12.90 $12.26 $11.49 $10.46 $11.53 $12.10 $12.32
======== ======== ======= ======= =======
======= ======= =======
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
TOTAL RETURN, AT NET ASSET VALUE(5) 5.61% 15.92% 19.94% 25.62% 3.13% 8.53%
17.29% 1.11%
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $160,505 $104,465 $47,125 $16,044 $13,910 $20,642 $18,579 $27,743
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average net assets (in thousands) $135,431 $ 73,334 $28,270 $14,057 $17,163 $21,349 $11,116 $13,693
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of shares outstanding
at end of period (in thousands) 13,026 8,096 3,844 1,397 1,330 1,790 1,535 2,251
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets:
Net investment income 8.49% 9.52% 11.60% 13.49% 12.92% 11.87% 11.50%(6)
7.24%(6)
Expenses 1.22% 1.24% 1.35% 1.49% 1.40% 1.19%(3) 1.05%(6) 1.94%(6)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate(7) 108.0% 116.2% 121.5% 114.8% 67.8% 98.5% 31.6% 108.0%
</TABLE>
(1) For the period from December 1, 1993 (inception of offering) to September
30, 1994.
(2) For the period from November 16, 1987 (commencement of operations) to
September 30, 1988.
(3) Net investment income would have been $1.41 per share absent the voluntary
expense reimbursement, resulting in an expense ratio of 1.25%.
(4) Less than .005 per share.
(5) Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the
first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested
in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset
value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges
are not reflected in the total returns.
(6) Annualized.
(7) The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period,
divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities
owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the
time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation.
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities)
for the year ended September 30, 1994 were $191,965,365 and $131,099,734,
respectively.
<PAGE>
Investment Objectives and Policies
Objectives. The Fund has primary and secondary investment objectives.
The Fund's primary objective is to seek a high level of current income
primarily by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-yield, lower-
rated, fixed-income securities believed by the Manager not to involve
undue risk. Nevertheless, because the Fund may invest in lower-rated
securities without limit, the Fund's investments should be considered
speculative. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital growth when
consistent with its primary objective. Since market risks are inherent
in all securities to varying degrees, there can be no assurance that the
Fund will achieve its objectives.
Investment Policies and Strategies. Consistent with its primary
investment objective of seeking a high level of current income, the Fund
anticipates that under normal conditions at least 65% of the value of its
total assets will be invested in high-yield, lower-rated fixed-income
securities. The Fund's remaining assets may be held in cash or cash
equivalents (commercial paper, Treasury bills and other short-term U.S.
Government securities maturing in less than one year), or invested in
common stock and other equity securities (such as warrants and rights)
when such investments are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives
or are acquired as part of a unit consisting of a combination of fixed-
income securities and equity investments. The average maturity of the
investments in the Fund's portfolio is expected to fall between 7 and 15
years. The Fund anticipates it will invest in securities of longer
maturity as interest rates decline, and securities of shorter maturity as
interest rates rise.
The Fund may try to hedge against losses in the value of its
portfolio of securities by using hedging strategies and derivative
investments described below. The Fund's portfolio manager may employ
special investment techniques in selecting securities for the Fund. These
are also described below. Additional information may be found about them
under the same headings in the Statement of Additional Information.
- Can the Fund's Investment Objectives and Policies Change? The
Fund has investment objectives, described above, as well as investment
policies it follows to try to achieve its objectives. Additionally, the
Fund uses certain investment techniques and strategies in carrying out
those investment policies. The Fund's investment policies and techniques
are not "fundamental" unless this Prospectus or the Statement of
Additional Information says that a particular policy is "fundamental." The
Fund's investment objectives are fundamental policies.
The Fund's Board of Trustees may change non-fundamental policies
without shareholder approval, although significant changes will be
described in amendments to this Prospectus. Fundamental policies are those
that cannot be changed without the approval of a "majority" of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares. The term "majority" is defined in the
Investment Company Act to be a particular percentage of outstanding voting
shares (and this term is explained in the Statement of Additional
Information).
- Special Risks - High-Yield Securities. The Fund invests in
higher-yielding, lower-rated debt securities, commonly known as "junk
bonds," because these securities generally offer higher income potential
than investment grade securities. There is no restriction on the amount
of the Fund's assets that could be invested in these types of securities.
Lower-rated debt securities are those rated "Baa" or lower by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or "BBB" or lower by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P"). These securities may be rated as low as "C" or "D"
or may be in default at the time of purchase. The Manager does not rely
solely on ratings of securities by rating agencies when selecting
investments for the Fund, but evaluates economic and business factors as
well. The Fund may invest in unrated securities that the Manager believes
offer yields and risks comparable to rated securities.
High-yield, lower-grade securities, whether rated or unrated, often
have speculative characteristics. Lower-grade securities have special
risks that make them riskier investments than investment grade securities.
They may be subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of
income and principal than lower yielding, investment grade securities.
There may be less of a market for them and therefore they may be harder
to sell at an acceptable price. There is a relatively greater
possibility that the issuer's earnings may be insufficient to make the
payments of interest due on the bonds. The issuer's low creditworthiness
may increase the potential for its insolvency. Further, a decline in the
high-yield bond market is likely during an economic downturn. An economic
downturn or an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the
market for high-yield securities and adversely affect the value of
outstanding securities and the ability of issuers to repay principal and
interest.
These risks mean that the Fund may not achieve the expected income
from lower-grade securities, and that the Fund's net asset value per share
may be affected by declines in value of these securities. The Fund is not
obligated to dispose of securities when issuers are in default or if the
rating of the security is reduced. These risks are discussed in more
detail in the Statement of Additional Information.
- How the Fund's Portfolio Securities are Rated. As of September
30, 1994, the Fund's portfolio included corporate bonds in the following
S&P rating categories (the amounts shown are the dollar-weighted average
values of the bonds in each category measured as a percentage of the
Fund's total assets): AAA, none; AA, none; A, none; BBB, 1.32%; BB, 9.18%;
B, 36.52%; CCC, 6.21%; CC, .91%; C, none D, .18%; and unrated, 7.91%. If
a bond was not rated by S&P but was rated by Moody's, it is included in
the comparable S&P category. Bonds shown as unrated were not rated by
either Moody's or S&P. The allocation of the Fund's assets in securities
in the different rating categories will vary over time, and the
proportions listed above should not be viewed as representing the Fund's
current or future proportionate ownership of securities in particular
rating categories. Appendix A to this Prospectus describes the rating
categories.
- Interest Rate Risks. In addition to credit risks, described
below, debt securities are subject to changes in value due to changes in
prevailing interest rates. When prevailing interest rates fall, the
values of outstanding debt securities generally rise. Conversely, when
interest rates rise, the values of outstanding debt securities generally
decline. The magnitude of these fluctuations will be greater when the
average maturity of the portfolio securities is longer.
- Credit Risks. Debt securities are also subject to credit risks.
Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer of a debt security to
make interest or principal payments on the security as they become due.
Generally, higher-yielding, lower-rated bonds (which are the type of bonds
the Fund seeks to invest in) are subject to greater credit risk than
higher-rated bonds. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government are subject to little, if any, credit risk if they are backed
by the "full faith and credit of the U.S. Government," which in general
terms means that the U.S. Treasury stands behind the obligation to pay
interest and principal. While the Manager may rely to some extent on
credit ratings by nationally recognized rating agencies, such as S&P or
Moody's, in evaluating the credit risk of securities selected for the
Fund's portfolio, it may also use its own research and analysis. However,
many factors affect an issuer's ability to make timely payments, and there
can be no assurance that the credit risks of a particular security will
not change over time.
- Stock Investment Risks. The Fund may also invest a limited
portion of its assets in common stocks and other equity securities to help
achieve its investment objectives. Accordingly, the value of the Fund's
portfolio will be affected to a certain degree by changes in the stock
markets. At times, the stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can
change substantially. This market risk could affect the Fund's net asset
value per share, which will fluctuate as the values of the Fund's equity
portfolio securities change. Not all stock prices change uniformly or at
the same time, and other factors, not all of which can be predicted, can
affect a particular stock's prices.
- Portfolio Turnover. Generally, the Fund will not trade for
short-term profits, but when circumstances warrant, to take advantage of
differences in securities prices and yields or of fluctuations in interest
rates, the Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time
held. As most purchases made by the Fund are principal transactions at
net prices, the Fund incurs little or no brokerage costs. Short-term
trading may affect the Fund's tax status.
- Foreign Securities. The Fund may purchase debt and equity
securities (which may be denominated in U. S. dollars or in non-U. S.
currencies) issued or guaranteed by foreign companies or foreign
governments or their agencies. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in foreign securities. However, the Fund presently does not intend
that such investments will exceed 25% of its net assets. The Fund may
purchase securities of companies in any country, developed or
underdeveloped. Investments in securities of issuers in underdeveloped
countries generally involve more risk and may be considered highly
speculative. Foreign currency will be held by the Fund only in connection
with the purchase or sale of foreign securities. If the Fund's securities
are held abroad, the countries in which such securities may be held and
the sub-custodians holding them must be approved by the Fund's Board of
Trustees.
Foreign securities have special risks. For example, foreign issuers
are not subject to the same accounting and disclosure requirements that
U.S. companies are subject to. The value of foreign investments may be
affected by changes in foreign currency rates, exchange control
regulations, expropriation or nationalization of a company's assets,
foreign taxes, delays in settlement of transactions, changes in
governmental economic or monetary policy in the U.S. or abroad, or other
political and economic factors. More information about the risks and
potential rewards of investing in foreign securities is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.
- Warrants and Rights. Warrants basically are options to purchase
stock at set prices that are valid for a limited period of time. Rights
are options to purchase securities, normally granted to current holders
by the issuer. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may invest up
to 5% of its assets in warrants and rights. No more than 2% of the Fund's
assets may be invested in warrants and rights that are not listed on The
New York Stock Exchange or American Stock Exchange. For further details
about these investments, see "Warrants and Rights" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
- Zero Coupon Securities. The Fund may invest in zero coupon
securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or by private issuers. In general,
zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities include U.S. Treasury notes and bonds
that have been "stripped" of their interest coupons and certificates
representing interests in such stripped debt obligations. A zero coupon
Treasury security pays no current interest and trades at a deep discount
from its face value. It will be subject to greater market fluctuations
from changes in interest rates than interest-paying securities. The Fund
accrues interest on zero coupon securities without receiving the actual
cash. As a result of holding these securities, the Fund could possibly
be forced to sell portfolio securities to pay cash dividends or meet
redemptions. Zero coupon securities issued by non-government issuers are
similar to U.S. Government zero coupon securities. They have an
additional risk that the issuing company may fail to pay interest or repay
the principal on the obligation.
- Asset-Backed Securities. The Fund may invest in securities that
represent undivided fractional interests in pools of consumer loans,
similar in structure to mortgaged-backed securities described below.
Payments of principal and interest on the underlying obligations are
passed through to holders of asset-backed securities and are typically
supported by some form of credit enhancement, such as a letter of credit,
surety bond, limited guarantee by another entity, or priority to other
securities of the borrower. The degree of credit enhancement varies, and
generally applies, until exhausted, to only a fraction of the asset-backed
security's par value. If the credit enhancement of an asset-backed
security held by the Fund has been exhausted, and if any required payments
of principal and interest are not made with respect to the underlying
loans, the Fund may then experience losses or delays in receiving payment
and a decrease in the value of the mortgage-backed security. Further
details are set forth in the Statement of Additional Information.
- Mortgage-Backed Securities and CMOs. The Fund's investments may
include securities which represent participation interests in pools of
residential mortgage loans, including collateralized mortgage-backed
obligations ("CMOs"), which may be issued or guaranteed by (i) agencies
or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government (e.g., Ginnie Maes, Freddie
Macs and Fannie Maes) or (ii) private issuers. Such securities differ
from conventional debt securities which provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) with principal payments
at maturity or specified call dates. Mortgage-backed securities provide
monthly payments which are, in effect, a "pass-through" of the monthly
interest and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the
individual borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans. The Fund's
reinvestment of scheduled principal payments and unscheduled prepayments
it receives may occur at lower rates than the original investment, thus
reducing the yield of the Fund. CMOs in which the Fund may invest are
securities issued by a U.S. Government instrumentality that are
collateralized by a portfolio of mortgages or mortgage-backed securities.
Mortgage-backed securities may be less effective than debt obligations of
similar maturity at maintaining yields during periods of declining
interest rates. The Fund may also invest in CMOs that are "stripped";
that is, the security is divided into two parts, one of which receives
some or all of the principal payments and the other which receives some
or all of the interest. The yield to maturity on the class that receives
only interest is extremely sensitive to the rate of payment of the
principal on the underlying mortgages. Principal prepayments increase
that sensitivity. Stripped securities that pay interest only are
therefore subject to greater price volatility when interest rates change,
and have the additional risk that if the underlying mortgages are prepaid,
which is more likely to happen if interest rates fall, the Fund will lose
the anticipated cash flow from the interest on the mortgages that were
prepaid. The Fund may also enter into "forward roll" transactions with
banks that provide for future delivery of the mortgage-backed securities
in which the Fund may invest. The Fund would be required to place cash,
U.S. Government securities or other high-grade debt securities in a
segregated account with its Custodian in an amount equal to its purchase
payment obligation under the roll. Further details are set forth in the
Statement of Additional Information under "Mortgage-Backed
Securities."
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies. The Fund may also use the
investment techniques and strategies described below. These techniques
involve certain risks. The Statement of Additional Information contains
more information about these practices, including limitations on their use
that are designed to reduce some of the risks.
- Loans of Portfolio Securities. To attempt to increase its
income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities (other than in
repurchase transactions) to brokers, dealers and other financial
institutions. These loans are limited to not more than 25% of the Fund's
net assets and are subject to other conditions described in the Statement
of Additional Information. The Fund presently does not intend that the
value of securities loaned will exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets in the coming year. See "Loans of Portfolio Securities" in the
Statement of Additional Information for further information on securities
loans.
- Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements. In a repurchase transaction, the Fund buys a security and
simultaneously sells it to the vendor for delivery at a future date.
There is no limit on the amount of the Fund's net assets that may be
subject to repurchase agreements of seven days or less. Repurchase
agreements must be fully collateralized. However, if the vendor fails to
pay the resale price on the delivery date, the Fund may incur costs in
disposing of the collateral and may experience losses if there is any
delay in its ability to do so. The Fund will not enter into a repurchase
agreement that causes more than 10% of its net assets to be subject to
repurchase agreements having a maturity beyond seven days.
- Temporary Defensive Investments. Under unusual market or economic
conditions, for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest all or
a portion of its assets in defensive securities. Securities selected for
defensive purposes may include (i) obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S Government, its instrumentalities or agencies, (ii) certificates of
deposit, (iii) bankers' acceptances and other bank obligations, (iv)
commercial paper rated in the highest category by an established rating
agency, or (v) securities rated "Baa" or higher by Moody's or "BBB" or
higher by Standard & Poor's. In the alternative, the Fund may hold its
assets in cash or cash equivalents. While the Fund holds assets in cash,
it has no income from such assets while expenses continue. The yield on
securities selected for defensive purposes generally will be lower than
the yield on lower-rated, fixed-income securities.
- Illiquid and Restricted Securities. Under the policies and
procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, the Manager
determines the liquidity of certain of the Fund's investments. Investments
may be illiquid because of the absence of an active trading market, making
it difficult to value them or dispose of them promptly at an acceptable
price. A restricted security is one that has a contractual restriction on
its resale or which cannot be sold publicly until it is registered under
the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its
net assets in illiquid or restricted securities (that limit may increase
to 15% if certain state laws are changed or the Fund's shares are no
longer sold in those states). The Fund's percentage limitation on these
investments does not apply to certain restricted securities that are
eligible for resale to qualified institutional purchasers.
- Participation Interests. The Fund may acquire participation
interests in loans that are made to U.S. or foreign companies (the
"borrower"). They may be interests in, or assignments of, the loan and
are acquired from banks or brokers that have made the loan or are members
of the lending syndicate. No more than 5% of the Fund's net assets can
be invested in participation interests of the same issuer. The Manager
has set certain creditworthiness standards for issuers of loan
participations, and monitors their creditworthiness. The value of loan
participation interests depends primarily upon the creditworthiness of the
borrower, and its ability to pay interest and principal. Borrowers may
have difficulty making payments. If a borrower fails to make scheduled
interest or principal payments, the Fund could experience a decline in the
net asset value of its shares. Some borrowers may have senior securities
rated as low as "C" by Moody's or "D" by S&P, but may be deemed acceptable
credit risks. Participation interests are subject to the Fund's
limitations on investments in illiquid securities. See "Illiquid and
Restricted Securities".
- Hedging. As described below, the Fund may purchase and sell
certain kinds of futures contracts, put and call options, forward
contracts, and options on futures, securities indices and securities, or
enter into interest rate swap agreements. These are all referred to as
"hedging instruments." The Fund does not use hedging instruments for
speculative purposes, and has limits on the use of them, described below.
The hedging instruments the Fund may use are described below and in
greater detail in "Other Investment Techniques and Strategies" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund may buy and sell options, futures and forward contracts for
a number of purposes. It may do so to try to manage its exposure to the
possibility that the prices of its portfolio securities may decline, or
to establish a position in the securities market as a temporary substitute
for purchasing individual securities. It may do so to try to manage its
exposure to changing interest rates. Some of these strategies, such as
selling futures, buying puts and writing covered calls, hedge the Fund's
portfolio against price fluctuations.
Other hedging strategies, such as buying futures and call options,
tend to increase the Fund's exposure to the securities market. Forward
contracts are used to try to manage foreign currency risks on the Fund's
foreign investments. Foreign currency options are used to try to protect
against declines in the dollar value of foreign securities the Fund owns,
or to protect against an increase in the dollar cost of buying foreign
securities. Writing covered call options may also provide income to the
Fund for liquidity purposes or to raise cash to distribute to
shareholders.
Futures. The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts but, as a
matter of fundamental policy, only if they relate to debt securities
(these are referred to as Interest Rate Futures). Interest Rate Futures
are described in "Hedging With Options and Futures Contracts" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
Put and Call Options. The Fund may buy and sell certain kinds of put
options (puts) and call options (calls).
The Fund may buy calls only on debt or equity securities, security
indices, foreign currencies and Interest Rate Futures or to terminate its
obligation on a call the Fund previously wrote. The Fund may write (that
is, sell) covered call options. When the Fund writes a call, it receives
cash (called a premium). The call gives the buyer the ability to buy the
investment on which the call was written from the Fund at the call price
during the period in which the call may be exercised. If the value of the
investment does not rise above the call price, it is likely that the call
will lapse without being exercised, while the Fund keeps the cash premium
(and the investment).
The Fund may purchase put options. Buying a put on an investment gives
the Fund the right to sell the investment at a set price to a seller of
a put on that investment. The Fund can buy only those puts that relate to
(1) debt or equity securities and (2) securities indices.
The Fund may buy and sell puts and calls only if certain conditions
are met: (1) as a matter of fundamental policy, calls the Fund buys or
sells must be listed on a domestic securities or commodities exchange, or
quoted on the Automated Quotation System of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASDAQ); (2) in the case of puts and calls on
foreign currency, they must be traded on a securities or commodities
exchange, or quoted by recognized dealers in those options; (3) as a
matter of fundamental policy, each call the Fund writes must be "covered"
while it is outstanding: that means the Fund must own the investment on
which the call was written or it must own other securities that are
acceptable for the escrow arrangements required for calls; (4) as a matter
of fundamental policy, puts the Fund buys and sells must be listed on a
domestic securities or commodities exchange or quoted on NASDAQ (and as
a matter of non-fundamental policy, puts on debt securities may be written
in the over-the-counter market) and any put sold must be covered by
segregated liquid assets with not more than 50% of the Fund's assets
subject to puts; (5) the Fund may write calls on Futures contracts it
owns, but these calls must be covered by securities or other liquid assets
the Fund owns and segregates to enable it to satisfy its obligations if
the call is exercised; and (6) a call or put option may not be purchased
if the value of all of the Fund's put and call options would exceed 5% of
the Fund's total assets. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will
not write puts on Interest Rate Futures.
Forward Contracts. Forward contracts are foreign currency exchange
contracts. They are used to buy or sell foreign currency for future
delivery at a fixed price. The Fund uses them to try to "lock in" the
U.S. dollar price of a security denominated in a foreign currency that the
Fund has bought or sold, or to protect against possible losses from
changes in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency.
The Fund may also use "cross hedging" where the Fund hedges against
changes in currencies other than the currency in which a security it holds
is denominated.
Interest Rate Swaps. In an interest rate swap, the Fund and another
party exchange their right to receive or their obligation to pay interest
on a security. For example, they may swap a right to receive floating
rate payments for fixed rate payments. The Fund enters into swaps only
on securities it owns. The Fund may not enter into swaps with respect to
more than 25% of its total assets. Also, the Fund will segregate liquid
assets (such as cash or U.S. Government securities) to cover any amounts
it could owe under swaps that exceed the amounts it is entitled to
receive, and it will adjust that amount daily, as needed.
Hedging instruments can be volatile investments and may involve
special risks. The use of hedging instruments requires special skills and
knowledge of investment techniques that are different than what is
required for normal portfolio management. If the Manager uses a hedging
instrument at the wrong time or judges market conditions incorrectly,
hedging strategies may reduce the Fund's return. The Fund could also
experience losses if the prices of its futures and options positions were
not correlated with its other investments or if it could not close out a
position because of an illiquid market for the future or option.
Options trading involves the payment of premiums and has special tax
effects on the Fund. There are also special risks in particular hedging
strategies. For example, if a covered call written by the Fund is
exercised on an investment that has increased in value, the Fund will be
required to sell the investment at the call price and will not be able to
realize any profit if the investment has increased in value above the call
price. The use of forward contracts may reduce the gain that would
otherwise result from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar
and a foreign currency. Interest rate swaps are subject to credit risks
(if the other party fails to meet its obligations) and also to interest
rate risks. The Fund could be obligated to pay more under its swap
agreements than it receives under them, as a result of interest rate
changes. These risks are described in greater detail in the Statement of
Additional Information.
- Derivative Investments. The Fund can invest in a number of
different kinds of "derivative investments." The Fund may use some types
of derivatives for hedging purposes, and may invest in others because they
offer the potential for increased income and principal value. In general,
a "derivative investment" is a specially-designed investment whose
performance is linked to the performance of another investment or
security, such as an option, future, index or currency. In the broadest
sense, derivative investments include exchange-traded options and futures
contracts (please refer to "Hedging").
One risk of investing in derivative investments is that the company
issuing the instrument might not pay the amount due on the maturity of the
instrument. There is also the risk that the underlying investment or
security might not perform the way the Manager expected it to perform.
The performance of derivative investments may also be influenced by
interest rate changes in the U.S. and abroad. All of these risks can mean
that the Fund will realize less income than expected from its investments,
or that it can lose part of the value of its investments, which will
affect the Fund's share price. Certain derivative investments held by the
Fund may trade in the over-the-counter markets and may be illiquid. If
that is the case, the Fund's investment in them will be limited, as
discussed in "Illiquid and Restricted Securities".
Another type of derivative the Fund may invest in is an "index-
linked" note. On the maturity of this type of debt security, payment is
made based on the performance of an underlying index, rather than based
on a set principal amount for a typical note. Another derivative
investment the Fund may invest in is a currency-indexed security. These
are typically short-term or intermediate-term debt securities. Their
value at maturity or the interest rates at which they pay income are
determined by the change in value of the U.S. dollar against one or more
foreign currencies or an index. In some cases, these securities may pay
an amount at maturity based on a multiple of the amount of the relative
currency movements. This variety of index security offers the potential
for greater income but at a greater risk of loss.
Other derivative investments the Fund may invest in include "debt
exchangeable for common stock" of an issuer or "equity-linked debt
securities" of an issuer. At maturity, the debt security is exchanged for
common stock of the issuer or is payable in an amount based on the price
of the issuer's common stock at the time of maturity. In either case
there is a risk that the amount payable at maturity will be less than the
principal amount of the debt (because the price of the issuer's common
stock is not as high as was expected).
Other Investment Restrictions. The Fund has other investment restrictions
which are fundamental policies. Under these fundamental policies, the
Fund cannot do any of the following: (1) buy securities issued or
guaranteed by any one issuer (except the U.S. Government or any of its
agencies or instrumentalities) if, with respect to 75% of its total
assets, more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in
securities of that issuer, or the Fund would then own more than 10% of
that issuer's voting securities; (2) borrow money in excess of 10% of the
value of its assets (the Fund may borrow only as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes) or make any investment at a time during which
borrowing exceeds 5% of the value of its assets; (3) concentrate
investments to the extent of 25% of its assets (at the time of investment)
in any industry (there is no limitation, however, as to investments in
obligations issued by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities); for purposes of this limitation, utilities will be
divided into "industries" according to their services (e.g., gas, gas
transmission, electric and telephone utilities will each be considered a
separate industry); (4) make loans, except through the purchase of
portfolio securities subject to repurchase agreements or through loans of
portfolio securities as described above under "Loans of Portfolio
Securities"; (5) invest in commodities or commodity contracts; however,
the Fund may buy and sell any of the Hedging Instruments which it may use
as permitted by any of its other policies, whether or not such Hedging
Instrument is considered to be a commodity or commodity contract, subject
to the restrictions and limitations stated under "Hedging" in this
Prospectus; or (6) invest more than 5% of the Fund's net assets in
securities of companies (including predecessors) that have
operated less than three years.
All of the percentage restrictions described above and elsewhere in
this Prospectus apply only at the time the Fund purchases a security, and
the Fund need not dispose of a security merely because the size of the
Fund's assets has changed or the security has increased in value relative
to the size of the Fund. There are other fundamental policies discussed
in the Statement of Additional Information.
How the Fund is Managed
Organization and History. The Fund was organized in 1987 as a
Massachusetts business trust. The Fund is an open-end, diversified
management investment company, with an unlimited number of authorized
shares of beneficial interest.
The Fund is governed by a Board of Trustees, which is responsible
under Massachusetts law for protecting the interests of shareholders. The
Trustees meet periodically throughout the year to oversee the Fund's
activities, review its performance, and review the actions of the Manager.
"Trustees and Officers of the Fund" in the Statement of Additional
Information names the Trustees and provides more information about them
and the officers of the Fund. Although the Fund is not required by law
to hold annual meetings, it may hold shareholder meetings from time to
time on important matters, and shareholders have the right to call a
meeting to remove a Trustee or to take other action described in the
Fund's Declaration of Trust.
The Board of Trustees has the power, without shareholder approval,
to divide unissued shares of the Fund into two or more classes. The Board
has done so, and the Fund currently has two classes of shares, Class A and
Class C. Each class has its own dividends and distributions and pays
certain expenses which may be different for the different classes. Each
class may have a different net asset value. Each share has one vote at
shareholder meetings, with fractional shares voting proportionally. Only
shares of a particular class vote together on matters that affect that
class alone. Shares are freely transferrable.
The Manager and Its Affiliates. The Fund is managed by the Manager,
Oppenheimer Management Corporation, which is responsible for selecting the
Fund's investments and handles its day-to-day business. The Manager
carries out its duties, subject to the policies established by the Board
of Trustees, under an Investment Advisory Agreement which states the
Manager's responsibilities. The Agreement sets forth the fees paid by the
Fund to the Manager and describes the expenses that the Fund is
responsible to pay to conduct its business.
The Manager has operated as an investment adviser since 1959. The
Manager and its affiliates currently manage investment companies,
including other OppenheimerFunds, with assets of more than $29 billion as
of December 31, 1994, and with more than 1.8 million shareholder accounts.
The Manager is owned by Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp., a holding company
that is owned in part by senior officers of the Manager and controlled by
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance
company.
- Portfolio Manager. The Portfolio Manager of the Fund is Ralph
W. Stellmacher. He has been the person principally responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio since the Fund's inception
in November, 1987. Mr. Stellmacher is a Senior Vice President of the
Manager and a Vice President of the Fund, and also serves as an officer
of other OppenheimerFunds. During the past five years, Mr. Stellmacher
has also served as an officer and portfolio manager for other mutual funds
managed by the Manager (with the Fund, the "OppenheimerFunds").
- Fees and Expenses. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the
Fund pays the Manager the following annual fees, which decline on
additional assets as the Fund grows: 0.70% of the first $250 million of
net assets, 0.65% of the next $250 million of net assets, 0.60% of the
next $500 million of net assets, and 0.55% of net assets in excess of $1
billion. The Fund's management fee for its last fiscal year was 0.69% of
average annual net assets for both its Class A shares and for Class C
shares, which may be higher than the rate paid by some other mutual
funds.
The Fund pays expenses related to its daily operations, such as
custodian fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency fees, legal and auditing
costs. Those expenses are paid out of the Fund's assets and are not paid
directly by shareholders. However, those expenses reduce the net asset
value of shares, and therefore are indirectly borne by shareholders
through their investment. More information about the Investment Advisory
Agreement and the other expenses paid by the Fund is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.
There is also information about the Fund's brokerage policies and
practices in "Brokerage Policies of the Fund" in the Statement of
Additional Information. That section discusses how brokers and dealers are
selected for the Fund's portfolio transactions. When deciding which
brokers to use, the Manager is permitted by the Investment Advisory
Agreement to consider whether brokers have sold shares of the Fund or any
other funds for which the Manager serves as investment adviser.
- The Distributor. The Fund's shares are sold through dealers and
brokers that have a sales agreement with Oppenheimer Funds Distributor,
Inc., a subsidiary of the Manager that acts as the Distributor. The
Distributor also distributes the shares of the OppenheimerFunds and is
sub-distributor for funds managed by a subsidiary of the Manager.
- The Transfer Agent. The Fund's transfer agent is Oppenheimer
Shareholder Services, a division of the Manager, which acts as the
shareholder servicing agent for the Fund and the other OppenheimerFunds
on an "at-cost" basis. Shareholders should direct inquiries about their
account to the Transfer Agent at the address and toll-free numbers shown
below in this Prospectus and on the back cover.
Performance of the Fund
Explanation of Performance Terminology. The Fund uses the terms "total
return", "average annual total return" and "yield" to illustrate its
performance. The performance of each class of shares is shown separately,
because the performance of each class of shares will usually be different
as a result of the different kinds of expenses each class bears. This
performance information may be useful to help you see how well your
investment has done and to compare it to other funds or market indices,
as we have done below.
It is important to understand that the fund's total returns
represent past performance and should not be considered to be predictions
of future returns or performance. This performance data is described
below, but more detailed information about how total returns are
calculated is contained in the Statement of Additional Information, which
also contains information about other ways to measure and compare the
Fund's performance. The Fund's investment performance will vary over time,
depending on market conditions, the composition of the portfolio, expenses
and which class of shares you purchase.
- Total Returns. There are different types of total returns used
to measure the Fund's performance. Total return is the change in value
of a hypothetical investment in the Fund over a given period, assuming
that all dividends and capital gains distributions are reinvested in
additional shares. The cumulative total return measures the change in
value over the entire period (for example, ten years). An average annual
total return shows the average rate of return for each year in a period
that would produce the cumulative total return over the entire period.
However, average annual total returns do not show the Fund's actual year-
by-year performance.
When total returns are quoted for Class A shares, they reflect the
payment of the maximum initial sales charge. Total returns may also be
quoted "at net asset value," without considering the effect of the sales
charge, and those returns would be reduced if sales charges were deducted.
When total returns are shown for the entire period Class C shares have
been offered, they reflect the effect of the contingent deferred sales
charge. They may also be shown based on the change in net asset value,
without considering the effect of the contingent deferred sales
charge.
- Yield. Each Class of shares calculates its yield by dividing the
annualized net investment income per share on the portfolio during a
30-day period by the maximum offering price on the last day of the period.
The yield of each Class will differ because of the different expenses of
each Class of shares. The yield data represents a hypothetical investment
return on the portfolio, and does not measure an investment return based
on dividends actually paid to shareholders. To show that return, a
dividend yield may be calculated. Dividend yield is calculated by
dividing the dividends of a Class derived from net investment income
during a stated period by the maximum offering price on the last day of
the period. Yields and dividend yields for Class A shares reflect the
deduction of the maximum initial sales charge, but may also be shown based
on the Fund's net asset value per share. Yields for Class C shares do not
reflect the deduction of the contingent deferred sales charge.
How Has the Fund Performed? Below is a discussion by the Manager of the
Fund's performance during its last fiscal year ended September 30, 1994,
followed by a graphical comparison of the Fund's performance to an
appropriate broad-based market index and a narrower market index.
- Management's Discussion of Performance. In the beginning of the
Fund's past fiscal year, the Manager shifted the Fund's investment
strategy to help position the Fund for an expected stable or rising
interest rate environment by beginning to shorten the average maturity of
the Fund's portfolio. This shift was designed to help reduce share price
declines when interest rates increase since short-term bonds are less
sensitive to interest rate changes than longer-term bonds. During the
course of the Fund's past fiscal year the Federal Reserve Board continued
to move aggressively to raise short-term interest rates as a pre-emptive
strike against inflation. In response, the Manager adjusted the Fund's
portfolio to increase investment in high yield bonds issued by companies
which derive a large percentage of their earnings from Europe and in bonds
positioned to benefit from rising commodity prices worldwide.
- Comparing the Fund's Performance to the Market. The chart below
shows the performance of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each Class
of shares of the Fund held until September 30, 1994. In the case of Class
A shares, performance is measured from the Fund's inception on November
16, 1987, and in the case of Class C shares, performance is measured from
the inception of the Class on December 1, 1993. In both cases, all
dividends and capital gains distributions were reinvested in additional
shares. The graph reflects the deduction of the 4.75% current maximum
initial sales charge on Class A shares and the 1.0% contingent deferred
sales charge on Class C shares.
The Fund's performance is compared to the performance of the Lehman
Brothers Corporate Bond Index and the Salomon Brothers High Yield Market
Index. The Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of
publicly-issued nonconvertible investment grade corporate debt of U.S.
issuers, widely recognized as a measure of the U.S. fixed-rate corporate
bond market. The Salomon Brothers High Yield Market Index is an unmanaged
index of below-investment grade (but rated at least BB+/Ba1 by S&P or
Moody's) U.S. corporate debt obligations, widely recognized as a measure
of the performance of the high-yield corporate bond market, the market in
which the Fund principally invests. Index performance reflects the
reinvestment of dividends but does not consider the effect of capital
gains or transaction costs, and none of the data below shows the effect
of taxes. Also, the Fund's performance reflects the effect of Fund
business and operating expenses. While index comparisons may be useful
to provide a benchmark for the Fund's performance, it must be noted that
the Fund's investments are not limited to the securities in any one index.
Moreover, the index data does not reflect any assessment of the risk of
the investments included in the index.
Comparison of Change in Value
of $10,000 Hypothetical Investment in:
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund, the
Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index and
the Salomon Brothers High Yield Market
(Graph)
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
Average Annual Total Returns of the Fund at 9/30/94
1-Year 5-Year Life of the Fund*
Class A: 0.60% 12.62% 12.93%
* Class A Shares of the Fund first publicly sold on November 16, 1987
Cumulative Total Return of the Fund at 9/30/94
Life**
Class C: 0.17%
_________________________________________
* The inception date of the Fund (Class A shares) was 11/16/87.
** Class C shares of the Fund were first publicly offered on 12/1/93.
<PAGE>
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
How to Buy Shares
Classes of Shares. The Fund offers investors two different classes of
shares. The different classes of shares represent investments in the same
portfolio of securities but are subject to different expenses and will
likely have different share prices.
- Class A Shares. If you buy Class A shares, you pay an initial
sales charge (on investments up to $1 million). If you purchase Class A
shares as part of an investment of at least $1 million in shares of one
or more OppenheimerFunds, you will not pay an initial sales charge but if
you sell any of those shares within 18 months after your purchase, you may
pay a contingent deferred sales charge, which will vary depending on the
amount you invested. Sales charges are described below.
- Class C Shares. If you buy Class C shares, you pay no sales
charge at the time of purchase, but if you sell your shares within 12
months of buying them, you will normally pay a contingent deferred sales
charge of 1%.
Which Class of Shares Should You Choose? Once you decide that the Fund
is an appropriate investment for you, the decision as to which class of
shares is better suited to your needs depends on a number of factors which
you should discuss with your financial advisor. The Fund's operating
costs that apply to a class of shares and the effect of the different
types of sales charges on your investment will vary your investment
results over time. The most important factors are how much you plan to
invest, how long you plan to hold your investment, and whether you
anticipate exchanging your shares for shares of other OppenheimerFunds
(not all of which currently offer Class C shares). If your goals and
objectives change over time and you plan to purchase additional shares,
you should re-evaluate those factors to see if you should consider another
class of shares.
In the following discussion, to help provide you and your financial
advisor with a framework in which to choose a class, we have made some
assumptions using a hypothetical investment in the Fund. We used the
sales charge rates that apply to Class A and C, considering the effect of
the annual asset-based sales charge on Class C expenses (which, like all
expenses, will affect your investment return). For the sake of
comparison, we have assumed that there is a 10% rate of appreciation in
the investment each year. Of course, the actual performance of your
investment cannot be predicted and will vary, based on the Fund's actual
investment returns and the operating expenses borne by each class of
shares, and which class you invest in. The factors discussed below are
not intended to be investment advice or recommendations, because each
investor's financial considerations are different.
- How Long Do You Expect to Hold Your Investment? The Fund is
designed for long-term investment. While future financial needs cannot
be predicted with certainty, knowing how long you expect to hold your
investment will assist you in selecting the appropriate class of shares.
The effect of the sales charge over time, using our assumptions, will
generally depend on the amount invested. Because of the effect of class-
based expenses, your choice will also depend on how much you invest.
- How Much Do You Plan to Invest? If you plan to invest a
substantial amount over the long term, the reduced sales charges available
for larger purchases of Class A shares may offset the effect of paying an
initial sales charge on your investment (which reduces the amount of your
investment dollars used to buy shares for your account), compared to the
effect over time of higher expenses on Class C, for which no initial sales
charge is paid. Additionally, dividends payable to Class C shareholders
will be reduced by the additional expenses borne solely by Class C, such
as the asset-based sales charge described below.
In general, if you plan to invest less than $100,000, Class C shares
may be more advantageous than Class A shares, using the assumptions in our
hypothetical example. However, if you plan to invest more than $100,000
(not only in the Fund, but possibly in other OppenheimerFunds as well),
then Class A shares generally will be more advantageous than Class C,
because of the effect of the reduction of initial sales charges on larger
purchases of Class A shares (described in "Reduced Sales Charges for Class
A Share Purchases," below). That is also the case because the annual
asset-based sales charge on Class C shares will have a greater impact on
larger investments than the initial sales charge on Class A shares because
of the reductions of initial sales charge available for larger
purchases.
And for investors who invest $1 million or more, in most cases Class
A shares will be the most advantageous choice, no matter how long you
intend to hold your shares. For that reason, the Distributor normally
will not accept purchase orders of $1 million or more of Class C shares
from a single investor.
Of course, these examples are based on approximations of the effect
of current sales charges and expenses on a hypothetical investment over
time, using the assumptions stated above. Therefore, these examples
should not be relied on as rigid guidelines.
- Are There Differences in Account Features That Matter to You?
Because some account features may not be available to Class C
shareholders, or other features (such as Automatic Withdrawal Plans) might
not be advisable (because of the effect of the contingent deferred sales
charge) in non-retirement accounts for Class C shareholders, you should
carefully review how you plan to use your investment account before
deciding which class of shares to buy. Also, because not all
OppenheimerFunds currently offer Class C shares, and because exchanges are
permitted only to the same class of shares in other OppenheimerFunds, you
should consider how important the exchange privilege is likely to be for
you.
- How Does It Affect Payments to My Broker? A salesperson, such
as a broker, or any other person who is entitled to receive compensation
for selling Fund shares may receive different compensation for selling one
class than for selling another class. It is important that investors
understand that the purpose of the contingent deferred sales charge and
asset-based sales charge for Class C shares is the same as the purpose of
the front-end sales charge on sales of Class A shares: to compensate the
Distributor for commissions it pays to dealers and financial institutions
for selling shares.
How Much Must You Invest? You can open a Fund account with a minimum
initial investment of $1,000 and make additional investments at any time
with as little as $25. There are reduced minimum investments under special
investment plans:
With Asset Builder Plans, Automatic Exchange Plans, 403(b)(7)
custodial plans and military allotment plans, you can make initial and
subsequent investments of as little as $25; and subsequent purchases of
at least $25 can be made by telephone through AccountLink.
Under pension and profit-sharing plans and Individual Retirement
Accounts (IRAs), you can make an initial investment of as little as $250
(if your IRA is established under an Asset Builder Plan, the $25 minimum
applies), and subsequent investments may be as little as $25.
There is no minimum investment requirement if you are buying
shares by reinvesting dividends from the Fund or other OppenheimerFunds
(a list of them appears in the Statement of Additional Information, or you
can ask your dealer or call the Transfer Agent), or by reinvesting
distributions from unit investment trusts that have made arrangements with
the Distributor.
- How Are Shares Purchased? You can buy shares several ways --
through any dealer, broker or financial institution that has a sales
agreement with the Distributor, or directly through the Distributor, or
automatically through an Asset Builder Plan under the OppenheimerFunds
AccountLink service. When you buy shares, be sure to specify Class A or
Class C shares. If you do not choose, your investment will be made in
Class A shares.
- Buying Shares Through Your Dealer. Your dealer will place your
order with the Distributor on your behalf.
- Buying Shares Through the Distributor. Complete an
OppenheimerFunds New Account Application and return it with a check
payable to "Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc." Mail it to P.O. Box 5270,
Denver, Colorado 80217. If you don't list a dealer on the application,
the Distributor will act as your agent in buying the shares. However, we
recommend that you discuss your investment first with a financial advisor,
to be sure it is appropriate for you.
- Buying Shares Through OppenheimerFunds AccountLink. You can use
AccountLink to link your Fund account with an account at a U.S. bank or
other financial institution that is an Automated Clearing House (ACH)
member. You can then transmit funds electronically to purchase shares,
to send redemption proceeds, and to transmit dividends and
distributions.
Shares are purchased for your account on AccountLink on the regular
business day the Distributor is instructed by you to initiate the ACH
transfer to buy shares. You can provide those instructions automatically,
under an Asset Builder Plan, described below, or by telephone instructions
using OppenheimerFunds PhoneLink, also described below. You should request
AccountLink privileges on the application or dealer settlement
instructions used to establish your account. Please refer to "AccountLink"
below for more details.
- Asset Builder Plans. You may purchase shares of the Fund (and up
to four other OppenheimerFunds) automatically each month from your account
at a bank or other financial institution under an Asset Builder Plan with
AccountLink. Details are on the Application and in the Statement of
Additional Information.
- At What Price Are Shares Sold? Shares are sold at the public
offering price based on the net asset value and any initial sales charge
that applies that is next determined after the Distributor receives the
purchase order in Denver. In most cases, to enable you to receive that
day's offering price, the Distributor must receive your order by the time
of day The New York Stock Exchange closes, which is normally 4:00 P.M.,
New York time, but may be earlier on some days (all references to time in
this Prospectus mean "New York time"). The net asset value of each class
of shares is determined as of that time on each day The New York Stock
Exchange is open (which is a "regular business day").
If you buy shares through a dealer, the dealer must receive your
order by the close of The New York Stock Exchange, on a regular business
day and transmit it to the Distributor so that it is received before the
Distributor's close of business that day, which is normally 5:00 P.M. The
Distributor may reject any purchase order for the Fund's shares, in its
sole discretion.
Class A Shares. Class A shares are sold at their offering price, which
is normally net asset value plus an initial sales charge. However, in
some cases, described below, purchases are not subject to an initial sales
charge, and the offering price will be the net asset value. In some cases,
reduced sales charges may be available, as described below. Out of the
amount you invest, the Fund receives the net asset value to invest for
your account. The sales charge varies depending on the amount of your
purchase. A portion of the sales charge may be retained by the
Distributor and allocated to your dealer as a commission. The current
sales charge rates and commissions paid to dealers and brokers are as
follows:
_______________________________________________________________________
Front-End Sales Charge Commission as
As a Percentage of: Percentage of
Amount of Purchase Offering Price Amount Invested Offering Price
_______________________________________________________________________
__________
Less than $50,000 4.75% 4.98 4.00%
$50,000 or more but
less than $100,000 4.50% 4.71% 3.75%
$100,000 or more but
less than $250,000 3.50% 3.63% 2.75%
$250,000 or more but
less than $500,000 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000 or more but
less than $1 million 2.00% 2.04% 1.60%
The Distributor reserves the right to reallow the entire commission to
dealers. If that occurs, the dealer may be considered an "underwriter"
under Federal securities laws.
- Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. There is no initial
sales charge on purchases of Class A shares of any one or more
OppenheimerFunds aggregating $1 million or more. However, the Distributor
pays dealers of record commissions on such purchases in an amount equal
to the sum of 1.0% of the first $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of the next $2.5
million, plus 0.25% of share purchases over $5 million. That commission
will be paid only on the amount of those purchases in excess of $1 million
that were not previously subject to a front-end sales charge and dealer
commission.
If you redeem any of those shares within 18 months of the end of the
calendar month of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge
(called the "Class A contingent deferred sales charge") may be deducted
from the redemption proceeds. That sales charge will be equal to 1.0% of
the aggregate net asset value of either (1) the redeemed shares (not
including shares purchased by reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions) or (2) the original cost of the shares, whichever is less.
However, the Class A contingent deferred sales charge will not exceed the
aggregate amount of the commissions the Distributor paid to your dealer
on all Class A shares of all OppenheimerFunds you purchased subject to
the Class A contingent deferred sales charge. In determining whether a
contingent deferred sales charge is payable, the Fund will first redeem
shares that are not subject to the sales charge, including shares
purchased by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, and then will
redeem other shares in the order that you purchased them. The Class A
contingent deferred sales charge is waived in certain cases described in
"Waivers of Class A Sales Charges" below.
No Class A contingent deferred sales charge is charged on exchanges
of shares under the Fund's Exchange Privilege (described below). However,
if the shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 18 months of the
end of the calendar month of the purchase of the exchanged shares, the
sales charge will apply.
- Special Arrangements With Dealers. The Distributor may advance
up to 13 months' commissions to dealers that have established special
arrangements with the Distributor for Asset Builder Plans for their
clients. Dealers whose sales of Class A shares of OppenheimerFunds (other
than money market funds) under OppenheimerFunds-sponsored 403(b)(7)
custodial plans exceed $5 million per year (calculated per quarter), will
receive monthly one-half of the Distributor's retained commissions on
those sales, and if those sales exceed $10 million per year, those dealers
will receive the Distributor's entire retained commission on those sales.
Reduced Sales Charges for Class A Share Purchases. You may be eligible
to buy Class A shares at reduced sales charge rates in one or more of the
following ways:
- Right of Accumulation. To qualify for the lower sales charge
rates that apply to large purchases of Class A shares, you and your spouse
can add together Class A shares you purchase for your individual accounts,
or jointly, or on behalf of your children who are minors, under trust or
custodial accounts. A fiduciary can count all shares purchased for a
trust, estate or other fiduciary account (including one or more employee
benefit plans of the same employer) that has multiple accounts.
Additionally, you can add together current purchases of Class A
shares of the Fund and other OppenheimerFunds. You can also include Class
A shares of OppenheimerFunds you previously purchased subject to a sales
charge, provided that you still hold your investment in one of the
OppenheimerFunds. The value of those shares will be based on the greater
of the amount you paid for the shares or their current value (at offering
price). The OppenheimerFunds are listed in "Reduced Sales Charges" in the
Statement of Additional Information, or a list can be obtained from the
Transfer Agent. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current
purchases and must be requested when you buy your shares.
- Letter of Intent. Under a Letter of Intent, you may purchase
Class A shares of the Fund and other OppenheimerFunds during a 13-month
period at the reduced sales charge rate that applies to the total amount
of the intended purchases. This can include purchases made up to 90 days
before the date of the Letter. More information is contained in the
Application and in "Reduced Sales Charges" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
- Waivers of Class A Sales Charges. No sales charge is imposed on
sales of Class A shares to the following investors: (1) the Manager or its
affiliates; (2) present or former officers, directors, trustees and
employees (and their "immediate families" as defined in "Reduced Sales
Charges" in the Statement of Additional Information) of the Fund, the
Manager and its affiliates, and retirement plans established by them for
their employees; (3) registered management investment companies, or
separate accounts of insurance companies having an agreement with the
Manager or the Distributor for that purpose; (4) dealers or brokers that
have a sales agreement with the Distributor, if they purchase shares for
their own accounts or for retirement plans for their employees; (5)
employees and registered representatives (and their spouses) of dealers
or brokers described above or financial institutions that have entered
into sales arrangements with such dealers or brokers (and are identified
to the Distributor) or with the Distributor; the purchaser must certify
to the Distributor at the time of purchase that the purchase is for the
purchaser's own account (or for the benefit of such employee's spouse or
minor children); (6) dealers, brokers or registered investment advisers
that have entered into an agreement with the Distributor providing
specifically for the use of shares of the Fund in particular investment
products made available to their clients; and (7) dealers, brokers or
registered investment advisers that have entered into an agreement with
the Distributor to sell shares of defined contribution employee retirement
plans for which the dealer, broker or investment adviser provides
administration services.
Additionally, no sales charge is imposed on shares that are (a)
issued in plans of reorganization, such as mergers, asset acquisitions and
exchange offers, to which the Fund is a party, or (b) purchased by the
reinvestment of loan repayments by a participant in a retirement plan for
which the Manager or its affiliates acts as sponsor, or (c) purchased by
the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions reinvested from the
Fund or other OppenheimerFunds (other than Oppenheimer Cash Reserves) or
unit investment trusts for which reinvestment arrangements have been made
with the Distributor. There is a further discussion of this policy in
"Reduced Sales Charges" in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Class A contingent deferred sales charge does not apply to
purchases of Class A shares at net asset value described above and is also
waived if shares are redeemed in the following cases: (1) retirement
distributions or loans to participants or beneficiaries from qualified
retirement plans, deferred compensation plans or other employee benefit
plans ("Retirement Plans"), (2) returns of excess contributions made to
Retirement Plans, (3) Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments that are limited
to no more than 12% of the original account value annually, (4)
involuntary redemptions of shares by operation of law or under the
procedures set forth in the Fund's Declaration of Trust or adopted by the
Board of Trustees and (5) if, at the time an order is placed for Class A
shares that would otherwise be subject to the Class A contingent deferred
sales charge, the dealer agrees to accept the dealer's portion of the
commission payable on the sale in installments of 1/18th of the commission
per month (with no further commission payable if the shares are redeemed
within 18 months of purchase).
- Service Plan for Class A Shares. The Fund has adopted a Service
Plan for Class A shares to reimburse the Distributor for a portion of its
costs incurred in connection with the personal service and maintenance of
accounts that hold Class A shares. Reimbursement is made quarterly at an
annual rate that may not exceed 0.25% of the average annual net assets of
Class A shares of the Fund. The Distributor uses all of those fees to
compensate dealers, brokers, banks and other financial institutions
quarterly for providing personal service and maintenance of accounts of
their customers that hold Class A shares and to reimburse itself (if the
Fund's Board of Trustees authorizes such reimbursements, which it has not
yet done) for its other expenditures under the Plan.
Services to be provided include, among others, answering customer
inquiries about the Fund, assisting in establishing and maintaining
accounts in the Fund, making the Fund's investment plans available and
providing other services at the request of the Fund or the Distributor.
Payments are made by the Distributor quarterly at an annual rate not to
exceed 0.25% of the average annual net assets of Class A shares held in
accounts of the dealer or its customers. The payments under the Plan
increase the annual expenses of Class A shares. For more details, please
refer to "Distribution and Service Plans" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
Class C Shares. Class C shares are sold at net asset value per share
without an initial sales charge. However, if Class C shares are redeemed
within 12 months of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge of
1.0% will be deducted from the redemption proceeds. That sales charge
will not apply to shares purchased by the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions. The charge will be assessed on the lesser of
the net asset value of the shares at the time of redemption or the
original purchase price. The contingent deferred sales charge is not
imposed on the amount of your account value represented by the increase
in net asset value over the initial purchase price (including increases
due to the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions). The
Class C contingent deferred sales charge is paid to the Distributor to
reimburse its expenses of providing distribution-related services to the
Fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares.
To determine whether the contingent deferred sales charge applies to
a redemption, the Fund redeems shares in the following order: (1) shares
acquired by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions, (2)
shares held for over 12 months, and (3) shares held the longest during the
12-month period.
- Waivers of Class C Sales Charge. The Class C contingent deferred
sales charge will be waived if the shareholder requests it for any of the
following redemptions: (1) distributions to participants or beneficiaries
from Retirement Plans, if the distributions are made (a) under an
Automatic Withdrawal Plan after the participant reaches age 59-1/2, as
long as the payments are no more than 10% of the account value annually
(measured from the date the Transfer Agent receives the request), or (b)
following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal Revenue
Code) of the participant or beneficiary; (2) redemptions from accounts
other than Retirement Plans following the death or disability of the
shareholder (the disability must have occurred after the account was
established and you must provide evidence of a determination of disability
by the Social Security Administration); (3) returns of excess
contributions to Retirement Plans; and (4) distributions from IRAs
(including SEP-IRAs and SAR /SEP accounts) before the participant is age
59-1/2, and distributions from 403(b)(7) custodial plans or pension or
profit sharing plans before the participant is age 59-1/2 but only after
the participant has separated from service, if the distributions are made
in substantially equal periodic payments over the life (or life
expectancy) of the participant or the joint lives (or joint life and last
survivor expectancy) of the participant and the participant's designated
beneficiary (and the distributions must comply with other requirements for
such distributions under the Internal Revenue Code and may not exceed 10%
of the account value annually, measured from the date the Transfer Agent
receives the request).
The contingent deferred sales charge is also waived on Class C
shares in the following cases: (i) shares sold to the Manager or its
affiliates; (ii) shares sold to registered management investment companies
or separate accounts of insurance companies having an agreement with the
Manager or the Distributor for that purpose; (iii) shares issued in plans
of reorganization to which the Fund is a party; and (iv) shares redeemed
in involuntary redemptions as described above. Further details about this
policy are contained in "Reduced Sales Charges" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
- Distribution and Service Plan for Class C Shares. The Fund has
adopted a Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares to compensate
the Distributor for its services and costs in distributing Class C shares
and servicing accounts. Under the Plan, the Fund pays the Distributor an
annual "asset-based sales charge" of 0.75% per year on Class C shares.
The Distributor also receives a service fee of 0.25% per year. Both fees
are computed on the average annual net assets of Class C shares,
determined as of the close of each regular business day. The asset-based
sales charge allows investors to buy Class C shares without a front-end
sales charge while allowing the Distributor to compensate dealers that
sell Class C shares.
The Distributor uses the service fee to compensate dealers for
providing personal services for accounts that hold Class C shares. Those
services are similar to those provided under the Class A Service Plan,
described above. The asset-based sales charge and service fees increase
Class C expenses by up to 1.00% of average net assets per year.
The Distributor pays the 0.25% service fee to dealers in advance for
the first year after Class C shares have been sold by the dealer. After
the shares have been held for a year, the Distributor pays the fee on a
quarterly basis. The Distributor pays sales commissions of 0.75% of the
purchase price to dealers from its own resources at the time of sale. The
Distributor retains the asset-based sales charge during the first year
shares are outstanding to recoup the sales commissions it pays, the
advances of service fee payments it makes, financing costs and other
expenses. The Distributor plans to pay the asset-based sales charge as an
ongoing commission to the dealer on Class C shares that have been
outstanding for a year or more.
Because the Distributor's actual expenses in selling Class C shares
may be more than the payments it receives from contingent deferred sales
charges collected on redeemed shares and from the Fund under the
Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares, those expenses may be
carried over and paid in future years. At September 30, 1994, the end of
the Plan year, the Distributor had incurred unreimbursed expenses under
the Plan of $368,319 (equal to 1.33% of the Fund's net assets represented
by Class C shares on that date), which have been carried over into the
present Plan year. If the Plan is terminated by the Fund, the Board of
Trustees may allow the Fund to continue payments of the asset-based sales
charge to the Distributor for certain expenses it incurred before the Plan
was terminated.
Special Investor Services
AccountLink. OppenheimerFunds AccountLink links your Fund account to
your account at your bank or other financial institution to enable you to
send money electronically between those accounts to perform a number of
types of account transactions. These include purchases of shares by
telephone (either through a service representative or by PhoneLink,
described below), automatic investments under Asset Builder Plans, and
sending dividends and distributions or Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments
directly to your bank account. Please refer to the Application for details
or call the Transfer Agent for more information.
AccountLink privileges must be requested on the Application you use
to buy shares, or on your dealer's settlement instructions if you buy your
shares through your dealer. After your account is established, you can
request AccountLink privileges on signature-guaranteed instructions to the
Transfer Agent. AccountLink privileges will apply to each shareholder
listed in the registration on your account as well as to your dealer
representative of record unless and until the Transfer Agent receives
written instructions terminating or changing those privileges. After you
establish AccountLink for your account, any change of bank account
information must be made by signature-guaranteed instructions to the
Transfer Agent signed by all shareholders who own the account.
- Using AccountLink to Buy Shares. Purchases may be made by
telephone only after your account has been established. To purchase shares
in amounts up to $250,000 through a telephone representative, call the
Distributor at 1-800-852-8457. The purchase payment will be debited from
your bank account.
- PhoneLink. PhoneLink is the OppenheimerFunds automated telephone
system that enables shareholders to perform a number of account
transactions automatically using a touch-tone phone. PhoneLink may be used
on already-established Fund accounts after you obtain a Personal
Identification Number (PIN), by calling the special PhoneLink number: 1-
800-533-3310.
- Purchasing Shares. You may purchase shares in amounts up to
$100,000 by phone, by calling 1-800-533-3310. You must have established
AccountLink privileges to link your bank account with the Fund, to pay for
these purchases.
- Exchanging Shares. With the OppenheimerFunds Exchange Privilege,
described below, you can exchange shares automatically by phone from your
Fund account to another OppenheimerFunds account you have already
established by calling the special PhoneLink number. Please refer to "How
to Exchange Shares," below, for details.
- Selling Shares. You can redeem shares by telephone automatically
by calling the PhoneLink number and the Fund will send the proceeds
directly to your AccountLink bank account. Please refer to "How to Sell
Shares," below, for details.
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange Plans. The Fund has several plans
that enable you to sell shares automatically or exchange them to another
OppenheimerFunds account on a regular basis:
- Automatic Withdrawal Plans. If your Fund account is worth $5,000
or more, you can establish an Automatic Withdrawal Plan to receive
payments of at least $50 on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
basis. The checks may be sent to you or sent automatically to your bank
account on AccountLink. You may even set up certain types of withdrawals
of up to $1,500 per month by telephone. You should consult the
Application and Statement of Additional Information for more details.
- Automatic Exchange Plans. You can authorize the Transfer Agent
automatically to exchange an amount you establish in advance for shares
of up to five other OppenheimerFunds on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual
or annual basis under an Automatic Exchange Plan. The minimum purchase
for each OppenheimerFunds account is $25. These exchanges are subject to
the terms of the Exchange Privilege, described below.
Reinvestment Privilege. If you redeem some or all of your Fund shares,
you have up to 6 months to reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds
in Class A shares of the Fund or other OppenheimerFunds without paying a
sales charge. This privilege applies to Fund shares that you purchased
with an initial sales charge. It also applies to shares on which you paid
a contingent deferred sales charge when you redeemed them. You must be
sure to ask the Distributor for this privilege when you send your payment.
Please consult the Statement of Additional Information for more
details.
Retirement Plans. Fund shares are available as an investment for your
retirement plans. If you participate in a plan sponsored by your employer,
the plan trustee or administrator must make the purchase of shares for
your retirement plan account. The Distributor offers a number of different
retirement plans that can be used by individuals and employers:
- Individual Retirement Accounts including rollover IRAs, for
individuals and their spouses
- 403(b)(7) Custodial Plans for employees of eligible tax-exempt
organizations, such as schools, hospitals and charitable organizations
- SEP-IRAs (Simplified Employee Pension Plans) for small business
owners or people with income from self-employment, including SARSEP-
IRAs
- Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans for self-employed persons and
other employers
Please call the Distributor for the OppenheimerFunds plan documents,
which contain important information and applications.
How to Sell Shares
You can arrange to take money out of your account on any regular
business day by selling (redeeming) some or all of your shares. Your
shares will be sold at the next net asset value calculated after your
order is received and accepted by the Transfer Agent. The Fund offers you
a number of ways to sell your shares: in writing or by telephone. You can
also set up Automatic Withdrawal Plans to redeem shares on a regular
basis, as described above. If you have questions about any of these
procedures, and especially if you are redeeming shares in a special
situation, such as due to the death of the owner, or from a retirement
plan, please call the Transfer Agent first, at 1-800-525-7048, for
assistance.
- Retirement Accounts. To sell shares in an OppenheimerFunds
retirement account in your name, call the Transfer Agent for a
distribution request form. There are special income tax withholding
requirements for distributions from retirement plans and you must submit
a withholding form with your request to avoid delay. If your retirement
plan account is held for you by your employer, you must arrange for the
distribution request to be sent by the plan administrator or trustee.
There are additional details in the Statement of Additional
Information.
- Certain Requests Require a Signature Guarantee. To protect you
and the Fund from fraud, certain redemption requests must be in writing
and must include a signature guarantee in the following situations (there
may be other situations also requiring a signature guarantee):
- You wish to redeem more than $50,000 worth of shares and receive
a check
- A redemption check is not payable to all shareholders listed on the
account statement
- A redemption check is not sent to the address of record on your
statement
- Shares are being transferred to a Fund account with a different
owner or name
- Shares are redeemed by someone other than the owners (such as an
Executor)
- Where Can I Have My Signature Guaranteed? The Transfer Agent
will accept a guarantee of your signature by a number of financial
institutions, including: a U.S. bank, trust company, credit union or
savings association, or by a foreign bank that has a U.S. correspondent
bank, or by a U.S. registered dealer or broker in securities, municipal
securities or government securities, or by a U.S. national securities
exchange, a registered securities association or a clearing agency. If you
are signing on behalf of a corporation, partnership or other business, or
as a fiduciary, you must also include your title in the signature.
Selling Shares by Mail. Write a "letter of instructions" that
includes:
- Your name
- The Fund's name
- Your Fund account number (from your statement)
- The dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed
- Any special payment instructions
- Any share certificates for the shares you are selling, and
- Any special requirements or documents requested by the Transfer
Agent to assure proper authorization of the person asking to sell shares.
Use the following address for requests Send courier or Express
by mail: Mail requests to:
Oppenheimer Shareholder Services Oppenheimer Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado 80217 10200 E. Girard Avenue
Building D
Denver, Colorado 80231
Selling Shares by Telephone. You and your dealer representative of
record may also sell your shares by telephone. To receive the redemption
price on a regular business day, your call must be received by the
Transfer Agent by the close of The New York Stock Exchange that day, which
is normally 4:00 P.M., but may be earlier on some days. You may not
redeem shares held in an OppenheimerFunds retirement plan or under a share
certificate by telephone.
- To redeem shares through a service representative, call 1-800-
852-8457
- To redeem shares automatically on PhoneLink, call 1-800-533-
3310
Whichever method you use, you may have a check sent to the address
on the account statement, or, if you have linked your Fund account to your
bank account on AccountLink, you may have the proceeds wired to that bank
account.
- Telephone Redemptions Paid by Check. Up to $50,000 may be
redeemed by telephone in any 7-day period. The check must be payable to
all owners of record of the shares and must be sent to the address on the
account statement. This service is not available within 30 days of
changing the address on an account.
- Telephone Redemptions Through AccountLink. There are no dollar
limits on telephone redemption proceeds sent to a bank account designated
when you establish AccountLink. Normally the ACH wire to your bank is
initiated on the business day after the redemption. You do not receive
dividends on the proceeds of the shares you redeemed while they are
waiting to be wired.
Checkwriting. To be able to write checks against your Fund account,
you may request that privilege on your account Application or you can
contact the Transfer Agent for signature cards, which must be signed (with
a signature guarantee) by all owners of the account and returned to the
Transfer Agent so that checks can be sent to you to use. Shareholders with
joint accounts can elect in writing to have checks paid over the signature
of one owner.
- Checks can be written to the order of whomever you wish, but may
not be cashed at the Fund's bank or custodian.
- Checkwriting privileges are not available for accounts holding Class
C shares or Class A shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge.
- Checks must be written for at least $100.
- Checks cannot be paid if they are written for more than your account
value.
Remember: your shares fluctuate in value and you should not write a
check close to the total account value.
- You may not write a check that would require the Fund to redeem
shares that were purchased by check or Asset Builder Plan payments within
the prior 15 days.
- Don't use your checks if you changed your Fund account number.
The Fund will charge a $10 fee for any check that is not paid
because (1) the owners of the account told the Fund not to pay the check,
or (2) the check was for more than the account balance, or (3) the check
did not have the proper signatures, or (4) the check was written for less
than $100.
Selling Shares Through Your Dealer. The Distributor has made
arrangements to repurchase Fund shares from dealers and brokers on behalf
of their customers. Brokers or dealers may charge for that service.
Please refer to "Special Arrangements for Repurchase of Shares from
Dealers and Brokers" in the Statement of Additional Information for more
details.
How to Exchange Shares
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of certain
OppenheimerFunds at net asset value per share at the time of exchange,
without sales charge. A $5 service fee will be deducted from the fund
account you are exchanging into to help defray administrative costs. That
charge is waived for automated exchanges made by brokers on Fund/SERV and
for automated exchanges between already established accounts on PhoneLink,
described below. To exchange shares, you must meet several conditions:
- Shares of the fund selected for exchange must be available for
sale in your state of residence
- The prospectuses of this Fund and the fund whose shares you want
to buy must offer the exchange privilege
- You must hold the shares you buy when you establish your account
for at least 7 days before you can exchange them; after the account is
open 7 days, you can exchange shares every regular business day
- You must meet the minimum purchase requirements for the fund you
purchase by exchange
- Before exchanging into a fund, you should obtain and read its
prospectus
Shares of a particular class may be exchanged only for shares of the
same class in the other OppenheimerFunds. For example, you can exchange
Class A shares of this Fund only for Class A shares of another fund. At
present, not all of the OppenheimerFunds offer the same classes of shares.
If a fund has only one class of shares that does not have a class
designation, they are "Class A" shares for exchange purposes. Certain
OppenheimerFunds offer Class A, Class B and/or Class C shares, and a list
can be obtained by calling the Distributor at 1-800-525-7048. In some
cases, sales charges may be imposed on exchange transactions. Please
refer to "How to Exchange Shares" in the Statement of Additional
Information for more details.
Exchanges may be requested in writing or by telephone:
- Written Exchange Requests. Submit an OppenheimerFunds Exchange
Request form, signed by all owners of the account. Send it to the
Transfer Agent at the addresses listed in "How to Sell Shares."
- Telephone Exchange Requests. Telephone exchange requests may be
made either by calling a service representative at 1-800-852-8457 or by
using PhoneLink for automated exchanges, by calling 1-800-533-3310.
Telephone exchanges may be made only between accounts that are registered
with the same name(s) and address. Shares held under certificates may not
be exchanged by telephone.
You can find a list of OppenheimerFunds currently available for
exchanges in the Statement of Additional Information or by calling a
service representative at 1-800-525-7048. Exchanges of shares involve a
redemption of the shares of the fund you own and a purchase of shares of
the other fund.
There are certain exchange policies you should be aware of:
- Shares are normally redeemed from one fund and purchased from
the other fund in the exchange transaction on the same regular business
day on which the Transfer Agent receives an exchange request that is in
proper form by the close of The New York Stock Exchange that day, which
is normally 4:00 P.M. but may be earlier on some days. However, either
fund may delay the purchase of shares of the fund you are exchanging into
if it determines it would be disadvantaged by a same-day transfer of the
proceeds to buy shares. For example, the receipt of multiple exchange
requests from a dealer in a "market-timing" strategy might require the
disposition of securities at a time or price disadvantageous to the
Fund.
- Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance and harm
shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to refuse any exchange request
that will disadvantage it, or to refuse multiple exchange requests
submitted by a shareholder or dealer.
- The Fund may amend, suspend or terminate the exchange privilege
at any time. Although the Fund will attempt to provide you notice
whenever it is reasonably able to do so, it may impose these changes at
any time.
- If the Transfer Agent cannot exchange all the shares you request
because of a restriction cited above, only the shares eligible for
exchange will be exchanged.
The Distributor has entered into agreements with certain dealers and
investment advisers permitting them to exchange their clients' shares by
telephone. These privileges are limited under those agreements and the
Distributor has the right to reject or suspend those privileges. As a
result, those exchanges may be subject to notice requirements, delays and
other limitations that do not apply to shareholders who exchange their
shares directly by calling or writing to the Transfer Agent.
Shareholder Account Rules and Policies
- Net Asset Value Per Share is determined for each class of shares
as of the close of The New York Stock Exchange on each regular business
day by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets attributable to a class
by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding. The Fund's
Board of Trustees has established procedures to value the Fund's
securities to determine net asset value. In general, securities values
are based on market value. There are special procedures for valuing
illiquid and restricted securities, obligations for which market values
cannot be readily obtained, and call options and hedging instruments.
These procedures are described more completely in the Statement of
Additional Information.
- The offering of shares may be suspended during any period in
which the determination of net asset value is suspended, and the offering
may be suspended by the Board of Trustees at any time the Board believes
it is in the Fund's best interest to do so.
- Telephone Transaction Privileges for purchases, redemptions or
exchanges may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Fund at any
time. If an account has more than one owner, the Fund and the Transfer
Agent may rely on the instructions of any one owner. Telephone privileges
apply to each owner of the account and the dealer representative of record
for the account unless and until the Transfer Agent receives cancellation
instructions from an owner of the account.
- The Transfer Agent will record any telephone calls to verify data
concerning transactions and has adopted other procedures to confirm that
telephone instructions are genuine, by requiring callers to provide tax
identification numbers and other account data or by using PINs, and by
confirming such transactions in writing. If the Transfer Agent does not
use reasonable procedures it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized
transactions, but otherwise neither it nor the Fund will be liable for
losses or expenses arising out of telephone instructions reasonably
believed to be genuine. If you are unable to reach the Transfer Agent
during periods of unusual market activity, you may not be able to complete
a telephone transaction and should consider placing your order by
mail.
- Redemption or transfer requests will not be honored until the
Transfer Agent receives all required documents in proper form. From time
to time, the Transfer Agent in its discretion may waive certain of the
requirements for redemptions stated in this Prospectus.
- Dealers that can perform account transactions for their clients
by participating in NETWORKING through the National Securities Clearing
Corporation are responsible for obtaining their clients' permission to
perform those transactions and are responsible to their clients who are
shareholders of the Fund if the dealer performs any transaction
erroneously or improperly.
- The redemption price for shares will vary from day to day because
the value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio fluctuates, and the
redemption price, which is the net asset value per share, will normally
be different for Class A and Class C shares. Therefore, the redemption
value of your shares may be more or less than their original cost.
- Payment for redeemed shares is made ordinarily in cash and
forwarded by check or through AccountLink (as elected by the shareholder
under the redemption procedures described above) within 7 days after the
Transfer Agent receives redemption instructions in proper form, except
under unusual circumstances determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission delaying or suspending such payments. The Transfer Agent may
delay forwarding a check or processing a payment via AccountLink for
recently purchased shares, but only until the purchase payment has
cleared. That delay may be as much as 10 days from the date the shares
were purchased. That delay may be avoided if you purchase shares by
certified check or arrange to have your bank provide telephone or written
assurance to the Transfer Agent that your purchase payment has
cleared.
- Involuntary redemptions of small accounts may be made by the Fund
if the account value has fallen below $200 for reasons other than the fact
that the market value of shares has dropped, and in some cases involuntary
redemptions may be made to repay the Distributor for losses from the
cancellation of share purchase orders.
- Under unusual circumstances, shares of the fund may be redeemed
"in kind", which means that the redemption proceeds will be paid with
securities from the Fund's portfolio. Please refer to "How to Sell
Shares" in the Statement of Additional Information for more details.
- "Backup Withholding" of Federal income tax may be applied at the
rate of 31% from dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds
(including exchanges) if you fail to furnish the Fund a certified Social
Security or Employer Identification Number when you sign your application,
or if you violate Internal Revenue Service regulations on tax reporting
of income.
- The Fund does not charge a redemption fee, but if your dealer or
broker handles your redemption, they may charge a fee. That fee can be
avoided by redeeming your Fund shares directly through the Transfer Agent.
Under the circumstances described in "How To Buy Shares," you may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge when redeeming certain Class
A and Class C shares.
- To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, the
Fund will mail only one copy of each annual and semi-annual report and
updated prospectus to shareholders having the same last name and address
on the Fund's records. However, each shareholder may call the Transfer
Agent at 1-800-525-7048 to ask that copies of those materials be sent
personally to that shareholder.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Dividends. The Fund declares dividends separately for Class A and Class
C shares from net investment income on each regular business day and pays
those dividends to shareholders monthly. Normally, dividends are paid on
or about the last business day of the month, but the Board of Trustees can
change that date. Also, dividends paid on Class A shares generally are
expected to be higher than for Class C shares because expenses allocable
to Class C shares will generally be higher. There is no fixed dividend
rate and there can be no assurance as to the payment of any dividends.
Capital Gains. The Fund may make distributions annually in December out
of any net short-term or long-term capital gains, and the Fund may make
supplemental distributions of dividends and capital gains following the
end of its fiscal year. Long-term capital gains will be separately
identified in the tax information the Fund sends you after the end of the
year. Short-term capital gains are treated as dividends for tax purposes.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will pay any capital gains
distributions in a particular year.
Distribution Options. When you open your account, specify on your
application how you want to receive your distributions. For
OppenheimerFunds retirement accounts, all distributions are reinvested.
For other accounts, you have four options:
- Reinvest All Distributions in the Fund. You can elect to reinvest
all dividends and long-term capital gains distributions in additional
shares of the Fund.
- Reinvest Long-Term Capital Gains Only. You can elect to reinvest
long-term capital gains in the Fund while receiving dividends by check or
sent to your bank account on AccountLink.
- Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive a check
for all dividends and long-term capital gains distributions or have them
sent to your bank on AccountLink.
- Reinvest Your Distributions in Another OppenheimerFunds Account. You
can reinvest all distributions in another OppenheimerFunds account you
have established.
Taxes. If your account is not a tax-deferred retirement account, you
should be aware of the following tax implications of investing in the
Fund. Long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term capital gains when
distributed to shareholders. It does not matter how long you held your
shares. Dividends paid from short-term capital gains and net investment
income are taxable as ordinary income. Distributions are subject to
federal income tax and may be subject to state or local taxes. Your
distributions are taxable when paid, whether you reinvest them in
additional shares or take them in cash. Every year the Fund will send you
and the IRS a statement showing the amount of each taxable distribution
you received in the previous year.
- "Buying a Dividend": When a fund goes ex-dividend, its share
price is reduced by the amount of the distribution. If you buy shares on
or just before the ex-dividend date, or just before the Fund declares a
capital gains distribution, you will pay the full price for the shares and
then receive a portion of the price back as a taxable dividend or capital
gain.
- Taxes on Transactions: Share redemptions, including redemptions
for exchanges, are subject to capital gains tax. A capital gain or loss
is the difference between the price you paid for the shares and the price
you received when you sold them.
- Returns of Capital: In certain cases distributions made by the
Fund may be considered a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders.
If that occurs, it will be identified in notices to shareholders. A non-
taxable return of capital may reduce your tax basis in your Fund
shares.
This information is only a summary of certain federal tax
information about your investment. More information is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information, and in addition you should consult
with your tax adviser about the effect of an investment in the Fund on
your particular tax situation.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A: BOND RATINGS
Description of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Bond Ratings
Aaa: Bonds which are rated "Aaa" are judged to be the best quality and
to carry the smallest degree of investment risk. 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,
the changes that can be expected are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the "Aaa" group, they comprise what are generally
known as "high-grade" bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds
because margins of protection may not be as large as with "Aaa" securities
or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there
may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear
somewhat larger than those of "Aaa" securities.
A: Bonds which are rated "A" possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium grade obligations.
Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate
but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment
sometime in the future.
The investments in which the Fund will principally invest will be in the
lower-rated categories described below.
Baa: Bonds which 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 have speculative
characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered well-assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty
of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated "B" generally lack characteristics of
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time
may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated "Caa" are of poor standing and may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated "Ca" represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree and are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of bonds and
can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Description of Standard & Poor's Bond Ratings
AAA: "AAA" is the highest rating assigned to a debt obligation and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
AA: Bonds rated "AA" also qualify as high-quality debt obligations.
Capacity to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority
of instances they differ from "AAA" issues only in small degree.
A: Bonds rated "A" have a strong capacity to pay principal and
interest, although they are somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects
of change in circumstances and economic conditions.
The investments in which the Fund will principally invest will be in the
lower-rated categories, described below.
BBB: Bonds rated "BBB" are regarded as having an adequate capacity to
pay principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for
bonds in this category than for bonds in the "A" category.
BB, B, CCC, CC: Bonds rated "BB," "B," "CCC" and "CC" are regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's
capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms
of the obligation. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of speculation and
"CC" the highest degree. While such bonds will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
C: Bonds on which no interest is being paid are rated "C".
D: Bonds rated "D" are in payment default and payment of interest
and/or repayment of principal is in arrears.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX TO PROSPECTUS OF
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
Graphic material included in Prospectus of Oppenheimer Champion High
Yield Fund: "Comparison of Total Return of Oppenheimer Champion High Yield
Fund, the Lehman Bros. Corp. Bond Index and the Salomon Bros. High Yield
Market Index - Change in Value of a $10,000 Hypothetical Investment"
A linear graph will be included in the Prospectus of Oppenheimer
Champion High Yield Fund (the "Fund") depicting the initial account value
and subsequent account value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the
Fund through 9/30/94 from, in the case of Class A shares, the period since
the inception of the Fund (11/16/87) and in the case of Class C shares,
the period from the inception of the class (12/1/93). The graph will
compare such values with hypothetical $10,000 investments over the same
time periods in the Lehman Bros. Corp. Bond Index and the Salomon Bros.
High Yield Market Index. Set forth below are the relevant data points
that will appear on the linear graph. Additional information with respect
to the foregoing, including descriptions of the Lehman Bros. Corp. Bond
Index and the Salomon Bros. High Yield Market Index, is set forth in the
Prospectus under "Performance of the Fund - Comparing the Fund's
Performance to the Market."
Salomon Bros.
Fiscal Year Oppenheimer Champion Lehman Bros. High Yield
(Period) Ended High Yield Fund A Corp. Bond Index Market Index
11/16/87 $ 9,525 $10,000 $10,000
09/30/88* $11,096 $11,000 $12,051
09/30/89 $12,252 $12,297 $12,833
09/30/90 $12,428 $13,058 $11,800
09/30/91 $15,594 $15,282 $15,577
09/30/92 $18,713 $17,452 $19,085
09/30/93 $21,838 $19,640 $21,906
09/30/94 $23,065 $18,881 $22,411
______________________
*For the period from November 16, 1987 (commencement of operations) to
September 30, 1988.
Fiscal Year Oppenheimer Champion Lehman Bros. Salomon Bros.
Period Ended High Yield Fund C Corp. Bond Index High Yield
Market Index
12/1/93* $10,000 $10,000 $10,000
09/30/94 $10,017 $ 9,658 $ 9,981
*Class C shares of the Fund were first publicly offered on December 1,
1993.
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
3410 South Galena Street
Denver, Colorado 80231
Investment Adviser
Oppenheimer Management Corporation
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203 OPPENHEIMER
Distributor Champion High Yield Fund
Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Transfer and Shareholder Servicing Agent Prospectus and
Oppenheimer Shareholder Services New Account Application
P.O. Box 5270 Effective January 27,
1995
Denver, Colorado 80217
1-800-525-7048
Custodian of Portfolio Securities
The Bank of New York
One Wall Street
New York, NY 10015
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1560 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
Legal Counsel
Myer, Swanson, Adams & Wolf, P.C.
1600 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
No dealer, broker, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to
give any information or to make any representations other than those
contained in this Prospectus or the Additional Statement, and if given or
made, such information and representations must not be relied upon as
having been authorized by the Fund, Oppenheimer Management Corporation,
Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. or any affiliate thereof. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an
offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any state to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such state.
(Logo)OppenheimerFunds
PR190.0195.N *Printed on recycled paper
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
3410 South Galena Street, Denver, Colorado 80231
1-800-525-7048
Statement of Additional Information dated January 27, 1995
This Statement of Additional Information of Oppenheimer Champion
High Yield Fund is not a Prospectus. This document contains additional
information about the Fund and supplements information in the Prospectus
dated January 27, 1995. It should be read together with the Prospectus,
which may be obtained by writing to the Fund's Transfer Agent, Oppenheimer
Shareholder Services, at P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado 80217 or by
calling the Transfer Agent at the toll-free number shown above.
Contents
Page
About the Fund
Investment Objectives and Policies 2
Investment Policies and Strategies 2
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies 8
Other Investment Restrictions 18
How the Fund is Managed 19
Organization and History 19
Trustees and Officers of the Fund 20
The Manager and Its Affiliates 23
Brokerage Policies of the Fund 24
Performance of the Fund 26
Distribution and Service Plans 30
About Your Account 32
How To Buy Shares 32
How To Sell Shares 38
How To Exchange Shares 42
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes 44
Additional Information About the Fund 45
Financial Information About the Fund 46
Independent Auditors' Report 46
Financial Statements 47
Appendix A: Industry Classifications A-1
ABOUT THE FUND
Investment Objectives And Policies
Investment Policies and Strategies. The investment objectives and
policies of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. Set forth below is
supplemental information about those policies and the types of securities
in which the Fund invests, as well as the strategies the Fund may use to
try to achieve its objectives. Capitalized terms used in this Statement
of Additional Information have the same meaning as those terms have in the
Prospectus.
The Fund seeks to attain its primary objective of a high level of
current income by investing mainly in a diversified portfolio of high
yield fixed-income securities. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks
capital growth when consistent with its primary objective. High yield
bonds generally offer a higher yield to maturity than bonds with higher
ratings as compensation for holding an obligation perceived to be of
greater risk. The high yield opportunity has been the result of wide
yield spreads between high yield obligations and high grade obligations,
with actual losses resulting from default remaining low relative to the
values of outstanding high yield bonds. In addition to offering higher
absolute returns, high yield securities have greater potential than high-
grade bonds for better relative performance if their credit quality
improves.
The Fund's investment adviser, Oppenheimer Management Corporation (the
"Manager"), evaluates the investment merits of fixed-income securities
primarily through the exercise of its own investment analysis. This may
include consideration of the financial strength of the issuer, including
its historic and current financial condition, the trading activity in its
securities, present and anticipated cash flow, estimated current value of
assets in relation to historical cost, the issuer's experience and
managerial expertise, responsiveness to changes in interest rates and
business conditions, debt maturity schedules, current and future borrowing
requirements, and any change in the financial condition of the issuer and
its continuing ability to meet its future obligations. The Manager also
may consider anticipated changes in business conditions, levels of
interest rates of bonds as contrasted with levels of cash dividends,
industry and regional prospects, the availability of new investment
opportunities, and the general economic, legislative and monetary outlook
for specific industries, the nation and the world.
-- Investment Risks of Fixed-Income Securities. All fixed-income
securities are subject to two types of risks: credit risk and interest
rate risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer to meet
interest or principal payments on a security as they become due.
Generally, higher yielding lower-grade bonds are subject to credit risk
to a greater extent than lower yielding, investment grade bonds. Interest
rate risk refers to the fluctuations in value of fixed-income securities
resulting solely from the inverse relationship between price and yield of
outstanding fixed-income securities. An increase in prevailing interest
rates will generally reduce the market value of already-issued fixed-
income investments, and a decline in interest rates will tend to increase
their value. In addition, debt securities with longer maturities, which
tend to produce higher yields, are subject to potentially greater changes
in their prices from changes in interest rates than obligations with
shorter maturities. Fluctuations in the market value of fixed-income
securities after the Fund buys them will not affect the interest payable
on those securities, nor the cash income from such securities. However,
those price fluctuations will be reflected in the valuations of these
securities and therefore the Fund's net asset values.
As stated in the Prospectus, the investments in which the Fund will
principally invest will be in the lower rating categories. The Fund may
invest in securities rated as low as "C" by Moody's or "D" by Standard &
Poor's. The Manager will not rely solely on the ratings assigned by
rating services and may invest, without limit, in unrated securities which
offer, in the opinion of the Manager, yields and risks comparable to
those of rated securities in which the Fund may invest.
Some of the principal risks of high yield securities include: (i)
limited liquidity and secondary market support, (ii) substantial market
price volatility resulting from changes in prevailing interest rates,
(iii) subordination of the holder's claims to the prior claims of banks
and other senior lenders in bankruptcy proceedings, (iv) the operation of
mandatory sinking fund or call/redemption provisions during periods of
declining interest rates, whereby the holder might receive redemption
proceeds at times when only lower-yielding portfolio securities are
available for investment, (v) the possibility that earnings of the issuer
may be insufficient to meet its debt service, and (vi) the issuer's low
creditworthiness and potential for insolvency during periods of rising
interest rates and economic downturn. Some high yield bonds pay interest
in kind rather than in cash.
As a result of the limited liquidity of high yield securities, their
prices have at times experienced significant and rapid decline when a
significant number of holders of high yield securities simultaneously
decided to sell them. A decline is also likely in the high yield bond
market during an economic downturn. An economic downturn or an increase
in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for high yield
securities and adversely affect the value of outstanding securities and
the ability of the issuers to repay principal and interest. In addition,
in recent years there have been several Congressional attempts to limit
the use or limit tax and other advantages of high yield bonds. If
enacted, such proposals could adversely affect the value of these
securities and consequently the Fund's net asset value per share. For
example, federally insured savings and loan associations have been
required to divest their investments in high yield securities.
-- Zero Coupon Securities. The Fund may invest in zero coupon
securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or by private issuers, such as
corporations. Zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities include: (1) U.S.
Treasury bills without interest coupons, (2) U.S. Treasury notes and bonds
that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons and (3)
receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations or coupons. These securities usually trade at a deep discount
from their face or par value and will be subject to greater fluctuations
in market value in response to changing interest rates than debt
obligations of comparable maturities that make current payments of
interest. However, the interest rate is "locked in" and there is no risk
of having to reinvest periodic interest payments in securities having
lower rates.
Because the Fund accrues taxable income from zero coupon securities
without receiving cash, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio
securities in order to pay dividends or redemption proceeds for its
shares, which require the payment of cash. This will depend on several
factors: the proportion of shareholders who elect to receive dividends in
cash rather than reinvesting dividends in additional shares of the Fund,
and the amount of cash income the Fund receives from other investments and
the sale of shares. In either case, cash distributed or held by the Fund
that is not reinvested by investors in additional Fund shares will hinder
the Fund from seeking current income.
-- Warrants and Rights. The Fund may, to the limited extent
described in the Prospectus, invest in warrants and rights. Their prices
do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying
securities. The amount paid for a warrant will be lost unless the warrant
is exercised prior to expiration. Warrants and rights have no voting
rights, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets
of the issuer.
-- Foreign Securities. "Foreign securities" include equity and
debt securities of companies organized under the laws of countries other
than the United States and debt securities of foreign governments that are
traded on foreign securities exchanges or in the foreign over-the-counter
markets. Securities of foreign issuers that are represented by American
Depository Receipts or that are listed on a U.S. securities exchange or
traded in the U.S. over-the-counter markets are not considered "foreign
securities" for the purpose of the Fund's investment allocations, because
they are not subject to many of the special considerations and risks,
discussed below, that apply to foreign securities traded and held abroad.
The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign debt
obligations known as "Brady Bonds," which are issued for the exchange of
existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations
that are generally collateralized by zero coupon U.S. Treasury securities
having the same maturity. Because the Fund may purchase securities
denominated in foreign currencies, a change in the value of such foreign
currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the amount of
income the Fund has available for distribution. Because a portion of the
Fund's investment income may be received in foreign currencies, the Fund
will be required to compute its income in U.S. dollars for distribution
to shareholders, and therefore the Fund will absorb the cost of currency
fluctuations. After the Fund has distributed income, subsequent foreign
currency losses may result in the Fund's having distributed more income
in a particular fiscal period than was available from investment income,
which could result in a return of capital to shareholders.
Investing in foreign securities offers potential benefits not
available from investing solely in securities of domestic issuers,
including the opportunity to invest in foreign issuers that appear to
offer growth potential, or in foreign countries with economic policies or
business cycles different from those of the U.S., or to reduce
fluctuations in portfolio value by taking advantage of foreign stock
markets that do not move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets. If the
Fund's portfolio securities are held abroad, the countries in which they
may be held and the sub-custodians holding them must be approved by the
Fund's Board of Trustees under applicable rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
-- Risks of Foreign Investing. Investments in foreign securities
present special additional risks and considerations not typically
associated with investments in domestic securities: reduction of income
by foreign taxes; fluctuation in value of foreign portfolio investments
due to changes in currency rates and control regulations (e.g., currency
blockage); transaction charges for currency exchange; lack of public
information about foreign issuers; lack of uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to
domestic issuers; less volume on foreign exchanges than on U.S. exchanges;
greater volatility and less liquidity on foreign markets than in the U.S.;
less regulation of foreign issuers, stock exchanges and brokers than in
the U.S.; greater difficulties in commencing lawsuits; higher brokerage
commission rates than in the U.S.; increased risks of delays in settlement
of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio
securities; possibilities in some countries of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation, political, financial or social instability or adverse diplomatic
developments; and unfavorable differences between the U.S. economy and
foreign economies. In the past, U.S. Government policies have
discouraged certain investments abroad by U.S. investors, through
taxation or other restrictions, and it is possible that such restrictions
could be re-imposed.
- -- Asset-Backed Securities. The value of an asset-backed security is
affected by changes in the market's perception of the creditworthiness of
the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the
financial institution providing any credit enhancement, and is also
affected if a credit enhancement is exhausted. The risks of investing in
asset-backed securities derive from the dependency upon payment of the
underlying consumer loans by the individual borrowers, and the Fund would
generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the
event of default by a borrower. The underlying loans are subject to
prepayments which shorten the weighted average life of asset-backed
securities and may lower their return, in the same manner as described
below for prepayments of a pool of mortgage loans underlying mortgage-
backed securities.
- -- Mortgage-Backed Securities. These securities represent participation
interests in pools of residential mortgage loans which may or may not be
guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. Such
securities differ from conventional debt securities which provide for
periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts (usually semi-annually) with
principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. The mortgage-
backed securities in which the Fund may invest may be backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (e.g. direct pass-through
certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association); some are
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government
(e.g., obligations of Federal Home Loan Bank); and some are backed by only
the credit of the issuer itself. Any such guarantees do not extend to the
value of or yield of the mortgage-backed securities themselves or to the
net asset value of the Fund's shares.
The yield of a mortgage-backed security is based on the average
expected life of the underlying pool of mortgage loans. The actual life
of any particular pool will be shortened by any unscheduled or early
payments of principal and interest. Principal prepayments generally
result from the sale of the underlying property or the refinancing or
foreclosure of underlying mortgages. The occurrence of prepayments is
influenced by a wide range of economic, demographic and social factors
and, accordingly, it is not possible to predict accurately the average
life of a particular pool. Yield on such pools is usually computed by
using the historical record of prepayments for that pool, or, in the case
of newly-issued mortgages, the prepayment history of similar pools. The
actual prepayment experience of a pool of mortgage loans may cause the
yield realized by the Fund on the security backed by the pool to differ
from the yield calculated on the basis of the expected average life of the
pool.
Prepayments tend to increase during periods of falling interest
rates, while during periods of rising interest rates, prepayments will
most likely decline. When prevailing interest rates rise, the value of
a pass-through security may decrease as do the values of other debt
securities, but, when prevailing interest rates decline, the value of a
pass-through security is not likely to rise on a basis comparable to the
rise in value of other debt securities because of the prepayment feature
of pass-through securities. The Fund's reinvestment of scheduled
principal payments and unscheduled prepayments it receives may occur at
a time of higher or lower prevailing rates than the original investment,
thus affecting the yield of the Fund. Monthly interest payments received
by the Fund have a compounding effect which may increase the yield to
shareholders more than debt obligations that pay interest semi-annually.
Because of those factors, mortgage-backed securities may be less effective
than Treasury bonds of similar maturity at maintaining yields during
periods of declining interest rates. The Fund may purchase mortgage-
backed securities at a premium or at a discount. Accelerated prepayments
adversely affect yields for pass-through securities purchased at a premium
(i.e., at a price in excess of principal amount) and may involve
additional risk of loss of principal because the premium may not have been
fully amortized at the time the obligation is repaid. The opposite is
true for pass-through securities purchased at a discount.
The Fund may invest in "stripped" mortgage backed securities, in
which the principal and interest portions of the security are separated
and sold. Stripped mortgage-backed securities usually have at least two
classes each of which receives different proportions of interest and
principal distributions on the underlying pool of mortgage assets. One
common variety of stripped mortgage-backed security has one class that
receives some of the interest and most of the principal, while the other
class receives most of the interest and remainder of the principal. In
some cases, one class will receive all of the interest (the "interest-
only" or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the
principal (the "principal-only" or "PO" class). Interest only securities
are extremely sensitive to interest rate changes, and prepayments of
principal on the underlying mortgage assets. An increase in principal
payments or prepayments will reduce the income available to the IO
security. In other types of CMOs, the underlying principal payments may
apply to various classes in a particular order, and therefore the value
of certain classes or "tranches" of such securities may be more volatile
than the value of the pool as a whole, and losses may be more severe than
on other classes.
- -- GNMA Certificates. Certificates of the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA Certificates") are mortgage-backed securities which
evidence an undivided interest in a pool or pools of mortgages. The GNMA
Certificates that the Fund may purchase are of the "modified pass-through"
type, which entitle the holder to receive timely payment of all interest
and principal payments due on the mortgage pool, net of fees paid to the
"issuer" and GNMA, regardless of whether the mortgagor actually makes the
payments.
The National Housing Act authorizes GNMA to guarantee the timely
payment of principal and interest on securities backed by a pool of
mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") or
guaranteed by the Veterans Administration ("VA"). The GNMA guarantee is
backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. GNMA is also
empowered to borrow without limitation from the U.S. Treasury if necessary
to make any payments required under its guarantee.
The average life of a GNMA Certificate is likely to be substantially
shorter than the original maturity of the mortgages underlying the
securities. Prepayments of principal by mortgagors and mortgage
foreclosures will usually result in the return of the greater part of
principal investment long before the maturity of the mortgages in the
pool. Foreclosures impose no risk to principal investment because of the
GNMA guarantee, except to the extent that the Fund has purchased the
certificates at a premium in the secondary market.
- -- FNMA Securities. The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA")
was established to create a secondary market in mortgages insured by the
FHA. FNMA issues guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates ("FNMA
Certificates"). FNMA Certificates resemble GNMA Certificates in that each
FNMA Certificate represents a pro rata share of all interest and principal
payments made and owed on the underlying pool. FNMA guarantees timely
payment of interest and principal on FNMA Certificates. The FNMA
guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government.
- -- FHLMC Securities. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC") was created to promote development of a nationwide secondary
market for conventional residential mortgages. FHLMC issues two types of
mortgage pass-through securities ("FHLMC Certificates"): mortgage
participation certificates ("PCs") and guaranteed mortgage certificates
("GMCs"). PCs resemble GNMA Certificates in that each represents a pro
rata share of all interest and principal payments made and owed on the
underlying pool. FHMLC guarantees timely monthly payment of interest on
PCs and the ultimate payment of principal. GMCs also represent a pro rata
interest in a pool of mortgages. However, these instruments pay interest
semi-annually and return principal once a year in guaranteed minimum
payments. The expected average life of these securities is approximately
ten years. The FHLMC guarantee is not backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Government.
- -- Participation Interests. The Fund may invest in participation
interests, subject to the limitation on its net assets that may be
invested in illiquid investments. Participation interests provide the
Fund an undivided interest in a loan made by the issuing bank in the
proportion that the Fund's participation interest bears to the total
principal amount of the loan. No more than 5% of the Fund's net assets
can be invested in participation interests of the same issuing bank. The
Fund must look to the creditworthiness of the borrowing corporation, which
is obligated to make payments of principal and interest on the loan. In
the event the borrower fails to pay scheduled interest or principal
payments, the Fund would experience a reduction in its income and might
experience a decline in the net asset value of its shares. In the event
of a failure by the bank to perform its obligations in connection with the
participation agreement, the Fund might incur certain costs and delays in
realizing payment or may suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.
- -- Brady Bonds. The Fund may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated,
collateralized Brady Bonds, as described in the Prospectus. These debt
obligations of foreign entities may be fixed-rate par bonds or floating
rate discount bonds and are generally collateralized in full as to
principal due at maturity by U. S. Treasury zero coupon obligations which
have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are often viewed
as having three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized
repayment of principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest
payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these
uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event
of a default with respect to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of
which the payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the zero
coupon Treasury securities held as collateral for the payment of principal
will not be distributed to investors nor will such obligations be sold and
the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral
agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will
continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the
collateral will equal the principal payments which would have then been
due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of
defaults with respect to commercial bank loans to public and private
entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are
to be viewed as speculative.
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies
-- Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may lend its portfolio
securities subject to the restrictions stated in the Prospectus. Under
applicable regulatory requirements (which are subject to change), the loan
collateral on each business day must at least equal the value of the
loaned securities and must consist of cash, bank letters of credit or
securities of the U.S. Government (or its agencies or instrumentalities).
To be acceptable as collateral, letters of credit must obligate a bank to
pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the terms of the
letter. Such terms and the issuing bank must be satisfactory to the Fund.
When it lends securities, the Fund receives amounts equal to the dividends
or interest on loaned securities and also receives one or more of (a)
negotiated loan fees, (b) interest on securities used as collateral, and
(c) interest on short-term debt securities purchased with such loan
collateral. Either type of interest may be shared with the borrower. The
Fund may also pay reasonable finder's, custodian and administrative fees.
The terms of the Fund's loans must meet applicable tests under the
Internal Revenue Code and must permit the Fund to reacquire loaned
securities on five days' notice or in time to vote on any important
matter.
- -- Repurchase Agreements. In a repurchase transaction, the Fund
acquires a security from, and simultaneously resells it to, an approved
vendor (a U.S. commercial bank or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank having
total domestic assets of at least $1 billion or a broker-dealer with a net
worth of at least $50 million and which has been designated a primary
dealer in government securities) for delivery on an agreed-on future date.
The resale price exceeds the purchase price by an amount that reflects an
agreed-upon interest rate effective for the period during which the
repurchase agreement is in effect. The majority of these transactions run
from day to day, and delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur
within one to five days of the purchase. Repurchase agreements are
considered "loans" under the Investment Company Act, collateralized by the
underlying security. The Fund's repurchase agreements require that at all
times while the repurchase agreement is in effect, the collateral's value
must equal or exceed the repurchase price to fully collateralize the
repayment obligation. Additionally, the Manager will impose
creditworthiness requirements to confirm that the vendor is financially
sound and will continuously monitor the collateral's value.
-- Restricted and Illiquid Securities. To enable the Fund to sell
restricted securities not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, the
Fund may have to cause those securities to be registered. The expenses
of registration of restricted securities may be negotiated by the Fund
with the issuer at the time such securities are purchased by the Fund,
if such registration is required before such securities may be sold
publicly. When registration must be arranged because the Fund wishes to
sell the security, a considerable period may elapse between the time the
decision is made to sell the securities and the time the Fund would be
permitted to sell them. The Fund would bear the risks of any downward
price fluctuation during that period. The Fund may also acquire, through
private placements, securities having contractual restrictions on their
resale, which might limit the Fund's ability to dispose of such securities
and might lower the amount realizable upon the sale of such securities.
The Fund has percentage limitations that apply to purchases of
restricted securities, as stated in the Prospectus. Those percentage
restrictions do not limit purchases of restricted securities that are
eligible for sale to qualified institutional purchasers pursuant to Rule
144A under the Securities Act of 1933, provided that those securities have
been determined to be liquid by the Board of Trustees of the Fund or by
the Manager under Board-approved guidelines. Those guidelines take into
account the trading activity for such securities and the availability of
reliable pricing information, among other factors. If there is a lack of
trading interest in a particular Rule 144A security, the Fund's holding
of that security may be deemed to be illiquid.
-- Hedging. The Fund may use hedging instruments for the purposes
described in the Prospectus. When hedging to attempt to protect against
declines in the market value of the Fund's portfolio, to permit the Fund
to retain unrealized gains in the value of portfolio securities which have
appreciated, or to facilitate selling securities for investment reasons,
the Fund may: (i) sell Interest Rate Futures, (ii) buy puts on securities
indices or on securities, or (iii) write covered calls on securities,
securities indices or on Interest Rate Futures. When hedging to permit
the Fund to establish a position in the debt securities market as a
temporary substitute for purchasing particular debt securities (which the
Fund will normally purchase, and then terminate that hedging position),
the Fund may: (i) buy Interest Rate Futures, or (ii) buy calls on Interest
Rate Futures, securities indices or on securities. When hedging to
protect against declines in the dollar value of a foreign currency-
denominated security, the Fund may: (a) purchase puts on that foreign
currency, (b) write calls on that currency or (c) enter into Forward
Contracts at a lower rate than the spot ("cash") rate.
When the Fund writes an over-the-counter ("OTC") option, it will
enter into an arrangement with a primary U.S. Government securities
dealer, which would establish a formula price at which the Fund would have
the absolute right to repurchase that OTC option. This formula price
would generally be based on a multiple of the premium received for the
option, plus the amount by which the option is "in-the-money," that is,
exercisable below (for a put) or above (for a call) the market price of
the underlying security. For any OTC option the Fund writes, it will
treat as illiquid (for purposes of the limit on its assets that may be
invested in illiquid securities) the amount of assets used to cover OTC
options it has written, equal to the formula price for the repurchase of
the OTC option less the amount by which the OTC option is "in-the-money."
The Fund will also treat as illiquid any OTC option held by it. The
Securities and Exchange Commission is evaluating whether OTC options
should be considered liquid securities, and the procedure described above
could be affected by the outcome of that evaluation.
The Fund's strategy of hedging with Futures and options on Interest
Rate Futures will be incidental to the Fund's investment activities in the
underlying cash market. In the future, the Fund may employ hedging
instruments and strategies that are not presently contemplated but which
may be developed, to the extent such investment methods are consistent
with the Fund's investment objective, and are legally permissible and
disclosed in the Prospectus. Additional information about the hedging
instruments the Fund may use is provided below.
-- Futures. The Fund may buy and sell Interest Rate Futures.
Interest Rate Futures obligate one party to deliver and the other to take
a specific debt security at a specified price on a specified date. The
contracts obligate the seller to deliver, and the purchaser to take, cash
to settle the futures transaction or to enter into an offsetting contract.
No physical delivery of the securities underlying the index is made on
settling the futures obligation. No monetary amount is paid or received
by the Fund on the purchase or sale of an Interest Rate Future. Upon
entering into a futures transaction, the Fund will be required to deposit
an initial margin payment in cash or U.S. Treasury bills with the futures
commission merchant (the "futures broker"). The initial margin will be
deposited with the Fund's Custodian in an account registered in the
futures broker's name; however, the futures broker can gain access to that
account only under specified conditions. As the Future is marked to
market to reflect changes in its market value, subsequent margin payments,
called variation margin, will be paid to or by the futures broker on a
daily basis. Prior to expiration of the Future, if the Fund elects to
close out its position by taking an opposite position, a final
determination of variation margin is made, additional cash is required to
be paid by or released to the Fund, and any loss or gain is realized.
Although Interest Rate Futures, by their terms, call for settlement by
delivery or acquisition of debt securities, in most cases the obligation
is fulfilled by entering into an offsetting position. All futures
transactions are effected through a clearinghouse associated with the
exchange on which the contracts are traded.
-- Forward Contracts. The Fund may enter into foreign currency
exchange contracts ("Forward Contracts"), which obligate the seller to
deliver and the purchaser to take a specific amount of foreign currency
at a specific future date for a fixed price. A Forward Contract involves
bilateral obligations of one party to purchase, and another party to 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 the contract is entered into. These contracts are traded
in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders
(usually large commercial banks) and their customers. The Fund may enter
into a Forward Contract in order to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of a
security denominated in a foreign currency which it has purchased or sold
but which has not yet settled, or to protect against a possible loss
resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S.
dollar and a foreign currency.
There is a risk that use of Forward Contracts may reduce the gain
that would otherwise result from a change in the relationship between the
U.S. dollar and a foreign currency. To attempt to limit its exposure to
loss under Forward Contracts in a particular foreign currency, the Fund
limits its use of these contracts to the amount of its assets denominated
in that currency or denominated in a closely-correlated foreign currency.
Forward contracts include standardized foreign currency futures contracts
which are traded on exchanges and are subject to procedures and
regulations applicable to other Futures. The Fund may also enter into a
forward contract to sell a foreign currency denominated in a currency
other than that in which the underlying security is denominated. This is
done in the expectation that there is a greater correlation between the
foreign currency of the forward contract and the foreign currency of the
underlying investment than between the U.S. dollar and the foreign
currency of the underlying investment. This technique is referred to as
"cross hedging." The success of cross hedging is dependent on many
factors, including the ability of the Manager to correctly identify and
monitor the correlation between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar.
To the extent that the correlation is not identical, the Fund may
experience losses or gains on both the underlying security and the cross
currency hedge.
The Fund may use Forward Contracts to protect against uncertainty in
the level of future exchange rates. The use of Forward Contracts does not
eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities the Fund
owns or intends to acquire, but it does fix a rate of exchange in advance.
In addition, although Forward Contracts limit the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged currencies, at the same time they limit
any potential gain that might result should the value of the currencies
increase.
There is no limitation as to the percentage of the Fund's assets that
may be committed to foreign currency exchange contracts. The Fund does
not enter into such forward contracts or maintain a net exposure in such
contracts to the extent that the Fund would be obligated to deliver an
amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's assets
denominated in that currency, or enter into a "cross hedge," unless it is
denominated in a currency or currencies that the Manager believes will
have price movements that tend to correlate closely with the currency in
which the investment being hedged is denominated. See "Tax Aspects of
Covered Calls and Hedging Instruments" below for a discussion of the tax
treatment of foreign currency exchange contracts.
The Fund may enter into Forward Contracts with respect to specific
transactions. For example, when the Fund enters into a contract for the
purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when
the Fund anticipates receipt of dividend payments in a foreign currency,
the Fund may desire to "lock-in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or
the U.S. dollar equivalent of such payment by entering into a Forward
Contract, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars per unit of foreign currency,
for the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying transaction ("transaction hedge"). The Fund will thereby be
able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse
change in the relationship between the currency exchange rates during the
period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on
which the payment is declared, and the date on which such payments are
made or received.
The Fund may also use Forward Contracts to lock in the U.S. dollar
value of portfolio positions ("position hedge"). In a position hedge, for
example, when the Fund believes that foreign currency may suffer a
substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter into a forward
sale contract to sell an amount of that foreign currency approximating the
value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in
such foreign currency, or when the Fund believes that the U.S. dollar may
suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may enter into
a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed
dollar amount. In this situation the Fund may, in the alternative, enter
into a forward contract to sell a different foreign currency for a fixed
U.S. dollar amount where the Fund believes that the U.S. dollar value of
the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward contract will fall
whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar value of the currency in
which portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated ("cross hedge").
The Fund's Custodian will place cash or U.S. Government securities
or other liquid high-quality debt securities in a separate account of the
Fund having a value equal to the aggregate amount of the Fund's
commitments under forward contracts to cover its short positions. If the
value of the securities placed in the separate account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the account on a daily
basis so that the value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's
commitments with respect to such contracts. As an alternative to
maintaining all or part of the separate account, the Fund may purchase a
call option permitting the Fund to purchase the amount of foreign currency
being hedged by a forward sale contract at a price no higher than the
forward contract price, or the Fund may purchase a put option permitting
the Fund to sell the amount of foreign currency subject to a forward
purchase contract at a price as high or higher than the forward contract
price. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such
contracts.
The precise matching of the Forward Contract amounts and the value
of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the
future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a
consequence of market movements in the value of these securities between
the date the Forward Contract is entered into and the date it is sold.
Accordingly, it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional
foreign currency on the spot (i.e., cash) market (and bear the expense of
such purchase), if the market value of the security is less than the
amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and if a
decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign
currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some
of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security
if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is
obligated to deliver. The projection of short-term currency market
movements is extremely difficult, and the successful execution of a short-
term hedging strategy is highly uncertain. Forward Contracts involve the
risk that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted,
causing the Fund to sustain losses on these contracts and transactions
costs.
At or before the maturity of a Forward Contract requiring the Fund
to sell a currency, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and use
the sale proceeds to make delivery of the currency or retain the security
and offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by
purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on
the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency that it is
obligated to deliver. Similarly, the Fund may close out a Forward
Contract requiring it to purchase a specified currency by entering into
a second contract entitling it to sell the same amount of the same
currency on the maturity date of the first contract. The Fund would
realize a gain or loss as a result of entering into such an offsetting
Forward Contract under either circumstance to the extent the exchange rate
or rates between the currencies involved moved between the execution dates
of the first contract and offsetting contract.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in Forward Contracts varies with
factors such as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period
and the market conditions then prevailing. Because Forward Contracts are
usually entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are
involved. Because such contracts are not traded on an exchange, the Fund
must evaluate the credit and performance risk of each particular
counterparty under a Forward Contract.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars,
it does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S.
dollars on a daily basis. The Fund may convert foreign currency from time
to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency
conversion. Foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion,
but they do seek to realize a profit based on the difference between the
prices at which they buy and sell various currencies. Thus, a dealer may
offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering
a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that currency
to the dealer.
-- Writing and Purchasing Calls. As described in the Prospectus,
the Fund may write covered calls. When the Fund writes a call on an
investment, it receives a premium and agrees to sell the callable
investment to a purchaser of a corresponding call during the call period
(usually not more than 9 months) at a fixed exercise price (which may
differ from the market price of the underlying investment) regardless of
market price changes during the call period. To terminate its obligation
on a call it has written, the Fund may purchase a corresponding call in
a "closing purchase transaction." A profit or loss will be realized,
depending upon whether the net of the amount of option transaction costs
and the premium received on the call the Fund has written is more or less
than the price of the call the Fund subsequently purchased. A profit may
also be realized if the call lapses unexercised because the Fund retains
the underlying investment and the premium received. Those profits are
considered short-term capital gains for Federal income tax purposes, as
are premiums on lapsed calls, and when distributed by the Fund are taxable
as ordinary income. If the Fund could not effect a closing purchase
transaction due to the lack of a market, it would have to hold the
callable investment until the call lapsed or was exercised.
The Fund may write and purchase calls on foreign currencies. A call
written on a foreign currency by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns
the underlying foreign currency covered by the call or has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated
account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other foreign
currency held in its portfolio. A call written by the Fund on a foreign
currency is for cross-hedging purposes if it is not covered, but is
designed to provide a hedge against a decline in the U.S. dollar value of
a security which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire and which is
denominated in the currency underlying the option due to an adverse change
in the exchange rate. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes the
option by maintaining in a
segregated account with the Fund's custodian, cash or Government
Securities in an amount not less than the value of the underlying foreign
currency in U.S. dollars marked-to-market daily.
When the Fund buys a call (other than in a closing purchase
transaction), it pays a premium and, except as to calls on Interest Rate
Futures, has the right to buy the underlying investment from a seller of
a corresponding call on the same investment during the call period at a
fixed exercise price. The Fund benefits only if the call is sold at a
profit or if, during the call period, the market price of the underlying
investment is above the sum of the call price plus the transaction costs
and the premium paid for the call and the call is exercised. If the call
is not exercised or sold (whether or not at a profit), it will become
worthless at its expiration date and the Fund will lose its premium
payment and the right to purchase the underlying investment.
Calls on Futures are similar to calls on debt securities or futures
contracts except that all settlements are in cash (rather than by the
Fund's delivery of the underlying investment) and gain or loss depends on
changes in the index in question (and thus on price movements in the debt
securities market generally) rather than on price movements in individual
securities or futures contracts. The Fund may also write calls on Futures
without owning a futures contract or a deliverable bond, provided that at
the time the call is written, the Fund covers the call by segregating in
escrow an equivalent dollar amount of liquid assets. The Fund will
segregate additional liquid assets if the value of the escrowed assets
drops below 100% of the current value of the Future. In no circumstances
would an exercise notice require the Fund to deliver a futures contract;
it would simply put the Fund in a short futures position, which is
permitted by the Fund's hedging policies. When the Fund buys a call on
an Interest Rate Future it pays a premium. During the call period, upon
exercise of a call by the Fund, a seller of a corresponding call on the
same investment will pay the Fund an amount of cash to settle the call if
the closing level of the index or Future upon which the call is based is
greater than the exercise price of the call. That cash payment is equal
to the difference between the closing price of the call and the exercise
price of the call times a specified multiple (the "multiplier") which
determines the total dollar value for each point of difference.
-- Writing and Purchasing Puts. A put option gives the purchaser
the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
investment at the exercise price during the option period. As noted above
under "Writing and Purchasing Calls," an additional reason for writing
options on a securities portfolio is to attempt to realize, through the
receipt of premiums, a greater return than would be realized on the
securities alone. Writing a put, covered by segregated liquid assets
equal to the exercise price of the put, has the same economic effect to
the Fund as writing a covered call.
The premium the Fund receives from writing a put option represents
a profit, as long as the price of the underlying investment remains above
the exercise price. However, the Fund has also assumed the obligation
during the option period to buy the underlying investment from the buyer
of the put at the exercise price, even though the value of the investment
may fall below the exercise price. If the put expires unexercised, the
Fund (as the writer of the put) realizes a gain in the amount of the
premium. If the put option is exercised, the Fund must fulfill its
obligation to purchase the underlying investment at the exercise price,
which will usually exceed the then market value of the underlying
investment at that time. In that case, the Fund may incur a loss, equal
to the sum of the sale price of the underlying investment and the premium
received minus the sum of the exercise price and any transaction costs
incurred.
When writing put options on securities, to secure its obligation to
pay for the underlying security, the Fund will deposit in escrow with its
Custodian liquid assets with a value equal to or greater than the exercise
price of the underlying securities. The Fund therefore forgoes the
opportunity of investing the segregated assets or writing calls against
those assets. As long as the obligation of the Fund as the put writer
continues, it may be assigned an exercise notice by the exchange or
broker-dealer through whom such option was sold, requiring the Fund to
take delivery of the underlying security against payment of the exercise
price. The Fund has no control over when it may be required to purchase
the underlying security, since it may be assigned an exercise notice at
any time prior to the termination of its obligation as the writer of the
put. This obligation terminates upon expiration of the put, or such
earlier time at which the Fund effects a closing purchase transaction by
purchasing a put of the same series as that previously sold. Once the
Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, it is thereafter not allowed
to effect a closing purchase transaction.
The Fund may effect a closing purchase transaction to realize a
profit on an outstanding put option it has written or to prevent an
underlying security from being put. Furthermore, effecting such a closing
purchase transaction will permit the Fund to write another put option to
the extent that the exercise price thereof is secured by the deposited
assets, or to utilize the proceeds from the sale of such assets for other
investments by the Fund. The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a
closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction is less or
more than the premium received from writing the option. As with writing
covered calls, any and all such profits described herein from writing puts
are considered short-term gains for Federal tax purposes, and when
distributed to the shareholders of the Fund, are taxable as ordinary
income.
When the Fund buys a put, it pays a premium and has the right to sell
the underlying investment to a seller of a put on a corresponding
investment during the put period at a fixed exercise price. Buying a put
on an investment the Fund owns enables the Fund to attempt to protect
itself during the put period against a decline in the value of the
underlying investment below the exercise price by selling the underlying
investment at the exercise price to a seller of a corresponding put. If
the market price of the underlying investment is above the exercise price
and, as a result, the put is not exercised or resold, the put will become
worthless at its expiration date and the Fund will lose its premium
payment and the right to sell the underlying investment; the put may,
however, be sold prior to expiration (whether or not at a profit).
Puts on Interest Rate Futures are similar to puts on debt securities
or futures contracts except that all settlements are in cash (rather than
by the Fund's delivery of the underlying investment) and gain or loss
depends on changes in the index in question (and thus on price movements
in the debt securities market generally) rather than on price movements
in individual securities or futures contracts. Purchasing a put on either
Futures or on securities it does not own permits the Fund either to resell
the put or, if applicable, to buy the underlying investment and sell it
at the exercise price. The resale price of the put will vary inversely
with the price of the underlying investment. If the market price of the
underlying investment is above the exercise price, and, as a result, the
put is not exercised, the put will become worthless on its expiration
date. In the event of a decline in price of the underlying investment,
the Fund could exercise or sell the put at a profit to attempt to offset
some or all of its loss on its portfolio securities. When the Fund
purchases a put on a Future or security not held by it, the put protects
the Fund to the extent that the prices of the underlying Future or
securities move in a similar pattern to the prices of the securities in
the Fund's portfolio.
-- Interest Rate Swap Transactions. Swap agreements entail both
interest rate risk and credit risk. The interest rate risk of a swap is
that the Fund will incur a net payment obligation as a result of movements
in interest rates. Credit risk arises from the possibility that the
counterparty will default. If the counterparty to an interest rate swap
defaults, the Fund's loss will consist of the net amount of contractual
interest payments that the Fund has not yet received. The Manager will
monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties to the Fund's interest rate
swap transactions on an ongoing basis. The Fund will enter into swap
transactions with appropriate counterparties pursuant to master netting
agreements. A master netting agreement provides that all swaps done
between the Fund and that counterparty under the master agreement shall
be regarded as parts of an integral agreement. If on any date amounts are
payable in the same currency in respect of one or more swap transactions,
the net amount payable on that date in that currency shall be paid. In
addition, the master netting agreement may provide that if one party
defaults generally or on one swap, the counterparty may terminate the
swaps with that party. Under such agreements, if there is a default
resulting in a loss to one party, the measure of that party's damages is
calculated by reference to the average cost of a replacement swap with
respect to each swap (i.e., the mark-to-market value at the time of the
termination of each swap). The gains and losses on all swaps are then
netted, and the result is the counterparty's gain or loss on termination.
The termination of all swaps and the netting of gains and losses on
termination is generally referred to as "aggregation." The Fund will not
invest more than 25% of its assets in interest rate swap transactions.
-- Additional Information about Hedging Instruments and Their Use.
The Fund's Custodian, or a securities depository acting for the Custodian,
will act as the Fund's escrow agent, through the facilities of the Options
Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), as to the securities on which the Fund has
written options traded on exchanges or as to other acceptable escrow
securities, so that no margin will be required for such transactions. OCC
will release the securities on the expiration of the option or upon the
Fund's entering into a closing transaction. An option position may be
closed out only on a market which provides secondary trading for options
of the same series, and there is no assurance that a liquid secondary
market will exist for any particular option.
The Fund's option activities may affect its turnover rate and
brokerage commissions. The exercise of calls written by the Fund may
cause the Fund to sell related portfolio securities, thus increasing its
turnover rate in a manner beyond the Fund's control. The exercise by the
Fund of puts on debt securities may cause the sale of related investments,
also increasing portfolio turnover. Although such exercise is within the
Fund's control, holding a put might cause the Fund to sell the related
investment for reasons which would not exist in the absence of the put.
The Fund will pay a brokerage commission each time it buys or sells a put,
a call, or a related investment in connection with the exercise of a put
or call. Such commissions may be higher on a relative basis than those
which would apply to direct purchases or sales of the underlying
investments. Premiums paid for options are small in relation to the
market value of such investments and consequently, put and call options
offer large amounts of leverage. The leverage offered by trading in
options could result in the Fund's net asset value being more sensitive
to changes in the value of the underlying investment.
-- Regulatory Aspects of Hedging Instruments. The Fund is required
to operate within certain guidelines and restrictions with respect to its
use of futures and options thereon as established by the Commodities
Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). In particular, the Fund is excluded
from registration as a "commodity pool operator" if it complies with the
requirements of Rule 4.5 adopted by the CFTC. The Rule does not limit the
percentage of the Fund's assets that may be used for Futures margin and
related option premiums for a bona fide hedging position. However, under
the Rule the Fund must limit its aggregate initial futures margin and
related option premiums to no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets for
hedging strategies that are not considered bona fide hedging strategies
under the
Rule.
Transactions in options by the Fund are subject to limitations
established by each of the exchanges governing the maximum number of
options which may be written or held by a single investor or group of
investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options were
written or purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one
or more accounts or through one or more different exchanges or futures
brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or hold may
be affected by options written or held by other entities, including other
investment companies having the same advisor as the Fund or having an
affiliated investment adviser. Position limits also apply to Futures.
An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
violation of those limits and may impose certain other sanctions. Due to
requirements under the Investment Company Act, when the Fund purchases a
Future, the Fund will maintain, in a segregated account or accounts with
its Custodian, cash or readily-marketable, short-term (maturing in one
year or less) debt instruments in an amount equal to the market value of
the securities underlying such Future, less the margin deposit applicable
to it.
-- Tax Aspects of Hedging Instruments and Covered Calls. The Fund
intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code (although it reserves the right not to qualify). That
qualification enables the Fund to "pass through" its income and realized
capital gains to shareholders without having to pay tax on them. This
avoids a "double tax" on that income and capital gains, since shareholders
normally will be taxed on the dividends and capital gains they receive
from the Fund (unless the Fund's shares are held in a retirement account
or the shareholder is otherwise exempt from tax). One of the tests for
the Fund's qualification as a regulated investment company is that less
than 30% of its gross income must be derived from gains realized on the
sale of securities held for less than three months. To comply with this
30% cap, the Fund will limit the extent to which it engages in the
following activities, but will not be precluded from them: (i) selling
investments, including Stock Index Futures, held for less than three
months, whether or not they were purchased on the exercise of a call held
by the Fund; (ii) purchasing options which expire in less than three
months; (iii) effecting closing transactions with respect to calls or puts
written or purchased less than three months previously; (iv) exercising
puts or calls held by the Fund for less than three months; or (v) writing
calls on investments held less than three months.
Certain foreign currency exchange contracts ("Forward Contracts") in
which the Fund may invest are treated as "section 1256 contracts." Gains
or losses relating to section 1256 contracts generally are characterized
under the Internal Revenue Code as 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gains or losses. However, foreign currency gains or losses
arising from certain section 1256 contracts (including Forward Contracts)
generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. In addition, section
1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year are
"marked-to market" with the result that unrealized gains or losses are
treated as though they were realized. These contracts also may be marked-
to-market for purposes of the excise tax applicable to investment company
distributions and for other purposes under rules prescribed pursuant to
the Internal Revenue Code. An election can be made by the Fund to exempt
these transactions from this mark-to-market treatment.
Certain Forward Contracts entered into by the Fund may result in
"straddles" for Federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may
affect the character of gains (or losses) realized by the Fund on straddle
positions. Generally, a loss sustained on the disposition of a position
making up a straddle is allowed only to the extent such loss exceeds any
unrecognized gain in the offsetting positions making up the straddle.
Disallowed loss is generally allowed at the point where there is no
unrecognized gain in the offsetting positions making up the straddle, or
the offsetting position is disposed of.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, gains or losses attributable to
fluctuations in exchange rates that occur between the time the Fund
accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund
actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are
treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on disposition
of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition
of foreign currency forward contracts, gains or losses attributable to
fluctuations in the value of a foreign currency between the date of
acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. Currency gains and losses are
offset against market gains and losses before determining a net "Section
988" gain or loss under the Internal Revenue Code, which may increase or
decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company income available for
distribution to its shareholders.
-- Risks of Hedging With Options and Futures. An option position
may be closed out only on a market that provides secondary trading for
options of the same series, and there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular option. In addition to the
risks associated with hedging that are discussed in the Prospectus and
above, there is a risk in using short hedging by selling Futures to
attempt to protect against declines in the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities (due to an increase in interest rates) that the prices of such
Futures will correlate imperfectly with the behavior of the cash (i.e.,
market value) prices of the Fund's securities. The ordinary spreads
between prices in the cash and futures markets are subject to distortions,
due to differences in the natures of those markets. First, all
participants in the futures markets are subject to margin deposit and
maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit
requirements, investors may close out futures contracts through offsetting
transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash
and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures markets depends
on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making
or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take
delivery, liquidity in the futures markets could be reduced, thus
producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the
deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin
requirements in the securities markets. Therefore, increased
participation by speculators in the futures markets may cause temporary
price distortions.
The risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the
Fund's portfolio diverges from the securities included in the applicable
index. To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the
price of the securities being hedged and movements in the price of the
hedging instruments, the Fund may use hedging instruments in a greater
dollar amount than the dollar amount of securities being hedged if the
historical volatility of the prices of the securities being hedged is more
than the historical volatility of the applicable index. It is also
possible that if the Fund has used hedging instruments in a short hedge,
the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund's
portfolio may decline. If that occurred, the Fund would lose money on the
hedging instruments and also experience a decline in value in its
portfolio securities. However, while this could occur for a very brief
period or to a very small degree, over time the value of a diversified
portfolio of securities will tend to move in the same direction as the
indices upon which the hedging instruments are based.
If the Fund uses hedging instruments to establish a position in the
securities markets as a temporary substitute for the purchase of
individual securities (long hedging) by buying Futures and/or calls on
such Futures, on securities or on securities indices, it is possible that
the market may decline. If the Fund then concludes not to invest in
securities at that time because of concerns as to a possible further
market decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the
hedging instruments that is not offset by a reduction in the price of the
securities purchased.
Other Investment Restrictions
The Fund's most significant investment restrictions are set forth in
the Prospectus. There are additional investment restrictions that the
Fund must follow that are also fundamental policies. Fundamental policies
and the Fund's investment objectives cannot be changed without the vote
of a "majority" of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under the
Investment Company Act, such a "majority" vote is defined as the vote of
the holders of the lesser of: (i) 67% or more of the shares present or
represented by proxy at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of
the outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more
than 50% of the outstanding shares.
Under these additional restrictions, the Fund cannot: (1) invest in
real estate, but the Fund may invest in debt securities secured by real
estate or interests therein or issued by companies, including real estate
investment trusts, which invest in real estate or interests therein; (2)
buy securities on margin or engage in short sales, except that the Fund
may make margin deposits in connection with any of the Hedging Instruments
which it may use as permitted by any of its other fundamental policies;
(3) mortgage, hypothecate or pledge any of its assets; however, this does
not prohibit the escrow arrangements contemplated in connection with the
use of Hedging Instruments; (4) underwrite securities of any issuer if
those officers and trustees or directors of the Fund or its adviser owning
individually more than 0.5% of the securities of such issuer together own
more than 5% of the securities of such issuer; (5) invest in mineral-
related programs or leases; (6) invest in companies for the primary
purpose of acquiring control of management thereof; or (7) invest in other
investment companies, except in connection with a merger, consolidation,
reorganization or acquisition of assets.
For purposes of the Fund's policy not to concentrate described under
investment restriction number 3 in the Prospectus, the Fund has adopted
the industry classifications set forth in the Appendix to this Statement
of Additional Information.
How the Fund Is Managed
Organization and History. As a Massachusetts business trust, the Fund
is not required to hold, and does not plan to hold, regular annual
meetings of shareholders. The Fund will hold meetings when required to do
so by the Investment Company Act or other applicable law, or when a
shareholder meeting is called by the Trustees or upon proper request of
the shareholders. Shareholders have the right, upon the declaration in
writing or vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Fund, to
remove a Trustee. The Trustees will call a meeting of shareholders to
vote on the removal of a Trustee upon the written request of the record
holders of 10% of its outstanding shares. In addition, if the Trustees
receive a request from at least 10 shareholders (who have been
shareholders for at least six months) holding shares of the Fund valued
at $25,000 or more or holding at least 1% of the Fund's outstanding
shares, whichever is less, stating that they wish to communicate with
other shareholders to request a meeting to remove a Trustee, the Trustees
will then either make the Fund's shareholder list available to the
applicants or mail their communication to all other shareholders at the
applicants' expense, or the Trustees may take such other action as set
forth under Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder or Trustee liability for the Fund's obligations, and provides
for indemnification and reimbursement of expenses out of its property for
any shareholder held personally liable for its obligations. The
Declaration of Trust also provides that the Fund shall, upon request,
assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act
or obligation of the Fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, while
Massachusetts law permits a shareholder of a business trust (such as the
Fund) to be held personally liable as a "partner" under certain
circumstances, the risk of a Fund shareholder incurring financial loss on
account of shareholder liability is limited to the relatively remote
circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations
described above. Any person doing business with the Trust, and any
shareholder of the Trust, agrees under the Trust's Declaration of Trust
to look solely to the assets of the Trust for satisfaction of any claim
or demand which may arise out of any dealings with the Trust, and the
Trustees shall have no personal liability to any such person, to the
extent permitted by law.
Trustees and Officers of the Fund. The Fund's Trustees and officers
and their principal occupations and business affiliations during the past
five years are set forth below. Each Trustee is also a Trustee, Director
or Managing General Partner of Daily Cash Accumulation Fund, Inc.,
Centennial Money Market Trust, Centennial Tax Exempt Trust, Centennial
Government Trust, Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust, Centennial
California Tax Exempt Trust, Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc.,
Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund, Oppenheimer High Yield Fund, Oppenheimer
Cash Reserves, Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds, Oppenheimer Main Street
Funds, Inc., Oppenheimer Integrity Funds, Oppenheimer Strategic Funds
Trust, Oppenheimer Strategic Income & Growth Fund, Oppenheimer Strategic
Investment Grade Bond Fund, Oppenheimer Strategic Short-Term Income Fund,
Centennial America Fund, L.P., Oppenheimer Tax-Exempt Bond Fund,
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Securities Fund, and The New York Tax-
Exempt Income Fund, Inc. (collectively, the "Denver-based
OppenheimerFunds"). Mr. Fossel is President and Mr. Swain is Chairman of
each of the Denver-based OppenheimerFunds. As of December 31, 1994, the
Trustees and officers of the Fund as a group owned of record or
beneficially less than 1% of each class of shares of the Fund. The
foregoing statement does not reflect ownership of shares held of record
by an employee benefit plan for employees of the Manager (for which plan
two of the officers listed below, Messrs. Fossel and Donohue, are
trustees), other than the shares beneficially owned under that plan by the
officers of the Fund listed above.
ROBERT G. AVIS, Trustee*; Age 63
One North Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Vice Chairman of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. (a broker-dealer) and A.G.
Edwards, Inc. (its parent holding company); Chairman of A.G.E. Asset
Management and A.G. Edwards Trust Company (its affiliated investment
adviser and trust company, respectively.)
WILLIAM A. BAKER, Trustee; Age 80
197 Desert Lakes Drive, Palm Springs, California 92264
Management Consultant.
CHARLES CONRAD, JR., Trustee; Age 64
19411 Merion Circle, Huntington Beach, California 92648
Vice President of McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co.; formerly associated
with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
JON S. FOSSEL, President and Trustee*; Age 52
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048-0203
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Manager; President
and a Director of Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. ("OAC"), the Manager's
parent holding company; President and a Director of HarbourView Asset
Management Corporation ("HarbourView"), a subsidiary of the Manager; a
Director of Shareholder Services, Inc. ("SSI") and Shareholder Financial
Services, Inc. ("SFSI"), transfer agent subsidiaries of the Manager;
formerly President of the Manager.
RAYMOND J. KALINOWSKI, Trustee; Age 65
44 Portland Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Director of International Inc.; formerly Vice Chairman and a Director of
A.G. Edwards, Inc., parent holding company of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
(a broker-dealer), of which he was a Senior Vice President.
C. HOWARD KAST, Trustee; Age 73
2552 East Alameda, Denver, Colorado 80209
Formerly Managing Partner of Deloitte, Haskins & Sells (an accounting
firm).
[FN]
_____________________
*A Trustee who is an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the
Investment Company Act.
ROBERT M. KIRCHNER, Trustee; Age 73
7500 E. Arapahoe Road, Englewood, Colorado 80112
President of The Kirchner Company (management consultants).
NED M. STEEL, Trustee; Age 79
3416 South Race Street, Englewood, Colorado 80110
Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter; Director of Visiting Nurse
Corporation of Colorado; formerly Senior Vice President and a Director
of Van Gilder Insurance Corp. (insurance brokers).
JAMES C. SWAIN, Chairman and Trustee*; Age 61
3410 South Galena Street, Denver, Colorado 80231
Vice Chairman and a director of the Manager; President and a Director of
Centennial Asset Management Corporation ("Centennial"), an investment
adviser subsidiary of the Manager; formerly Chairman of the Board of
SSI.
RALPH STELLMACHER, Vice President and Portfolio Manager; Age 35
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
Senior Vice President of the Manager; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
ANDREW J. DONOHUE, Vice President; Age 44
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Manager and
Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"); an officer of
other OppenheimerFunds; formerly Senior Vice President and Associate
General Counsel of the Manager and the Distributor; Partner in, Kraft &
McManimon (a law firm); an officer of First Investors Corporation (a
broker-dealer) and First Investors Management Company, Inc. (broker-dealer
and investment adviser); director and an officer of First Investors Family
of Funds and First Investors Life Insurance Company.
GEORGE C. BOWEN, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer; Age 58
3410 South Galena Street, Denver, Colorado 80231
Senior Vice President and Treasurer of the Manager; Vice President and
Treasurer of the Distributor and HarbourView; Senior Vice President,
Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and a director of Centennial; Vice
President, Treasurer and Secretary of SSI and SFSI; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
ROBERT BISHOP, Assistant Treasurer; Age 36
3410 South Galena Street, Denver, Colorado 80231
Assistant Vice President of the Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting; an officer
of other OppenheimerFunds; formerly a Fund Controller for the Manager,
prior to which he was an Accountant for Yale & Seffinger, P.C., an
accounting firm, and previously an Accountant and Commissions Supervisor
for Stuart James Company Inc., a broker-dealer.
[FN]
_____________________
*A Trustee who is an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the
Investment Company Act.
SCOTT FARRAR, Assistant Treasurer; Age 29
3410 South Galena Street, Denver, Colorado 80231
Assistant Vice President of the Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting; an officer
of other OppenheimerFunds; formerly a Fund Controller for the Manager,
prior to which he was an International Mutual Fund Supervisor for Brown
Brothers Harriman & Co., a bank, and previously a Senior Fund Accountant
for State Street Bank & Trust Company.
ROBERT G. ZACK, Assistant Secretary; Age 46.
Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048
Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel of the Manager;
Assistant Secretary of SSI and SFSI; an officer of other OppenheimerFunds.
-- Remuneration of Trustees. The officers of the Fund are
affiliated with the Manager; they and the Trustees of the Fund who are
affiliated with the Manager (Messrs. Fossel and Swain, who are both
officers and Trustees) receive no salary or fee from the Fund. The
Trustees of the Fund (excluding Messrs. Fossel and Swain) received the
total amounts shown below from all 22 of the Denver-based OppenheimerFunds
(including the Fund) listed in the first paragraph of this section, for
services in the positions shown:
Total Compensation From All
Name Position Denver-based OppenheimerFunds1
Robert G. Avis Trustee $53,000.00
William A. Baker Study and Audit Committee $73,257.01
Chairman and Trustee
Charles Conrad, Jr. Study and Audit Committee $68,293.67
Member and Trustee
Raymond J. Kalinowski Trustee $53,000.00
C. Howard Kast Trustee $53,000.00
Robert M. Kirchner Study and Audit Committee $68,293.67
Member and Trustee
Ned M. Steel Trustee $53,000.00
______________
1 For the 1994 calendar year.
-- Major Shareholders. As of December 31, 1994, no person owns of
record or is known by the Fund to own beneficially 5% or more of the Fund
as a whole or either class of the Fund's outstanding shares, except for
Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, 4800 Deer Lake Drive E FLE,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246 which was the record owner of 509,047.000
Class C shares (approximately 18.96% of the Class C shares then
outstanding).
The Manager and its Affiliates. The Manager is wholly-owned by
Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. ("OAC"), a holding company controlled by
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. OAC is also owned in part
by certain of the Manager's directors and officers, some of whom serve as
officers of the Fund and two of whom (Messrs. Fossel and Swain) serve as
Trustees of the Fund.
-- The Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Advisory
Agreement between the Manager and the Fund requires the Manager, at its
expense, to provide the Fund with adequate office space, facilities and
equipment, and to provide and supervise the activities of all
administrative and clerical personnel required to provide effective
corporate administration for the Fund, including the compilation and
maintenance of records with respect to its operations, the preparation and
filing of specified reports, and the composition of proxy materials and
registration statements for continuous public sale of shares of the Fund.
Expenses not expressly assumed by the Manager under the advisory
agreement or by the Distributor are paid by the Fund. The advisory
agreement lists examples of expenses paid by the Fund, the major
categories of which relate to interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, fees
to certain Trustees, legal and audit expenses, custodian and transfer
agent expenses, share issuance costs, certain printing and registration
costs, and non-recurring expenses, including litigation. For the Fund's
fiscal years ended September 30, 1992, 1993 and 1994, the management fees
paid by the Fund to the Manager were $197,844, $513,057 and $1,026,200,
respectively.
The advisory agreement contains no expense limitation. However,
independently of the Agreement, the Manager has undertaken that the total
expenses of the Fund in any fiscal year (exclusive of taxes, interest,
brokerage commissions, and any extraordinary non-recurring expenses, such
as litigation costs) shall not exceed the most stringent state regulatory
limitation on Fund expenses applicable to the Fund. The payment of the
management fee will be reduced so that at no time will there be any
accrued but unpaid liability under the above expense limitation. The
Manager reserves the right to amend or terminate this expense limitation
at any time.
The advisory agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties thereunder, the Manager shall not be liable for any
loss sustained by reason of good faith errors or omissions on its part
with respect to any matters to which the advisory agreement relates. The
Agreement permits the Manager to act as investment adviser for any other
person, firm or corporation and to use the name "Oppenheimer" in
connection with other investment companies for which it may act as
investment adviser. If the Manager shall no longer act as investment
adviser to the Fund, the right of the Fund to use the name "Oppenheimer"
as part of its name may be withdrawn.
-- The Distributor. Under its General Distributor's Agreement with
the Fund, the Distributor acts as the Fund's principal underwriter in the
continuous public offering of the Fund's Class A and Class C shares but
is not obligated to sell a specific number of shares. Expenses normally
attributable to sales (other than those paid under the Distribution and
Service Plans, but including advertising and the cost of printing and
mailing prospectuses, other than those furnished to existing shareholders)
are borne by the Distributor. During the Fund's fiscal years ended
September 30, 1992, 1993 and 1994, the aggregate amount of sales charge
on sales of the Fund's Class A shares was $382,287, $1,401,952 and
$2,343,545, respectively, of which the Distributor and an affiliated
broker-dealer retained $105,534, $352,530 and $595,684 in those respective
years. For the period December 1, 1993 through September 30, 1994, the
contingent deferred sales charge collected by the Distributor on the
redemption of Class C shares totalled $10,342. For additional information
about distribution of the Fund's shares and the expenses connected with
such activities, please refer to "Distribution and Service Plans,"
below.
-- The Transfer Agent. Oppenheimer Shareholder Services, the
Fund's transfer agent, is responsible for maintaining the Fund's
shareholder registry and shareholder accounting records, and for
shareholder servicing and administrative functions.
Brokerage Policies of the Fund
Brokerage Provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement. One of the
duties of the Manager under the advisory agreement is to arrange the
portfolio transactions for the Fund. The advisory agreement contains
provisions relating to the employment of broker-dealers ("brokers") to
effect the Fund's portfolio transactions. In doing so, the Manager is
authorized by the advisory agreement to employ broker-dealers, including
"affiliated" brokers, as that term is defined in the Investment Company
Act, as may, in its best judgment based on all relevant factors,
implement the policy of the Fund to obtain, at reasonable expense, the
"best execution" (prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable
price obtainable) of such transactions. The Manager need not seek
competitive commission bidding but is expected to minimize the commissions
paid to the extent consistent with the interest and policies of the Fund
as established by its Board of Trustees.
Under the advisory agreement, the Manager is authorized to select
brokers that provide brokerage and/or research services for the Fund
and/or the other accounts over which the Manager or its affiliates have
investment discretion. The commissions paid to such brokers may be higher
than another qualified broker would have charged if a good faith
determination is made by the Manager that the commission is fair and
reasonable in relation to the services provided. Subject to the foregoing
considerations, the Manager may also consider sales of shares of the Fund
and other investment companies managed by the Manager or its affiliates
as a factor in the selection of brokers for the Fund's portfolio
transactions.
Description of Brokerage Practices Followed by the Manager. Subject
to the provisions of the advisory agreement and the procedures and rules
described above, allocations of brokerage are generally made by the
Manager's portfolio traders based upon recommendations from the Manager's
portfolio managers. In certain instances, portfolio managers may directly
place trades and allocate brokerage, also subject to the provisions of the
advisory agreement and the procedures and rules described above.
Regardless, brokerage is allocated under the supervision of the Manager's
executive officers. As most purchases made by the Fund are principal
transactions at net prices, the Fund does not incur substantial brokerage
costs. The Fund usually deals directly with the selling or purchasing
principal or market maker without incurring charges for the services of
a broker on its behalf unless it is determined that a better price or
execution may be obtained by utilizing the services of a broker.
Purchases of portfolio securities from underwriters include a commission
or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from
dealers include a spread between the bid and asked price. The Fund seeks
to obtain prompt execution of orders at the most favorable net prices.
When the Fund engages in an option transaction, ordinarily the same broker
will be used for the purchase or sale of the option and any transaction
in the securities to which the option relates. When possible, concurrent
orders to purchase or sell the same security by more than one of the
accounts managed by the Manager or its affiliates are combined. The
transactions effected pursuant to such combined orders are averaged as to
price and allocated in accordance with the purchase or sale orders
actually placed for each account.
The research services provided by a particular broker may be useful
only to one or more of the advisory accounts of the Manager and its
affiliates, and investment research received for the commissions of those
other accounts may be useful both to the Fund and one or more of such
other accounts. Such research, which may be supplied by a third party at
the instance of a broker, includes information and analyses on particular
companies and industries as well as market or economic trends and
portfolio strategy, receipt of market quotations for portfolio
evaluations, information systems, computer hardware and similar products
and services. If a research service also assists the Manager in a non-
research capacity (such as bookkeeping or other administrative functions),
then only the percentage or component that provides assistance to the
Manager in the investment decision-making process may be paid in
commission dollars. The Board of Trustees has permitted the Manager to
use concessions on fixed price offerings to obtain research, in the same
manner as is permitted for agency transactions.
The research services provided by brokers broaden the scope and
supplement the research activities of the Manager, by making available
additional views for consideration and comparisons, and by enabling the
Manager to obtain market information for the valuation of securities held
in the Fund's portfolio or being considered for purchase. The Board of
Trustees, including the "independent" Trustees of the Fund (those Trustees
of the Fund who are not "interested persons" as defined in the Investment
Company Act, and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the advisory agreement or the Distribution Plans described
below) annually reviews information furnished by the Manager as to the
commissions paid to brokers furnishing such services so that the Board may
ascertain whether the amount of such commissions was reasonably related
to the value or benefit of such services.
During the Fund's fiscal years ended September 30, 1992, 1993 and
1994, total brokerage commissions paid by the Fund (not including any
spreads or concessions on principal transactions on a net trade basis)
amounted to $1,064, $2,499, and $6,760, respectively. During the fiscal
year ended September 30, 1994, $507 was paid to brokers as commissions in
return for research services; the aggregate dollar amount of these
transactions was $94,960. The transactions giving rise to those
commissions were allocated in accordance with the Manager's internal
allocation procedures.
Performance of the Fund
Yield and Total Return Information. As described in the Prospectus,
from time to time the "standardized yield," "dividend yield," "average
annual total return," "cumulative total return," "average annual total
return at net asset value" and "total return at net asset value" of an
investment in a class of shares of the Fund may be advertised. An
explanation of how these total returns are calculated for each class and
the components of those calculations is set forth below. Class C shares
were first publicly offered on December 1, 1993
The Fund's advertisements of its performance data must, under
applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, include the
average annual total returns for each class of shares of the Fund for the
1, 5, and 10-year periods (or the life of the class, if less) ending as
of the most recently-ended calendar quarter prior to the publication of
the advertisement. This enables an investor to compare the Fund's
performance to the performance of other funds for the same periods.
However, a number of factors should be considered before using such
information as a basis for comparison with other investments. An
investment in the Fund is not insured; its returns and share prices are
not guaranteed and normally will fluctuate on a daily basis. When
redeemed, an investor's shares may be worth more or less than their
original cost. Returns for any given past period are not a prediction or
representation by the Fund of future returns. The returns of Class A and
Class C shares of the Fund are affected by portfolio quality, the type of
investments the Fund holds and its operating expenses allocated to the
particular class.
- -- Standardized Yields
-- Yield. The Fund's "yield" (referred to as "standardized yield")
for a given 30-day period for a class of shares is calculated using the
following formula set forth in rules adopted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission that apply to all funds that quote yields:
a-b 6
Standardized Yield = 2 ((------ + 1) - 1)
cd
The symbols above represent the following factors:
a = dividends and interest earned during the 30-day period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of any expense
reimbursements).
c = the average daily number of shares of that class outstanding
during the 30-day period that were entitled to receive
dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share of that class on the last
day of the period, adjusted for undistributed net investment
income.
The standardized yield of a class of shares for a 30-day period may
differ from its yield for any other period. The SEC formula assumes that
the standardized yield for a 30-day period occurs at a constant rate for
a six-month period and is annualized at the end of the six-month period.
This standardized yield is not based on actual distributions paid by the
Fund to shareholders in the 30-day period, but is a hypothetical yield
based upon the net investment income from the Fund's portfolio investments
calculated for that period. The standardized yield may differ from the
"dividend yield" of that class, described below. Additionally, because
each class of shares is subject to different expenses, it is likely that
the standardized yields of the Fund's classes of shares will differ. For
the 30-day period ended September 30, 1994, the standardized yields for
the Fund's Class A and Class C shares were 7.90% and 7.48%,
respectively.
-- Dividend Yield and Distribution Return. From time to time the
Fund may quote a "dividend yield" or a "distribution return" for each
class. Dividend yield is based on the Class A or Class C share dividends
derived from net investment income during a stated period. Distribution
return includes dividends derived from net investment income and from
realized capital gains declared during a stated period. Under those
calculations, the dividends and/or distributions for that class declared
during a stated period of one year or less (for example, 30 days) are
added together, and the sum is divided by the maximum offering price per
share of that class on the last day of the period. When the result is
annualized for a period of less than one year, the "dividend yield" is
calculated as follows:
Dividend Yield of the Class =
Dividends of the Class
- ----------------------------------------------------
Max Offering Price of the Class (last day of period)
Divided by number of days (accrual period) x 365
The maximum offering price for Class A shares includes the maximum
front-end sales charge. For Class C shares, the maximum offering price
is the net asset value per share, without considering the effect of
contingent deferred sales charges.
From time to time similar yield or distribution return calculations
may also be made using the Class A net asset value (instead of its
respective maximum offering price) at the end of the period. The dividend
yields on Class A shares for the 30-day period ended September 30, 1994,
were 8.40% and 8.81% when calculated at maximum offering price and at net
asset value, respectively. The dividend yield on Class C shares for the
30-day period ended September 30, 1994, was 8.02% when calculated at net
asset value.
-- Total Return Information
-- Average Annual Total Returns. The "average annual total return"
of each class is an average annual compounded rate of return for each year
in a specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the
change in value of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P" in the
formula below) held for a number of years ("n") to achieve an Ending
Redeemable Value ("ERV") of that investment, according to the following
formula:
( ERV ) 1/n
(-----) -1 = Average Annual Total Return
( P )
-- Cumulative Total Returns. The cumulative "total return"
calculation measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of
$1,000 over an entire period of years. Its calculation uses some of the
same factors as average annual total return, but it does not average the
rate of return on an annual basis. Cumulative total return is determined
as follows:
ERV - P
- ------- = Total Return
P
In calculating total returns for Class A shares, the current maximum
sales charge of 4.75% (as a percentage of the offering price) is deducted
from the initial investment ("P") (unless the return is shown at net asset
value, as described below). For Class C shares, the payment of the 1%
contingent deferred sales charge for the first 12 months is applied, as
described in the Prospectus. Total returns also assume that all dividends
and capital gains distributions during the period are reinvested to buy
additional shares at net asset value per share, and that the investment
is redeemed at the end of the period. The "average annual total returns"
on an investment in Class A shares of the Fund for the one and five year
periods ended September 30, 1994 and for the period from November 16, 1987
through September 30, 1994 were .60%, 12.62% and 12.93%, respectively.
The cumulative "total return" on Class A shares for the period from
November 16, 1987 through September 30, 1994 was 130.65%. The cumulative
total return on Class C shares for the fiscal for the period from December
1, 1993 through September 30, 1994 was .17%.
-- Total Returns at Net Asset Value. From time to time the Fund may
also quote an average annual total return at net asset value or a
cumulative total return at net asset value for Class A or Class C shares.
Each is based on the difference in net asset value per share at the
beginning and the end of the period for a hypothetical investment in that
class of shares (without considering front-end or contingent deferred
sales charges) and takes into consideration the reinvestment of dividends
and capital gains distributions. The cumulative total return at net asset
value of the Fund's Class A shares for the one year period ended September
30, 1994 and the period from November 16, 1987 through September 30, 1994
was 5.61% and 142.15%, respectively. The cumulative total return at net
asset value for Class C shares for the period from December 1, 1993
through September 30, 1994 was 1.11%.
Total return information may be useful to investors in reviewing the
performance of the Fund's Class A or Class C shares. However, when
comparing total return of an investment in Class A or Class C shares of
the Fund with that of other alternatives, investors should understand that
as the Fund invests in high yield securities, its shares are subject to
greater market risks than shares of funds having other investment
objectives and that the Fund is designed for investors who are willing to
accept greater risk of loss in the hopes of realizing greater gains.
Other Performance Comparisons. From time to time the Fund may publish
the ranking of its Class A or Class C shares by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. ("Lipper"), a widely-recognized independent service. Lipper
monitors the performance of regulated investment companies, including the
Fund, and ranks their performance for various periods based on categories
relating to investment objectives. The performance of the Fund is ranked
against (i) all other funds (excluding money market funds), (ii) all other
high current yield or fixed income funds and (iii) all other such funds
in a specific size category. The Lipper performance rankings are based
on total returns that include the reinvestment of capital gain
distributions and income dividends but do not take sales charges or taxes
into consideration.
From time to time the Fund may publish the ranking of the performance
of its Class A or Class C shares by Morningstar, Inc., an independent
mutual fund monitoring service that ranks mutual funds, including the
Fund, monthly in broad investment categories (equity, taxable bond,
municipal bond and hybrid) based on risk-adjusted investment return.
Investment return measures a fund's three, five and ten-year average
annual total returns (when available) in excess of 90-day U.S. Treasury
bill returns after considering sales charges and expenses. Risk reflects
fund performance below 90-day U.S. Treasury bill monthly returns. Risk
and return are combined to produce star rankings reflecting performance
relative to the average fund in a fund's category. Five stars is the
"highest" ranking (top 10%), four stars is "above average" (next 22.5%),
three stars is "average" (next 35%), two stars is "below average" (next
22.5%) and one star is "lowest" (bottom 10%). Morningstar ranks the Class
A and Class C shares of the Fund in relation to other rated high yield
funds. Rankings are subject to change.
The total return on an investment in the Fund's Class A or Class C
shares may be compared with performance for the same period of the Lehman
Brothers Corporate Bond Index and the Salomon Brothers High Yield Market
Index. The Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index is an unmanaged index of
publicly-issued nonconvertible investment grade corporate debt of U.S.
issuers, widely recognized as a measure of the U.S. fixed-rate corporate
bond market. The Salomon Brothers High Yield Market Index is an unmanaged
index of below-investment grade (but rated at least BB+/Ba1 by Standard
& Poor's or Moody's) U.S. corporate debt obligations, widely recognized
as a measure of the performance of the high-yield corporate bond market,
the market in which the Fund principally invests. Each Index includes a
factor for the reinvestment of interest but does not reflect expenses or
taxes.
Investors may also wish to compare the Fund's Class A or Class C
return to the returns on fixed income investments available from banks and
thrift institutions, such as certificates of deposit, ordinary interest-
paying checking and savings accounts, and other forms of fixed or variable
time deposits, and various other instruments such as Treasury bills.
However, the Fund's returns and share price are not guaranteed by the FDIC
or any other agency and will fluctuate daily, while bank depository
obligations may be insured by the FDIC and may provide fixed rates of
return, and Treasury bills are guaranteed as to principal and interest by
the U.S. government.
From time to time, the Fund's Manager may publish rankings or ratings
of the Manager (or Transfer Agent) or the investor services provided by
them to shareholders of the OppenheimerFunds, other than performance
rankings of the OppenheimerFunds themselves. Those ratings or rankings
of shareholder/investor services by third parties may compare the
OppenheimerFunds' services to those of other mutual fund families selected
by the rating or ranking services and may be based upon the opinions of
the rating or ranking service itself, based on its research or judgment,
or based upon surveys of investors, brokers, shareholders or others.
Distribution and Service Plans
The Fund has adopted a Service Plan for Class A shares and a
Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares under Rule 12b-1 of the
Investment Company Act, pursuant to which the Fund will reimburse the
Distributor for all or a portion of its costs incurred in connection with
the distribution and/or servicing of shares of that class as described in
the Prospectus. Each Plan has been approved by a vote of (i) the Board
of Trustees of the Fund, including a majority of the "Independent
Trustees", cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on that Plan, and (ii) the holders of a "majority" (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) of the shares of each class. For the Distribution
and Service Plan for the Class C shares (the "Class C Plan"), such vote
was cast by the Manager as the sole initial holder of Class C shares of
the Fund.
Unless terminated as described below, each Plan continues in effect
from year to year but only as long as such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by the Fund's Board of Trustees, including the
Independent Trustees, by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such continuance. Either Plan may be terminated at
any time by the vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees or by the
vote of the holders of a "majority" (as defined in the Investment Company
Act) of the outstanding shares of that class. Neither Plan may be amended
to increase materially the amount of payments to be made unless such
amendment is approved by
the class affected by the amendment. All material amendments must be
approved by the Board and the Independent Trustees.
While the Plans are in effect, the Treasurer of the Fund shall
provide separate written reports to the Fund's Board of Trustees at least
quarterly for its review, detailing the amount of all payments made
pursuant to each Plan, the identity of each Recipient that received any
such payment, and the purpose of the payments. Each Plan further provides
that while it is in effect, the selection or replacement and nomination
of those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund
is committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees. This does not
prevent the involvement of others in such selection and nomination if the
final decision as to any such selection or nomination is approved by a
majority of such Independent Trustees.
Under the Plans, no payment will be made to any Recipient in any
quarter if the aggregate net asset value of all Fund shares held by the
Recipient for itself and its customers did not exceed a minimum amount,
if any, that may be determined from time to time by a majority of the
Fund's Independent Trustees. Initially, the Board of Trustees has set the
fee at the maximum rate and set no minimum amount. The Plans permit the
Distributor and the Manager to make additional distribution payments to
Recipients from their own resources (including profits from advisory fees)
at no cost to the Fund. The Distributor and the Manager may, in their
sole discretion, increase or decrease the amount of distribution
assistance payments they make to Recipients from their own assets.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, payments under the
Class A Plan totaled $319,690, all of which was paid by the Distributor
to Recipients as reimbursement for services, including $18,814 paid to MML
Investor Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Distributor. Any
unreimbursed expenses incurred with respect to Class A shares for any
fiscal quarter by the Distributor may not be recovered under the Class A
Plan in subsequent fiscal quarters. Payments received by the Distributor
under the Class A Plan will not be used to pay any interest expense,
carrying charges, or other financial costs, or allocation of overhead by
the Distributor.
The Class C Plan allows the service fee payment to be paid by the
Distributor to Recipients in advance for the first year Class C shares are
outstanding, and thereafter on a quarterly basis, as described in the
Prospectus. The advance payment is based on the net assets of the Class
C shares sold. An exchange of shares does not entitle the Recipient to
an advance service fee payment. In the event Class C shares are redeemed
during the first year such shares are outstanding, the Recipient will be
obligated to repay a pro rata portion of such advance payment to the
Distributor.
Although the Class C Plan permits the Distributor to retain both the
asset-based sales charges and the service fee on Class C shares, or to pay
Recipients the service fee on a quarterly basis, without payment in
advance, the Distributor intends to pay the service fee to Recipients in
the manner described above. A minimum holding period may be established
from time to time under the Class C Plan by the Board. Initially, the
Board has set no minimum holding period. All payments under the Class C
Plan are subject to the limitations imposed by the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. Rules of Fair Practice.
The Class C Plan allows for the carry-forward of distribution
expenses, to be recovered from asset-based sales charges in subsequent
fiscal periods, as described in the Prospectus. For the fiscal period
December 1, 1993 through September 30, 1994, payments under the Class C
Plan totalled $113,624, all of which was retained by the Distributor.
The asset-based sales charge paid to the Distributor by the Fund
under the Class C Plan is intended to allow the Distributor to recoup the
cost of sales commissions paid to authorized brokers and dealers at the
time of sale, plus financing costs, as described in the Prospectus. Such
payments may also be used to pay for the following expenses in connection
with the distribution of Class C shares: (i) financing the advance of the
service fee payment to Recipients under the Class C Plan, (ii)
compensation and expenses of personnel employed by the Distributor to
support distribution of Class C shares, and (iii) costs of sales
literature, advertising and prospectuses (other than those furnished to
current shareholders) and state "blue sky" registration fees.
<PAGE>
ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
How To Buy Shares
Alternative Sales Arrangements - Class A and Class C Shares. The
availability of two classes of shares permits an investor to choose the
method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial to the investor
depending on the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor
expects to hold shares and other relevant circumstances. Investors should
understand that the purpose and function of the deferred sales charge and
asset-based sales charge with respect to Class C shares are the same as
those of the initial sales charge with respect to Class A shares. Any
salesperson or other person entitled to receive compensation for selling
Fund shares may receive different compensation with respect to one class
of shares than the other. The Distributor will not accept any order for
$1 million or more of Class C shares on behalf of a single investor (not
including dealer "street name" or omnibus accounts) because generally it
will be more advantageous for that investor to purchase Class A shares of
the Fund instead.
The two classes of shares each represent an interest in the same
portfolio investments of the Fund. However, each class has different
shareholder privileges and features. The net income attributable to Class
C shares and the dividends payable on Class C shares will be reduced by
incremental expenses borne solely by that class, including the asset-based
sales charge to which Class C shares are subject.
The methodology for calculating the net asset value, dividends and
distributions of the Fund's Class A and Class C shares recognizes two
types of expenses. General expenses that do not pertain specifically to
either class are allocated pro rata to the shares of each class, based on
the percentage of the net assets of such class to the Fund's total net
assets, and then equally to each outstanding share within a given class.
Such general expenses include (i) management fees, (ii) legal, bookkeeping
and audit fees, (iii) printing and mailing costs of shareholder reports,
Prospectuses, Additional Statements and other materials for current
shareholders, (iv) fees to unaffiliated Trustees, (v) custodian expenses,
(vi) share issuance costs, (vii) organization and start-up costs, (viii)
interest, taxes and brokerage commissions, and (ix) non-recurring
expenses, such as litigation costs. Other expenses that are directly
attributable to a class are allocated equally to each outstanding share
within that class. Such expenses include (i) Distribution Plan fees, (ii)
incremental transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees and expenses,
(iii) registration fees and (iv) shareholder meeting expenses, to the
extent that such expenses pertain to a specific class rather than to the
Fund as a whole.
Determination of Net Asset Value Per Share. The net asset values per
share of Class A and Class C shares of the Fund are determined as of the
close of business of The New York Stock Exchange on each day that the
Exchange is open, by dividing the Fund's net assets attributable to a
class by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding. The
Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., New York time, but may close
earlier on some days (for example, in case of weather emergencies or on
days falling before a holiday). The NYSE's most recent annual
announcement (which is subject to change) states that it will close on New
Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It may also close on other
days. Dealers may conduct trading at times when the NYSE is closed
(including weekends and holidays). Because the Fund's net asset values
will not be calculated on those days, the Fund's net asset value per share
may be significantly affected on such days when shareholders may not
purchase or redeem shares.
The Fund's Board of Trustees has established procedures for the
valuation of the Fund's securities, generally as follows: (i) equity
securities traded on a securities exchange or on the NASDAQ National
Market System ("NASDAQ") are valued at the last reported sale prices on
their primary exchange or NASDAQ that day (or, in the absence of sales
that day, at values based on the last sale prices of the preceding trading
day, or closing bid and asked prices); (ii) NASDAQ and other unlisted
equity securities for which last sales prices are not regularly reported
but for which over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are
valued at the highest closing bid price at the time of valuation, or, if
no closing bid price is reported, on the basis of a closing bid price
obtained from a dealer who maintains an active market in that security;
(iii) securities (including restricted securities) not having readily-
available market quotations are valued at fair value under the Board's
procedures; (iv) long-term debt securities having a remaining maturity in
excess of 60 days are valued at the mean between the asked and bid prices
determined by a portfolio pricing service approved by the Fund's Board of
Trustees or obtained from active market maker in the security; (v) short-
term debt securities (having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less) are
valued at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of
discounts; (vi) securities traded on foreign exchanges are valued at the
closing or last reported sales prices or, if none, at the mean between
closing bid and asked prices and reflecting prevailing rates of exchange
taken from the closing price on the London foreign exchange market on that
day.
Trading in securities on European and Asian exchanges and over-the-
counter markets is normally completed before the close of the NYSE.
Events affecting the values of foreign securities traded in such markets
that occur between the time their prices are determined and the close of
the NYSE will not be reflected in the Fund's calculation of its net asset
value unless the Board of Trustees or the Manager, under procedures
established by the Board, determines that the particular event would
materially affect the Fund's net asset values, in which case an adjustment
would be made. Foreign currency will be valued as close to the time fixed
for the valuation date as is reasonably practicable. The values of
securities denominated in foreign currency will be converted to U.S.
dollars at the prevailing rates of exchange at the time of valuation. In
the case of U.S. government securities and corporate bonds, where last
sale information is not generally available, such pricing procedures may
include "matrix" comparisons to the prices for comparable instruments on
the basis of quality, yield, maturity and other special factors involved.
The Trustees will monitor the accuracy of pricing services by comparing
prices used for portfolio evaluation to actual sales prices of selected
securities.
Puts, calls and Futures held by the Fund are valued at the last sales
price on the principal exchanges on which they are traded or on NASDAQ,
as applicable, or, if there are no sales that day, in accordance with (i)
above. Forward currency contracts are valued at the closing price on the
London foreign exchange market. When the Fund writes an option, an amount
equal to the premium received by the Fund is included in the Fund's
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset, and an equivalent
deferred credit is included in the liability section. The deferred credit
is adjusted ("marked-to-market") to reflect the current market value of
the option. In determining the Fund's gain on investments, if a call
written by the Fund is exercised, the proceeds are increased by the
premium received. If a call or put written by the Fund expires, the Fund
has a gain in the amount of the premium; if the Fund enters into a closing
purchase transaction, it will have a gain or loss depending on whether the
premium was more or less than the cost of the closing transaction. If
the Fund exercises a put it holds, the amount the Fund receives on its
sale of the underlying investment is reduced by the amount of premium paid
by the Fund.
AccountLink. When shares are purchased through AccountLink, each
purchase must be at least $25.00. Shares will be purchased on the regular
business day the Distributor is instructed to initiate the Automated
Clearing House transfer to buy shares. Dividends will begin to accrue on
shares purchased by the proceeds of ACH transfers on the business day the
Fund receives Federal Funds for the purchase through the ACH system before
the close of The New York Stock Exchange. The Exchange normally closes
at 4:00 P.M., but may close earlier on certain days. If Federal Funds are
received on a business day after the close of the Exchange, the shares
will be purchased and dividends will begin to accrue on the next regular
business day. The proceeds of ACH transfers are normally received by the
Fund 3 days after the transfers are initiated. The Distributor and the
Fund are not responsible for any delays in purchasing shares resulting
from delays in ACH transmissions.
<PAGE>
Reduced Sales Charges. As discussed in the Prospectus, a reduced sales
charge rate may be obtained for Class A shares under Right of Accumulation
and Letters of Intent because of the economies of sales efforts and
expenses realized by the Distributor, dealers and brokers making such
sales. No sales charge is imposed in certain circumstances described in
the Prospectus because the Distributor or dealer or broker incurs little
or no selling expenses. The term "immediate family" refers to one's
spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, parents-in-law,
brothers and sisters, sons-and daughters-in-law, siblings, a sibling's
spouse and a spouse's siblings.
-- The OppenheimerFunds. The OppenheimerFunds are those mutual funds
for which the Distributor acts as the distributor or the sub-distributor
and include the following:
Oppenheimer Tax-Free Bond Fund
Oppenheimer New York Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer California Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Insured Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street California Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer Florida Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer Pennsylvania Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer New Jersey Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer Fund
Oppenheimer Discovery Fund
Oppenheimer Time Fund
Oppenheimer Target Fund
Oppenheimer Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund
Oppenheimer Value Stock Fund
Oppenheimer Asset Allocation Fund
Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Main Street Income & Growth Fund
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Oppenheimer Investment Grade Bond Fund
Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
Oppenheimer Mortgage Income Fund
Oppenheimer Global Fund
Oppenheimer Global Emerging Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income Fund
Oppenheimer Gold & Special Minerals Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Investment Grade Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Short-Term Income Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Income & Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Diversified Income Fund
and the following "Money Market Funds":
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves
Centennial Money Market Trust
Centennial Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Government Trust
Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial America Fund, L.P.
Daily Cash Accumulation Fund, Inc.
There is an initial sales charge on the purchase of Class A shares
of each of the OppenheimerFunds except Money Market Funds (under certain
circumstances described herein, redemption proceeds of Money Market Fund
shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge).
-- Letter of Intent. A Letter of Intent ("Letter") is the investor's
statement of intention to purchase Class A shares of the Fund (and other
eligible OppenheimerFunds) sold with a front-end sales charge during the
13-month period from the investor's first purchase pursuant to the Letter
(the "Letter of Intent period"), which may, at the investor's request,
include purchases made up to 90 days prior to the date of the Letter. The
Letter states the investor's intention to make the aggregate amount of
purchases (excluding any purchases made by reinvestments of dividends or
distributions or purchases made at net asset value without sales charge),
which together with the investor's holdings of such funds (calculated at
their respective public offering prices calculated on the date of the
Letter) will equal or exceed the amount specified in the Letter. This
enables the investor to obtain the reduced sales charge rate (as set forth
in the Prospectus) applicable to purchases of shares in that amount (the
"intended purchase amount"). Each purchase under the Letter will be made
at the public offering price applicable to a single lump-sum purchase of
shares in the intended purchase amount, as described in the
Prospectus.
In submitting a Letter, the investor makes no commitment to purchase
shares, but if the investor's purchases of shares within the Letter of
Intent period, when added to the value (at offering price) of the
investor's holdings of shares on the last day of that period, do not equal
or exceed the intended purchase amount, the investor agrees to pay the
additional amount of sales charge applicable to such purchases, as set
forth in "Terms of Escrow," below (as those terms may be amended from time
to time). The investor agrees that shares equal in value to 5% of the
intended purchase amount will be held in escrow by the Transfer Agent
subject to the Terms of Escrow. Also, the investor agrees to be bound by
the terms of the Prospectus, this Statement of Additional Information and
the Application used for such Letter of Intent, and if such terms are
amended, as they may be from time to time by the Fund, that those
amendments will apply automatically to existing Letters of Intent.
If the total eligible purchases made during the Letter of Intent
period do not equal or exceed the intended purchase amount, the
commissions previously paid to the dealer of record for the account and
the amount of sales charge retained by the Distributor will be adjusted
to the rates applicable to actual purchases. If total eligible purchases
during the Letter of Intent period exceed the intended purchase amount and
exceed the amount needed to qualify for the next sales charge rate
reduction set forth in the applicable prospectus, the sales charges paid
will be adjusted to the lower rate, but only if and when the dealer
returns to the Distributor the excess of the amount of commissions allowed
or paid to the dealer over the amount of commissions that apply to the
actual amount of purchases. The excess commissions returned to the
Distributor will be used to purchase additional shares for the investor's
account at the net asset value per share in effect on the date of such
purchase, promptly after the Distributor's receipt thereof.
In determining the total amount of purchases made under a Letter,
shares redeemed by the investor prior to the termination of the Letter of
Intent period will be deducted. It is the responsibility of the dealer
of record and/or the investor to advise the Distributor about the Letter
in placing any purchase orders for the investor during the Letter of
Intent period. All of such purchases must be made through the
Distributor.
Terms of Escrow That Apply to Letters of Intent.
1. Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if
necessary) made pursuant to a Letter, shares of the Fund equal in value
to 5% of the intended purchase amount specified in the Letter shall be
held in escrow by the Transfer Agent. For example, if the intended
purchase amount is $50,000, the escrow shall be shares valued in the
amount of $2,500 (computed at the public offering price adjusted for a
$50,000 purchase). Any dividends and capital gains distributions on the
escrowed shares will be credited to the investor's account.
2. If the intended purchase amount specified under the Letter is
completed within the thirteen-month Letter of Intent period, the escrowed
shares will be promptly released to the investor.
3. If, at the end of the thirteen-month Letter of Intent period the
total purchases pursuant to the Letter are less than the intended purchase
amount specified in the Letter, the investor must remit to the Distributor
an amount equal to the difference between the dollar amount of sales
charges actually paid and the amount of sales charges which would have
been paid if the total amount purchased had been made at a single time.
Such sales charge adjustment will apply to any shares redeemed prior to
the completion of the Letter. If such difference in sales charges is not
paid within twenty days after a request from the Distributor or the
dealer, the Distributor will, within sixty days of the expiration of the
Letter, redeem the number of escrowed shares necessary to realize such
difference in sales charges. Full and fractional shares remaining after
such redemption will be released from escrow. If a request is received
to redeem escrowed shares prior to the payment of such additional sales
charge, the sales charge will be withheld from the redemption proceeds.
4. By signing the Letter, the investor irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Transfer Agent as attorney-in-fact to surrender for
redemption any or all escrowed shares.
5. The shares eligible for purchase under the Letter (or the
holding of which may be counted toward completion of the Letter) do not
include any shares sold without a front-end sales charge or without being
subject to a Class A contingent deferred sales charge unless (for the
purpose of determining completion of the obligation to purchase shares
under the Letter) the shares were acquired in exchange for shares of one
of the OppenheimerFunds whose shares were acquired by payment of a sales
charge.
6. Shares held in escrow hereunder will automatically be exchanged
for shares of another fund to which an exchange is requested, as described
in the section of the Prospectus entitled "Exchange Privilege," and the
escrow will be transferred to that other fund.
Asset Builder Plans. To establish an Asset Builder Plan from a bank
account, a check (minimum $25) for the initial purchase must accompany the
application. Shares purchased by Asset Builder Plan payments from bank
accounts are subject to the redemption restrictions for recent purchases
described in "How To Sell Shares," in the Prospectus. Asset Builder Plans
also enable shareholders of Oppenheimer Cash Reserves to use those
accounts for monthly automatic purchases of shares of up to four other
OppenheimerFunds.
There is a front-end sales charge on the purchase of certain
OppenheimerFunds, or a contingent deferred sales charge may apply to
shares purchased by Asset Builder payments. An application should be
obtained from the Distributor, completed and returned, and a prospectus
of the selected fund(s) should be obtained from the Distributor or your
financial advisor before initiating Asset Builder payments. The amount
of the Asset Builder investment may be changed or the automatic
investments may be terminated at any time by writing to the Transfer
Agent. A reasonable period (approximately 15 days) is required after the
Transfer Agent's receipt of such instructions to implement them. The Fund
reserves the right to amend, suspend, or discontinue offering such plans
at any time without prior notice.
Cancellation of Purchase Orders. Cancellation of purchase orders for
the Fund's shares (for example, when a purchase check is returned to the
Fund unpaid) causes a loss to be incurred when the net asset value of the
Fund's shares on the cancellation date is less than on the purchase date.
That loss is equal to the amount of the decline in the net asset value per
share multiplied by the number of shares in the purchase order. The
investor is responsible for that loss. If the investor fails to
compensate the Fund for the loss, the Distributor will do so. The Fund
may reimburse the Distributor for that amount by redeeming shares from any
account registered in that investor's name, or the Fund or the Distributor
may seek other redress.
How to Sell Shares
Information on how to sell shares of the Fund is stated in the
Prospectus. The information below supplements the terms and conditions for
redemptions set forth in the Prospectus.
-- Checkwriting. When a check is presented to the Bank for
clearance, the Bank will ask the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of
full and fractional shares in the shareholder's account to cover the
amount of the check. This enables the shareholder to continue receiving
dividends on those shares until the check is presented to the Fund.
Checks may not be presented for payment at the offices of the Bank or the
Fund's Custodian. This limitation does not affect the use of checks for
the payment of bills or to obtain cash at other banks. The Fund reserves
the right to amend, suspend or discontinue offering checkwriting
privileges at any time without prior notice.
-- Payments "In Kind". The Prospectus states that payment for
shares tendered for redemption is ordinarily made in cash. However, the
Board of Trustees of the Fund may determine that it would be detrimental
to the best interests of the remaining shareholders of the Fund to make
payment of a redemption order wholly or partly in cash. In that case the
Fund may pay the redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution
"in kind" of securities from the portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash,
in conformity with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the
Investment Company Act, pursuant to which the Fund is obligated to redeem
shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets
of the Fund during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. If shares
are redeemed in kind, the redeeming shareholder might incur brokerage or
other costs in selling the securities for cash. The method of valuing
securities used to make redemptions in kind will be the same as the method
the Fund uses to value it portfolio securities described above under
"Determination of Net Asset Values Per Share" and that valuation will be
made as of the time the redemption price is determined.
-- Involuntary Redemptions. The Fund's Board of Trustees has the
right to cause the involuntary redemption of the shares held in any
account if the aggregate net asset value of those shares is less than $200
or such lesser amount as the Board may fix. The Board of Trustees will
not cause the involuntary redemption of shares in an account if the
aggregate net asset value of the shares has fallen below the stated
minimum solely as a result of market fluctuations. Should the Board elect
to exercise this right, it may also fix, in accordance with the Investment
Company Act, the requirements for any notice to be given to the
shareholders in question (not less than 30 days), or the Board may set
requirements for granting permission to the Shareholder to increase the
investment, and set other terms and conditions so that the shares would
not be involuntarily redeemed.
Reinvestment Privilege. Within six months of a redemption, a
shareholder may reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds of (i)
Class A shares, or (ii) Class C shares that were subject to the Class C
contingent deferred sales charge when redeemed. The reinvestment may be
made without sales charge only in Class A shares of the Fund or any of the
other OppenheimerFunds into which shares of the Fund are exchangeable as
described below, at the net asset value next computed after the Transfer
Agent receives the reinvestment order. The shareholder must ask the
Distributor for that privilege at the time of reinvestment. Any capital
gain that was realized when the shares were redeemed is taxable, and
reinvestment will not alter any capital gains tax payable on that gain.
If there has been a capital loss on the redemption, some or all of the
loss may not be tax deductible, depending on the timing and amount of the
reinvestment. Under the Internal Revenue Code, if the redemption proceeds
of Fund shares on which a sales charge was paid are reinvested in shares
of the Fund or another of the OppenheimerFunds within 90 days of payment
of the sales charge, the shareholder's basis in the shares of the Fund
that were redeemed may not include the amount of the sales charge paid.
That would reduce the loss or increase the gain recognized from the
redemption. However, in that case the sales charge would be added to the
basis of the shares acquired by the reinvestment of the redemption
proceeds. The Fund may amend, suspend or cease offering this reinvestment
privilege at any time as to shares redeemed after the date of such
amendment, suspension or cessation.
Transfers of Shares. Shares are not subject to the payment of a
contingent deferred sales charge of either class at the time of transfer
to the name of another person or entity (whether the transfer occurs by
absolute assignment, gift or bequest, not involving, directly or
indirectly, a public sale). The transferred shares will remain subject
to the contingent deferred sales charge, calculated as if the transferee
shareholder had acquired the transferred shares in the same manner and at
the same time as the transferring shareholder. If less than all shares
held in an account are transferred, and some but not all shares in the
account would be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed
at the time of transfer, the priorities described in the Prospectus under
"How to Buy Shares" for the imposition of the Class C contingent deferred
sales charge will be followed in determining the order in which shares are
transferred.
Distributions From Retirement Plans. Requests for distributions from
OppenheimerFunds-sponsored IRAs, 403(b)(7) custodial plans, or pension or
profit-sharing plans should be addressed to "Trustee, OppenheimerFunds
Retirement Plans," c/o the Transfer Agent at its address listed in "How
To Sell Shares" in the Prospectus or on the back cover of this Statement
of Additional Information. The request must: (i) state the reason for the
distribution; (ii) state the owner's awareness of tax penalties if the
distribution is premature; and (iii) conform to the requirements of the
plan and the Fund's other redemption requirements. Participants (other
than self-employed persons) in OppenheimerFunds-sponsored pension or
profit-sharing plans may not directly request redemption of their
accounts. The employer or plan administrator must sign the request.
Distributions from pension and profit sharing plans are subject to special
requirements under the Internal Revenue Code and certain documents
(available from the Transfer Agent) must be completed before the
distribution may be made. Distributions from retirement plans are subject
to withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code, and IRS Form
W-4P (available from the Transfer Agent) must be submitted to the Transfer
Agent with the distribution request, or the distribution may be delayed.
Unless the shareholder has provided the Transfer Agent with a certified
tax identification number, the Internal Revenue Code requires that tax be
withheld from any distribution even if the shareholder elects not to have
tax withheld. The Fund, the Manager, the Distributor, the Trustee and the
Transfer Agent assume no responsibility to determine whether a
distribution satisfies the conditions of applicable tax laws and will not
be responsible for any tax penalties assessed in connection with a
distribution.
Special Arrangements for Repurchase of Shares from Dealers and Brokers.
The Distributor is the Fund's agent to repurchase its shares from
authorized dealers or brokers. The repurchase price per share will be the
net asset value next computed after the Distributor receives the order
placed by the dealer or broker, except that if the Distributor receives
a repurchase order from a dealer or broker after the close of The New York
Stock Exchange on a regular business day, it will be processed at that
day's net asset value if the order was received by the dealer or broker
from its customers prior to the time the Exchange closes (normally, that
is 4:00 P.M., but may be earlier on some days) and the order was
transmitted to and received by the Distributor prior to its close of
business that day (normally 5:00 P.M.). Payment ordinarily will be made
within seven days after the Distributor's receipt of the required
redemption documents, with signature(s) guaranteed as described in the
Prospectus.
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange Plans. Investors owning shares of
the Fund valued at $5,000 or more can authorize the Transfer Agent to
redeem shares (minimum $50) automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semi-
annual or annual basis under an Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Shares will
be redeemed three business days prior to the date requested by the
shareholder for receipt of the payment. Automatic withdrawals of up to
$1,500 per month may be requested by telephone if payments are to be made
by check payable to all shareholders of record and sent to the address of
record for the account (and if the address has not been changed within the
prior 30 days). Required minimum distributions from OppenheimerFunds-
sponsored retirement plans may not be arranged on this basis. Payments
are normally made by check, but shareholders having AccountLink privileges
(see "How To Buy Shares") may arrange to have Automatic Withdrawal Plan
payments transferred to the bank account designated on the
OppenheimerFunds New Account Application or signature-guaranteed
instructions. The Fund cannot guarantee receipt of a payment on the date
requested and reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue offering
such plans at any time without prior notice. Because of the sales charge
assessed on Class A share purchases, shareholders should not make regular
additional Class A share purchases while participating in an Automatic
Withdrawal Plan. Class C shareholders should not establish withdrawal
plans that would require the redemption of shares held less than 12
months, because of the imposition of the Class C contingent deferred sales
charge on such withdrawals (except where the Class C contingent deferred
sales charge is waived as described in the Prospectus under "Class C
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").
By requesting an Automatic Withdrawal or Exchange Plan, the
shareholder agrees to the terms and conditions applicable to such plans,
as stated below and in the provisions of the OppenheimerFunds Application
relating to such Plans, as well as the Prospectus. These provisions may
be amended from time to time by the Fund and/or the Distributor. When
adopted, such amendments will automatically apply to existing Plans.
-- Automatic Exchange Plans. Shareholders can authorize the
Transfer Agent (on the OppenheimerFunds Application or signature-
guaranteed instructions) to exchange a pre-determined amount of shares of
the Fund for shares (of the same class) of other OppenheimerFunds
automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis under
an Automatic Exchange Plan. The minimum amount that may be exchanged to
each other fund account is $25. Exchanges made under these plans are
subject to the restrictions that apply to exchanges as set forth in "How
to Exchange Shares" in the Prospectus and below in this Statement of
Additional Information.
-- Automatic Withdrawal Plans. Fund shares will be redeemed as
necessary to meet withdrawal payments. Shares acquired without a sales
charge will be redeemed first and shares acquired with reinvested
dividends and capital gains distributions will be redeemed next, followed
by shares acquired with a sales charge, to the extent necessary to make
withdrawal payments. Depending upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's
principal may be depleted. Payments made under withdrawal plans should
not be considered as a yield or income on your investment.
The Transfer Agent will administer the investor's Automatic
Withdrawal Plan (the "Plan") as agent for the investor (the "Planholder")
who executed the Plan authorization and application submitted to the
Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent shall incur no liability to the
Planholder for any action taken or omitted by the Transfer Agent in good
faith to administer the Plan. Certificates will not be issued for shares
of the Fund purchased for and held under the Plan, but the Transfer Agent
will credit all such shares to the account of the Planholder on the
records of the Fund. Any share certificates held by a Planholder may be
surrendered unendorsed to the Transfer Agent with the Plan application so
that the shares represented by the certificate may be held under the
Plan.
For accounts subject to Automatic Withdrawal Plans, distributions of
capital gains must be reinvested in shares of the Fund, which will be done
at net asset value without a sales charge. Dividends on shares held in
the account may be paid in cash or reinvested.
Redemptions of shares needed to make withdrawal payments will be made
at the net asset value per share determined on the redemption date.
Checks or AccountLink payments of the proceeds of Plan withdrawals will
normally be transmitted three business days prior to the date selected for
receipt of the payment (receipt of payment on the date selected cannot be
guaranteed), according to the choice specified in writing by the
Planholder.
The amount and the interval of disbursement payments and the address
to which checks are to be mailed or AccountLink payments are to be sent
may be changed at any time by the Planholder by writing to the Transfer
Agent. The Planholder should allow at least two weeks' time in mailing
such notification for the requested change to be put in effect. The
Planholder may, at any time, instruct the Transfer Agent by written notice
(in proper form in accordance with the requirements of the then-current
Prospectus of the Fund) to redeem all, or any part of, the shares held
under the Plan. In that case, the Transfer Agent will redeem the number
of shares requested at the net asset value per share in effect in
accordance with the Fund's usual redemption procedures and will mail a
check for the proceeds to the Planholder.
The Plan may be terminated at any time by the Planholder by writing
to the Transfer Agent. A Plan may also be terminated at any time by the
Transfer Agent upon receiving directions to that effect from the Fund.
The Transfer Agent will also terminate a Plan upon receipt of evidence
satisfactory to it of the death or legal incapacity of the Planholder.
Upon termination of a Plan by the Transfer Agent or the Fund, shares that
have not been redeemed from the account will be held in uncertificated
form in the name of the Planholder, and the account will continue as a
dividend-reinvestment, uncertificated account unless and until proper
instructions are received from the Planholder or his or her executor or
guardian, or other authorized person.
To use shares held under the Plan as collateral for a debt, the
Planholder may request issuance of a portion of the shares in certificated
form. Upon written request from the Planholder, the Transfer Agent will
determine the number of shares for which a certificate may be issued
without causing the withdrawal checks to stop because of exhaustion of
uncertificated shares needed to continue payments. However, should such
uncertificated shares become exhausted, Plan withdrawals will terminate.
If the Transfer Agent ceases to act as transfer agent for the Fund,
the Planholder will be deemed to have appointed any successor transfer
agent to act as agent in administering the Plan.
How To Exchange Shares
As stated in the Prospectus, shares of a particular class of
OppenheimerFunds having more than one class of shares may be exchanged
only for shares of the same class of other OppenheimerFunds. Shares of
OppenheimerFunds that have a single class without a class designation are
deemed "Class A" shares for this purpose. All of the OppenheimerFunds
offer Class A shares (except for Oppenheimer Strategic Diversified Income
Fund), but only the following other OppenheimerFunds offer Class C shares:
Oppenheimer Target Fund
Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income Fund
Oppenheimer Asset Allocation Fund
Oppenheimer Fund
Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust
Oppenheimer Intermediate Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street Income & Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves (Class C shares are
available only by exchange)
Oppenheimer Strategic Diversified Income Fund
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
(effective February 1, 1995)
Class A shares of OppenheimerFunds may be exchanged at net asset
value for shares of any Money Market Fund. Shares of any Money Market
Fund purchased without a sales charge may be exchanged for shares of
OppenheimerFunds offered with a sales charge upon payment of the sales
charge (or, if applicable, may be used to purchase shares of
OppenheimerFunds subject to a contingent deferred sales charge). Shares
of this Fund acquired by reinvestment of dividends or distributions from
any other of the OppenheimerFunds or from any unit investment trust for
which reinvestment arrangements have been made with the Distributor may
be exchanged at net asset value for shares of any of the OppenheimerFunds.
No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on exchanges of shares of
either class purchased subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
However, when Class A shares acquired by exchange of Class A shares of
other OppenheimerFunds purchased subject to a Class A contingent deferred
sales charge are redeemed within 18 months of the end of the calendar
month of the initial purchase of the exchanged Class A shares, the Class
A contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on the redeemed shares (see
"Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" in the Prospectus). The Class
C contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C shares acquired
by exchange if they are redeemed within 12 months of the initial purchase
of the exchanged Class C shares.
When Class C shares are redeemed to effect an exchange, the
priorities described in "How To Buy Shares" in the Prospectus for the
imposition of the Class C contingent deferred sales charge will be
followed in determining the order in which the shares are exchanged.
Shareholders should take into account the effect of any exchange on the
applicability and rate of any contingent deferred sales charge that might
be imposed in the subsequent redemption of remaining shares. Shareholders
owning shares of both classes must specify whether they intend to exchange
Class A or Class C shares.
The Fund reserves the right to reject telephone or written exchange
requests submitted in bulk by anyone on behalf of 10 or more accounts. The
Fund may accept requests for exchanges of up to 50 accounts per day from
representatives of authorized dealers that qualify for this privilege. In
connection with any exchange request, the number of shares exchanged may
be less than the number requested if the exchange or the number requested
would include shares subject to a restriction cited in the Prospectus or
this Statement of Additional Information or would include shares covered
by a share certificate that is not tendered with the request. In those
cases, only the shares available for exchange without restriction will be
exchanged.
When exchanging shares by telephone, a shareholder must either have
an existing account in, or obtain and acknowledge receipt of a prospectus
of, the fund to which the exchange is to be made. For full or partial
exchanges of an account made by telephone, any special account features
such as Asset Builder Plans, Automatic Withdrawal Plans and retirement
plan contributions will be switched to the new account unless the Transfer
Agent is instructed otherwise. If all telephone lines are busy (which
might occur, for example, during periods of substantial market
fluctuations), shareholders might not be able to request exchanges by
telephone and would have to submit written exchange requests.
Shares to be exchanged are redeemed on the regular business day the
Transfer Agent receives an exchange request in proper form (the
"Redemption Date"). Normally, shares of the fund to be acquired are
purchased on the Redemption Date, but such purchases may be delayed by
either fund up to five business days if it determines that it would be
disadvantaged by an immediate transfer of the redemption proceeds. The
Fund reserves the right, in its discretion, to refuse any exchange request
that may disadvantage it (for example, if the receipt of multiple exchange
requests from a dealer might require the disposition of portfolio
securities at a time or at a price that might be disadvantageous to the
Fund).
The different OppenheimerFunds available for exchange have different
investment objectives, policies and risks, and a shareholder should assure
that the Fund selected is appropriate for his or her investment and should
be aware of the tax consequences of an exchange. For federal income tax
purposes, an exchange transaction is treated as a redemption of shares of
one fund and a purchase of shares of another. "Reinvestment Privilege,"
above, discusses some of the tax consequences of reinvestment of
redemption proceeds in such cases. The Fund, the Distributor, and the
Transfer Agent are unable to provide investment, tax or legal advice to
a shareholder in connection with an exchange request or any other
investment transaction.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Dividends and Distributions. Dividends will be payable on shares held
of record at the time of the previous determination of net asset value.
However, daily dividends on newly purchased shares will not be declared
or paid until such time as Federal Funds (funds credited to a member
bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank) are available from the
purchase payment for such shares. Normally, purchase checks received from
investors are converted to Federal Funds on the next business day. If all
shares in an account are redeemed, all dividends accrued on shares in the
account will be paid together with the redemption proceeds. Dividends
will be declared on shares repurchased by a dealer or broker for four
business days following the trade date (i.e., to and including the day
prior to settlement of the repurchase).
Dividends, distributions and the proceeds of the redemption of Fund
shares represented by checks returned to the Transfer Agent by the Postal
Service as undeliverable will be invested in shares of Oppenheimer Money
Market Fund, Inc., as promptly as possible after the return of such checks
to the Transfer Agent, in order to enable the investor to earn a return
on otherwise idle funds.
Tax Status of the Fund's Dividends and Distributions. The Federal tax
treatment of the Fund's dividends and distributions is explained in the
Prospectus under the caption "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
Special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code govern the dividends-
received deduction for corporate shareholders. Long-term capital gains
distributions are not eligible for the deduction. In addition, the amount
of dividends paid by the Fund which may qualify for the deduction is
limited to the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends (generally
dividends from domestic corporations) which the Fund derives from its
portfolio investments held for a minimum period, usually 46 days. A
corporate shareholder will not be eligible for the deduction on dividends
paid on shares held by the shareholder for 45 days or less. To the extent
that the Fund derives a substantial portion of its gross income from
option premiums, interest income or short-term gains from the sale of
securities, or dividends from foreign corporations, its dividends will not
qualify for the deduction.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, by December 31 each year the Fund
must distribute 98% of its taxable investment income earned from January
1 through December 31 of that year and 98% of its capital gains realized
in the period from November 1 of the prior year to October 31 of the
current year or else the Fund must pay an excise tax on the amounts not
distributed. While it is presently anticipated that the Fund's
distributions will meet those requirements, the Fund's Board and Manager
might determine that in a particular year it would be in the best interest
of the Fund not to distribute income or capital gains at the mandated
levels and to pay the excise tax on the undistributed amounts, which would
reduce the amount available for distribution to shareholders.
The Internal Revenue Code requires that a holder (such as the Fund)
of a zero coupon security accrue a portion of the discount at which the
security was purchased as income each year even though the Fund receives
no interest payment in cash on the security during the year. The Fund may
also from time to time receive payment-in-kind securities in lieu of cash
interest payments. As an investment company, the Fund must pay out
substantially all of its net investment income each year. Accordingly,
the Fund may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year
an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund
actually received. Such distributions will be made from the cash assets
of the Fund or by liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary. If
a distribution of cash necessitates the liquidation of portfolio
securities, the Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In the
event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its
shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution than they
would have had in the absence of such transactions.
Dividend Reinvestment in Another Fund. Shareholders of the Fund may
elect to reinvest all dividends and/or capital gains distributions in
shares of the same class of any of the other OppenheimerFunds listed in
"Reduced Sales Charges," above, at net asset value without sales charge.
Class C shareholders should be aware that as of the date of this
Additional Statement, not all OppenheimerFunds offer Class C shares. To
elect this option, the shareholder must notify OSS in writing and either
must have an existing account in the fund selected for reinvestment or
must obtain a prospectus for that fund and an application from the
Transfer Agent to establish an account. The investment will be made at
the net asset value per share in effect at the close of business on the
payable date of the dividend or distribution. Dividends and/or
distributions from certain of the OppenheimerFunds may be invested in
shares of this Fund on the same basis.
Additional Information About the Fund
The Custodian. The Bank of New York is the Custodian of the Fund's
assets. The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and
controlling the Fund's portfolio securities and handling the delivery of
such securities to and from the Fund. The Manager has represented to the
Fund that the banking relationships with the Custodian have been and will
continue to be unrelated to and unaffected by the relationship between the
Fund and the Custodian. It will be the practice of the Fund to deal with
the Custodian in a manner uninfluenced by any banking relationship the
Custodian may have with the Manager and its affiliates.
Independent Auditors. The independent auditors of the Fund audit the
Manager's and the Fund's financial statements and perform other related
audit services. They also act as auditors certain other funds advised by
the Manager and its affiliates.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of Oppenheimer Champion High Yield
Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities,
including the statement of investments, of Oppenheimer Champion High Yield
Fund as of September 30, 1994, the related statement of operations for the
year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the years
ended September 30, 1994 and 1993, and the financial highlights for the
period November 16, 1987 (commencement of operations) to September 30,
1994. These financial statements and financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures
included confirmation of securities owned at September 30, 1994 by
correspondence with the custodian and brokers; where replies were not
received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such financial statements and financial
highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund at September 30, 1994,
the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets, and the
financial highlights for the respective stated periods, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Denver, Colorado
October 21, 1994
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS September 30, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
==========================================================
==========================================================
================
<S> <C> <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--25.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase agreement with The First Boston Corp., 4.70%, dated
9/30/94, to be repurchased at $23,009,008 on 10/3/94, collateralized
by U.S. Treasury Bills, 0%, 6/29/95, with a value of $23,489,049 $23,000,000 $23,000,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase agreement with First Chicago Capital Markets, 4.95%,
dated 9/30/94, to be repurchased at $24,009,900 on 10/3/94,
collateralized by U.S. Treasury Nts., 4.25%-8.50%, 4/15/95-7/15/98,
with a value of $13,571,193 and U.S. Treasury Bills, 0%, 3/16/95-
3/23/95, with a value of $10,931,075 24,000,000 24,000,000
----------
Total Repurchase Agreements (Cost $47,000,000) 47,000,000
==========================================================
==========================================================
================
LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--7.2%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Argentina (Republic of) Bonds,
Bonos de Consolidacion de Deudas, Series I, 4.8125%:
9/1/02(4)(7) 2,143,200 1,443,192
4/1/07(4)(7) 1,436,586 894,430
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SNC
International Finance BV Gtd. Matador Bonds, 8%, 8/5/03(6) 500,000(1) 436,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Denmark (Kingdom of) Bonds, 6%, 12/10/99 6,500,000(1) 949,243
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal National Mortgage Assn., Interest-Only Stripped
Mtg.-Backed Security, Trust 240, Class 2, 7%, 9/25/23(8) 3,230,425 1,221,505
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morocco (Kingdom of) Loan Participation Agreement,
Tranche A, 5.9375%, 1/1/09(4)(6) 4,500,000 3,285,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polish People's Republic Loan Participation Agreement,
5.0625%, 2/3/24(6)(9) 1,000,000 553,342
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury Nts., 9.25%, 1/15/96(10) 4,575,000 4,742,271
----------
Total Long-Term Government Obligations (Cost $13,528,559) 13,525,233
==========================================================
==========================================================
================
MUNICIPAL BONDS AND NOTES--0.4%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San Joaquin Hills, California Transportation Corridor Agency Toll Road
Capital Appreciation Revenue Bonds, Jr. Lien, 0%, 1/1/28 (Cost $723,059) 13,500,000 782,649
==========================================================
==========================================================
================
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES--63.2%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC MATERIALS--15.2%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS--9.1% Acme Metals, Inc., 12.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., 8/1/02 1,000,000
1,015,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aftermarket Technology Corp., 12% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/1/04(6) 1,500,000 1,522,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantis Group, Inc., 11% Sr. Nts., 2/15/03 600,000 591,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Caldor Corp., 15% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/1/00 1,000,000 1,110,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carbide/Graphite Group, Inc., 11.50% Sr. Nts., 9/1/03 1,000,000 1,022,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Container Corp. of America, 13.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/1/99 1,500,000 1,618,125
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Envirodyne Industries, Inc., 10.25% Sr. Nts., 12/1/01 652,000 528,120
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Nationwide Holdings, Inc., 12.25% Sr. Nts., 5/15/01(6) 400,000 421,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia Gulf Corp., 15% Sr. Sub. Nts., 4/15/00 1,500,000 1,575,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kloster Cruise Ltd., 13% Sr. Sec. Nts., 5/1/03 500,000 497,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Malette, Inc., 12.25% Sr. Sec. Nts., 7/15/04 750,000 776,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS Communications, Inc., 0%/9.375% Sr. Disc. Nts., 1/15/04(3) 100,000 59,250
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CHEMICALS (CONTINUED) NL Industries, Inc.:
11.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., 10/15/03 $1,300,000 $ 1,342,250
0%/13% Sr. Sec. Disc. Nts., 10/15/05(3) 1,000,000 636,250
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSI Specialities Holdings Co., Units(6) 3,000,000 1,845,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rexene Corp.:
9% Fst. Priority Nts., 11/15/99(5) 950,000 945,250
10% 2nd Priority Nts., 11/15/02(7) 509,000 485,671
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Synthetic Industries, Inc., 12.75% Sr. Sub. Debs., 12/1/02 1,150,000 1,161,500
----------
17,152,166
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
METALS--1.5% Armco, Inc., 8.50% SF Debs., 9/1/01 275,000 254,375
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jorgensen (Earle M.) Co., 10.75% Sr. Nts., 3/1/00 400,000 400,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp.:
9.875% Sr. Nts., 2/15/02 870,000 774,300
12.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 2/1/03 700,000 680,750
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stelco, Inc.:
10.25% Debs., 4/30/96 300,000(1) 221,420
10.40% Debs., 11/30/09 800,000(1) 565,850
----------
2,896,695
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAPER AND FOREST Equitable Bag, Inc., 12.375% Sr. Nts., 8/15/02(2) 50,000
29,250
PRODUCTS--4.6% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gaylord Container Corp.:
11.50% Sr. Nts., 5/15/01 1,000,000 1,025,000
0%/12.75% Sr. Sub. Disc. Debs., 5/15/05(3) 700,000 591,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Lumber Co., 10.50% Sr. Nts., 3/1/03 800,000 750,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PT Inti Indorayon Utama, 9.125% Sr. Nts., 10/15/00 400,000 350,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rainy River Forest Products, 10.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., 10/15/01 355,000 355,888
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repap Wisconsin, Inc., 9.25% Fst. Priority Sr. Sec. Nts., 2/1/02 680,000 608,600
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riverwood International Corp.:
11.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/15/02 1,100,000 1,155,000
10.375% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/30/04 500,000 511,250
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Consolidated Corp., 10.25% Sr. Sec. Nts., 12/15/00 325,000 320,938
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Container Corp.:
9.875% Sr. Nts., 2/1/01 800,000 753,000
10.75% Sr. Sub. Debs., 4/1/02 700,000 668,500
10.75% Fst. Mtg. Nts., 10/1/02 590,000 589,262
Stone Savannah River Pulp & Paper Corp., 14.125% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/15/00 900,000
966,375
----------
8,674,563
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER CYCLICALS--18.1%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTOMOTIVE--3.1% Envirotest Systems Corp.:
9.125% Sr. Nts., 3/15/01 500,000 463,750
9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 4/1/03 1,000,000 920,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foamex LP/Foamex Capital Corp., 11.25% Sr. Nts., 10/1/02 450,000 451,125
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foamex LP/JPS Automotive Corp., Units(6) 750,000 416,250
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JPS Automotive Products Corp., 11.125% Sr. Nts., 6/15/01 800,000 808,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penda Corp., 10.75% Sr. Nts., Series B, 3/1/04 975,000 901,875
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPX Corp., 11.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/1/02 1,750,000 1,828,750
----------
5,789,750
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 6
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES Triangle Pacific Corp., 10.50% Sr. Nts., 8/1/03 $2,400,000
$2,364,000
AND DEVELOPMENT--2.2% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USG Corp., 10.25% Sr. Sec. Nts., 12/15/02 1,750,000 1,793,750
----------
4,157,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER GOODS AND Coleman Holdings, Inc., 0% Sr. Sec. Disc. Nts., Series B, 5/27/98 2,100,000
1,417,500
SERVICES--4.9% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consoltex Group, Inc., 11% Gtd. Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 10/1/03 1,200,000 1,131,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Genesco, Inc., 10.375% Sr. Nts., 2/1/03 500,000 377,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harman International Industries, Inc., 12% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/1/02 2,000,000 2,140,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Insilco Corp., 10.375% Sr. Sec. Nts., 7/1/97 400,000 406,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interco, Inc., 9% Sec. Nts., Series B, 6/1/04 698,000 685,785
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protection One Alarm Monitoring, Inc., 12% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 11/1/03 1,000,000 955,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PT Polysindo Eka Perkasa, 13% Sr. Nts., 6/15/01 600,000 568,900
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WestPoint Stevens, Inc., 9.375% Sr. Sub. Debs., 12/15/05 1,600,000 1,454,000
-----------
9,136,185
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTERTAINMENT--2.3% Arizona Charlie's, Inc., 12% Fst. Mtg. Nts., Series A, 11/15/00(6) 275,000
240,625
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aztar Corp., 11% Sr. Sub. Nts., 10/1/02 400,000 352,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc., 12% Fst. Mtg. Nts., Series A, 11/15/00(6) 200,000 155,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Empress River Casino Finance Corp., 10.75% Gtd. Sr. Nts., 4/1/02 700,000 605,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maritime Group Ltd., Units(6) 267,224 211,842
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marvel (Parent) Holdings, Inc., 0% Sr. Sec. Disc. Nts., 4/15/98 1,250,000 781,250
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resorts International, Inc., 0% Sec. Fst. Mtg.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-Recourse Pass-Through Nts., 6/30/00 1,010,000 883,750
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Station Casinos, Inc.:
9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series A, 6/1/03 550,000 473,000
9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 6/1/03 200,000 172,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trump's Castle Funding, Inc., 7% Sub. Nts., 11/15/05(5)(7) 860 748
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United Gaming, Inc., 7.50% Cv. Sub. Debs., 9/15/03 590,000 493,387
----------
4,369,602
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA--2.7% Ackerley Communications, Inc., 10.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series A, 10/1/03 1,300,000
1,261,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
News America Holdings, Inc., 10.125% Gtd. Sr. Debs., 10/15/12 700,000 734,266
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SCI Television, Inc., 7.50% Fst. Sec. Loan Nts., 6/30/98 357,000 348,968
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Inc., 10% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/15/03 500,000 485,000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., 12% Sr. Sub. Debs., 10/15/01 1,580,000 1,651,100
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Univision Television Group, Inc., 11.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 1/15/01 500,000 530,625
----------
5,010,959
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REAL ESTATE Hees International Corp., 10% Sr. Nts., 8/23/99 1,000,000(1) 661,650
DEVELOPMENT--0.7% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olympia & York First Canadian Place Ltd., 11% Debs., Series 3, 11/4/49(2) 1,250,000(1) 577,779
----------
1,239,429
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL--2.2% Brylane LP/Brylane Capital Corp., 10% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 9/1/03 500,000 477,500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cole National Group, Inc., 11.25% Sr. Nts., 10/1/01 1,050,000 1,034,250
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., 12% Sr. Nts., 10/1/03 1,000,000 844,867
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp., 10.625% Sr. Nts., 5/1/03 485,000 460,750
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 7
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
RETAIL (CONTINUED) International Semi-Tech Microelectronics, Inc.,
0%/11.50% Sr. Sec. Disc. Nts., 8/15/03(3) $1,000,000 $ 472,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R.H. Macy & Co., Inc., 14.50% Sr. Sub. Debs., 10/15/98(2) 450,000 324,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zale Delaware, Inc., 11% Gtd. 2nd Priority Sr. Sec. Nts., 7/30/00 500,000 501,250
4,115,117
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER NON-CYCLICALS--8.3%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD--1.6% ARA Group, Inc. (The), 12% Sub. Debs., 4/15/00 500,000
539,375
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flagstar Corp., 10.75% Sr. Nts., 9/15/01 400,000 379,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heileman Acquisition Corp., 9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 1/31/04 800,000 682,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kash 'N Karry Food Stores, Inc., 14% Sub. Debs., 2/1/01(2) 300,000 85,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Crown Corp., 9.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., 8/1/00 1,400,000 1,305,500
----------
2,991,375
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD AND DRUG Alco Health Distribution Corp., 11.25% Sr. Debs., 7/15/05(7) 558,000
545,968
DISTRIBUTION--3.5% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Di Giorgio Corp., 12% Sr. Nts., 2/15/03 700,000 700,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duane Reade, 12% Sr. Nts., Series B, 9/15/02 500,000 485,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Union Co.:
11.25% Sr. Nts., 7/15/00 1,150,000 1,043,625
12.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/15/02 800,000 592,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purity Supreme, Inc., 11.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series B, 8/1/99 1,000,000 885,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revco D.S., Inc., 9.125% Sr. Nts., 1/15/00 700,000 710,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thrifty Payless, Inc., 11.75% Sr. Nts., 4/15/03 1,750,000 1,745,625
----------
6,707,718
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTHCARE--3.2% American Medical International, Inc.:
11.375% Sr. Sub. Nts., 2/1/95 1,500,000 1,531,875
9.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 4/15/06 1,000,000 975,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amerisource Corp., 14.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series A, 9/15/99 1,000,000 1,065,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Healthtrust, Inc. - The Hospital Co.:
10.75% Sub. Nts., 5/1/02 1,500,000 1,567,500
10.25% Sub. Nts., 4/15/04 100,000 103,125
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Renal Care, Inc., Units 1,000,000 720,000
----------
5,962,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY--4.4%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ferrellgas LP/Ferrellgas Finance Corp., 10% Sr. Nts., 8/1/01 1,300,000 1,306,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maxus Energy Corp.:
9.875% Nts., 10/15/02 100,000 96,500
11.50% Debs., 11/15/15 500,000 502,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mesa Capital Corp., 0%/12.75% Sec. Disc. Nts., 6/30/98(3) 1,158,000 1,027,725
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPI International, Inc., 12.875% Gtd. Sr. Nts., 7/15/02 1,225,000 1,399,562
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Presidio Oil Co.:
11.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series B, 9/15/00 450,000 429,750
13.90% Sr. Sub. Gas Indexed Nts., Series B, 7/15/02(4) 600,000 534,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sante Fe Energy Resources, Inc., 11% Sr. Sub. Debs., 5/15/04 1,720,000 1,763,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wainoco Oil Corp., 12% Sr. Nts., 8/1/02 1,200,000 1,239,000
----------
8,298,537
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 8
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
FINANCIAL--2.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acme Holdings, Inc., 11.75% Sr. Nts., 6/1/00 $ 400,000 $ 182,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Life Holding Co., 11.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 9/15/04 520,000 531,700
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Card Establishment Services, Inc., 10% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 10/1/03 1,000,000 945,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Fund, L.P.I., 14% Sub. Nts., 6/10/02(6) 771,840 849,025
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Partners Group, Inc., 12.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/15/02 700,000 761,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lomas Financial Corp., 9% Cv. Sr. Nts., 10/31/03 600,000 435,000
----------
3,703,975
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRIAL--6.4%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTAINERS--1.8% Owens-Illinois, Inc.:
10.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/15/02 200,000 206,000
11% Sr. Debs., 12/1/03 1,445,000 1,533,506
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trans Ocean Container Corp., 12.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/1/04 1,700,000 1,691,500
----------
3,431,006
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL--3.3% American Standard, Inc.:
9.875% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/1/01 1,000,000 985,000
0%/10.50% Sr. Sub. Disc. Debs., 6/1/05(3) 750,000 491,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EnviroSource, Inc., 9.75% Sr. Nts., 6/15/03 1,600,000 1,456,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imo Industries, Inc.:
12.25% Sr. Sub. Debs., 8/15/97 1,200,000 1,215,000
12% Sr. Sub. Debs., 11/1/01 500,000 512,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polymer Group, Inc., 12.25% Sr. Nts., 7/15/02(6) 750,000 750,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southdown, Inc., 14% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 10/15/01 735,000 832,387
----------
6,242,137
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION--1.3% Sea Containers Ltd.:
9.50% Sr. Nts., 7/1/03 250,000 231,875
12.50% Sr. Sub. Debs., Series A, 12/1/04 250,000 261,875
12.50% Sr. Sub. Debs., Series B, 12/1/04 100,000 105,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southern Pacific Transportation Co.,
10.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series B, 7/1/99 400,000 413,037
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tiphook Financial Corp.:
7.125% Gtd. Nts., 5/1/98 900,000 652,500
8% Gtd. Nts., 3/15/00 489,000 337,410
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transtar Holdings LP/Transtar Capital Corp.,
0%/13.375% Sr. Disc. Nts., Series B, 12/15/03(3) 750,000 410,625
----------
2,412,822
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY--7.8%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEROSPACE/DEFENSE--0.7% GPA Delaware, Inc., 8.75% Gtd. Nts., 12/15/98 930,000
781,200
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GPA Holland BV, 8.94% Med.-Term Nts., 2/16/99 700,000 558,250
----------
1,339,450
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 9
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CABLE TELEVISION--2.6% Cablevision Systems Corp.:
14% Sr. Sub. Reset Debs., 11/15/03 $1,000,000 $ 1,012,500
10.75% Sr. Sub. Debs., 4/1/04 200,000 204,000
9.875% Sr. Sub. Debs., 2/15/13 300,000 279,750
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Echostar Communications Corp., Units 1,290,000 619,200
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Helicon Group LP/Helicon Capital Corp.,
9% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series B, 11/1/03(4) 750,000 678,750
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International CableTel, Inc., 0%/10.875% Sr. Def. Cpn. Nts., 10/15/03(3) 150,000 84,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outlet Broadcasting, Inc., 10.875% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/15/03 1,000,000 1,005,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TKR Cable I, Inc., 10.50% Sr. Debs., 10/30/07 1,000,000 1,086,250
------------
4,969,450
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATIONS--3.3% Cellular, Inc., 0%/11.75% Sr. Sub. Disc. Nts., 9/1/03(3) 2,250,000
1,485,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centennial Cellular Corp., 8.875% Sr. Nts., 11/1/01 500,000 452,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horizon Cellular Telephone LP/Horizon Finance Corp.,
0%/11.375% Sr. Sub. Disc. Nts., 10/1/00(3) 2,000,000 1,440,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nextel Communications, Inc., 0%/9.75% Sr. Disc. Nts., 8/15/04(3) 1,200,000 594,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Panamsat LP/Panamsat Capital Corp.:
9.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., 8/1/00 500,000 498,750
0%/11.375% Sr. Sub. Disc. Nts., 8/1/03(3) 1,700,000 1,143,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rogers Communications, Inc., 10.875% Sr. Debs., 4/15/04 600,000 613,500
------------
6,227,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY--1.2% Bell & Howell Holdings Co., 0%/11.50% Sr. Disc. Debs., Series B, 3/1/05(3) 1,900,000
997,500
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Businessland, Inc., 5.50% Sub. Debs., 3/1/07 805,000 161,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imax Corp., 7% Sr. Nts., 3/1/01(5)(6) 1,200,000 1,050,000
------------
2,208,500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES--1.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Energy Co., 0%/10.25% Sr. Disc. Nts., 1/15/04(3) 1,405,000 1,008,087
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First PV Funding Corp., 10.30% Lease Obligation Bonds,
Series 1986A, 1/15/14 350,000 325,456
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subic Power Corp., 9.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series A, 12/28/08(6) 500,000 461,250
------------
1,794,793
------------
Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost $121,929,956) 118,831,479
<CAPTION>
SHARES
==========================================================
==========================================================
================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCKS--0.7%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Gaming, Inc.(2)(6) 3,809 25,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Fund L.P.I.(6) 75 75,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Leaseway Transportation Corp.(2) 23,610 239,051
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marriott International, Inc. 601 17,354
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New World Communications Group, Inc., Cl. A(2) 3,640 51,870
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petrolane, Inc., Cl. B 34,270 488,348
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Triangle Wire & Cable, Inc.(2)(6) 9,500 92,625
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trizec, Ltd.(2) 21,598 169,068
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zale Corp.(2) 7,775 94,272
------------
Total Common Stocks (Cost $1,191,710) 1,252,823
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 10
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET VALUE
SHARES SEE NOTE 1
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
<S> <C> <C>
PREFERRED STOCKS--0.8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Algoma Finance Corp., 5.50% Exch., Series A 7,313 $ 120,625
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finlay Enterprises, Inc., Cl. A(2) 3,500 42,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Madison Bank, FSB, 11.50% 5,000 525,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
K-III Communications Corp., $11.625 Exch., Series B(7) 6,507 637,743
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navistar International Corp., $6.00 Cv., Series G 4,500 227,250
----------
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $1,535,131) 1,552,618
<CAPTION>
UNITS
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
<S> <C> <C>
RIGHTS, WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATES--0.2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ames Department Stores, Inc.:
Excess Cash Flow Payment Ctfs., Series AG-7A 6,200 62
Litigation Trust 19,829 198
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Becker Gaming, Inc. Wts., Exp. 11/00(6) 12,500 25,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Gaming International, Inc. Wts., Exp. 2/99(6) 15,037 48,870
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casino America, Inc. Wts., Exp. 11/96 1,631 2,447
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. Wts., Exp. 10/03 1,000 10,133
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gaylord Container Corp. Wts., Exp. 7/96 4,219 29,533
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hollywood Casino Corp. Wts., Exp. 4/98 1,904 205,632
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interco, Inc. Wts., Series 1, Exp. 8/99 8,655 35,702
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protection One, Inc. Wts., Exp. 11/03 28,000 89,880
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purity Supreme, Inc. Wts., Exp. 8/97(6) 1,733 35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southland Corp. Wts., Exp. 3/96 300 1,125
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terex Corp. Rts., Exp. 7/96(6) 129 194
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UGI Corp. Wts., Exp. 3/98 4,750 9,880
----------
Total Rights, Warrants and Certificates ($269,652) 458,691
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE
DATE/PRICE AMOUNT
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PUT OPTIONS PURCHASED--0.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar Put Nov. 2/1.60 DEM $1,161,541 3,786
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar Put Nov. 4/1.60 DEM 580,490 2,070
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar Put Nov. 8/1.60 DEM 580,462 2,411
----------
Total Put Options Purchased (Cost $39,999) 8,267
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
STRUCTURED INSTRUMENTS--0.7%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bayerische Landesbank, N.Y. Branch, Mexican
Peso Linked Confidence Nt., Girozentrale Branch,
35.50%, 12/30/94(6) 200,000 196,500
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.,
Standard & Poor's 500 Index-Linked Nts.:
4.85%, 11/16/94(6) 300,000 387,240
4.9125%, 12/14/94(6) 150,000 222,750
5.0375%, 12/22/94(6) 100,000 138,870
5.10%, 12/27/94(6) 100,000 143,810
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon, Inc., 5% Standard & Poor's 500
Index-Linked Nts., 11/21/94(6) 250,000 315,000
----------
Total Structured Instruments (Cost $1,478,800) 1,404,170
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT SEE NOTE 1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS, AT VALUE (COST $187,696,866) 98.2%
$184,815,930
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS NET OF LIABILITIES 1.8 3,432,578
------ ------------
NET ASSETS 100.0% $188,248,508
====== ============
(1) Face amount is reported in foreign currency.
(2) Non-income-producing security.
(3) Represents a zero coupon bond that converts to a fixed rate of
interest at a designated future date.
(4) Represents the current interest rate for a variable rate security.
(5) Represents the current interest rate for an increasing rate security.
(6) Restricted or illiquid security--See Note 6 of Notes to Financial
Statements.
(7) Interest or dividend is paid in kind.
(8) Interest-Only Strips represent the right to receive the monthly
interest payments on an underlying pool of mortgage loans. These
securities typically decline in price as interest rates decline.
Most other fixed-income securities increase in price when interest
rates decline. The principal amount of the underlying pool
represents the notional amount on which current interest is
calculated. The price of these securities is typically more
sensitive to changes in prepayment rates than traditional
mortgage-backed securities (for example, GNMA pass-throughs).
(9) Partial interest payment was received.
(10) Securities with an aggregate market value of $179,325 are held
in escrow to cover outstanding call options, as follows:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE SUBJECT EXPIRATION EXERCISE PREMIUMS
MARKET VALUE
TO CALL DATE PRICE RECEIVED SEE NOTE (1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar 801,038 11/2/94 1.50 DEM $ 3,721 $
2,112
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar 359,886 11/2/94 1.60 DEM 9,386
11,994
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar 400,519 11/4/94 1.50 DEM 1,928 1,183
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar 179,943 11/4/94 1.60 DEM 4,728 5,943
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar 400,519 11/8/94 1.5445 DEM 4,779
4,924
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
European OTC Deutsche Mark/U.S. Dollar 179,943 11/8/94 1.60 DEM 4,893 6,157
------- -------
$29,435 $32,313
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE> 12
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES September 30, 1994
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
ASSETS Investments, at value (including repurchase agreements of $47,000,000)
(cost $187,696,866)--see accompanying statement $184,815,930
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash 91,720
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receivables:
Interest and dividends 3,890,033
Shares of beneficial interest sold 1,433,484
Investments sold 823,738
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 4,168
------------
Total assets 191,059,073
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
LIABILITIES Options written, at value (premiums received $29,435)--
see accompanying statement--Note 4 32,313
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payables and other liabilities:
Investments purchased 1,466,028
Shares of beneficial interest redeemed 741,086
Dividends 279,733
Distribution and service plan fees--Note 5 107,852
Other 183,553
------------
Total liabilities 2,810,565
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
NET ASSETS $188,248,508
------------
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
COMPOSITION OF Paid-in capital $192,153,811
NET ASSETS -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overdistributed net investment income (232,629)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated net realized loss from investment and foreign currency transactions (790,678)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized depreciation on investments, options written and
translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (2,881,996)
------------
Net assets $188,248,508
------------
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
NET ASSET VALUE Class A Shares:
PER SHARE Net asset value and redemption price per share (based on net assets
of $160,505,162 and 13,025,896 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $12.32
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus sales charge
of 4.75% of offering price) $12.93
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares:
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share (based on
net assets of $27,743,346 and 2,251,419 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $12.32
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE> 13
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Year Ended September 30, 1994
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
INVESTMENT INCOME Interest (net of withholding taxes of $54,954) $13,756,895
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends (net of withholding taxes of $553) 440,348
-----------
Total income 14,197,243
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
EXPENSES Management fees--Note 5 1,026,200
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service plan fees:
Class A--Note 5 319,690
Class C--Note 5 113,624
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees--Note 5 228,430
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder reports 57,827
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registration and filing fees:
Class A 20,092
Class C 10,050
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custodian fees and expenses 27,375
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal and auditing fees 15,089
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustees' fees and expenses 1,588
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 55,417
-----------
Total expenses 1,875,382
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
NET INVESTMENT INCOME 12,321,861
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED Net realized loss from:
GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, Investments (521,682)
OPTIONS WRITTEN AND FOREIGN Foreign currency transactions
(65,590)
CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS -----------
Net realized loss (587,272)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on:
Investments and options written (5,841,830)
Translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies 1,304
-----------
Net change (5,840,526)
-----------
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments,
options written and foreign currency transactions (6,427,798)
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS
$ 5,894,063
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE> 14
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C>
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
OPERATIONS Net investment income $ 12,321,861 $ 6,982,465
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions (587,272) 1,926,265
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
on investments, options written and translation of assets
and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies (5,840,526) 1,827,231
------------ ------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 5,894,063 10,735,961
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
DIVIDENDS AND Dividends from net investment income:
DISTRIBUTIONS TO Class A ($1.102 and $1.22 per share, respectively) (11,428,985)
(6,982,465)
SHAREHOLDERS Class C ($.765 per share) (828,957) --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends in excess of net investment income:
Class A ($.006 per share) (59,802) --
Class B ($.004 per share) (4,337) --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions in excess of capital gains:
Class A ($.189 per share) (1,773,705) --
Class C ($.189 per share) (25,332) --
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
BENEFICIAL INTEREST Net increase in net assets resulting from
TRANSACTIONS Class A beneficial interest transactions--Note 2 63,236,754 53,586,890
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
Class C beneficial interest transactions--Note 2 28,773,777 --
==========================================================
==========================================================
===============
NET ASSETS Total increase 83,783,476 57,340,386
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning of year 104,465,032 47,124,646
------------ ------------
End of year (including overdistributed
net investment income of $232,629 in 1994) $188,248,508 $104,465,032
============
============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
<PAGE> 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS C
----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------
YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988(2) 1994(1)
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<C>
PER SHARE OPERATING DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.90 $12.26 $11.49 $10.46 $11.53 $12.10 $11.43 $13.13
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income 1.10 1.22 1.41 1.45 1.43 1.42(3) 1.24 .75
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) on investments, options written
and foreign currency transactions (.38) .64 .77 1.04 (1.08) (.43) .67 (.60)
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total income from
investment operations .72 1.86 2.18 2.49 .35 .99 1.91 .15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and distributions to shareholders:
Dividends from net
investment income (1.10) (1.22) (1.41) (1.46) (1.42) (1.42) (1.24) (.77)
Dividends in excess of net
investment income (.01) -- -- -- -- -- -- --(4)
Distributions from net realized
gain on investments -- -- -- -- -- (.14) -- --
Distributions in excess of net
realized gain on investments (.19) -- -- -- -- -- -- (.19)
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and
distributions to shareholders (1.30) (1.22) (1.41) (1.46) (1.42) (1.56) (1.24) (.96)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $12.32 $12.90 $12.26 $11.49 $10.46 $11.53 $12.10 $12.32
======== ======== ======= ======= =======
======= ======= =======
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
TOTAL RETURN, AT NET ASSET VALUE(5) 5.61% 15.92% 19.94% 25.62% 3.13% 8.53%
17.29% 1.11%
==========================================================
==========================================================
============
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $160,505 $104,465 $47,125 $16,044 $13,910 $20,642 $18,579 $27,743
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average net assets (in thousands) $135,431 $ 73,334 $28,270 $14,057 $17,163 $21,349 $11,116 $13,693
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of shares outstanding
at end of period (in thousands) 13,026 8,096 3,844 1,397 1,330 1,790 1,535 2,251
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets:
Net investment income 8.49% 9.52% 11.60% 13.49% 12.92% 11.87% 11.50%(6)
7.24%(6)
Expenses 1.22% 1.24% 1.35% 1.49% 1.40% 1.19%(3) 1.05%(6) 1.94%(6)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate(7) 108.0% 116.2% 121.5% 114.8% 67.8% 98.5% 31.6% 108.0%
</TABLE>
(1) For the period from December 1, 1993 (inception of offering) to September
30, 1994.
(2) For the period from November 16, 1987 (commencement of operations) to
September 30, 1988.
(3) Net investment income would have been $1.41 per share absent the voluntary
expense reimbursement, resulting in an expense ratio of 1.25%.
(4) Less than .005 per share.
(5) Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the
first day of the fiscal period, with all dividends and distributions reinvested
in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and redemption at the net asset
value calculated on the last business day of the fiscal period. Sales charges
are not reflected in the total returns.
(6) Annualized.
(7) The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period,
divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities
owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the
time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation.
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities)
for the year ended September 30, 1994 were $191,965,365 and $131,099,734,
respectively.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund (the Fund) is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a diversified, open-end
management investment company. The Fund's investment advisor is
Oppenheimer Management Corporation (the Manager). The Fund offers both
Class A and Class C shares. Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales
charge. Class C shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge. Both classes of shares have identical rights to earnings, assets
and voting privileges, except that each class has its own distribution
and/or service plan, expenses directly attributable to a particular class
and exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting a single
class. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
consistently followed by the Fund.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT VALUATION. Portfolio securities are valued at 4:00 p.m. (New
York time) on each trading day. Listed and unlisted securities for which
such information is regularly reported are valued at the
last sale price of the day or, in the absence of sales, at values based
on the closing bid or asked price or the last sale price on the prior
trading day. Long-term debt securities are valued by a
portfolio pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees. Long-term
debt securities which cannot be valued by the approved portfolio pricing
service are valued by averaging the mean between the bid and
asked prices obtained from two active market makers in such securities.
Short-term debt securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less
are valued at cost (or last determined market value)
adjusted for amortization to maturity of any premium or discount.
Securities for which market quotes are not readily available are valued
under procedures established by the Board of Trustees to
determine fair value in good faith. An option is valued based upon the
last sales price on the principal exchange on which the option is traded
or, in the absence of any transactions that day, the
value is based upon the last sale on the prior trading date if it is
within the spread between the closing bid and asked prices. If the last
sale is outside the spread, the closing bid or asked price
closest to the last reported sale price is used. Forward foreign currency
exchange contracts are valued at the forward rate on a daily basis.
SECURITY CREDIT RISK. The Fund invests in high-yield securities, which may
be subject to a greater degree of credit risk, greater market fluctuations
and risk of loss of income and principal, and may
be more sensitive to economic conditions than lower yielding, higher rated
fixed income securities. The Fund may acquire securities in default, and
is not obligated to dispose of securities whose
issuers subsequently default. At September 30, 1994, securities with an
aggregate market value of $1,569,871, representing .82% of the Fund's
total assets, were in default.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The accounting records of the Fund are
maintained in U.S. dollars. Prices of securities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated into U.S. dollars at the closing
rates of exchange. Amounts related to the purchase and sale of securities
and investment income are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing
on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund generally enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts
as a hedge, upon the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a
foreign currency. In addition, the Fund may enter into such contracts as
a hedge against changes in foreign currency exchange rates on portfolio
positions. A forward exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell
a foreign currency at a future date, at a negotiated rate. Risks may arise
from the potential inability of the counterparty to meet the terms of the
contract and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign
currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on investments
is separately identified from the fluctuations arising from changes in
market values of securities held and reported with all other foreign
currency gains and losses in the Fund's results of operations.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund requires the custodian to take possession,
to have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System or to
have segregated within the custodian's vault, all
securities held as collateral for repurchase agreements. If the seller of
the agreement defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if the
seller enters an insolvency proceeding, realization of
the value of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
OPTIONS WRITTEN. The Fund may write covered call and put options. When an
option is written, the Fund receives a premium and becomes obligated to
sell or purchase the underlying security at a fixed price,
upon exercise of the option. In writing an option, the Fund bears the
market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security
underlying the written option. Exercise of an option written by
the Fund could result in the Fund selling or purchasing a security at a
price different from the current market value. All securities covering
call options written are held in escrow by the custodian
bank and the Fund maintains liquid assets sufficient to cover written put
options in the event of exercise by the holder.
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
ALLOCATION OF INCOME, EXPENSES AND GAINS AND LOSSES. Income, expenses
(other than those attributable to a specific class) and gains and losses
are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the
relative proportion of net assets represented by such class. Operating
expenses directly attributable to a specific class are charged against the
operations of that class.
FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Fund intends to continue to comply with
provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all
of its taxable income, including any net realized gain on investments not
offset by loss carryovers, to shareholders.
Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. The Fund intends to declare dividends
separately for Class A and Class C shares from net investment income each
day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business and pay
such dividends monthly. Distributions from net realized gains on
investments, if any, will be declared at least once each year.
CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING FOR DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Effective October
1, 1993, the Fund adopted Statement of Position 93-2: Determination,
Disclosure, and Financial Statement Presentation of Income,
Capital Gain, and Return of Capital Distributions by Investment Companies.
As a result, the Fund changed the classification of distributions to
shareholders to better disclose the differences between
financial statement amounts and distributions determined in accordance
with income tax regulations.
Accordingly, subsequent to September 30, 1993, amounts have been
reclassified to reflect a decrease in paid-in capital of $2,652, a
decrease in undistributed net investment income of $50,018, and a
decrease in undistributed capital loss on investments of $52,670. During
the year ended September 30, 1994, in accordance with Statement of
Position 93-2, undistributed net investment income was decreased
by $182,391 and undistributed capital loss was decreased by $182,391.
OTHER. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the
investments are purchased or sold(trade date) and dividend income is
recorded on the ex-dividend date. Discount on securities purchased
is amortized over the life of the respective securities, in accordance
with federal income tax requirements. Realized gains and losses on
investments and unrealized appreciation and depreciation
are determined on an identified cost basis, which is the same basis used
for federal income tax purposes. Dividends in kind are recognized as
income on the ex-dividend date, at the current market
value of the underlying security. Interest on payment-in-kind debt
instruments is accrued as income at the coupon rate and a market
adjustment is made on the ex-date.
2. SHARES OF
BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of no par value shares of
beneficial interest of each class. Transactions in shares of beneficial
interest were as follows:
[CAPTION]
<TABLE> YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1994(1) SEPTEMBER 30, 1993
----------------------------- -------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A:
Sold 10,281,508 $131,255,862 6,506,627 $82,210,524
Dividends and distributions reinvested 665,353 8,503,155 345,523 4,361,170
Redeemed (6,017,355) (76,522,263) (2,599,817) (32,984,804)
---------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Net increase 4,929,506 $ 63,236,754 4,252,333 $53,586,890
========== ============
========== ===========
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C:
Sold 2,447,647 $ 31,251,062 -- $ --
Dividends and distributions reinvested 45,942 574,950 -- --
Redeemed (242,170) (3,052,235) -- --
---------- ------------ ---------- -----------
Net increase 2,251,419 $ 28,773,777 -- $ --
========== ============
========== ===========
</TABLE>
1) For the year ended September 30, 1994 for
Class A shares and for the period from December
1, 1993 (inception of offering) to September
30, 1994 for Class C shares.
3. UNREALIZED GAINS
AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS At September 30, 1994, net unrealized
depreciation on investments and options written of $2,883,814
was composed of gross appreciation of $2,143,382, and gross depreciation
of $5,027,196.
4. CALL OPTION ACTIVITY Call option activity for the year ended
September 30, 1994 was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER AMOUNT OF
OF OPTIONS PREMIUMS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Options outstanding at September 30, 1993 -- --
Options written 2,321,848 29,435
--------- -------
Options outstanding at September 30, 1994 2,321,848 $29,435
========= =======
</TABLE>
5. MANAGEMENT FEES
AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
WITH AFFILIATES
Management fees paid to the Manager were in accordance with the investment
advisory agreement with the Fund which provides for an annual fee of .70%
on the first $250 million of net assets, .65% on the next $250 million,
.60% on the next $500 million and .55% on net assets in excess of $1
billion. The Manager has agreed to reimburse the Fund if aggregate
expenses (with specified exceptions) exceed the
most stringent applicable regulatory limit on Fund expenses.
For the year ended September 30, 1994, commissions (sales charges paid
by investors) on sales of Class A shares totaled $2,343,545, of which
$595,684 was retained by Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. (OFDI), a
subsidiary of the Manager, as general distributor,
and by an affiliated broker/dealer. During the year ended September 30,
1994, OFDI received
ontingent deferred sales charges of $10,342 upon redemption of Class C
shares, as reimbursement for
sales commissions advanced by OFDI at the time of sale of such shares.
Oppenheimer Shareholder Services (OSS), a division of the Manager, is the
transfer and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund, and for other
registered investment companies. OSS's total costs of providing such
services are allocated ratably to these companies.
Under separate approved plans, each class may expend up to .25% of its net
assets annually to reimburse OFDI for costs incurred in connection with
the personal service and maintenance of accounts that hold shares of the
Fund, including amounts paid to brokers, dealers,
banks and other institutions. In addition, Class C shares are subject to
an asset-based sales charge
of .75% of net assets annually, to reimburse OFDI for sales commissions
paid from its own resources
at the time of sale and associated financing costs. In the event of
termination or discontinuance of
the Class C plan, the Board of Trustees may allow the Fund to continue
payment of the asset-based
sales charge to OFDI for distribution expenses incurred on Class C shares
sold prior to termination
or discontinuance of the plan. During the year ended September 30, 1994,
OFDI paid $18,814 to an
affiliated broker/dealer as reimbursement for Class A personal service and
maintenance expenses and retained $113,624 as reimbursement for Class C
sales commissions and service fee advances, as well
as financing costs.
6. RESTRICTED SECURITIES The Fund owns securities purchased in
private placement transactions, without registration under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the Act). The securities are valued under methods
approved by the Board of
Trustees as reflecting fair value. The Fund intends to invest no more than
10% of its net assets (determined at the time of purchase) in restricted
and illiquid securities, excluding securities
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A of the Act that are determined
to be liquid by the Board of
Trustees or by the Manager under Board-approved guidelines. Restricted and
illiquid securities,
excluding securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A of the Act
amount to $6,753,927, or 3.59% of the Fund's net assets, at September 30,
1994. Illiquid and/or restricted securities,
including those restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A of the Act are listed below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUATION
PER UNIT AS OF
ACQUISITION COST SEPTEMBER 30,
SECURITY DATE PER UNIT 1994
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aftermarket Technology Corp.,
12% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/1/04(1) 7/22/94 $ 100.00 $ 101.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona Charlie's, Inc.,
12%Fst. Mtg. Nts., Series A, 11/15/00 11/18/93 $ 100.00 $ 87.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior SNC International
Finance BV Gtd. Matador Bonds, 8%, 8/5/03(1) 11/12/93 $ 97.82 $ 87.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bayerische Landesbank, N.Y. Branch, Mexican Peso Linked
Confidence Nt., Girozentrale Branch, 35.50%, 12/30/94 9/23/94 $ 100.00 $ 98.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Becker Gaming, Inc. Wts., Exp. 11/00 11/18/93 $ 2.00 $ 2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Gaming, Inc. Common Stock 9/9/94 $ 7.60 $ 6.63
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Gaming International, Inc. Wts., Exp. 2/99 9/9/94 $ 4.45 $ 3.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Queen & Casino, Inc.,
12% Fst. Mtg. Nts., Series A, 11/15/00 11/18/93 $ 87.50 $ 77.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Fund L.P.I.:
Common Stock 4/14/92 $1,000.00 $1,000.00
14% Sub. Nts., 6/10/02 4/14/92-7/28/92 $ 100.50 $ 110.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Nationwide Holdings, Inc.,
12.25% Sr. Nts., 5/15/01(1) 7/20/94 $ 100.00 $ 105.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foamex LP/JPS Automotive Corp., Units(1) 6/21/94 $ 51.39 $ 55.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imax Corp., 7% Sr. Nts., 3/1/01(1) 3/7/94 $ 92.75 $ 87.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.,
Standard & Poor's 500 Index-Linked Nts.:
4.85%, 11/16/94 8/16/94 $ 139.20 $ 129.08
4.9125%, 12/14/94 9/13/94 $ 143.60 $ 148.50
5.0375%, 12/22/94 9/21/94 $ 145.80 $ 138.87
5.10%, 12/27/94 9/23/94 $ 149.00 $ 143.81
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maritime Group Ltd., Units(1) 2/16/94-8/12/94 $ 99.60 $ 79.28
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morocco (Kingdom of) Loan Participation
Agreement, Tranche A, 5.9375%, 1/1/09 2/28/94-4/20/94 $ 69.26 $ 73.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OSI Specialties Holdings Co., Units(1) 4/12/94 $ 57.25 $ 61.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polish People's Republic Loan
Participation Agreement, 5.0625%, 2/3/24 1/12/94-1/13/94 $ 65.11 $ 55.33
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polymer Group, Inc., 12.25% Sr. Nts., 7/15/02(1) 6/17/94 $ 100.00 $ 100.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purity Supreme, Inc. Wts., Exp. 8/97 10/25/93 $ -- $ .02
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon, Inc., 5% Standard & Poor's 500
Index-Linked Nts., 11/21/94 8/19/94 $ 140.40 $ 126.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subic Power Corp.,
9.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., Series A, 12/28/08(1) 12/20/93 $ 99.93 $ 92.25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Terex Corp. Rts., Exp. 7/96(1) 6/29/94 $ 1.49 $ 1.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Triangle Wire & Cable, Inc. Common Stock 5/2/94 $ 9.50 $ 9.75
1. Transferable under Rule 144A of the Act.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Appendix
Industry Classifications
Aerospace/Defense
Air Transportation
Auto Parts Distribution
Automotive
Bank Holding Companies
Banks
Beverages
Broadcasting
Broker-Dealers
Building Materials
Cable Television
Chemicals
Commercial Finance
Computer Hardware
Computer Software
Conglomerates
Consumer Finance
Containers
Convenience Stores
Department Stores
Diversified Financial
Diversified Media
Drug Stores
Drug Wholesalers
Durable Household Goods
Education
Electric Utilities*
Electrical Equipment
Electronics
Energy Services & Producers
Entertainment/Film
Environmental
<PAGE>
Food
Gas Utilities*
Gold
Health Care/Drugs
Health Care/Supplies & Services
Homebuilders/Real Estate
Hotel/Gaming
Industrial Services
Insurance
Leasing & Factoring
Leisure
Manufacturing
Metals/Mining
Nondurable Household Goods
Oil - Integrated
Paper
Publishing/Printing
Railroads
Restaurants
Savings & Loans
Shipping
Special Purpose Financial
Specialty Retailing
Steel
Supermarkets
Telecommunications - Technology
Telephone - Utility*
Textile/Apparel
Tobacco
Toys
Trucking
___________________
* For purposes of the Fund's investment policy not to concentrate in
securities of issuers in the same industry, utilities are divided into
"industries" according to their services (e.g., gas utilities, gas
transmission utilities, electric utilities and telephone utilities are
each considered a separate industry)
<PAGE>
Investment Adviser
Oppenheimer Management Corporation
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Distributor
Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Transfer Agent
Oppenheimer Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 5270
Denver, Colorado 80217
1-800-525-7048
Custodian of Portfolio Securities
The Bank of New York
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10015
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1560 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
Legal Counsel
Myer, Swanson, Adams & Wolf, P.C.
1600 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
<PAGE>
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
FORM N-1A
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements:
(1) Financial Highlights (See Part A): Filed herewith.
(2) Independent Auditors' Report (See Part B): Filed herewith.
(3) Statement of Investments (See Part B): Filed herewith.
(4) Statement of Assets and Liabilities (See Part B): Filed
herewith.
(5) Statement of Operations (See Part B): Filed herewith.
(6) Statement of Changes in Net Assets (See Part B): Filed herewith.
(7) Notes to Financial Statements (See Part B): Filed herewith.
(8) Independent Auditors' Consent: Filed herewith.
(b) Exhibits
(1) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust made as of 11/23/93 -
Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to Registrant's
Registration Statement, 11/30/93, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(2) Restated By-Laws as amended through 6/26/90 - Filed with Post-
Effective Amendment No. 9 to Registrant's Registration
Statement, 1/29/92, and refiled herewith pursuant to Item 102
of Regulation S-T.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) (i) Specimen Class A Share Certificate: Filed with Post-
Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registrant's Registration
Statement, 1/26/94 and incorporated herein by reference.
(ii) Specimen Class C Share Certificate: Filed with Post-
Effective Amendment No.12 to Registrant's Registration
Statement, 1/26/94 and incorporated herein by reference.
(5) Investment Advisory Agreement dated 10/22/90 - Filed with Post-
Effective Amendment No. 6 to the Registrant's Registration
Statement, 1/25/91, and refiled herewith pursuant to Item 102
of Regulation S-T.
(6) (i) General Distributor's Agreement dated 10/13/92: Filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to Registrant's
Registration Statement, 1/28/93, and refiled herewith
pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T.
(ii) Form of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. Dealer
Agreement: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 of
Oppenheimer Main Street Funds, Inc. (Reg. No. 33-17850),
9/30/94, pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iii) Form of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. Broker
Agreement: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 of
Oppenheimer Main Street Funds, Inc. (Reg. No. 33-17850),
9/30/94, pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iv) Form of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. Agency
Agreement: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 of
Oppenheimer Main Street Funds, Inc. (Reg. No. 33-17850),
9/30/94, pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(v) Broker Agreement between Oppenheimer Funds Distributor,
Inc. and Newbridge Securities dated 10/1/86: Filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to the Registration
Statement of Oppenheimer Special Fund (Reg. No. 2-45272),
11/1/86, refiled with Post-Effective Amendment No. 45 of
Oppenheimer Special Fund (reg. No. 2-45272), 8/22/94,
pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T and incorporated
herein by reference.
(7) Not applicable
(8) Custody Agreement dated 10/6/92 between Registrant and The Bank
of New York: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to
Registrant's Registration Statement, 1/28/93, and refiled
herewith pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T.
(9) Not applicable.
(10) Opinion and Consent of Counsel dated 9/30/87: Filed with
Registrant's Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2, 10/6/87, and
refiled herewith pursuant to Item 102 of Regulation S-T.
(11) Independent Auditors Consent: See item 24(a)(8) to Registrant's
Registration Statement.
(12) Not applicable.
(13) Investment Letter dated 10/1/87 from Champion Asset Management
Corporation to Registrant: Filed with Registrant's Post-
Effective Amendment No. 1, 4/28/88, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(14) (i) Form of Individual Retirement Account Trust Agreement:
Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the
Registration Statement of Oppenheimer U.S. Government
Trust (Reg. No. 2-76645), 8/25/93, and incorporated herein
by reference.
(ii) Form of Prototype Standardized and Non-Standardized Profit
Sharing Plan and Money Purchase Pension Plan For Self-
Employed Persons in corporations: filed with Post-
Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement
of Oppenheimer Mortgage Income Fund (Reg. No. 33-6614),
1/19/95, and incorporated herein by reference.
(iii)Form of Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plan and Custody Agreement
for employees of public schools and tax-exempt
organizations: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 47
of Oppenheimer Growth Fund (File No. 2-45272), 10/21/94 and
incorporated herein by reference.
(iv) Form of Simplified Employee Pension IRA: Filed with Post-
Effective Amendment No. 42 of Oppenheimer Equity Income
Fund (File No. 2-33043), 10/28/94, and incorporated herein
by reference.
(v) Form of SAR SEP Simplified Employee Pension IRA: Filed
with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration
Statement of Oppenheimer Mortgage Income Fund (Reg. No.
33-6614), 1/19/95, and incorporated herein by
reference.
(15) (i) Service Plan and Agreement for Class A Shares dated
6/22/93 under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of
1940: Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to
Registrant's Registration Statement, 11/30/93, and
incorporated herein by reference.
(ii) Distribution and Service Plan and Agreement for Class C
Shares dated 12/1/93 under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment
Company Act of 1940: Filed herewith.
(16) Performance Data Computation Schedule: Filed herewith.
(17) (i) Financial Data Schedule for Class A Shares: Filed
herewith
(ii) Financial Data Schedule for Class C Shares: Filed
herewith.
-- Powers of Attorney: Filed with Amendment No. 11 to Registrant's
Registration Statement, 11/30/93, and incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant
None.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
Number of Record Holders
Title of Class as of December 31, 1994
Class A Shares of Beneficial Interest 11,532
Class C Shares of Beneficial Interest 1,687
Item 27. Indemnification
Reference is made to the provisions of Article SEVENTH of
Registrant's Declaration of Trust filed as Exhibit 24(b)(1) to this
Registration Statement.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and
controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions or otherwise, Registrant has been advised that in the
opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities
(other than the payment by Registrant of expenses incurred or paid
by a trustee, officer or controlling person of Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such trustee, officer or controlling person, Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
(a) Oppenheimer Management Corporation is the investment adviser of the
Registrant; it and certain subsidiaries and affiliates act in the same
capacity to other registered investment companies as described in Parts
A and B hereof and listed in Item 28(b) below.
(b)There is set forth below information as to any other business,
profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each
officer and director of Oppenheimer Management Corporation is, or at any
time during the past two fiscal years has been, engaged for his/her own
account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or
trustee.
Name & Current Position
with Oppenheimer Other Business and Connections
Management Corporation During the Past Two Years
- ----------------------- ------------------------------
Lawrence Apolito, None.
Vice President
James C. Ayer, Jr., Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Assistant Vice President Oppenheimer Gold & Special Minerals Fund and
Oppenheimer Global Emerging Growth Fund.
Victor Babin, None.
Senior Vice President
Robert J. Bishop Assistant Treasurer of the OppenheimerFunds
Assistant Vice President (listed below); previously a Fund Controller
for Oppenheimer Management Corporation (the
"Manager").
Christopher O. Blunt, Vice President of Oppenheimer Funds
Vice President Distributor, Inc. Formerly a Vice President
of CIC/DISC Subsidiary.
George Bowen Treasurer of the New York-based
Senior Vice President OppenheimerFunds; Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer and Treasurer of the Denver-based
OppenheimerFunds. Vice President and
Treasurer of Oppenheimer Funds Distributor,
Inc. (the "Distributor") and HarbourView
Asset Management Corporation
("HarbourView"), an investment adviser
subsidiary of OMC; Senior Vice President,
Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and a
director of Centennial Asset Management
Corporation ("Centennial"), an investment
adviser subsidiary of the Manager; Vice
President, Treasurer and Secretary of
Shareholder Services, Inc. ("SSI") and
Shareholder Financial Services, Inc.
("SFSI"), transfer agent subsidiaries of
OMC; President, Treasurer and Director of
Centennial Capital Corporation; Vice
President and Treasurer of Main Street
Advisers; formerly Senior Vice President/
Comptroller and Secretary of Oppenheimer
Asset Management Corporation ("OAMC"), an
investment adviser which was a subsidiary of
the OMC.
Michael A. Carbuto, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Tax-Exempt Cash Reserves,
Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust,
Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust and
Centennial Tax Exempt Trust; Vice President
of Centennial.
William Colbourne, Formerly, Director of Alternative Staffing
Assistant Vice President Resources, and Vice President of Human
Resources, American Cancer Society.
Lynn Coluccy, Vice President Formerly Vice President\Director of Internal
Audit of the Manager.
O. Leonard Darling, Formerly Co-Director of Fixed Income for
Executive Vice President State Street Research & Management Co.
Robert A. Densen, None.
Vice President
Robert Doll, Jr., Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Executive Vice President Oppenheimer Growth Fund and Oppenheimer
Target Fund; Senior Vice President and
Portfolio Manager of Strategic Income &
Growth Fund.
John Doney, Vice President Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund.
Andrew J. Donohue, Secretary of the New York-based
Executive Vice President OppenheimerFunds; Vice President of the
& General Counsel Denver-based OppenheimerFunds; Executive
Vice President, Director and General Counsel
of the Distributor; formerly Senior Vice
President and Associate General Counsel of
the Manager and the Distributor.
Kenneth C. Eich, Treasurer of Oppenheimer Acquisition
Executive Vice President/ Corporation
Chief Financial Officer
George Evans, Vice President Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund.
Scott Farrar, Assistant Treasurer of the OppenheimerFunds;
Assistant Vice President previously a Fund Controller for the
Manager.
Katherine P.Feld Vice President and Secretary of Oppenheimer
Vice President and Funds Distributor, Inc.; Secretary of
Secretary HarbourView, Main Street Advisers, Inc. and
Centennial; Secretary, Vice President and
Director of Centennial Capital Corp.
Jon S. Fossel, President and director of Oppenheimer
Chairman of the Board, Acquisition Corp. ("OAC"), the Manager's
Chief Executive Officer parent holding company; President, CEO and
and Director a director of HarbourView; a director of SSI
and SFSI; President, Director, Trustee, and
Managing General Partner of the Denver-based
OppenheimerFunds; formerly President of the
Manager. President and Chairman of the Board
of Main Street Advisers, Inc.
Robert G. Galli, Trustee of the New York-based
Vice Chairman OppenheimerFunds; Vice President and Counsel
of OAC; formerly he held the following
positions: a director of the Distributor,
Vice President and a director of HarbourView
and Centennial, a director of SFSI and SSI,
an officer of other OppenheimerFunds and
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
of the Manager and the Distributor.
Linda Gardner, None.
Assistant Vice President
Ginger Gonzalez, Formerly 1st Vice President/Director of
Vice President Creative Services for Shearson Lehman
Brothers.
Dorothy Grunwager, None.
Assistant Vice President
Caryn Halbrecht, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Insured Tax-Exempt Bond Fund and
Oppenheimer Intermediate Tax Exempt Bond
Fund; an officer of other OppenheimerFunds;
formerly Vice President of Fixed Income
Portfolio Management at Bankers Trust.
Barbara Hennigar, President and Director of Shareholder
President and Chief Financial Service, Inc.
Executive Officer of
Oppenheimer Shareholder
Services, a division of OMC.
Alan Hoden, Vice President None.
Merryl Hoffman, None.
Vice President
Scott T. Huebl, None.
Assistant Vice President
Jane Ingalls, Formerly a Senior Associate with Robinson,
Assistant Vice President Lake/Sawyer Miller.
Stephen Jobe, None.
Vice President
Avram Kornberg, Formerly a Vice President with Bankers
Vice President Trust.
Paul LaRocco, Portfolio Manager of Oppenheimer Capital
Assistant Vice President Appreciation Fund; Associate Portfolio
Manager of Oppenheimer Discovery Fund and
Oppenheimer Time Fund. Formerly a
Securities Analyst for Columbus Circle
Investors.
Mitchell J. Lindauer, None.
Vice President
Loretta McCarthy, None.
Senior Vice President
Bridget Macaskill, Director of HarbourView; Director of Main
President and Director Street Advisers, Inc.; and Chairman of
Shareholder Services, Inc.
Sally Marzouk, None.
Vice President
Denis R. Molleur, None.
Vice President
Kenneth Nadler, None.
Vice President
David Negri, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Strategic Bond Fund, Oppenheimer
Multiple Strategies Fund, Oppenheimer
Strategic Investment Grade Bond Fund,
Oppenheimer Asset Allocation Fund,
Oppenheimer Strategic Diversified Income
Fund, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund,
Oppenheimer Strategic Income & Growth Fund,
Oppenheimer Strategic Short-Term Income
Fund, Oppenheimer High Income Fund and
Oppenheimer Bond Fund; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
Barbara Niederbrach, None.
Assistant Vice President
Stuart Novek, Formerly a Director Account Supervisor for
Vice President J. Walter Thompson.
Robert A. Nowaczyk, None.
Vice President
Julia O'Neal, None.
Assistant Vice President
Robert E. Patterson, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Senior Vice President Oppenheimer Main Street California Tax-
Exempt Fund, Oppenheimer Insured Tax-Exempt
Bond Fund, Oppenheimer Intermediate Tax-
Exempt Bond Fund, Oppenheimer Florida Tax-
Exempt Fund, Oppenheimer New Jersey Tax-
Exempt Fund, Oppenheimer Pennsylvania Tax-
Exempt Fund, Oppenheimer California Tax-
Exempt Fund, Oppenheimer New York Tax-Exempt
Fund and Oppenheimer Tax-Free Bond Fund;
Vice President of the New York Tax-Exempt
Income Fund, Inc.; Vice President of
Oppenheimer Multi-Sector Income Trust.
Tilghman G. Pitts III, Chairman and Director of the Distributor.
Executive Vice President
and Director
Jane Putnam, Associate Portfolio Manager of Oppenheimer
Assistant Vice President Growth Fund and Oppenheimer Target Fund and
Portfolio Manager for Oppenheimer Variable
Account Funds-Growth Fund; Senior Investment
Officer and Portfolio Manager with Chemical
Bank.
Russell Read, Formerly an International Finance Consultant
Assistant Vice President for Dow Chemical.
Thomas Reedy, Vice President of Oppenheimer Multi-Sector
Vice President Income Trust and Oppenheimer Multi-
Government Trust; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds; formerly a Securities
Analyst for the Manager.
David Rosenberg, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund and
Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust. Formerly
Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
for Delaware Investment Advisors.
Richard H. Rubinstein, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Asset Allocation Fund,
Oppenheimer Fund and Oppenheimer Multiple
Strategies Fund; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds; formerly Vice President
and Portfolio Manager/Security Analyst for
Oppenheimer Capital Corp., an investment
adviser.
Lawrence Rudnick, Formerly Vice President of Dollar Dry Dock
Assistant Vice President Bank.
Ellen Schoenfeld, None.
Assistant Vice President
Nancy Sperte, None.
Senior Vice President
Donald W. Spiro, President and Trustee of the New York-based
Chairman Emeritus OppenheimerFunds; formerly Chairman of the
and Director Manager and the Distributor.
Arthur Steinmetz, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Senior Vice President Oppenheimer Strategic Diversified Income
Fund, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund,
Oppenheimer Strategic Income & Growth Fund,
Oppenheimer Strategic Investment Grade Bond
Fund, Oppenheimer Strategic Short-Term
Income Fund; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
Ralph Stellmacher, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Senior Vice President Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund and
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund; an officer of
other OppenheimerFunds.
John Stoma, Vice President Formerly Vice President of Pension Marketing
with Manulife Financial.
James C. Swain, Chairman, CEO and Trustee, Director or
Vice Chairman of the Managing Partner of the Denver-based
Board of Directors OppenheimerFunds; President and a Director
and Director of Centennial; formerly President and
Director of OAMC, and Chairman of the Board
of SSI.
James Tobin, Vice President None.
Jay Tracey, Vice President Vice President of the Manager; Vice
President and Portfolio Manager of
Oppenheimer Time Fund and Oppenheimer
Discovery Fund. Formerly Managing Director
of Buckingham Capital Management.
Gary Tyc, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer of the Distributor and
Assistant Secretary SFSI.
and Assistant Treasurer
Ashwin Vasan, Vice President of Oppenheimer Multi-Sector
Vice President Income Trust and Oppenheimer Multi-
Government Trust: an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
Valerie Victorson, None.
Vice President
John Wallace, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, and
Oppenheimer Main Street Income and Growth
Fund; an officer of other OppenheimerFunds;
formerly a Securities Analyst and Assistant
Portfolio Manager for the Manager.
Dorothy Warmack, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Daily Cash Accumulation Fund, Inc.,
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves, Centennial
America Fund, L.P., Centennial Government
Trust and Centennial Money Market Trust;
Vice President of Centennial.
Christine Wells, None.
Vice President
William L. Wilby, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Senior Vice President Oppenheimer Global Fund and Oppenheimer
Global Growth & Income Fund; Vice President
of HarbourView; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
Carol Wolf, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.,
Centennial America Fund, L.P., Centennial
Government Trust, Centennial Money Market
Trust and Daily Cash Accumulation Fund,
Inc.; Vice President of Oppenheimer Multi-
Sector Income Trust; Vice President of
Centennial.
Robert G. Zack, Associate General Counsel of the Manager;
Senior Vice President Assistant Secretary of the OppenheimerFunds;
and Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary of SSI, SFSI; an officer
of other OppenheimerFunds.
Eva A. Zeff, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Assistant Vice President Oppenheimer Mortgage Income Fund; an officer
of other OppenheimerFunds; formerly a
Securities Analyst for the Manager.
Arthur J. Zimmer, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of
Vice President Centennial America Fund, L.P., Oppenheimer
Money Fund, Centennial Government Trust,
Centennial Money Market Trust and Daily Cash
Accumulation Fund, Inc.; Vice President of
Oppenheimer Multi-Sector Income Trust; Vice
President of Centennial; an officer of other
OppenheimerFunds.
The OppenheimerFunds include the New York-based OppenheimerFunds
and the Denver-based OppenheimerFunds set forth below:
New York-based OppenheimerFunds
Oppenheimer Asset Allocation Fund
Oppenheimer California Tax-Exempt Fund
Oppenheimer Discovery Fund
Oppenheimer Global Emerging Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Global Fund
Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income Fund
Oppenheimer Gold & Special Minerals Fund
Oppenheimer Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Mortgage Income Fund
Oppenheimer Multi-Government Trust
Oppenheimer Multi-Sector Income Trust
Oppenheimer Multi-State Tax-Exempt Trust
Oppenheimer New York Tax-Exempt Trust
Oppenheimer Fund
Oppenheimer Target Fund
Oppenheimer Tax-Free Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Time Fund
Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust
Denver-based OppenheimerFunds
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves
Centennial America Fund, L.P.
Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Government Trust
Centennial Money Market Trust
Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Tax Exempt Trust
Daily Cash Accumulation Fund, Inc.
The New York Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund
Oppenheimer Integrity Funds
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street Funds, Inc.
Oppenheimer Strategic Funds Trust
Oppenheimer Strategic Income & Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Investment Grade Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Short-Term Income Fund
Oppenheimer Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds
The address of Oppenheimer Management Corporation, the New York-
based OppenheimerFunds, Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc., Harbourview
Asset Management Corp., Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc., and
Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. is Two World Trade Center, New York, New
York 10048-0203.
The address of the Denver-based OppenheimerFunds, Shareholder
Financial Services, Inc., Shareholder Services, Inc., Oppenheimer
Shareholder Services, Centennial Asset Management Corporation, Centennial
Capital Corp., and Main Street Advisers, Inc. is 3410 South Galena Street,
Denver, Colorado 80231.
Item 29. Principal Underwriter
(a) Oppenheimer Funds Distributor, Inc. is the Distributor of
Registrant's shares. It is also the Distributor of each of the other
registered open-end investment companies for which Oppenheimer Management
Corporation is the investment adviser, as described in Part A and B of
this Registration Statement and listed in Item 28(b) above.
(b) The directors and officers of the Registrant's principal
underwriter are:
Positions and
Name & Principal Positions & Offices Offices with
Business Address with Underwriter Registrant
- ---------------- ------------------- -------------
George Clarence Bowen+ Vice President & Treasurer Vice
President,
Secretary,
and Treasurer
Christopher Blunt Vice President None
6 Baker Avenue
Westport, CT 06880
Julie Bowers Vice President None
21 Dreamwold Road
Scituate, MA 02066
Peter W. Brennan Vice President None
1940 Cotswold Drive
Orlando, FL 32825
Mary Ann Bruce* Senior Vice President - None
Financial Institution Div.
Robert Coli Vice President None
12 Whitetail Lane
Bedminster, NJ 07921
Ronald T. Collins Vice President None
710-3 E. Ponce DeLeon Ave.
Decatur, GA 30030
Ronald Corlew Vice President None
1020 Montecito Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Mary Crooks+ Vice President None
Paul Della Bovi Vice President None
750 West Broadway
Apt. 5M
Long Beach, NY 11561
Andrew John Donohue* Executive Vice Vice
President & Director President
Wendy H. Ehrlich Vice President None
4 Craig Street
Jericho, NY 11753
Kent Elwell Vice President None
41 Craig Place
Cranford, NJ 07016
John Ewalt Vice President None
2301 Overview Dr. NE
Tacoma, WA 98422
Gregory Farley Vice President - None
1116 Westbury Circle Financial Institution Div.
Eagan, MN 55123
Katherine P. Feld* Vice President & Secretary None
Mark Ferro Vice President None
43 Market Street
Breezy Point, NY 11697
Wendy Fishler* Vice President - None
Financial Institution Div.
Wayne Flanagan Vice President - None
36 West Hill Road Financial Institution Div.
Brookline, NH 03033
Ronald R. Foster Vice President - None
11339 Avant Lane Eastern Division Manager
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Patricia Gadecki Vice President None
6026 First Ave. South,
Apt. 10
St. Petersburg, FL 33707
Luiggino Galleto Vice President None
10239 Rougemont Lane
Charlotte, NC 28277
Mark Giles Vice President - None
5506 Bryn Mawr Financial Institution Div.
Dallas, TX 75209
Ralph Grant* Vice President/National None
Sales Manager - Financial
Institution Div.
Sharon Hamilton Vice President None
720 N. Juanita Ave. - #1
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Carla Jiminez Vice President None
609 Chimney Bluff Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Terry Lee Kelley Vice President - None
1431 Woodview Lane Financial Institution Div.
Commerce Township, MI 48382
Michael Keogh* Vice President None
Richard Klein Vice President None
4011 Queen Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hans Klehmet II Vice President None
26542 Love Lane
Ramona, CA 92065
Ilene Kutno* Assistant Vice President None
Wayne A. LeBlang Vice President - None
23 Fox Trail Director Eastern Div.
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Dawn Lind Vice President - None
7 Maize Court Financial Institution Div.
Melville, NY 11747
James Loehle Vice President None
30 John Street
Cranford, NJ 07016
Laura Mulhall* Vice President - None
Director of Key Accounts
Gina Munson Vice President None
120 Fisherville Road
Apt. 136
Concord, NH 03301
Charles Murray Vice President None
50 Deerwood Drive
Littleton, CO 80127
Patrick Palmer Vice President None
958 Blue Mountain Cr.
West Lake Village, CA 91362
Randall Payne Vice President - None
1307 Wandering Way Dr. Financial Institution Div.
Charlotte, NC 28226
Gayle Pereira Vice President None
2707 Via Arboleda
San Clemente, CA 92672
Charles K. Pettit Vice President None
1900 Eight Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94116
Tilghman G. Pitts, III* Chairman & Director None
Elaine Puleo* Vice President - None
Financial Institution Div.
Minnie Ra Vice President - None
109 Peach Street Financial Institution Div.
Avenel, NJ 07001
David Robertson Vice President None
9 Hawks View
Hoeoye Falls, NY 14472
Ian Robertson Vice President None
4204 Summit Wa
Marietta, GA 30066
Robert Romano Vice President None
1512 Fallingbrook Drive
Fishers, IN 46038
James Ruff* President None
Timothy Schoeffler Vice President None
3118 N. Military Road
Arlington, VA 22207
Mark Schon Vice President None
10483 E. Corrine Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85259
Michael Sciortino Vice President None
785 Beau Chene Dr.
Mandeville, LA 70448
James A. Shaw Vice President - None
5155 West Fair Place Financial Institution Div.
Littleton, CO 80123
Robert Shore Vice President - None
26 Baroness Lane Financial Institution Div.
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Peggy Spilker Vice President - None
2017 N. Cleveland, #2 Financial Institution Div.
Chicago, IL 60614
Michael Stenger Vice President None
C/O America Building
30 East Central Pkwy
Suite 1008
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Paul Stickney Vice President None
1314 Log Cabin Lane
St. Louis, MO 63124
George Sweeney Vice President None
1855 O'Hara Lane
Middletown, PA 17057
Philip St. John Trimble Vice President None
2213 West Homer
Chicago, IL 60647
Gary Paul Tyc+ Assistant Treasurer None
Mark Stephen Vandehey+ Vice President None
Gregory K. Wilson Vice President None
2 Side Hill Road
Westport, CT 06880
Bernard J. Wolocko Vice President None
33915 Grand River
Farmington, MI 48335
William Harvey Young+ Vice President None
* Two World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048-0203
+ 3410 South Galena St., Denver, CO 80231
(c) Not applicable.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts, books and other documents required to be
maintained by Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules promulgated thereunder
are in the possession of Oppenheimer Management Corporation at
its offices at 3410 South Galena Street, Denver, Colorado 80231.
Item 31. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Not applicable.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant
to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Denver and State of Colorado on
the 23rd day of January, 1995.
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
/s/ James C. Swain
by: --------------------------
James C. Swain, Chairman
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities on the dates indicated:
Signatures: Title Date
- ----------- ----------------- --------------
/s/ James C. Swain* Chairman of the Board January 23, 1995
- ---------------------- of Trustees
James C. Swain
/s/ Jon S. Fossel* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
Jon S. Fossel
/s/ George Bowen* Treasurer and January 23, 1995
- ---------------------- Principal Financial
George Bowen and Accounting Officer
/s/ Robert G. Avis* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
Robert G. Avis
/s/ William A. Baker* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
William A. Baker
/s/ Charles Conrad, Jr.* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
Charles Conrad, Jr.
/s/ Raymond J. Kalinowski* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
Raymond J. Kalinowski
/s/ C. Howard Kast* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
C. Howard Kast
/s/ Robert M. Kirchner* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ----------------------
Robert M. Kirchner
/s/ Ned M. Steel* Trustee January 23, 1995
- ---------------------------
Ned M. Steel
*By: /s/ Robert G. Zack
-------------------------------------
Robert G. Zack, Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
FORM N-1A
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
EXHIBIT INDEX
Item No. Description
24(a)(8) Independent Auditors' Consent
24(b)(2) Restated By-Laws as amended through 6/26/90
24(b)5) Investment Advisory Agreement dated 10/22/90
24(b)(6)(i) General Distributor's Agreement dated 10/13/92
24(b)(8) Custody Agreement dated 10/6/92
24(b)(10) Opinion and Consent of Counsel dated 9/30/87
24(b)(15)(ii) Distribution and Service Plan for Class C
Shares dated 12/1/93
24(b)(16) Performance Data Computation Schedule
24(b)(17)(i) Financial Data Schedule for Class A Shares
24(b)(17)(ii) Financial Data Schedule for Class C Shares
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund:
We hereby consent to the use in Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to Registration
Statement No. 33-16494 of our report dated October 21, 1994 appearing in the
Statement of Additional Information, which is a part of such Registration
Statement, and to the reference to us under the caption"Financial Highlights"
appearing in the Prospectus, which is also a part of such Registration
Statement.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Denver, Colorado
January 25, 1995
190con.1
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
RESTATED BY-LAWS
(as amended through June 26, 1990)
ARTICLE I
SHAREHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the Shareholders
(which terms as used herein shall, together with all other terms defined
in the Declaration of Trust, have the same meaning as in the Declaration
of Trust) shall be held at the principal office of the Fund or at such
other place as may from time to time be designated by the Board of
Trustees and stated in the notice of meeting.
Section 2. Shareholder Meetings. Meetings of the Shareholders
for any purpose or purposes may be called by the Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, if any, or by the President or by the Board of Trustees and
shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of the request in writing
signed by Shareholders holding not less than one third in amount of the
entire number of Shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote
thereat. Such request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed
meeting. In addition, meetings of the Shareholders shall be called by the
Board of Trustees upon receipt of the request in writing signed by
Shareholders that hold not less than ten percent in amount of the entire
number of Shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat,
stating that the purpose of the proposed meeting is the removal of a
Trustee.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings of Shareholders. Not less than
ten days' and not more than 120 days' written or printed notice of every
meeting of Shareholders, stating the time and place thereof (and the
general nature of the business proposed to be transacted at any special
or extraordinary meeting), shall be given to each Shareholder entitled to
vote thereat by leaving the same with him or at his residence or usual
place of business or by mailing it, postage prepaid and addressed to him
at his address as it appears upon the books of the Fund.
No notice of the time, place or purpose of any meeting of
Shareholders need be given to any Shareholder who attends in person or by
proxy or to any Shareholder who, in writing executed and filed with the
records of the meeting, either before or after the holding thereof, waives
such notice.
Section 4. Record Dates. The Board of Trustees may fix, in
advance, a date, not exceeding 120 days and not less than ten days
preceding the date of any meeting of Shareholders, and not exceeding 120
days preceding any dividend payment date or any date and entitled to
receive such dividends or rights for the allotment of rights, as a record
date for the determination of the Shareholders entitled to receive such
dividend or rights, as the case may be; and only Shareholder of record on
such date and entitled to receive such dividends or rights shall be
entitled to notice of and to vote at such meeting or to receive such
dividends or rights, as the case may be.
Section 5. Access to Shareholder List. The Board of Trustees
shall make available a list of the names and addresses of all shareholders
as recorded on the books of the Fund, upon receipt of the request in
writing signed by not less than ten Shareholders (who have been such for
at least six months) holding Shares of the Fund valued at $25,000 or more
at current offering price (as defined in the Fund's Prospectus), or
holding not less than one percent in amount of the entire number of shares
of the Fund issued and outstanding; such request must state that such
Shareholders wish to communicate with other Shareholders with a view to
obtaining signatures to a request for a meeting pursuant to Section 2 of
Article II of these By-Laws and accompanied by a form of communication to
the Shareholders. The Board of Trustees may, in its discretion, satisfy
its obligation under this Section 5 by either making available the
Shareholder List to such Shareholders at the principal offices of the
Fund, or at the offices of the Fund's transfer agents, during regular
business hours, or by mailing a copy of such Shareholders' proposed
communication and form of request, at their expense, to all other
Shareholders.
Section 6. Quorum, Adjournment of Meetings. The presence in
person or by proxy of the holders of record of more than 50% of the Shares
of the stock of the Fund issued and outstanding and entitled to vote
thereat, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Shareholders.
If at any meeting of the Shareholders there shall be less than a quorum
present, the Shareholders present at such meeting may, without further
notice, adjourn the same from time to time until a quorum shall attend,
but no business shall be transacted at any such adjourned meeting except
as might have been lawfully transacted had the meeting not been adjourned.
Section 7. Voting and Inspectors. At all meetings of
Shareholders, every Shareholder or record entitled to vote thereat shall
be entitled to vote at such meeting either in person or by proxy appointed
by instrument in writing subscribed by such Shareholder or his duly
authorized attorney-in-fact.
All elections of Trustees shall be had by a plurality of the
votes cast and all questions shall be decided by a majority of the votes
cast, in each case at a duly constituted meeting, except as otherwise
provided in the Declaration of Trust or in these By-Laws or by specific
statutory provision superseding the restrictions and limitations contained
in the Declaration of Trust or in these By-Laws.
At any election of Trustees, the Board of Trustees prior thereto
may, or, if they have not so acted, the Chairman of the meeting may, and
upon the request of the holders of ten percent (10%) of the Shares
entitled to vote at such election shall, appoint two inspectors of
election who shall first subscribe an oath or affirmation to execute
faithfully the duties of inspectors at such election with strict
impartiality and according to the best of their ability, and shall after
the election make a certificate of the result of the vote taken. No
candidate for the office of Trustee shall be appointed such Inspector.
The Chairman of the meeting may cause a vote by ballot to be
taken upon any election of the matter, and such vote shall be taken upon
the request of the holders of ten percent (10%) of the Shares entitled to
vote on such election or matter.
Section 8. Conduct of Shareholders' Meetings. The meetings of
the Shareholders shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, if any, or if he shall not be present, by the President, or if
he shall not be present, by a Vice-President, or if neither the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees, the President nor any Vice-President is present,
by a chairman to be elected at the meeting. The Secretary of the Fund,
if present, shall act as Secretary of such meetings, or if he is not
present, an Assistant Secretary shall so act, or if neither the Secretary
nor an Assistant Secretary is present, then the meeting shall elect its
secretary.
Section 9. Concerning Validity of Proxies, Ballots, Etc. At
every meeting of the Shareholders, all proxies shall be received and taken
in charge of and all ballots shall be received and canvassed by the
secretary of the meeting, who shall decide all questions touching the
qualification of voters, the validity of the proxies, and the acceptance
or rejection of votes, unless inspectors of election shall have been
appointed as provided in Section 7, in which event such inspectors of
election shall decide all such questions.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Section 1. Number and Tenure of Office. The business and
property of the Fund shall be conducted and managed by a Board of Trustees
consisting of the number of initial Trustees, which number may be
increased or decreased as provided in Section 2 of this Article. Each
Trustee shall, except as otherwise provided herein, hold office until the
meeting of Shareholders of the Fund next succeeding his election or until
his successor is duly elected and qualifies. Trustees need not be
Shareholders.
Section 2. Increase or Decrease in Number of Trustees; Removal.
The Board of Trustees, by the vote of a majority of the entire Board, may
increase the number of Trustees to a number not exceeding fifteen, and may
elect Trustees to fill the vacancies occurring for any reason, including
vacancies created by any such increase in the number of Trustees until the
next annual meeting or until their successors are duly elected and
qualify; the Board of Trustees, by the vote of a majority of the entire
Board, may likewise decrease the number of Trustees to a number not less
than three but the tenure of office of any Trustee shall not be affected
by any such decrease. In the event that after the proxy material has been
printed for a meeting of Shareholders at which Trustees are to be elected
and any one or more nominees named in such proxy material dies or becomes
incapacitated, the authorized number of Trustees shall be automatically
reduced by the number of such nominees, unless the Board of Trustees prior
to the meeting shall otherwise determine.
A Trustee at any time may be removed either with or without cause
by resolution duly adopted by the affirmative votes of the holders of two-
thirds of the outstanding Shares of the Fund, present in person or by
proxy at any meeting of Shareholders at which such vote may be taken,
provided that a quorum is present. Any Trustee at any time may be removed
for cause by resolution duly adopted at any meeting of the Board of
Trustees provided that notice thereof is contained in the notice of such
meeting and that such resolution is adopted by the vote of at least two-
thirds of the Trustees whose removal is not proposed. As used herein,
"for cause" shall mean any cause which under Massachusetts law would
permit the removal of a Trustee of a business trust.
Section 3. Place of Meeting. The Trustees may hold their
meetings, have one or more offices, and keep the books of the Fund outside
Massachusetts, at any office or offices of the Fund or at any other place
as they may from time to time by resolution determine, or, in the case of
meetings, as they may from time to time by resolution determine or as
shall be specified or fixed in the respective notices or waivers of notice
thereof.
Section 4. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of
Trustees shall be held at such time and on such notice, if any, as the
Trustees may from time to time determine. One such regular meeting during
each fiscal year of the Fund shall be designated an annual meeting of the
Board of Trustees.
Section 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of
Trustees may be held from time to time upon call of the Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, if any, the President or two or more of the Trustees,
by oral, telegraphic or written notice duly served on or sent or mailed
to each Trustee not less than one day before such meeting. No notice need
be given to any Trustee who attends in person or to any Trustee who in
writing executed and filed with the records of the meeting either before
or after the holding thereof, waives such notice. Such notice or waiver
of notice need not state the purpose or purposes of such meeting.
Section 6. Quorum. One-third of the Trustees then in office
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided that
a quorum shall in no case be less than two Trustees. If at any meeting
of the Board there shall be less than a quorum present (in person or by
open telephone line, to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act
of 1940 (the "1940 Act")), a majority of those present may adjourn the
meeting from time to time until a quorum shall have been obtained. The
act of the majority of the Trustees present at any meeting at which there
is a quorum shall be the act of the Board, except as may be otherwise
specifically provided by statute, by the Declaration of Trust or by these
By-Laws.
Section 7. Executive Committee. The Board of Trustees may, by
the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board, elect from the
Trustees an Executive Committee to consist of such number of Trustees as
the Board may from time to time determine. The Board of Trustees by such
affirmative vote shall have power at any time to change the members of
such Committee and may fill vacancies in the Committee by election from
the Trustees. When the Board of Trustees is not in session, the Executive
Committee shall have and may exercise any or all of the powers of the
Board of Trustees in the management of the business and affairs of the
Fund (including the power to authorize the seal of the Fund to be affixed
to all papers which may require it) except as provided by law and except
the power to increase or decrease the size of, or fill vacancies on, the
Board. The Executive Committee may fix its own rules of procedure, and
may meet, when and as provided by such rules or by resolution of the Board
of Trustees, but in every case the presence of a majority shall be
necessary to constitute a quorum. In the absence of any member of the
Executive Committee, the members thereof present at any meeting, whether
or not they constitute a quorum, may appoint a member of the Board of
Trustees to act in the place of such absent member.
Section 8. Other Committees. The Board of Trustees, by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board, may appoint other
committees which shall in each case consist of such number of members (not
less than two) and shall have and may exercise such powers as the Board
may determine in the resolution appointing them. A majority of all
members of any such committee may determine its action, and fix the time
and place of its meetings, unless the Board of Trustees shall otherwise
provide. The Board of Trustees shall have power at any time to change the
members and powers of any such committee, to fill vacancies, and to
discharge any such committee.
Section 9. Informal Action by and Telephone Meetings of Trustees
and Committees. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any
meeting of the Board of Trustees or any committee thereof may be taken
without a meeting, if a written consent to such action is signed by all
members of the Board, or of such committee, as the case may be. Trustees
or members of a committee of the Board of Trustees may participate in a
meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications
equipment; such participation shall, except as otherwise required by the
1940 Act, have the same effect as presence in person.
Section 10. Compensation of Trustees. Trustees shall be
entitled to receive such compensation from the Fund for their services as
may from time to time be voted by the Board of Trustees.
Section 11. Dividends. Dividends or distributions payable on
the Shares of any Series of the Fund may, but need not be, declared by
specific resolution of the Board as to each dividend or distribution; in
lieu of such specific resolutions, the Board may, by general resolution,
determine the method of computation thereof, the method of determining the
Shareholders of the Series to which they are payable and the methods of
determining whether and to which Shareholders they are to be paid in cash
or in additional Shares.
Section 12. Indemnification. Before an indemnitee shall be
indemnified by the Trust, there shall be a reasonable determination upon
review of the facts that the person to be indemnified was not liable by
reason of disabling conduct as defined in the Declaration of Trust. Such
determination may be made either by vote of a majority of a quorum of the
Board who are neither "interested persons" of the Fund or the investment
adviser nor parties to the proceeding or by independent legal counsel.
The Fund may advance attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in a covered
proceeding to the indemnitee if the indemnitee undertakes to repay the
advance unless it is determined that he is entitled to indemnification
under the Declaration of Trust. Also at least one of the following
conditions must be satisfied: (1) the indemnitee provides security for his
undertaking, or (2) the Fund is insured against losses arising by reason
of lawful advances, or (3) a majority of the disinterested nonparty
Trustees or independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall
determine, based upon review of all of the facts, that there is reason to
believe that the indemnitee will ultimately be found entitled to
indemnification.
Section 13. Unless and until the provisions of this Section
shall be amended or repealed by an affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Fund or shall terminate as hereinafter provided,
no person shall be elected or qualified to serve as a Trustee of the Fund
who is an "interested person" of the investment adviser of the Fund or any
predecessor of such investment adviser within the meaning of Section
2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act") as from time
to time amended unless, notwithstanding the election of Incumbency of such
person, the composition of the Board of Trustees of the Fund shall be and
continue to be in compliance with the standards set forth in Section
15(f)(1) of the Act as from time to time amended. Any Trustee who, during
the period in which this Section of the By-Laws of the Fund shall be in
effect shall become such an interested person and no longer be qualified
to serve as a Trustee of the Fund shall automatically cease to be a
Trustee of the Fund and any vacancy created thereby shall be filled by a
person selected by the remaining members of the Board who are not such
interested persons. This provision of the By-Laws of the Fund shall take
effect at such time as British & Commonwealth Holdings PLC and/or any
affiliate or subsidiary thereof shall directly or indirectly acquire a
controlling interest in the outstanding voting securities of the
investment adviser of the Fund and shall thereafter continue in effect for
a period of three (3) years, or three years from the consummation of the
transaction by which Caledonia Investments PLC reduces its holdings to
less than five percent of British & Commonwealth's outstanding voting
securities, at which time it shall automatically terminate and cease to
be in effect. (Added 8/6/87)
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Section 1. Executive Officers. The executive officers of the
Fund shall include a Chairman of the Board of Trustees, a President, one
or more Vice-Presidents (the number thereof to be determined by the Board
of Trustees), a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Chairman of the Board and
the President shall be selected from among the Trustees. The Board of
Trustees may also in its discretion appoint Assistant Secretaries,
Assistant Treasurers, and other officers, agents and employees, who shall
have authority and perform such duties as the Board or the Executive
Committee may determine. The Board of Trustees may fill any vacancy which
may occur in any office. Any two offices, except those of Chairman of the
Board and Secretary and President and Secretary, may be held by the same
person, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument
in more than one capacity, if such instrument is required by law or these
By-Laws to be executed, acknowledged or verified by two or more officers.
Section 2. Term of Office. The term of office of all officers
shall be until their respective successors are chosen and qualify;
however, any officer may be removed from office at any time with or
without cause by the vote of a majority of the entire Board of Trustees.
Section 3. Powers and Duties. The officers of the Fund shall
have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective
offices, as well as such powers and duties as may from time to time be
conferred by the Board of Trustees or the Executive Committee. Unless
otherwise ordered by the Board of Trustees, the Chairman of the Board
shall be the Chief Executive Officer.
ARTICLE IV
SHARES
Section 1. Share Certificates. Each Shareholder of any Series
of the Fund may be issued a certificate or certificates for his Shares of
that Series, in such form as the Board of Trustees may from time to time
prescribe, but only if and to the extent and on the conditions described
by the Board.
Section 2. Transfer of Shares. Shares of any Series shall be
transferable on the books of the Fund by the holder thereof in person or
by his duly authorized attorney or legal representative, upon surrender
and cancellation of certificates, if any, for the same number of Shares
of that Series, duly endorsed or accompanied by proper instruments of
assignment and transfer, with such proof of the authenticity of the
signature as the Fund or its agent may reasonably require; in the case of
shares not represented by certificates, the same or similar requirements
may be imposed by the Board of Trustees.
Section 3. Share Ledgers. The share ledgers of the Fund,
containing the name and address of the Shareholders of each Series of the
Fund and the number of shares of that Series, held by them respectively,
shall be kept at the principal offices of the Fund or, if the Fund employs
a transfer agent, at the offices of the transfer agent of the Fund.
Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Board
of Trustees may determine the conditions upon which a new certificate may
be issued in place of a certificate which is alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed; and may, in their discretion, require the owner of
such certificate or his legal representative to give bond, with sufficient
surety to the Fund and the transfer agent, if any, to indemnify it and
such transfer agent against any and all loss or claims which may arise by
reason of the issue of a new certificate in the place of the one so lost,
stolen or destroyed.
ARTICLE V
SEAL
The Board of Trustees shall provide a suitable seal of the Fund,
in such form and bearing such inscriptions as it may determine.
ARTICLE VI
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Fund shall be fixed by the Board of
Trustees.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
The By-Laws of the Fund may be altered, amended, added to or
repealed by the Shareholders or by majority vote of the entire Board of
Trustees, but any such alteration, amendment, addition or repeal of the
By-Laws by action of the Board of Trustees may be altered or repealed by
the Shareholders.
ORGZN/190
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the ____ day of October, 1990, by and
between OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND (hereinafter referred to as
the "Fund"), and OPPENHEIMER MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (hereinafter referred
to as "OMC").
WHEREAS, the Fund is an open-end, diversified management
investment company registered as such with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") pursuant to the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "Investment Company Act"), and OMC is a registered investment
adviser;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and
covenants hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by and between the parties,
as follows:
1. General Provision.
The Fund hereby employs OMC and OMC hereby undertakes to act as
the investment adviser of the Fund and to perform for the Fund such other
duties and functions as are hereinafter set forth. OMC shall, in all
matters, give to the Fund and the Fund's Board of Trustees the benefit of
its best judgment, effort, advice and recommendations and shall, at all
times conform to, and use its best efforts to enable the Fund to conform
to: (i) the provisions of the Investment Company Act and any rules or
regulations thereunder; (ii) any other applicable provisions of state or
Federal law; (iii) the provisions of the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws
of the Fund as amended from time to time; (iv) policies and determinations
of the Board of Trustees of the Fund; (v) the fundamental policies and
investment restrictions of the Fund as reflected in the Fund's
registration statement under the Investment Company Act or as such
policies may, from time to time, be amended by the Fund's shareholders;
and (vi) the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the
Fund in effect from time to time. The appropriate officers and employees
of OMC shall be available upon reasonable notice for consultation with any
of the Trustees and officers of the Fund with respect to any matters
dealing with the business and affairs of the Fund including the valuation
of portfolio securities of the Fund which securities are either not
registered for public sale or not traded on any securities market.
2. Investment Management.
(a) OMC shall, subject to the direction and control by the
Fund's Board of Trustees, (i) regularly provide investment advice and
recommendations to the Fund with respect to its investments, investment
policies and the purchase and sale of securities; (ii) supervise
continuously the investment program of the Fund and the composition of its
portfolio and determine what securities shall be purchased or sold by the
Fund; and (iii) arrange, subject to the provisions of paragraph "7"
hereof, for the purchase of securities and other investments for the Fund
and the sale of securities and other investments held in the portfolio of
the Fund.
(b) Provided that the Fund shall not be required to pay any
compensation other than as provided by the terms of this Agreement and
subject to the provisions of paragraph "7" hereof, OMC may obtain
investment information, research or assistance from any other person, firm
or corporation to supplement, update or otherwise improve its investment
management services.
(c) Provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect OMC
from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance
of its duties, or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
this Agreement, OMC shall not be liable for any loss sustained by reason
of good faith errors or omissions in connection with any matters to which
this Agreement relates.
(d) Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent OMC or any officer
thereof from acting as investment adviser for any other person, firm or
corporation and shall not in any way limit or restrict OMC or any of its
directors, officers, stockholders or employees from buying, selling or
trading any securities for its or their own account or for the account of
others for whom it or they may be acting, provided that such activities
will not adversely affect or otherwise impair the performance by OMC of
its duties and obligations under this Agreement.
3. Other Duties of OMC.
OMC shall, at its own expense, provide and supervise the
activities of all administrative and clerical personnel as shall be
required to provide effective administration for the Fund, including the
compilation and maintenance of such records with respect to its operations
as may reasonably be required; the preparation and filing of such reports
with respect thereto as shall be required by the Commission; composition
of periodic reports with respect to operations of the Fund for its
shareholders; composition of proxy materials for meetings of the Fund's
shareholders; and composition of such registration statements as may be
required by Federal and state securities laws for continuous public sale
of shares of the Fund. OMC shall, at its own cost and expense, also
provide the Fund with adequate office space, facilities and equipment.
OMC shall, at its own expense, provide such officers of the Fund as the
Fund's Board may request.
4. Allocation of Expenses.
All other costs and expenses not expressly assumed by OMC under
this Agreement, or to be paid by the General Distributor of the shares of
the Fund, shall be paid by the Fund, including, but not limited to: (i)
interest and taxes; (ii) brokerage commissions; (iii) insurance premiums
for fidelity and other coverage requisite to its operations; (iv)
compensation and expenses of its Trustees other than those associated or
affiliated with OMC; (v) legal and audit expenses; (vi) custodian and
transfer agent fees and expenses; (vii) expenses incident to the
redemption of its shares; (viii) expenses incident to the issuance of its
shares against payment therefor by or on behalf of the subscribers
thereto; (ix) fees and expenses, other than as hereinabove provided,
incident to the registration under Federal and state securities laws of
shares of the Fund for public sale; (x) expenses of printing and mailing
reports, notices and proxy materials to shareholders of the Fund; (xi)
except as noted above, all other expenses incidental to holding meetings
of the Fund's shareholders; and (xii) such extraordinary non-recurring
expenses as may arise, including litigation, affecting the Fund and the
legal obligation which the Fund may have (on behalf of the Fund) to
indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto. Any officers
or employees of OMC or any entity controlling, controlled by or under
common control with OMC, who may also serve as officers, Trustees or
employees of the Fund shall not receive any compensation from the Fund for
their services.
5. Compensation of OMC.
The Fund agrees to pay OMC and OMC agrees to accept as full
compensation for the performance of all functions and duties on its part
to be performed pursuant to the provisions hereof, a fee computed on the
aggregate net asset value of the Fund as of the close of each business day
and payable monthly at the annual rate of:
.70% of the first $250 million of net assets;
.65% of the next $250 million;
.60% of the next $500 million; and
.55% of net assets in excess of $ 1.0 billion.
6. Use of Name "Oppenheimer".
OMC hereby grants to the Fund a royalty-free, non-exclusive
license to use the name "Oppenheimer" in the name of the Fund for the
duration of this Agreement and any extensions or renewals thereof. To the
extent necessary to protect OMC's rights to the name "Oppenheimer" under
applicable law, such license shall allow OMC to inspect and, subject to
control by the Fund's Board, control the nature and quality of services
offered by the Fund under such name. Such license may, upon termination
of this Agreement, be terminated by OMC, in which event the Fund shall
promptly take whatever action may be necessary to change its name and
discontinue any further use of the name "Oppenheimer" in the name of the
Fund or otherwise. The name "Oppenheimer" may be used by OMC in
connection with any of its activities or licensed by OMC to any other
party.
7. Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.
(a) OMC is authorized, in arranging the purchase and sale of the
Fund's portfolio securities, to employ or deal with such members of
securities or commodities exchanges, brokers or dealers (hereinafter
"broker-dealers"), including "affiliated" broker-dealers (as that term is
defined in the Investment Company Act), as may, in its best judgment,
implement the policy of the Fund to obtain, at reasonable expense, the
"best execution" (prompt and reliable execution at the most favorable
security price obtainable) of the Fund's portfolio transactions as well
as to obtain, consistent with the provisions of subparagraph (c) of this
paragraph 7, the benefit of such investment information or research as
will be of significant assistance to the performance by OMC of its
investment management functions.
(b) OMC shall select broker-dealers to effect the Fund's
portfolio transactions on the basis of its estimate of their ability to
obtain best execution of particular and related portfolio transactions.
The abilities of a broker-dealer to obtain best execution of particular
portfolio transaction(s) will be judged by OMC on the basis of all
relevant factors and considerations including, insofar as feasible, the
execution capabilities required by the transaction or transactions; the
ability and willingness of the broker-dealer to facilitate the Fund's
portfolio transactions by participating therein for its own account; the
importance to the Fund of speed, efficiency or confidentiality; the
broker-dealer's apparent familiarity with sources from or to whom
particular securities might be purchased or sold; as well as any other
matters relevant to the selection of a broker-dealer for particular and
related transactions of the Fund.
(c) OMC shall have discretion, in the interests of the Fund, to
allocate brokerage on the Fund's portfolio transactions to broker-dealers,
other than an affiliated broker-dealer, qualified to obtain best execution
of such transactions who provide brokerage and/or research services (as
such services are defined in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934) for the Fund and/or other accounts for which OMC or its
affiliates exercise "investment discretion" (as that term is defined in
Section 3(a)(35) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and to cause the
Fund to pay such broker-dealers a commission for effecting a portfolio
transaction for the Fund that is in excess of the amount of commission
another broker-dealer adequately qualified to effect such transaction
would have charged for effecting that transaction, if OMC determines, in
good faith, that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value
of the brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker-dealer,
viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the overall
responsibilities of OMC or its affiliates with respect to the accounts as
to which they exercise investment discretion. In reaching such
determination, OMC will not be required to place or attempt to place a
specific dollar value on the brokerage and/or research services provided
or being provided by such broker-dealer. In demonstrating that such
determinations were made in good faith, OMC shall be prepared to show that
all commissions were allocated for purposes contemplated by this Agreement
and that the total commissions paid by the Fund over a representative
period selected by the Fund's trustees were reasonable in relation to the
benefits to the Fund.
(d) OMC shall have no duty or obligation to seek advance
competitive bidding for the most favorable commission rate applicable to
any particular portfolio transactions or to select any broker-dealer on
the basis of its purported or "posted" commission rate but will, to the
best of its ability, endeavor to be aware of the current level of the
charges of eligible broker-dealers and to minimize the expense incurred
by the Fund for effecting its portfolio transactions to the extent
consistent with the interests and policies of the Fund as established by
the determinations of the Board of Trustees of the Fund and the provisions
of this paragraph 7.
(e) The Fund recognizes that an affiliated broker-dealer: (i)
may act as one of the Fund's regular brokers for the Fund so long as it
is lawful for it so to act; (ii) may be a major recipient of brokerage
commissions paid by the Fund; and (iii) may effect portfolio transactions
for the Fund only if the commissions, fees or other remuneration received
or to be received by it are determined in accordance with procedures
contemplated by any rule, regulation or order adopted under the Investment
Company Act for determining the permissible level of such commissions.
(f) Subject to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 7, OMC
may also consider sales of shares of the Fund and the other funds advised
by OMC and its affiliates as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers
for its portfolio transactions.
8. Duration.
This Agreement will take effect on the date first set forth
above. Unless earlier terminated pursuant to paragraph 9 hereof, this
Agreement shall continue in effect until December 31, 1991, and thereafter
will continue ine ffect from year to year, so long as such continuance
shall be approved at least annually by the Fund's Board of Trustees,
including the vote of the majority of the trustees of the Fund who are not
parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or by the holders of
a "majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund and by such a vote of the Fund's Board of
Trustees.
9. Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated: (i) by OMC at any time without
penalty upon sixty days' written notice to the Fund (which notice may be
waived by the Fund); or (ii) by the Fund at any time without penalty upon
sixty days' written notice to OMC (which notice may be waived by OMC)
provided that such termination by the Fund shall be directed or approved
by the vote of a majority of all of the trustees of the Fund then in
office or by the vote of the holders of a "majority" of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act).
10. Assignment or Amendment.
This Agreement may not be amended or the rights of OMC hereunder
sold, transferred, pledged or otherwise in any manner encumbered without
the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of the "majority"
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. This Agreement shall
automatically and immediately terminate in the event of its "assignment,"
as defined in the Investment Company Act.
11. Disclaimer of Trustee or Shareholder Liability.
OMC understands that the obligations of the Fund under this
Agreement are not binding upon any Trustee or shareholder of the Fund
personally, but bind only the Fund and the Fund's property. OMC
represents that it has notice of the provisions of the Declaration of
Trust of the Fund disclaiming Trustee or shareholder liability for acts
or obligations of the Fund.
12. Definitions.
The terms and provisions of the Agreement shall be interpreted
and defined in a manner consistent with the provisions and definitions of
the Investment Company Act.
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
Attest:
_________________________ By:
________________________________________
Robert G. Galli, Vice President
OPPENHEIMER MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Attest:
_________________________ By:
________________________________________
Katherine P. Feld
Vice President & Secretary
GENERAL DISTRIBUTOR'S AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
AND
OPPENHEIMER FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.
Date: October 13, 1992
OPPENHEIMER FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.
Two World Trade Center, Suite 3400
New York, NY 10048
Dear Sirs:
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), is registered as an investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and an indefinite number of one or
more classes of its shares of beneficial interest ("Shares") have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") to be offered
for sale to the public in a continuous public offering in accordance with
the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information ("SAI") included in the Fund's Registration
Statement as it may be amended from time to time (the "current Prospectus
and/or SAI").
In this connection, the Fund desires that your firm (the "General
Distributor") act in a principal capacity as General Distributor for the
sale and distribution of Shares which have been registered as described
above and of any additional Shares which may become registered during the
term of this Agreement. You have advised the Fund that you are willing
to act as such General Distributor, and it is accordingly agreed by and
between us as follows:
1. Appointment of the Distributor. The Fund hereby appoints you
as the sole General Distributor, pursuant to the aforesaid continuous
public offering of its Shares, and the Fund further agrees from and after
the date of this Agreement, that it will not, without your consent, sell
or agree to sell any Shares otherwise than through you, except (a) the
Fund may itself sell shares without sales charge as an investment to the
officers, trustees or directors and bona fide present and former full-time
employees of the Fund, the Fund's Investment Adviser and affiliates
thereof, and to other investors who are identified in the current
Prospectus and/or SAI as having the privilege to buy Shares at net asset
value; (b) the Fund may issue shares in connection with a merger,
consolidation or acquisition of assets on such basis as may be authorized
or permitted under the 1940 Act; (c) the Fund may issue shares for the
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions of the Fund or of any
other Fund if permitted by the current Prospectus and/or SAI; and (d) the
Fund may issue shares as underlying securities of a unit investment trust
if such unit investment trust has elected to use Shares as an underlying
investment; provided that in no event as to any of the foregoing
exceptions shall Shares be issued and sold at less than the then-existing
net asset value.
2. Sale of Shares. You hereby accept such appointment and agree
to use your best efforts to sell Shares, provided, however, that when
requested by the Fund at any time because of market or other economic
considerations or abnormal circumstances of any kind, or when agreed to
by mutual consent of the Fund and the General Distributor, you will
suspend such efforts. The Fund may also withdraw the offering of Shares
at any time when required by the provisions of any statute, order, rule
or regulation of any governmental body having jurisdiction. It is
understood that you do not undertake to sell all or any specific number
of Shares.
3. Sales Charge. Shares shall be sold by you at net asset value
plus a front-end sales charge not in excess of 8.5% of the offering price,
but which front-end sales charge shall be proportionately reduced or
eliminated for larger sales and under other circumstances, in each case
on the basis set forth in the Fund's current Prospectus and/or SAI. The
redemption proceeds of shares offered and sold at net asset value with or
without a front-end sales charge may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge ("CDSC") under the circumstances described in the current
Prospectus and/or SAI. You may reallow such portion of the front-end
sales charge to dealers or cause payment (which may exceed the front-end
sales charge, if any) of commissions to brokers through which sales are
made, as you may determine, and you may pay such amounts to dealers and
brokers on sales of shares from your own resources (such dealers and
brokers shall collectively include all domestic or foreign institutions
eligible to offer and sell the Shares), and in the event the Fund has more
than one class of Shares outstanding, then you may impose a front-end
sales charge and/or a CDSC on Shares of one class that is different from
the charges imposed on Shares of the Fund's other class(es), in each case
as set forth in the current Prospectus and/or SAI, provided the front-end
sales charge and CDSC to the ultimate purchaser do not exceed the
respective levels set forth for such category of purchaser in the Fund's
current Prospectus and/or SAI.
4. Purchase of Shares.
(a) As General Distributor, you shall have the right to accept
or reject orders for the purchase of Shares at your
discretion. Any consideration which you may receive in
connection with a rejected purchase order will be returned
promptly.
(b) You agree promptly to issue or to cause the duly appointed
transfer or shareholder servicing agent of the Fund to
issue as your agent confirmations of all accepted purchase
orders and to transmit a copy of such confirmations to the
Fund. The net asset value of all Shares which are the
subject of such confirmations, computed in accordance with
the applicable rules under the 1940 Act, shall be a
liability of the General Distributor to the Fund to be
paid promptly after receipt of payment from the
originating dealer or broker (or investor, in the case of
direct purchases) and not later than eleven business days
after such confirmation even if you have not actually
received payment from the originating dealer or broker or
investor. In no event shall the General Distributor make
payment to the Fund later than permitted by applicable
rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc.
(c) If the originating dealer or broker shall fail to make
timely settlement of its purchase order in accordance with
applicable rules of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., or if a direct purchaser shall fail to make
good payment for shares in a timely manner, you shall have
the right to cancel such purchase order and, at your
account and risk, to hold responsible the originating
dealer or broker, or investor. You agree promptly to
reimburse the Fund for losses suffered by it that are
attributable to any such cancellation, or to errors on
your part in relation to the effective date of accepted
purchase orders, limited to the amount that such losses
exceed contemporaneous gains realized by the Fund for
either of such reasons with respect to other purchase
orders.
(d) In the case of a canceled purchase for the account of a
directly purchasing shareholder, the Fund agrees that if
such investor fails to make you whole for any loss you pay
to the Fund on such canceled purchase order, the Fund will
reimburse you for such loss to the extent of the aggregate
redemption proceeds of any other shares of the Fund owned
by such investor, on your demand that the Fund exercise
its right to claim such redemption proceeds. The Fund
shall register or cause to be registered all Shares sold
to you pursuant to the provisions hereof in such names and
amounts as you may request from time to time and the Fund
shall issue or cause to be issued certificates evidencing
such Shares for delivery to you or pursuant to your
direction if and to the extent that the shareholder
account in question contemplates the issuance of such
certificates. All Shares when so issued and paid for,
shall be fully paid and non-assessable by the Fund (which
shall not prevent the imposition of any CDSC that may
apply) to the extent set forth in the current Prospectus
and/or SAI.
5. Repurchase of Shares.
(a) In connection with the repurchase of Shares, you are
appointed and shall act as Agent of the Fund. You are
authorized, for so long as you act as General Distributor
of the Fund, to repurchase, from authorized dealers,
certificated or uncertificated shares of the Fund
("Shares") on the basis of orders received from each
dealer ("authorized dealer") with which you have a dealer
agreement for the sale of Shares and permitting resales of
Shares to you, provided that such authorized dealer, at
the time of placing such resale order, shall represent (i)
if such Shares are represented by certificate(s), that
certificate(s) for the Shares to be repurchased have been
delivered to it by the registered owner with a request for
the redemption of such Shares executed in the manner and
with the signature guarantee required by the then-
currently effective prospectus of the Fund, or (ii) if
such Shares are uncertificated, that the registered
owner(s) has delivered to the dealer a request for the
redemption of such Shares executed in the manner and with
the signature guarantee required by the then-currently
effective prospectus of the Fund.
(b) You shall (a) have the right in your discretion to accept
or reject orders for the repurchase of Shares; (b)
promptly transmit confirmations of all accepted repurchase
orders; and (c) transmit a copy of such confirmation to
the Fund, or, if so directed, to any duly appointed
transfer or shareholder servicing agent of the Fund. In
your discretion, you may accept repurchase requests made
by a financially responsible dealer which provides you
with indemnification in form satisfactory to you in
consideration of your acceptance of such dealer's request
in lieu of the written redemption request of the owner of
the account; you agree that the Fund shall be a third
party beneficiary of such indemnification.
(c) Upon receipt by the Fund or its duly appointed transfer or
shareholder servicing agent of any certificate(s) (if any
has been issued) for repurchased Shares and a written
redemption request of the registered owner(s) of such
Shares executed in the manner and bearing the signature
guarantee required by the then-currently effective
Prospectus or SAI of the Fund, the Fund will pay or cause
its duly appointed transfer or shareholder servicing agent
promptly to pay to the originating authorized dealer the
redemption price of the repurchased Shares (other than
repurchased Shares subject to the provisions of part (d)
of Section 5 of this Agreement) next determined after your
receipt of the dealer's repurchase order.
(d) Notwithstanding the provisions of part (c) of Section 5 of
this Agreement, repurchase orders received from an
authorized dealer after the determination of the Fund's
redemption price on a regular business day will receive
that day's redemption price if the request to the dealer
by its customer to arrange such repurchase prior to the
determination of the Fund's redemption price that day
complies with the requirements governing such requests as
stated in the current Prospectus and/or SAI.
(e) You will make every reasonable effort and take all
reasonably available measures to assure the accurate
performance of all services to be performed by you
hereunder within the requirements of any statute, rule or
regulation pertaining to the redemption of shares of a
regulated investment company and any requirements set
forth in the then-current Prospectus and/or SAI of the
Fund. You shall correct any error or omission made by you
in the performance of your duties hereunder of which you
shall have received notice in writing and any necessary
substantiating data; and you shall hold the Fund harmless
from the effect of any errors or omissions which might
cause an over- or under-redemption of the Fund's Shares
and/or an excess or non-payment of dividends, capital
gains distributions, or other distributions.
(f) In the event an authorized dealer initiating a repurchase
order shall fail to make delivery or otherwise settle such
order in accordance with the rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., you shall have
the right to cancel such repurchase order and, at your
account and risk, to hold responsible the originating
dealer. In the event that any cancellation of a Share
repurchase order or any error in the timing of the
acceptance of a Share repurchase order shall result in a
gain or loss to the Fund, you agree promptly to reimburse
the Fund for any amount by which any loss shall exceed
then-existing gains so arising.
6. 1933 Act Registration. The Fund has delivered to you a copy of
its current Prospectus and SAI. The Fund agrees that it will use its best
efforts to continue the effectiveness of the Registration Statement under
the 1933 Act. The Fund further agrees to prepare and file any amendments
to its Registration Statement as may be necessary and any supplemental
data in order to comply with the 1933 Act. The Fund will furnish you at
your expense with a reasonable number of copies of the Prospectus and SAI
and any amendments thereto for use in connection with the sale of Shares.
7. 1940 Act Registration. The Fund has already registered under
the 1940 Act as an investment company, and it will use its best efforts
to maintain such registration and to comply with the requirements of the
1940 Act.
8. State Blue Sky Qualification. At your request, the Fund will
take such steps as may be necessary and feasible to qualify Shares for
sale in states, territories or dependencies of the United States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and in foreign
countries, in accordance with the laws thereof, and to renew or extend any
such qualification; provided, however, that the Fund shall not be required
to qualify shares or to maintain the qualification of shares in any
jurisdiction where it shall deem such qualification disadvantageous to the
Fund.
9. Duties of Distributor. You agree that:
(a) Neither you nor any of your officers will take any long or
short position in the Shares, but this provision shall not
prevent you or your officers from acquiring Shares for
investment purposes only; and
(b) You shall furnish to the Fund any pertinent information
required to be inserted with respect to you as General
Distributor within the purview of the Securities Act of
1933 in any reports or registration required to be filed
with any governmental authority; and
(c) You will not make any representations inconsistent with
the information contained in the current Prospectus and/or
SAI; and
(d) You shall maintain such records as may be reasonably
required for the Fund or its transfer or shareholder
servicing agent to respond to shareholder requests or
complaints, and to permit the Fund to maintain proper
accounting records, and you shall make such records
available to the Fund and its transfer agent or
shareholder servicing agent upon request; and
(e) In performing under this Agreement, you shall comply with
all requirements of the Fund's current Prospectus and/or
SAI and all applicable laws, rules and regulations with
respect to the purchase, sale and distribution of Shares.
10. Allocation of Costs. The Fund shall pay the cost of composition
and printing of sufficient copies of its Prospectus and SAI as shall be
required for periodic distribution to its shareholders and the expense of
registering Shares for sale under federal securities laws. You shall pay
the expenses normally attributable to the sale of Shares, other than as
paid under the Fund's Distribution Plan under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act,
including the cost of printing and mailing of the Prospectus (other than
those furnished to existing shareholders) and any sales literature used
by you in the public sale of the Shares and for registering such shares
under state blue sky laws pursuant to paragraph 8.
11. Duration. This Agreement shall take effect on the date first
written above, and shall supersede any and all prior General Distributor's
Agreements by and among the Fund and you. Unless earlier terminated
pursuant to paragraph 12 hereof, this Agreement shall remain in effect
until September 30, 1993. This Agreement shall continue in effect from
year to year thereafter, provided that such continuance shall be
specifically approved at least annually: (a) by the Fund's Board of
Trustees or by vote of a majority of the voting securities of the Fund;
and (b) by the vote of a majority of the Trustees, who are not parties to
this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined the 1940 Act) of any
such person, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on such approval.
12. Termination. This Agreement may be terminated (a) by the
General Distributor at any time without penalty by giving sixty days'
written notice (which notice may be waived by the Fund); (b) by the Fund
at any time without penalty upon sixty days' written notice to the General
Distributor (which notice may be waived by the General Distributor); or
(c) by mutual consent of the Fund and the General Distributor, provided
that such termination by the Fund shall be directed or approved by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund or by the vote of the holders of a
"majority" of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. In the event
this Agreement is terminated by the Fund, the General Distributor shall
be entitled to be paid the CDSC under paragraph 3 hereof on the redemption
proceeds of Shares sold prior to the effective date of such termination.
13. Assignment. This Agreement may not be amended or changed except
in writing and shall be binding upon and shall enure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors; however, this Agreement
shall not be assigned by either party and shall automatically terminate
upon assignment.
14. Disclaimer of Shareholder Liability. The General Distributor
understands and agrees that the obligations of the Fund under this
Agreement are not binding upon any Trustee or shareholder of the Fund
personally, but bind only the Fund and the Fund's property; the General
Distributor represents that it has notice of the provisions of the
Declaration of Trust of the Fund disclaiming Trustee and shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Fund.
15. Section Headings. The heading of each section is for
descriptive purposes only, and such headings are not to be construed or
interpreted as part of this Agreement.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, so
indicate by signing in the space provided below.
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
By_________________________________
Chairman
Accepted:
OPPENHEIMER FUND MANAGEMENT, INC.
By_______________________________
Vice President
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
CUSTODY AGREEMENT
Agreement made as of this 6th day of October, 1992, between
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND, a business trust organized and
existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having its
principal office and place of business at 3410 South Galena Street,
Denver, Colorado 80231 (hereinafter called the "Fund"), and THE BANK OF
NEW YORK, a New York corporation authorized to do a banking business,
having its principal office and place of business at 48 Wall Street, New
York, New York 10286 (hereinafter called the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H
that for and in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set
forth, the Fund and the Custodian agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases,
shall have the following meanings:
1. "Agreement" shall mean this Custody Agreement and all Appendices
and Certifications described in the Exhibits delivered in connection
herewith.
2. "Authorized Person" shall mean any person, whether or not such
person is an Officer or employee of the Fund, duly authorized by the Board
of Trustees of the Fund to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions
on behalf of the Fund and listed in the Certificate annexed hereto as
Appendix A or such other Certificate as may be received by the Custodian
from time to time, provided that each person who is designated in any such
Certificate as an "Officer of OSS" shall be an Authorized Person only for
purposes of Articles XII and XIII hereof.
3. "Book-Entry System" shall mean the Federal Reserve/Treasury book-
entry system for United States and federal agency securities, its
successor or successors and its nominee or nominees.
4. "Call Option" shall mean an exchange traded Option with respect
to Securities other than Index, Futures Contracts, and Futures Contract
Options entitling the holder, upon timely exercise and payment of the
exercise price, as specified therein, to purchase from the writer thereof
the specified underlying instruments, currency, or Securities.
5. "Certificate" shall mean any notice, instruction, or other
instrument in writing, authorized or required by this Agreement to be
given to the Custodian which is actually received (irrespective of
constructive receipt) by the Custodian and signed on behalf of the Fund
by any two Officers. The term Certificate shall also include instructions
by the Fund to the Custodian communicated by a Terminal Link.
6. "Clearing Member" shall mean a registered broker-dealer which
is a clearing member under the rules of O.C.C. and a member of a national
securities exchange qualified to act as a custodian for an investment
company, or any broker-dealer reasonably believed by the Custodian to be
such a clearing member.
7. "Collateral Account" shall mean a segregated account so de-
nominated which is specifically allocated to a Series and pledged to the
Custodian as security for, and in consideration of, the Custodian's
issuance of any Put Option guarantee letter or similar document described
in paragraph 8 of Article V herein.
8. "Covered Call Option" shall mean an exchange traded Option
entitling the holder, upon timely exercise and payment of the exercise
price, as specified therein, to purchase from the writer thereof the
specified underlying instruments, currency, or Securities (excluding
Futures Contracts) which are owned by the writer thereof.
9. "Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"),
a clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
its successor or successors and its nominee or nominees. The term
"Depository" shall further mean and include any other person authorized
to act as a depository under the Investment Company Act of 1940, its
successor or successors and its nominee or nominees, specifically
identified in a certified copy of a resolution of the Fund's Board of
Trustees specifically approving deposits therein by the Custodian,
including, without limitation, a Foreign Depository.
10. "Financial Futures Contract" shall mean the firm commitment to
buy or sell financial instruments on a U.S. commodities exchange or board
of trade at a specified future time at an agreed upon price.
11. "Foreign Subcustodian" shall mean an "Eligible Foreign
Custodian" as defined in Rule 17-5 which is appointed by the Custodian to
perform or coordinate the receipt, custody and delivery of Foreign
Property of the Fund outside the United States in a manner consistent with
the provisions of this Agreement and whose written contract is approved
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund in accordance with Rule 17f-5.
References to the Custodian herein shall, when appropriate, include
reference to its Foreign Subcustodians.
12. "Foreign Depository" shall mean an entity organized under the
laws of a foreign country which operates a system outside the United
States in general use by foreign banks and securities brokers for the
central or transnational handling of securities or equivalent book-entries
which is regulated by a foreign government or agency thereof and which is
an "Eligible Foreign Custodian" as defined in Rule 17f-5.
13. "Foreign Securities" shall mean securities and/or short term
paper as defined in Rule 17f-5 under the Act, whether issued in registered
or bearer form.
14. "Foreign Property" shall mean Foreign Securities and money of
any currency which is held outside of the United States.
15. "Futures Contract" shall mean a Financial Futures Contract
and/or Index Futures Contracts.
16. "Futures Contract Option" shall mean an Option with respect to
a Futures Contract.
17. "Investment Company Act of 1940" shall mean the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
18. "Index Futures Contract" shall mean a bilateral agreement
pursuant to which the parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount
of cash equal to a specified dollar amount times the difference between
the value of a particular index at the close of the last business day of
the contract and the price at which the futures contract is originally
struck.
19. "Index Option" shall mean an exchange traded Option entitling
the holder, upon timely exercise, to receive an amount of cash determined
by reference to the difference between the exercise price and the value
of the index on the date of exercise.
20. "Margin Account" shall mean a segregated account in the name of
a broker, dealer, futures commission merchant, or a Clearing Member, or
in the name of the Fund for the benefit of a broker, dealer, futures
commission merchant, or Clearing Member, or otherwise, in accordance with
an agreement between the Fund, the Custodian and a broker, dealer, futures
commission merchant or a Clearing Member (a "Margin Account Agreement"),
separate and distinct from the custody account, in which certain
Securities and/or money of the Fund shall be deposited and withdrawn from
time to time in connection with such transactions as the Fund may from
time to time determine. Securities held in the Book-Entry System or a
Depository shall be deemed to have been deposited in, or withdrawn from,
a Margin Account upon the Custodian's effecting an appropriate entry in
its books and records.
21. "Money Market Security" shall mean all instruments and ob-
ligations commonly known as a money market instruments, where the purchase
and sale of such securities normally requires settlement in federal funds
on the same day as such purchase or sale, including, without limitation,
certain Reverse Repurchase Agreements, debt obligations issued or
guaranteed as to interest and/or principal by the government of the United
States or agencies or instrumentalities thereof, any tax, bond or revenue
anticipation note issued by any state or municipal government or public
authority, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances, repurchase agreements with respect to Securities and bank
time deposits.
22. "Nominee" shall mean, in addition to the name of the registered
nominee of the Custodian, (i) a partnership or other entity of a Foreign
Subcustodian which is used solely for the assets of its customers other
than the Custodian and the Foreign Subcustodian, if any, by which it was
appointed; or (ii) the nominee of a Foreign Depository which is used for
the securities and other assets of its customers, members or participants.
23. "O.C.C." shall mean the Options Clearing Corporation, a clearing
agency registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, its successor or successors, and its nominee or nominees.
24. "Officers" shall mean the President, any Vice President, the
Secretary, the Treasurer, the Controller, any Assistant Secretary, any
Assistant Treasurer, and any other person or persons, whether or not any
such other person is an officer or employee of the Fund, but in each case
only if duly authorized by the Board of Trustees of the Fund to execute
any Certificate, instruction, notice or other instrument on behalf of the
Fund and listed in the Certificate annexed hereto as Appendix B or such
other Certificate as may be received by the Custodian from time to time;
provided that each person who is designated in any such Certificate as
holding the position of "Officer of OSS" shall be an Officer only for
purposes of Articles XII and XIII hereof.
25. "Option" shall mean a Call Option, Covered Call Option, Index
Option and/or a Put Option.
26. "Oral Instructions" shall mean verbal instructions actually
received (irrespective of constructive receipt) by the Custodian from an
Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by the Custodian
to be an Authorized Person.
27. "Put Option" shall mean an exchange traded Option with respect
to instruments, currency, or Securities other than Index Options, Futures
Contracts, and Futures Contract Options entitling the holder, upon timely
exercise and tender of the specified underlying instruments, currency, or
Securities, to sell such instruments, currency, or Securities to the
writer thereof for the exercise price.
28. "Repurchase Agreement" shall mean an agreement pursuant to which
the Fund buys Securities and agrees to resell such Securities at a
described or specified date and price.
29. "Reverse Repurchase Agreement" shall mean an agreement pursuant
to which the Fund sells Securities and agrees to repurchase such
Securities at a described or specified date and price.
30. "Rule 17f-5" shall mean Rule 17f-5 (Reg. 270.17f-5) promulgated
by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.
31. "Security" shall be deemed to include, without limitation, Money
Market Securities, Call Options, Put Options, Index Options, Index Futures
Contracts, Index Futures Contract Options, Financial Futures Contracts,
Financial Futures Contract Options, Reverse Repurchase Agreements, over
the counter Options on Securities, common stocks and other securities
having characteristics similar to common stocks, preferred stocks, debt
obligations issued by state or municipal governments and by public
authorities, (including, without limitation, general obligation bonds,
revenue bonds, industrial bonds and industrial development bonds), bonds,
debentures, notes, mortgages or other obligations, and any certificates,
receipts, warrants or other instruments representing rights to receive,
purchase, sell or subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing
any other rights or interest therein, or rights to any property or assets.
32. "Senior Security Account" shall mean an account maintained and
specifically allocated to a Series under the terms of this Agreement as
a segregated account, by recordation or otherwise, within the custody
account in which certain Securities and/or other assets of the Fund
specifically allocated to such Series shall be deposited and withdrawn
from time to time in accordance with Certificates received by the
Custodian in connection with such transactions as the Fund may from time
to time determine.
33. "Series" shall mean the various portfolios, if any, of the Fund
as described from time to time in the current and effective prospectus for
the Fund, except that if the Fund does not have more than one portfolio,
"Series" shall mean the Fund or be ignored where a requirement would be
imposed on the Fund or the Custodian which is unnecessary if there is only
one portfolio.
34. "Shares" shall mean the shares of beneficial interest of the
Fund and its Series.
35. "Terminal Link" shall mean an electronic data transmission link
between the Fund and the Custodian requiring in connection with each use
of the Terminal Link the use of an authorization code provided by the
Custodian and at least two access codes established by the Fund, provided,
that the Fund shall have delivered to the Custodian a Certificate
substantially in the form of Appendix C.
36. "Transfer Agent" shall mean Oppenheimer Shareholder Services,
a division of Oppenheimer Management Corporation, its successors and as-
signs.
37. "Transfer Agent Account" shall mean any account in the name of
the Fund, or the Transfer Agent, as agent for the Fund, maintained with
United Missouri Bank or such other Bank designated by the Fund in a
Certificate.
38. "Written Instructions" shall mean written communications
actually received (irrespective of constructive receipt) by the Custodian
from an Authorized Person or from a person reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be an Authorized Person by telex or any other such system
whereby the receiver of such communications is able to verify by codes or
otherwise with a reasonable degree of certainty the identity of the sender
of such communication.
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
1. The Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as
custodian of the Securities and moneys at any time owned or held by the
Fund during the period of this Agreement.
2. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such custodian and
agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
1. Except for monies received and maintained in the Transfer Agent
Account, or as otherwise provided in paragraph 7 of this Article or in
Article VIII or XV, the Fund will deliver or cause to be delivered to the
Custodian all Securities and all moneys owned by it, at any time during
the period of this Agreement, and shall specify with respect to such
Securities and money the Series to which the same are specifically
allocated, and the Custodian shall not be responsible for any Securities
or money not so delivered. Except for assets held at DTC, the Custodian
shall physically segregate, keep and maintain the Securities of the Series
separate and apart from each other Series and from other assets held by
the Custodian. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement,
the Custodian will not be responsible for any Securities and moneys not
actually received by it, unless the Custodian has been negligent or has
engaged in willful misconduct with respect thereto. The Custodian will
be entitled to reverse any credit of money made on the Fund's behalf where
such credits have been previously made and moneys are not finally col-
lected, unless the Custodian has been negligent or has engaged in willful
misconduct with respect thereto; provided that if such reversal is thirty
(30) days or more after the credit was issued, the Custodian will give
five (5) days' prior notice of such reversal. The Fund shall deliver to
the Custodian a certified resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, approving, authorizing and
instructing the Custodian on a continuous and on-going basis to deposit
in the Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein,
regardless of the Series to which the same are specifically allocated and
to utilize the Book-Entry System to the extent possible in connection with
its performance hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection
with settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of Securities
and deliveries and returns of Securities collateral. Prior to a deposit
of Securities specifically allocated to a Series in any Depository, the
Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a certified resolution of the Board
of Trustees of the Fund, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
approving, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a continuous and
ongoing basis until instructed to the contrary by a Certificate to deposit
in such Depository all Securities specifically allocated to such Series
eligible for deposit therein, and to utilize such Depository to the extent
possible with respect to such Securities in connection with its per-
formance hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and
deliveries and returns of Securities collateral. Securities and moneys
deposited in either the Book-Entry System or a Depository will be
represented in accounts which include only assets held by the Custodian
for customers, including, but not limited to, accounts in which the Custo-
dian acts in a fiduciary or representative capacity and will be
specifically allocated on the Custodian's books to the separate account
for the applicable Series. Prior to the Custodian's accepting, utilizing
and acting with respect to Clearing Member confirmations for Options and
transactions in Options for a Series as provided in this Agreement, the
Custodian shall have received a certified resolution of the Fund's Board
of Trustees, substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto, approving,
authorizing and instructing the Custodian on a continuous and on-going
basis, until instructed to the contrary by a Certificate to accept,
utilize and act in accordance with such confirmations as provided in this
Agreement with respect to such Series. All Securities are to be held or
disposed of by the Custodian for, and subject at all times to the
instructions of, the Fund pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The
Custodian shall have no power or authority to assign, hypothecate, pledge
or otherwise dispose of any Securities except as provided by the terms of
this Agreement, and shall have the sole power to release and deliver
Securities held pursuant to this Agreement.
2. The Custodian shall establish and maintain separate accounts,
in the name of each Series, and shall credit to the separate account for
each Series all moneys received by it for the account of the Fund with
respect to such Series. Money credited to a separate account for a Series
shall be subject only to drafts, orders, or charges of the Custodian
pursuant to this Agreement and shall be disbursed by the Custodian only:
(a) As hereinafter provided;
(b) Pursuant to Certificates or Resolutions of the Fund's Board
of Trustees certified by an Officer and by the Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of the Fund setting forth the name and address of the person to
whom the payment is to be made, the Series account from which payment is
to be made, the purpose for which payment is to be made, and declaring
such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose; provided, however, that
amounts representing dividends, distributions, or redemptions proceeds
with respect to Shares shall be paid only to the Transfer Agent Account;
(c) In payment of the fees and in reimbursement of the expenses
and liabilities of the Custodian attributable to such Series and
authorized by this Agreement; or
(d) Pursuant to Certificates to pay interest, taxes, management
fees or operating expenses (including, without limitation thereto, Board
of Trustees' fees and expenses, and fees for legal accounting and auditing
services), which Certificates set forth the name and address of the person
to whom payment is to be made, state the purpose of such payment and
designate the Series for whose account the payment is to be made.
3. Promptly after the close of business on each day, the Custodian
shall furnish the Fund with confirmations and a summary, on a per Series
basis, of all transfers to or from the account of the Fund for a Series,
either hereunder or with any co-custodian or subcustodian appointed in
accordance with this Agreement during said day. Where Securities are
transferred to the account of the Fund for a Series but held in a
Depository, the Custodian shall upon such transfer also by book-entry or
otherwise identify such Securities as belonging to such Series in a
fungible bulk of Securities registered in the name of the Custodian (or
its nominee) or shown on the Custodian's account on the books of the Book-
Entry System or the Depository. At least monthly and from time to time,
the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a detailed statement, on a per
Series basis, of the Securities and moneys held under this Agreement for
the Fund.
4. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7 of this Article and
in Article VIII, all Securities held by the Custodian hereunder, which are
issued or issuable only in bearer form, except such Securities as are held
in the Book-Entry System, shall be held by the Custodian in that form; all
other Securities held hereunder may be registered in the name of the Fund,
in the name of any duly appointed registered nominee of the Custodian as
the Custodian may from time to time determine, or in the name of the Book-
Entry System or a Depository or their successor or successors, or their
nominee or nominees. The Fund agrees to furnish to the Custodian
appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in
proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of its registered
nominee or in the name of the Book-Entry System or a Depository any
Securities which it may hold hereunder and which may from time to time be
registered in the name of the Fund. The Custodian shall hold all such
Securities specifically allocated to a Series which are not held in the
Book-Entry System or in a Depository in a separate account in the name of
such Series physically segregated at all times from those of any other
person or persons.
5. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement and unless
otherwise instructed to the contrary by a Certificate, the Custodian by
itself, or through the use of the Book-Entry System or a Depository with
respect to Securities held hereunder and therein deposited, shall with
respect to all Securities held for the Fund hereunder in accordance with
preceding paragraph 4:
(a) Promptly collect all income, dividends and distributions
due or payable;
(b) Promptly give notice to the Fund and promptly present for
payment and collect the amount of money or other consideration payable
upon such Securities which are called, but only if either (i) the
Custodian receives a written notice of such call, or (ii) notice of such
call appears in one or more of the publications listed in Appendix D
annexed hereto, which may be amended at any time by the Custodian without
the prior consent of the Fund, provided the Custodian gives prior notice
of such amendment to the Fund;
(c) Promptly present for payment and collect for the Fund's
account the amount payable upon all Securities which mature;
(d) Promptly surrender Securities in temporary form in exchange
for definitive Securities;
(e) Promptly execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations
or certificates of ownership under the Federal Income Tax Laws or the laws
or regulations of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect;
(f) Hold directly, or through the Book-Entry System or the
Depository with respect to Securities therein deposited, for the account
of a Series, all rights and similar securities issued with respect to any
Securities held by the Custodian for such Series hereunder; and
(g) Promptly deliver to the Fund all notices, proxies, proxy
soliciting materials, consents and other written information (including,
without limitation, notices of tender offers and exchange offers, pendency
of calls, maturities of Securities and expiration of rights) relating to
Securities held pursuant to this Agreement which are actually received by
the Custodian, such proxies and other similar materials to be executed by
the registered holder (if Securities are registered otherwise than in the
name of the Fund), but without indicating the manner in which proxies or
consents are to be voted.
6. Upon receipt of a Certificate and not otherwise, the Custodian,
directly or through the use of the Book-Entry System or the Depository,
shall:
(a) Promptly execute and deliver to such persons as may be
designated in such Certificate proxies, consents, authorizations, and any
other instruments whereby the authority of the Fund as owner of any
Securities held hereunder for the Series specified in such Certificate may
be exercised;
(b) Promptly deliver any Securities held hereunder for the
Series specified in such Certificate in exchange for other Securities or
cash issued or paid in connection with the liquidation, reorganization,
refinancing, merger, consolidation or recapitalization of any corporation,
or the exercise of any right, warrant or conversion privilege and receive
and hold hereunder specifically allocated to such Series any cash or other
Securities received in exchange;
(c) Promptly deliver any Securities held hereunder for the
Series specified in such Certificate to any protective committee,
reorganization committee or other person in connection with the
reorganization, refinancing, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or
sale of assets of any corporation, and receive and hold hereunder
specifically allocated to such Series in exchange therefor such
certificates of deposit, interim receipts or other instruments or
documents as may be issued to it to evidence such delivery or such
Securities as may be issued upon such delivery; and
(d) Promptly present for payment and collect the amount payable
upon Securities which may be called as specified in the Certificate.
7. Notwithstanding any provision elsewhere contained herein, the
Custodian shall not be required to obtain possession of any instrument or
certificate representing any Futures Contract, any Option, or any Futures
Contract Option until after it shall have determined, or shall have
received a Certificate from the Fund stating, that any such instruments
or certificates are available. The Fund shall deliver to the Custodian
such a Certificate no later than the business day preceding the
availability of any such instrument or certificate. Prior to such
availability, the Custodian shall comply with Section 17(f) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 in connection with the purchase, sale,
settlement, closing out or writing of Futures Contracts, Options, or
Futures Contract Options by making payments or deliveries specified in
Certificates in connection with any such purchase, sale, writing,
settlement or closing out upon its receipt from a broker, dealer, or
futures commission merchant of a statement or confirmation reasonably
believed by the Custodian to be in the form customarily used by brokers,
dealers, or future commission merchants with respect to such Futures
Contracts, Options, or Futures Contract Options, as the case may be,
confirming that such Security is held by such broker, dealer or futures
commission merchant, in book-entry form or otherwise in the name the
Custodian (or any nominee of the Custodian) as custodian for the Fund;
provided, however, that notwithstanding the foregoing, payments to or
deliveries from the Margin Account and payments with respect to Securities
to which a Margin Account relates, shall be made in accordance with the
terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement. Whenever any such
instruments or certificates are available, the Custodian shall,
notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, make
payment for any Futures Contract, Option, or Futures Contract Option for
which such instruments or such certificates are available only against the
delivery to the Custodian of such instrument or such certificate, and
deliver any Futures Contract, Option or Futures Contract Option for which
such instruments or such certificates are available only against receipt
by the Custodian of payment therefor. Any such instrument or certificate
delivered to the Custodian shall be held by the Custodian hereunder in
accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
OTHER THAN OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS,
FUTURES CONTRACT OPTIONS, REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS,
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND SHORT SALES
1. Promptly after each execution of a purchase of Securities by the
Fund, other than a purchase of an Option, a Futures Contract, a Futures
Contract Option, a Repurchase Agreement, a Reverse Repurchase Agreement
or a Short Sale, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian (i) with respect
to each purchase of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a
Certificate, and (ii) with respect to each purchase of Money Market
Securities, a Certificate, oral Instructions or Written Instructions,
specifying with respect to each such purchase: (a) the Series to which
such Securities are to be specifically allocated; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title of the Securities; (c) the number of shares or the
principal amount purchased and accrued interest, if any; (d) the date of
purchase and settlement; (e) the purchase price per unit; (f) the total
amount payable upon such purchase; (g) the name of the person from whom
or the broker through whom the purchase was made, and the name of the
clearing broker, if any; and (h) the name of the broker or other party to
whom payment is to be made. Custodian shall, upon receipt of such
Securities purchased by or for the Fund, pay to the broker specified in
the Certificate out of the moneys held for the account of such Series the
total amount payable upon such purchase, provided that the same conforms
to the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate, oral
Instructions or Written Instructions.
2. Promptly after each execution of a sale of Securities by the
Fund, other than a sale of any Option, Futures Contract, Futures Contract
Option, Repurchase Agreement, Reverse Repurchase Agreement or Short Sale,
the Fund shall deliver such to the Custodian (i) with respect to each sale
of Securities which are not Money Market Securities, a Certificate, and
(ii) with respect to each sale of Money Market Securities, a Certificate,
Oral Instructions or Written Instructions, specifying with respect to each
such sale: (a) the Series to which such Securities were specifically
allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title of the Security; (c)
the number of shares or principal amount sold, and accrued interest, if
any; (d) the date of sale and settlement; (e) the sale price per unit; (f)
the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale; (g) the name of the
broker through whom or the person to whom the sale was made, and the name
of the clearing broker, if any; and (h) the name of the broker to whom the
Securities are to be delivered. On the settlement date, the Custodian
shall deliver the Securities specifically allocated to such Series to the
broker in accordance with generally accepted street practices and as
specified in the Certificate upon receipt of the total amount payable to
the Fund upon such sale, provided that the same conforms to the total
amount payable as set forth in such Certificate, oral Instructions or
Written Instructions.
ARTICLE V
OPTIONS
1. Promptly after each execution of a purchase of any Option by the
Fund other than a closing purchase transaction, the Fund shall deliver to
the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to each Option
purchased: (a) the Series to which such Option is specifically allocated;
(b) the type of Option (put or call); (c) the instrument, currency, or
Security underlying such Option and the number of Options, or the name of
the in the case of an Index Option, the index to which such Option relates
and the number of Index Options purchased; (d) the expiration date; (e)
the exercise price; (f) the dates of purchase and settlement; (g) the
total amount payable by the Fund in connection with such purchase; and (h)
the name of the Clearing Member through whom such Option was purchased.
The Custodian shall pay, upon receipt of a Clearing Member's written
statement confirming the purchase of such Option held by such Clearing
Member for the account of the Custodian (or any duly appointed and
registered nominee of the Custodian) as Custodian for the Fund, out of
moneys held for the account of the Series to which such Option is to be
specifically allocated, the total amount payable upon such purchase to the
Clearing Member through whom the purchase was made, provided that the same
conforms to the amount payable as set forth in such Certificate.
2. Promptly after the execution of a sale of any Option purchased
by the Fund, other than a closing sale transaction, pursuant to paragraph
1 hereof, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying
with respect to each such sale: (a) the Series to which such Option was
specifically allocated; (b) the type of Option (put or call); (c) the
instrument, currency, or Security underlying such Option and the number
of Options, or the name of the issuer and the title and number of shares
subject to such Option or, in the case of a Index Option, the index to
which such Option relates and the number of Index Options sold; (d) the
date of sale; (e) the sale price; (f) the date of settlement; (g) the
total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale; and (h) the name of the
Clearing Member through whom the sale was made. The Custodian shall
consent to the delivery of the Option sold by the Clearing Member which
previously supplied the confirmation described in preceding paragraph of
this Article with respect to such Option upon receipt by the Custodian of
the total amount payable to the Fund, provided that the same conforms to
the total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate.
3. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Call Option
purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such
Call Option: (a) the Series to which such Call Option was specifically
allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title and number of shares
subject to the Call Option; (c) the expiration date; (d) the date of
exercise and settlement; (e) the exercise price per share; (f) the total
amount to be paid by the Fund upon such exercise; and (g) the name of the
Clearing Member through whom such Call Option was exercised. The Custo-
dian shall, upon receipt of the Securities underlying the Call Option
which was exercised, pay out of the moneys held for the account of the
Series to which such Call Option was specifically allocated the total
amount payable to the Clearing Member through whom the Call Option was ex-
ercised, provided that the same conforms to the total amount payable as
set forth in such Certificate.
4. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Put Option
purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Put
Option: (a) the Series to which such Put Option was specifically
allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title and number of shares
subject to the Put Option; (c) the expiration date; (d) the date of
exercise and settlement; (e) the exercise price per share; (f) the total
amount to be paid to the Fund upon such exercise; and (g) the name of the
Clearing Member through whom such Put Option was exercised. The Custodian
shall, upon receipt of the amount payable upon the exercise of the Put
Option, deliver or direct a Depository to deliver the Securities
specifically allocated to such Series, provided the same conforms to the
amount payable to the Fund as set forth in such Certificate.
5. Promptly after the exercise by the Fund of any Index Option
purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such
Index Option: (a) the Series to which such Index Option was specifically
allocated; (b) the type of Index Option (put or call) (c) the number of
Options being exercised; (d) the index to which such Option relates; (e)
the expiration date; (f) the exercise price; (g) the total amount to be
received by the Fund in connection with such exercise; and (h) the
Clearing Member from whom such payment is to be received.
6. Whenever the Fund writes a Covered Call Option, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect
to such Covered Call Option: (a) the Series for which such Covered Call
Option was written; (b) the name of the issuer and the title and number
of shares for which the Covered Call Option was written and which underlie
the same; (c) the expiration date; (d) the exercise price; (e) the premium
to be received by the Fund; (f) the date such Covered Call Option was
written; and (g) the name of the Clearing Member through whom the premium
is to be received. The Custodian shall deliver or cause to be delivered,
upon receipt of the premium specified in the Certificate with respect to
such Covered Call Option, such receipts as are required in accordance with
the customs prevailing among Clearing Members dealing in Covered Call
Options and shall impose, or direct a Depository to impose, upon the
underlying Securities specified in the Certificate specifically allocated
to such Series such restrictions as may be required by such receipts.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian has the right, upon prior
written notification to the Fund, at any time to refuse to issue any
receipts for Securities in the possession of the Custodian and not
deposited with a Depository underlying a Covered Call Option.
7. Whenever a Covered Call Option written by the Fund and described
in the preceding paragraph of this Article is exercised, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate instructing the Custodian
to deliver, or to direct the Depository to deliver, the Securities subject
to such Covered Call Option and specifying: (a) the Series for which such
Covered Call Option was written; (b) the name of the issuer and the title
and number of shares subject to the Covered Call Option; (c) the Clearing
Member to whom the underlying Securities are to be delivered; and (d) the
total amount payable to the Fund upon such delivery. Upon the return
and/or cancellation of any receipts delivered pursuant to paragraph 6 of
this Article, the Custodian shall deliver, or direct a Depository to
deliver, the underlying Securities as specified in the Certificate upon
payment of the amount to be received as set forth in such Certificate.
8. Whenever the Fund writes a Put Option, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to such Put
Option: (a) the Series for which such Put Option was written; (b) the
name of the issuer and the title and number of shares for which the Put
Option is written and which underlie the same; (c) the expiration date;
(d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be received by the Fund; (f)
the date such Put Option is written; (g) the name of the Clearing Member
through whom the premium is to be received and to whom a Put Option
guarantee letter is to be delivered; (h) the amount of cash, and/or the
amount and kind of Securities, if any, specifically allocated to such
Series to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for such Series; and
(i) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities
specifically allocated to such Series to be deposited into the Collateral
Account for such Series. The Custodian shall, after making the deposits
into the Collateral Account specified in the Certificate, issue a Put
Option guarantee letter substantially in the form utilized by the
Custodian on the date hereof, and deliver the same to the Clearing Member
specified in the Certificate upon receipt of the premium specified in said
Certificate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall be under
no obligation to issue any Put Option guarantee letter or similar document
if it is unable to make any of the representations contained therein.
9. Whenever a Put Option written by the Fund and described in the
preceding paragraph is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which such Put
Option was written; (b) the name of the issuer and title and number of
shares subject to the Put Option; (c) the Clearing Member from whom the
underlying Securities are to be received; (d) the total amount payable by
the Fund upon such delivery; (e) the amount of cash and/or the amount and
kind of Securities specifically allocated to such Series to be withdrawn
from the Collateral Account for such Series and (f) the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities, specifically allocated to such
series, if any, to be withdrawn from the Senior Security Account. Upon
the return and/or cancellation of any Put Option guarantee letter or
similar document issued by the Custodian in connection with such Put
Option, the Custodian shall pay out of the moneys held for the account of
the series to which such Put Option was specifically allocated the total
amount payable to the Clearing Member specified in the Certificate as set
forth in such Certificate, upon delivery of such Securities, and shall
make the withdrawals specified in such Certificate.
10. Whenever the Fund writes an Index Option, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect
to such Index Option: (a) the Series for which such Index Option was
written; (b) whether such Index Option is a put or a call; (c) the number
of Options written; (d) the index to which such Option relates; (e) the
expiration date; (f) the exercise price; (g) the Clearing Member through
whom such Option was written; (h) the premium to be received by the Fund;
(i) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any,
specifically allocated to such Series to be deposited in the Senior
Security Account for such Series; (j) the amount of cash and/or the amount
and kind of Securities, if any, specifically allocated to such Series to
be deposited in the Collateral Account for such Series; and (k) the amount
of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, specifically
allocated to such Series to be deposited in a Margin Account, and the name
in which such account is to be or has been established. The Custodian
shall, upon receipt of the premium specified in the Certificate, make the
deposits, if any, into the Senior Security Account specified in the
Certificate, and either (1) deliver such receipts, if any, which the
Custodian has specifically agreed to issue, which are in accordance with
the customs prevailing among Clearing Members in Index Options and make
the deposits into the Collateral Account specified in the Certificate, or
(2) make the deposits into the Margin Account specified in the Certi-
ficate.
11. Whenever an Index Option written by the Fund and described in
the preceding paragraph of this Article is exercised, the Fund shall
promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect
to such Index Option: (a) the Series for which such Index Option was
written; (b) such information as may be necessary to identify the Index
Option being exercised; (c) the Clearing Member through whom such Index
Option is being exercised; (d) the total amount payable upon such
exercise, and whether such amount is to be paid by or to the Fund; (e) the
amount of cash and/or amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be with-
drawn from the Margin Account; and (f) the amount of cash and/or amount
and kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Senior Security
Account for such Series; and the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind
of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Collateral Account for
such Series. Upon the return and/or cancellation of the receipt, if any,
delivered pursuant to the preceding paragraph of this Article, the
Custodian shall pay out of the moneys held for the account of the Series
to which such Stock Index Option was specifically allocated to the Clear-
ing Member specified in the Certificate the total amount payable, if any,
as specified therein.
12. Promptly after the execution of a purchase or sale by the Fund
of any Option identical to a previously written Option described in
paragraphs, 6, 8 or 10 of this Article in a transaction expressly
designated as a "Closing Purchase Transaction" or a "Closing Sale
Transaction", the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to the Option being purchased: (a)
that the transaction is a Closing Purchase Transaction or a Closing Sale
Transaction; (b) the Series for which the Option was written; (c) the
instrument, currency, or Security subject to the Option, or, in the case
of an Index Option, the index to which such Option relates and the number
of Options held; (d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be paid by or
the amount to be paid to the Fund; (f) the expiration date; (g) the type
of Option (put or call); (h) the date of such purchase or sale; (i) the
name of the Clearing Member to whom the premium is to be paid or from whom
the amount is to be received; and (j) the amount of cash and/or the amount
and kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Collateral
Account, a specified Margin Account, or the Senior Security Account for
such Series. Upon the Custodian's payment of the premium or receipt of
the amount, as the case may be, specified in the Certificate and the
return and/or cancellation of any receipt issued pursuant to paragraphs
6, 8 or 10 of this Article with respect to the Option being liquidated
through the Closing Purchase Transaction or the Closing Sale Transaction,
the Custodian shall remove, or direct a Depository to remove, the pre-
viously imposed restrictions on the Securities underlying the Call Option.
13. Upon the expiration, exercise or consummation of a Closing
Purchase Transaction with respect to any Option purchased or written by
the Fund and described in this Article, the Custodian shall delete such
Option from the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to paragraph 3
Article III herein, and upon the return and/or cancellation of any
receipts issued by the Custodian, shall make such withdrawals from the
Collateral Account, and the Margin Account and/or the Senior Security
Account as may be specified in a Certificate received in connection with
such expiration, exercise, or consummation.
14. Securities acquired by the Fund through the exercise of an
Option described in this Article shall be subject to Article IV hereof.
ARTICLE VI
FUTURES CONTRACTS
1. Whenever the Fund shall enter into a Futures Contract, the Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to
such Futures Contract, (or with respect to any number of identical Futures
Contract (s)): (a) the Series for which the Futures Contract is being
entered; (b) the category of Futures Contract (the name of the underlying
index or financial instrument); (c) the number of identical Futures
Contracts entered into; (d) the delivery or settlement date of the Futures
Contract(s); (e) the date the Futures Contract(s) was (were) entered into
and the maturity date; (f) whether the Fund is buying (going long) or
selling (going short) such Futures Contract(s); (g) the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited in the
Senior Security Account for such Series; (h) the name of the broker,
dealer, or futures commission merchant through whom the Futures Contract
was entered into; and (i) the amount of fee or commission, if any, to be
paid and the name of the broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant
to whom such amount is to be paid. The Custodian shall make the deposits,
if any, to the Margin Account in accordance with the terms and conditions
of the Margin Account Agreement. The Custodian shall make payment out of
the moneys specifically allocated to such Series of the fee or commission,
if any, specified in the Certificate and deposit in the Senior Security
Account for such Series the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities specified in said Certificate.
2. (a) Any variation margin payment or similar payment
required to be made by the Fund to a broker, dealer, or futures commission
merchant with respect to an outstanding Futures Contract shall be made by
the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
(b) Any variation margin payment or similar payment from
a broker, dealer, or futures commission merchant to the Fund with respect
to an outstanding Futures Contract shall be received and dealt with by the
Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
3. Whenever a Futures Contract held by the Custodian hereunder is
retained by the Fund until delivery or settlement is made on such Futures
Contract, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian prior to the delivery
or settlement date a Certificate specifying: (a) the Futures Contract and
the Series to which the same relates; (b) with respect to an Index Futures
Contract, the total cash settlement amount to be paid or received, and
with respect to a Financial Futures Contract, the Securities and/or amount
of cash to be delivered or received; (c) the broker, dealer, or futures
commission merchant to or from whom payment or delivery is to be made or
received; and (d) the amount of cash and/or Securities to be withdrawn
from the Senior Security Account for such Series. The Custodian shall
make the payment or delivery specified in the Certificate, and delete such
Futures Contract from the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant to
paragraph 3 of Article III herein.
4. Whenever the Fund shall enter into a Futures Contract to offset
a Futures Contract held by the Custodian hereunder, the Fund shall deliver
to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the items of information
required in a Certificate described in paragraph 1 of this Article, and
(b) the Futures Contract being offset. The Custodian shall make payment
out of the money specifically allocated to such Series of the fee or
commission, if any, specified in the Certificate and delete the Futures
Contract being offset from the statements delivered to the Fund pursuant
to paragraph 3 of Article III herein, and make such withdrawals from the
Senior Security Account for such Series as may be specified in the Cer-
tificate. The withdrawals, if any, to be made from the Margin Account
shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions
of the Margin Account Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
FUTURES CONTRACT OPTIONS
1. Promptly after the execution of a purchase of any Futures
Contract Option by the Fund, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to such Futures Contract Option: (a)
the Series to which such Option is specifically allocated; (b) the type
of Futures Contract Option (put or call); (c) the type of Futures Contract
and such other information as may be necessary to identify the Futures
Contract underlying the Futures Contract Option purchased; (d) the
expiration date; (e) the exercise price; (f) the dates of purchase and
settlement; (g) the amount of premium to be paid by the Fund upon such
purchase; (h) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant
through whom such Option was purchased; and (i) the name of the broker,
or futures commission merchant, to whom payment is to be made. The Cus-
todian shall pay out of the moneys specifically allocated to such Series
the total amount to be paid upon such purchase to the broker or futures
commissions merchant through whom the purchase was made, provided that the
same conforms to the amount set forth in such Certificate.
2. Promptly after the execution of a sale of any Futures Contract
Option purchased by the Fund pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof, the Fund
shall deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to
each such sale: (a) Series to which such Futures Contract Option was
specifically allocated; (b) the type of Future Contract Option (put or
call); (c) the type of Futures Contract and such other information as may
be necessary to identify the Futures Contract underlying the Futures
Contract Option; (d) the date of sale; (e) the sale price; (f) the date
of settlement; (g) the total amount payable to the Fund upon such sale;
and (h) the name of the broker of futures commission merchant through whom
the sale was made. The Custodian shall consent to the cancellation of the
Futures Contract Option being closed against payment to the Custodian of
the total amount payable to the Fund, provided the same conforms to the
total amount payable as set forth in such Certificate.
3. Whenever a Futures Contract Option purchased by the Fund
pursuant to paragraph 1 is exercised by the Fund, the Fund shall promptly
deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to
which such Futures Contract Option was specifically allocated; (b) the
particular Futures Contract Option (put or call) being exercised; (c) the
type of Futures Contract underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the
date of exercise; (e) the name of the broker or futures commission
merchant through whom the Futures Contract Option is exercised; (f) the
net total amount, if any, payable by the Fund; (g) the amount, if any, to
be received by the Fund; and (h) the amount of cash and/or the amount and
kind of Securities to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for such
Series. The Custodian shall make, out of the moneys and Securities
specifically allocated to such Series, the payments of money, if any, and
the deposits of Securities, if any, into the Senior Security Account as
specified in the Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made to the
Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
4. Whenever the Fund writes a Futures Contract Option, the Fund
shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a Certificate specifying with
respect to such Futures Contract Option: (a) the Series for which such
Futures Contract Option was written; (b) the type of Futures Contract
Option (put or call); (c) the type of Futures Contract and such other
information as may be necessary to identify the Futures Contract
underlying the Futures Contract Option; (d) the expiration date; (e) the
exercise price; (f) the premium to be received by the Fund; (g) the name
of the broker or futures commission merchant through whom the premium is
to be received; and (h) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities, if any, to be deposited in the Senior Security Account for
such Series. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the premium specified
in the Certificate, make out of the moneys and Securities specifically
allocated to such Series the deposits into the Senior Security Account,
if any, as specified in the Certificate. The deposits, if any, to be made
to the Margin Account shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
5. Whenever a Futures Contract Option written by the Fund which is
a call is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which such Futures Contract
Option was specifically allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract
Option exercised; (c) the type of Futures Contract underlying the Futures
Contract Option; (d) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant
through whom such Futures Contract Option was exercised; (e) the net total
amount, if any, payable to the Fund upon such exercise; (f) the net total
amount, if any, payable by the Fund upon such exercise; and (g) the amount
of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities to be deposited in the
Senior Security Account for such Series. The Custodian shall, upon its
receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund, if any, specified in
such Certificate make the payments, if any, and the deposits, if any, into
the Senior Security Account as specified in the Certificate. The de-
posits, if any, to be made to the Margin Account shall be made by the
Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
6. Whenever a Futures Contract Option which is written by the Fund
and which is a put is exercised, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying: (a) the Series to which such Option
was specifically allocated; (b) the particular Futures Contract Option
exercised; (c) the type of Futures Contract underlying such Futures
Contract Option; (d) the name of the broker or futures commission merchant
through whom such Futures Contract Option is exercised; (e) the net total
amount, if any, payable to the Fund upon such exercise; (f) the net total
amount, if any, payable by the Fund upon such exercise; and (g) the amount
and kind of Securities and/or cash to be withdrawn from or deposited in,
the Senior Security Account for such Series, if any. The Custodian shall,
upon its receipt of the net total amount payable to the Fund, if any,
specified in the Certificate, make out of the moneys and Securities
specifically allocated to such Series, the payments, if any, and the
deposits, if any, into the Senior Security Account as specified in the
Certificate. The deposits to and/or withdrawals from the Margin Account,
if any, shall be made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the Margin Account Agreement.
7. Promptly after the execution by the Fund of a purchase of any
Futures Contract Option identical to a previously written Futures Contract
Option described in this Article in order to liquidate its position as a
writer of such Futures Contract Option, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a Certificate specifying with respect to the Futures Contract
Option being purchased: (a) the Series to which such Option is
specifically allocated; (b) that the transaction is a closing transaction;
(c) the type of Future Contract and such other information as may be
necessary to identify the Futures Contract underlying the Futures Option
Contract; (d) the exercise price; (e) the premium to be paid by the Fund;
(f) the expiration date; (g) the name of the broker or futures commission
merchant to whom the premium is to be paid; and (h) the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the
Senior Security Account for such Series. The Custodian shall effect the
withdrawals from the Senior Security Account specified in the Certificate.
The withdrawals, if any, to be made from the Margin Account shall be made
by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin
Account Agreement.
8. Upon the expiration, exercise, or consummation of a closing
transaction with respect to, any Futures Contract Option written or
purchased by the Fund and described in this Article, the Custodian shall
(a) delete such Futures Contract Option from the statements delivered to
the Fund pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article III herein and (b) make such
withdrawals from and/or in the case of an exercise such deposits into the
Senior Security Account as may be specified in a Certificate. The
deposits to and/or withdrawals from the Margin Account, if any, shall be
made by the Custodian in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
Margin Account Agreement.
9. Futures Contracts acquired by the Fund through the exercise of
a Futures Contract Option described in this Article shall be subject to
Article VI hereof.
ARTICLE VIII
SHORT SALES
1. Promptly after the execution of any short sales of Securities
by any Series of the Fund, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying: (a) the Series for which such short sale was
made; (b) the name of the issuer-and the title of the Security; (c) the
number of shares or principal amount sold, and accrued interest or
dividends, if any; (d) the dates of the sale and settlement; (e) the sale
price per unit; (f) the total amount credited to the Fund upon such sale,
if any, (g) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities,
if any, which are to be deposited in a Margin Account and the name in
which such Margin Account has been or is to be established; (h) the amount
of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, to be deposited
in a Senior Security Account, and (i) the name of the broker through whom
such short sale was made. The Custodian shall upon its receipt of a
statement from such broker confirming such sale and that the total amount
credited to the Fund upon such sale, if any, as specified in the
Certificate is held by such broker for the account of the Custodian (or
any nominee of the Custodian) as custodian of the Fund, issue a receipt
or make the deposits into the Margin Account and the Senior Security
Account specified in the Certificate.
2. Promptly after the execution of a purchase to close-out any
short sale of Securities, the Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian
a Certificate specifying with respect to each such closing out: (a) the
Series for which such transaction is being made; (b) the name of the
issuer and the title of the Security; (c) the number of shares or the
principal amount, and accrued interest or dividends, if any, required to
effect such closing-out to be delivered to the broker; (d) the dates of
closing-out and settlement; (e) the purchase price per unit; (f) the net
total amount payable to the Fund upon such closing-out; (g) the net total
amount payable to the broker upon such closing-out; (h) the amount of cash
and the amount and kind of Securities to be withdrawn, if any, from the
Margin Account; (i) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of
Securities, if any, to be withdrawn from the Senior Security Account; and
(j) the name of the broker through whom the Fund is effecting such
closing-out. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the net total amount
payable to the Fund upon such closing-out, and the return and/or
cancellation of the receipts, if any, issued by the Custodian with respect
to the short sale being closed-out, pay out of the moneys held for the
account of the Fund to the broker the net total amount payable to the
broker, and make the withdrawals from the Margin Account and the Senior
Security Account, as the same are specified in the Certificate.
ARTICLE IX
REPURCHASE AND REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
1. Promptly after the Fund enters a Repurchase Agreement or a
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with respect to Securities and money held by
the Custodian hereunder, the Fund shall deliver to the Custodian a Certi-
ficate, or in the event such Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase
Agreement is a Money Market Security, a Certificate, Oral Instructions,
or Written Instructions specifying: (a) the Series for which the
Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement is entered; (b) the
total amount payable to or by the Fund in connection with such Repurchase
Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement and specifically allocated to
such Series; (c) the broker, dealer, or financial institution with whom
the Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement is entered; (d)
the amount and kind of Securities to be delivered or received by the Fund
to or from such broker, dealer, or financial institution; (e) the date of
such Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement; and (f) the
amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any, specifi-
cally allocated to such Series to be deposited in a Senior Security Ac-
count for such Series in connection with such Reverse Repurchase
Agreement. The Custodian shall, upon receipt of the total amount payable
to or by the Fund specified in the Certificate, Oral Instructions, or
Written Instructions make or accept the delivery to or from the broker,
dealer, or financial institution and the deposits, if any, to the Senior
Security Account, specified in such Certificate, Oral Instructions, or
Written Instructions.
2. Upon the termination of a Repurchase Agreement or a Reverse
Repurchase Agreement described in preceding paragraph 1 of this Article,
the Fund shall promptly deliver a Certificate or, in the event such
Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement is a Money Market
Security, a Certificate, Oral Instructions, or Written Instructions to the
Custodian specifying: (a) the Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase
Agreement being terminated and the Series for which same was entered; (b)
the total amount payable to or by the Fund in connection with such
termination; (c) the amount and kind of Securities to be received or
delivered by the Fund and specifically allocated to such Series in
connection with such termination; (d) the date of termination; (e) the
name of the broker, dealer, or financial institution with whom the Repur-
chase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement is to be terminated; and
(f) the amount of cash and/or the amount and kind of Securities, if any,
to be withdrawn from the Senior Securities Account for such Series. The
Custodian shall, upon receipt or delivery of the amount and kind of
Securities or cash to be received or delivered by the Fund specified in
the Certificate, Oral Instructions, or Written Instructions, make or
receive the payment to or from the broker, dealer, or financial
institution and make the withdrawals, if any, from the Senior Security
Account, specified in such Certificate, Oral Instructions, or Written
Instructions.
3. The Certificates, Oral Instructions, or Written Instructions
described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article may with respect to any
particular Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement be
combined and delivered to the Custodian at the time of entering into such
Repurchase Agreement or Reverse Repurchase Agreement.
ARTICLE X
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES OF THE FUND
1. Promptly after each loan of portfolio Securities specifically
allocated to a Series held by the Custodian hereunder, the Fund shall
deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian a Certificate specifying
with respect to each such loan: (a) the Series to which the loaned
Securities are specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the
title of the Securities, (c) the number of shares or the principal amount
loaned, (d) the date of loan and delivery, (e) the total amount to be
delivered to the Custodian against the loan of the Securities, including
the amount of cash collateral and the premium, if any, separately iden-
tified, and (f) the name of the broker, dealer, or financial institution
to which the loan was made. The Custodian shall deliver the Securities
thus designated to the broker, dealer or financial institution to which
the loan was made upon receipt of the total amount designated in the
Certificate as to be delivered against the loan of Securities. The
Custodian may accept payment in connection with a delivery otherwise than
through the Book-Entry System or a Depository only in the form of a
certified or bank cashier's check payable to the order of the Fund or the
Custodian drawn on New York Clearing House funds.
2. In connection with each termination of a loan of Securities by
the Fund, the Fund shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Custodian
a Certificate specifying with respect to each such loan termination and
return of Securities: (a) the Series to which the loaned Securities are
specifically allocated; (b) the name of the issuer and the title of the
Securities to be returned, (c) the number of shares or the principal
amount to be returned, (d) the date of termination, (e) the total amount
to be delivered by the Custodian (including the cash collateral for such
Securities minus any offsetting credits as described in said Certificate),
and (f) the name of the broker, dealer, or financial institution from
which the Securities will be returned. The Custodian shall receive all
Securities returned from the broker, dealer, or financial institution to
which such Securities were loaned and upon receipt thereof shall pay, out
of the moneys held for the account of the Fund, the total amount payable
upon such return of Securities as set forth in the Certificate.
ARTICLE XI
CONCERNING MARGIN ACCOUNTS, SENIOR SECURITY
ACCOUNTS, AND COLLATERAL ACCOUNTS
1. The Custodian shall establish a Senior Security Account and from
time to time make such deposits thereto, or withdrawals therefrom, as
specified in a Certificate. Such Certificate shall specify the Series for
which such deposit or withdrawal is to be made and the amount of cash
and/or the amount and kind of Securities specifically allocated to such
Series to be deposited in, or withdrawn from, such Senior Security Account
for such Series. In the event that the Fund fails to specify in a
Certificate the Series, the name of the issuer, the title and the number
of shares or the principal amount of any particular Securities to be
deposited by the Custodian into, or withdrawn from, a Senior Securities
Account, the Custodian shall be under no obligation to make any such
deposit or withdrawal and shall promptly notify the Fund that no such
deposit has been made.
2. The Custodian shall make deliveries or payments from a Margin
Account to the broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing
Member in whose name, or for whose benefit, the account was established
as specified in the Margin Account Agreement.
3. Amounts received by the Custodian as payments or distributions
with respect to Securities deposited in any Margin Account shall be dealt
with in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Margin Account
Agreement.
4. The Custodian shall to the extent permitted by the Fund's
Declaration of Trust, investment restrictions and the Investment Company
Act of 1940 have a continuing lien and security interest in and to any
property at any time held by the Custodian in any Collateral Account
described herein. In accordance with applicable law the Custodian may
enforce its lien and realize on any such property whenever the Custodian
has made payment or delivery pursuant to any Put Option guarantee letter
or similar document or any receipt issued hereunder by the Custodian;
provided, however, that the Custodian shall not be required to issue any
Put Option guarantee letter unless it shall have received an opinion of
counsel to the Fund or its investment adviser that the issuance of such
letters is authorized by the Fund and that the Custodian's continuing lien
and security interest is valid, enforceable and not limited by the
Declaration of Trust, any investment restrictions or the Investment
Company Act of 1940. In the event the Custodian should realize on any
such property net proceeds which are less than the Custodian's obligations
under any Put Option guarantee letter or similar document or any receipt,
such deficiency shall be a debt owed the Custodian by the Fund within the
scope of Article XIV herein.
5. On each business day the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with
a statement with respect to each Margin Account in which money or
Securities are held specifying as of the close of business on the previous
business day: (a) the name of the Margin Account; (b) the amount and kind
of Securities held therein; and (c) the amount of money held therein. The
Custodian shall make available upon request to any broker, dealer, or
futures commission merchant specified in the name of a Margin Account a
copy of the statement furnished the Fund with respect to such Margin
Account.
6. The Custodian shall establish a Collateral Account and from time
to time shall make such deposits thereto as may be specified in a
Certificate. Promptly after the close of business on each business day
in which cash and/or Securities are maintained in a Collateral Account for
any Series, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a statement with
respect to such Collateral Account specifying the amount of cash and/or
the amount and kind of Securities held therein. No later than the close
of business next succeeding the delivery to the Fund of such statement,
the Fund shall furnish to the Custodian a Certificate or Written
Instructions specifying the then market value of the Securities described
in such statement. In the event such then market value is indicated to
be less than the Custodian's obligation with respect to any outstanding
Put Option guarantee letter or similar document, the Fund shall promptly
specify in a Certificate the additional cash and/or Securities to be
deposited in such Collateral Account to eliminate such deficiency.
ARTICLE XII
PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS
1. The Fund shall furnish to the Custodian a copy of the resolution
of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or any
Assistant Secretary, either (i) setting forth with respect to the Series
specified therein the date of the declaration of a dividend or distribu-
tion, the date of payment thereof, the record date as of which
shareholders entitled to payment shall be determined, the amount payable
per Share of such Series to the shareholders of record as of that date and
the total amount payable to the Transfer Agent Account and any sub-
dividend agent or co-dividend agent of the Fund on the payment date, or
(ii) authorizing with respect to the Series specified therein and the
declaration of dividends and distributions thereon the Custodian to rely
on Oral Instructions, Written Instructions, or a Certificate setting forth
the date of the declaration of such dividend or distribution, the date of
payment thereof, the record date as of which shareholders entitled to
payment shall be determined, the amount payable per Share of such Series
to the shareholders of record as of that date and the total amount payable
to the Transfer Agent Account on the payment date.
2. Upon the payment date specified in such resolution, Oral
Instructions, Written Instructions, or Certificate, as the case may be,
the Custodian shall pay to the Transfer Agent Account out of the moneys
held for the account of the Series specified therein the total amount
payable to the Transfer Agent Account and with respect to such Series.
ARTICLE XIII
SALE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
1. Whenever the Fund shall sell any Shares, it shall deliver or
cause to be delivered, to the Custodian a Certificate duly specifying:
(a) The Series, the number of Shares sold, trade date, and
price; and
sale of such Shares and specifically allocated to the separate
account in the name of such Series.
2. Upon receipt of such money from the Fund's General Distributor,
the Custodian shall credit such money to the separate account in the name
of the Series for which such money was received.
3. Upon issuance of any Shares of any Series the Custodian shall
pay, out of the money held for the account of such Series, all original
issue or other taxes required to be paid by the Fund in connection with
such issuance upon the receipt of a Certificate specifying the amount to
be paid.
4. Except as provided hereinafter, whenever the Fund desires the
Custodian to make payment out of the money held by the Custodian hereunder
in connection with a redemption of any Shares, it shall furnish, or cause
to be furnished, to the Custodian a Certificate specifying:
(a) The number and Series of Shares redeemed; and
(b) The amount to be paid for such Shares.
5. Upon receipt of an advice from an Authorized Person setting
forth the Series and number of Shares received by the Transfer Agent for
redemption and that such Shares are in good form for redemption, the
Custodian shall make payment to the Transfer Agent Account out of the
moneys held in the separate account in the name of the Series the total
amount specified in the Certificate issued pursuant to the foregoing
paragraph 4 of this Article.
ARTICLE XIV
OVERDRAFTS OR INDEBTEDNESS
1. If the Custodian should in its sole discretion advance funds on
behalf of any Series which results in an overdraft because the moneys held
by the Custodian in the separate account for such Series shall be insuffi-
cient to pay the total amount payable upon a purchase of Securities
specifically allocated to such Series, as set forth in a Certificate, Oral
Instructions, or Written Instructions or which results in an overdraft in
the separate account of such Series for some other reason, or if the Fund
is for any other reason indebted to the Custodian with respect to a Ser-
ies, (except a borrowing for investment or for temporary or emergency
purposes using Securities as collateral pursuant to a separate agreement
and subject to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Article), such
overdraft or indebtedness shall be deemed to be a loan made by the
Custodian to the Fund for such Series payable on demand and shall bear
interest from the date incurred at a rate per annum (based on a 360-day
year for the actual number of days involved) equal to the Federal Funds
Rate plus 1/2%, such rate to be adjusted on the effective date of any change
in such Federal Funds Rate but in no event to be less than 6% per annum.
In addition, unless the Fund has given a Certificate that the Custodian
shall not impose a lien and security interest to secure such overdrafts
(in which event it shall not do so), the Custodian shall have a continuing
lien and security interest in the aggregate amount of such overdrafts and
indebtedness as may from time to time exist in and to any property
specifically allocated to such Series at any time held by it for the
benefit of such Series or in which the Fund may have an interest which is
then in the Custodian's possession or control or in possession or control
of any third party acting in the Custodian's behalf. The Fund authorizes
the Custodian, in its sole discretion, at any time to charge any such
overdraft or indebtedness together with interest due thereon against any
money balance in an account standing in the name of such Series' credit
on the Custodian's books. In addition, the Fund hereby covenants that on
each Business Day on which either it intends to enter a Reverse Repurchase
Agreement and/or otherwise borrow from a third party, or which next
succeeds a Business Day on which at the close of business the Fund had
outstanding a Reverse Repurchase Agreement or such a borrowing, it shall
prior to 9 a.m., New York City time, advise the Custodian, in writing, of
each such borrowing, shall specify the Series to which the same relates,
and shall not incur any indebtedness, including pursuant to any Reverse
Repurchase Agreement, not so specified other than from the Custodian.
2. The Fund will cause to be delivered to the Custodian by any bank
(including, if the borrowing is pursuant to a separate agreement, the
Custodian) from which it borrows money for investment or for temporary or
emergency purposes using Securities held by the Custodian hereunder as
collateral for such borrowings, a notice or undertaking in the form
currently employed by any such bank setting forth the amount which such
bank will loan to the Fund against delivery of a stated amount of
collateral. The Fund shall promptly deliver to the Custodian a
Certificate specifying with respect to each such borrowing: (a) the
Series to which such borrowing relates; (b) the name of the bank, (c) the
amount and terms of the borrowing, which may be set forth by incorporating
by reference an attached promissory note, duly endorsed by the Fund, or
other loan agreement, (d) the time and date, if known, on which the loan
is to be entered into, (e) the date on which the loan becomes due and
payable, (f) the total amount payable to the Fund on the borrowing date,
(g) the market value of Securities to be delivered as collateral for such
loan, including the name of the issuer, the title and the number of shares
or the principal amount of any particular Securities, and (h) a statement
specifying whether such loan is for investment purposes or for temporary
or emergency purposes and that such loan is in conformance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Fund's prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information. The Custodian shall deliver on the borrowing date
specified in a Certificate the specified collateral and the executed
promissory note, if any, against delivery by the lending bank of the total
amount of the loan payable, provided that the same conforms to the total
amount payable as set forth in the Certificate. The Custodian may, at the
option of the lending bank, keep such collateral in its possession, but
such collateral shall be subject to all rights therein given the lending
bank by virtue of any promissory note or loan agreement. The Custodian
shall deliver such Securities as additional collateral as may be specified
in a Certificate to collateralize further any transaction described in
this paragraph. The Fund shall cause all Securities released from
collateral status to be returned directly to the Custodian, and the
Custodian shall receive from time to time such return of collateral as may
be tendered to it. In the event that the Fund fails to specify in a
Certificate the Series, the name of the issuer, the title and number of
shares or the principal amount of any particular Securities to be
delivered as collateral by the Custodian, to any such bank, the Custodian
shall not be under any obligation to deliver any Securities.
ARTICLE XV
CUSTODY OF ASSETS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
1. The Custodian is authorized and instructed to employ, as its
agent, as subcustodians for the securities and other assets of the Fund
maintained outside of the United States the Foreign Subcustodians and For-
eign Depositories designated on Schedule A hereto. Except as provided in
Schedule A, the Custodian shall employ no other Foreign Custodian or
Foreign Depository. The Custodian and the Fund may amend Schedule A
hereto from time to time to agree to designate any additional Foreign
Subcustodian or Foreign Depository with which the Custodian has an
agreement for such entity to act as the Custodian's agent, as subcus-
todian, and which the Custodian in its absolute discretion proposes to
utilize to hold any of the Fund's Foreign Property. Upon receipt of a
Certificate or Written Instructions from the Fund, the Custodian shall
cease the employment of any one or more of such subcustodians for
maintaining custody of the Fund's assets and such custodian shall be
deemed deleted from Schedule A.
2. The Custodian shall limit the securities and other assets
maintained in the custody of the Foreign Subcustodians to: (a) "foreign
securities," as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such
amounts as the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary to effect the
foreign securities transactions of the Fund.
3. The Custodian shall identify on its books as belonging to the
Fund, the Foreign Securities held by each Foreign Subcustodian.
4. Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a Foreign
Subcustodian shall be substantially in the form reviewed and approved by
the Fund and will not be amended in a way that materially affects the Fund
without the Fund's prior written consent and shall:
(a) require that such institution establish custody account(s) for
the Custodian on behalf of the Fund and physically segregate in each such
account securities and other assets of the fund, and, in the event that
such institution deposits the securities of the Fund in a Foreign
Depository, that it shall identify on its books as belonging to the Fund
or the Custodian, as agent for the Fund, the securities so deposited;
(b) provide that:
(1) the assets of the Fund will not be subject to any right,
charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the
Foreign Subcustodian or its creditors, except a claim of payment for their
safe custody or administration;
(2) beneficial ownership for the assets of the Fund will be
freely transferable without the payment of money or value other than for
custody or administration;
(3) adequate records will be maintained identifying the assets
as belonging to the Fund;
(4) the independent public accountants for the Fund will be
given access to the books and records of the Foreign Subcustodian relating
to its actions under its agreement with the Custodian or confirmation of
the contents of those records;
(5) the Fund will receive periodic reports with respect to the
safekeeping of the Fund's assets, including, but not necessarily limited
to, notification of any transfer to or from the custody account(s); and
(6) assets of the Fund held by the Foreign Subcustodian will
be subject only to the instructions of the Custodian or its agents.
(c) Require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the
Custodian from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim arising out of or in connection with the institution's performance
of such obligations, with the exception of any such losses, damages,
costs, expenses, liabilities or claims arising as a result of an act of
God. At the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated
to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a
Foreign Subcustodian as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost,
expense, liability or claim of or to the Fund, if and to the extent that
the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim.
5. Upon receipt of a Certificate or Written Instructions, which may
be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall on behalf of the Fund make or cause its Foreign
Subcustodian to transfer, exchange or deliver securities owned by the
Fund, except to the extent explicitly prohibited therein. Upon receipt
of a Certificate or Written Instructions, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall
on behalf of the fund pay out or cause its Foreign Subcustodians to pay
out monies of the Fund. The Custodian shall use all means reasonably
available to it, including, if specifically authorized by the Fund in a
Certificate, any necessary litigation at the cost and expense of the Fund
(except as to matters for which the Custodian is responsible hereunder)
to require or compel each Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign Depository to
perform the services required of it by the agreement between it and the
Custodian authorized pursuant to this Agreement.
6. The Custodian shall maintain all books and records as shall be
necessary to enable the Custodian readily to perform the services required
of it hereunder with respect to the Fund's Foreign Properties. The
Custodians shall supply to the Fund from time to time, as mutually agreed
upon, statements in respect of the Foreign Securities and other Foreign
Properties of the Fund held by Foreign Subcustodians, directly or through
Foreign Depositories, including but not limited to an identification of
entities having possession of the Fund's Foreign Securities and other
assets, an advice or other notification of any transfers of securities to
or from each custodial account maintained for the Fund or the Custodian
on behalf of the Fund indicating, as to securities acquired for the Fund,
the identity of the entity having physical possession of such securities.
The Custodian shall promptly and faithfully transmit all reports and
information received pertaining to the Foreign Property of the Fund,
including, without limitation, notices or reports of corporate action,
proxies and proxy soliciting materials.
7. Upon request of the Fund, the Custodian shall use reasonable
efforts to arrange for the independent accountants of the Fund to be
afforded access to the books and records of any Foreign Subcustodian, or
confirmation of the contents thereof, insofar as such books and records
relate to the Foreign Property of the Fund or the performance of such
Foreign Subcustodian under its agreement with the Custodian; provided that
any litigation to afford such access shall be at the sole cost and expense
of the Fund.
8. The Custodian recognizes that employment of a Foreign Sub-
custodian or Foreign Depository for the Fund's Foreign Securities and
Foreign Property is permitted by Section 17(f) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940 only upon compliance with Section (a) of Rule 17f-5
promulgated thereunder. With respect to the Foreign Subcustodians and
Foreign Depositories identified on Schedule A, the Custodian represents
that it has furnished the Fund with certain materials prepared by the
Custodian and with such other information in the possession of the Cus-
todian as the Fund advised the Custodian was reasonably necessary to
assist the Board of Trustees of the Fund in making the determinations
required of the Board of Trustees by Rule 17f-5, including, without
limitation, consideration of the matters set forth in the Notes to Rule
17f-5. If the Custodian recommends any additional Foreign Subcustodian
or Foreign Depository, the Custodian shall supply information similar in
kind and scope to that furnished pursuant to the preceding sentence. Fur-
ther, the Custodian shall furnish annually to the Fund, at such time as
the Fund and Custodian shall mutually agree, information concerning each
Foreign Subcustodian and Foreign Depository then identified on Schedule
A similar in kind and scope to that furnished pursuant to the preceding
two sentences.
9. The Custodian's employment of any Foreign Subcustodian or
Foreign Depository shall constitute a representation that the Custodian
believes in good faith that such Foreign Subcustodian or Foreign
Depository provides a level of safeguards for maintaining the Fund's
assets not materially different from that provided by the Custodian in
maintaining the Fund's securities in the United States. In addition, the
Custodian shall monitor the financial condition and general operational
performance of the Foreign Subcustodians and Foreign Depositories and
shall promptly inform the Fund in the event that the Custodian has actual
knowledge of a material adverse change in the financial condition thereof
or that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that the share-
holders' equity of any Foreign Subcustodian will decline below $200
million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof) or that its shareholders'
equity has declined below $200 million , or that the Foreign Subcustodian
or Foreign Depository has breached the agreement between it and the
Custodian in a way that the Custodian believes adversely affects the Fund.
Further, the Custodian shall advise the Fund if it believes that there is
a material adverse change in the operating environment of any Foreign
Subcustodian or Foreign Depository.
ARTICLE XVI
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
1. The Custodian shall use reasonable care in the performance of
its duties hereunder, and, except as hereinafter provided, neither the
Custodian nor its nominee shall be liable for any loss or damage,
including counsel fees, resulting from its action or omission to act or
otherwise, either hereunder or under any Margin Account Agreement, except
for any such loss or damage arising out of its own negligence, bad faith,
or willful misconduct or that of the subcustodians or co-custodians
appointed by the Custodian or of the officers, employees, or agents of any
of them. The Custodian may, with respect to questions of law arising
hereunder or under any Margin Account Agreement, apply for and obtain the
advice and opinion of counsel to the Fund, at the expense of the Fund, or
of its own counsel, at its own expense, and shall be fully protected with
respect to anything done or omitted by it in good faith in conformity with
such advice or opinion. The Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any
loss or damage resulting from the use of the Book-Entry System or any
Depository arising by reason of any negligence, bad faith or willful mis-
conduct on the part of the Custodian or any of its employees or agents.
2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall be under no
obligation to inquire into, and shall not be liable for:
(a) The validity (but not the authenticity) of the issue of any
Securities purchased, sold, or written by or for the Fund, the legality
of the purchase, sale or writing thereof, or the propriety of the amount
paid or received therefor, as specified in a Certificate, Oral
Instructions, or Written Instructions;
(b) The legality of the sale or redemption of any Shares, or
the propriety of the amount to be received or paid therefor, as specified
in a Certificate;
(c) The legality of the declaration or payment of any dividend
by the Fund, as specified in a resolution, Certificate, Oral Instructions,
or Written Instructions;
(d) The legality of any borrowing by the Fund using Securities
as collateral;
(e) The legality of any loan of portfolio Securities, nor shall
the Custodian be under any duty or obligation to see to it that the cash
collateral delivered to it by a broker, dealer, or financial institution
or held by it at any time as a result of such loan of portfolio Securities
of the Fund is adequate collateral for the Fund against any loss it might
sustain as a result of such loan, except that this subparagraph shall not
excuse any liability the Custodian may have for failing to act in accor-
dance with Article X hereof or any Certificate, Oral Instructions or
Written Instructions given in accordance with this Agreement. The Custo-
dian specifically, but not by way of limitation, shall not be under any
duty or obligation periodically to check or notify the Fund that the
amount of such cash collateral held by it for the Fund is sufficient
collateral for the Fund, but such duty or obligation shall be the sole
responsibility of the Fund. In addition, the Custodian shall be under no
duty or obligation to see that any broker, dealer or financial institution
to which portfolio Securities of the Fund are lent pursuant to Article X
of this Agreement makes payment to it of any dividends or interest which
are payable to or for the account of the Fund during the period of such
loan or at the termination of such loan, provided, however, that the
Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in the event that such dividends
or interest are not paid and received when due; or
(f) The sufficiency or value of any amounts of money and/or
Securities held in any Margin Account, Senior Security Account or
Collateral Account in connection with transactions by the Fund, except
that this subparagraph shall not excuse any liability the Custodian may
have for failing to establish, maintain, make deposits to or withdrawals
from such accounts in accordance with this Agreement. In addition, the
Custodian shall be under no duty or obligation to see that any broker,
dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing Member makes payment to
the Fund of any variation margin payment or similar payment which the Fund
may be entitled to receive from such broker, dealer, futures commission
merchant or Clearing Member, to see that any payment received by the
Custodian from any broker, dealer, futures commission merchant or Clearing
Member is the amount the Fund is entitled to receive, or to notify the
Fund of the Custodian's receipt or non-receipt of any such payment.
3. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or considered to be the
Custodian of, any money, whether or not represented by any check, draft,
or other instrument for the payment of money, received by it on behalf of
the Fund until the Custodian actually receives such money directly or by
the final crediting of the account representing the Fund's interest at the
Book-Entry System or the Depository.
4. With respect to Securities held in a Depository, except as
otherwise provided in paragraph 5(b) of Article III hereof, the Custodian
shall have no responsibility and shall not be liable for ascertaining or
acting upon any calls, conversions, exchange offers, tenders, interest
rate changes or similar matters relating to such Securities, unless the
Custodian shall have actually received timely notice from the Depository
in which such Securities are held. In no event shall the Custodian have
any responsibility or liability for the failure of a Depository to
collect, or for the late collection or late crediting by a Depository of
any amount payable upon Securities deposited in a Depository which may
mature or be redeemed, retired, called or otherwise become payable. How-
ever, upon receipt of a Certificate from the Fund of an overdue amount on
Securities held in a Depository the Custodian shall make a claim against
the Depository on behalf of the Fund, except that the Custodian shall not
be under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action suit
or proceeding in respect to any Securities held by a Depository which in
its opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity
satisfactory to it against all expense and liability be furnished as often
as may be required, or alternatively, the Fund shall be subrogated to the
rights of the Custodian with respect to such claim against the Depository
should it so request in a Certificate. This paragraph shall not, however,
excuse any failure by the Custodian to act in accordance with a
Certificate, Oral Instructions, or Written Instructions given in
accordance with this Agreement.
5. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take
action to effect collection of any amount due the Fund from the Transfer
Agent of the Fund nor to take any action to effect payment or distribution
by the Transfer Agent of the Fund of any amount paid by the Custodian to
the Transfer Agent of the Fund in accordance with this Agreement.
6. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to take
action to effect collection of any amount if the Securities upon which
such amount is payable are in default, or if payment is refused after the
Custodian has timely and properly, in accordance with this Agreement, made
due demand or presentation, unless and until (i) it shall be directed to
take such action by a Certificate and (ii) it shall be assured to its
satisfaction of reimbursement of its costs and expenses in connection with
any such action, but the Custodian shall have such a duty if the Secu-
rities were not in default on the payable date and the Custodian failed
to timely and properly make such demand for payment and such failure is
the reason for the non-receipt of payment.
7. The Custodian may, with the prior approval of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund, appoint one or more banking institutions as
subcustodian or subcustodians, or as co-Custodian or co-Custodians, of
Securities and moneys at any time owned by the Fund, upon such terms and
conditions as may be approved in a Certificate or contained in an
agreement executed by the Custodian, the Fund and the appointed
institution; provided, however, that appointment of any foreign banking
institution or depository shall be subject to the provisions of Article
XV hereof.
8. The Custodian agrees to indemnify the Fund against and save the
Fund harmless from all liability, claims, losses and demands whatsoever,
including attorney's fees, howsoever arising or incurred because of the
negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of any subcustodian of the
Securities and moneys owned by the Fund.
9. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation (a) to
ascertain whether any Securities at any time delivered to, or held by it,
for the account of the Fund and specifically allocated to a Series are
such as properly may be held by the Fund or such Series under the
provisions of its then current prospectus, or (b) to ascertain whether any
transactions by the Fund, whether or not involving the Custodian, are such
transactions as may properly be engaged in by the Fund.
10. The Custodian shall be entitled to receive and the Fund agrees
to pay to the Custodian all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and such
compensation as may be agreed upon in writing from time to time between
the Custodian and the Fund. The Custodian may charge such compensation,
and any such expenses with respect to a Series incurred by the Custodian
in the performance of its duties under this Agreement against any money
specifically allocated to such Series. The Custodian shall also be
entitled to charge against any money held by it for the account of a
Series the amount of any loss, damage, liability or expense, including
counsel fees, for which it shall be entitled to reimbursement under the
provisions of this Agreement attributable to, or arising out of, its
serving as Custodian for such Series. The expenses for which the
Custodian shall be entitled to reimbursement hereunder shall include, but
are not limited to, the expenses of subcustodians and foreign branches of
the Custodian incurred in settling outside of New York City transactions
involving the purchase and sale of Securities of the Fund. Notwithstanding
the foregoing or anything else contained in this Agreement to the
contrary, the Custodian shall, prior to effecting any charge for
compensation, expenses, or any overdraft or indebtedness or interest
thereon, submit an invoice therefor to the Fund.
11. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any Certificate,
notice or other instrument in writing, Oral Instructions, or Written
Instructions received by the Custodian and reasonably believed by the
Custodian to be genuine. The Fund agrees to forward to the Custodian a
Certificate or facsimile thereof confirming Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions in such manner so that such Certificate or facsimile thereof
is received by the Custodian, whether by hand delivery, telecopier or
other similar device, or otherwise, by the close of business of the same
day that such Oral Instructions or Written Instructions are given to the
Custodian. The Fund agrees that the fact that such confirming
instructions are not received by the Custodian shall in no way affect the
validity of the transactions or enforceability of the transactions thereby
authorized by the Fund. The Fund agrees that the Custodian shall incur
no liability to the Fund in acting upon Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions given to the Custodian hereunder concerning such transactions
provided such instructions reasonably appear to have been received from
an Authorized Person.
12. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon any instrument,
instruction or notice received by the Custodian and reasonably believed
by the Custodian to be given in accordance with the terms and conditions
of any Margin Account Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Custodian shall be under no duty to inquire into, and shall
not be liable for, the accuracy of any statements or representations
contained in any such instrument or other notice including, without limi-
tation, any specification of any amount to be paid to a broker, dealer,
futures commission merchant or Clearing Member. This paragraph shall not
excuse any failure by the Custodian to have acted in accordance with any
Margin Agreement it has executed or any Certificate, Oral Instructions,
or Written Instructions given in accordance with this Agreement.
13. The books and records pertaining to the Fund, as described in
Appendix E hereto, which are in the possession of the Custodian shall be
the property of the Fund. Such books and records shall be prepared and
maintained by the Custodian as required by the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and other applicable Securities laws and rules and
regulations. The Fund, or the Fund's authorized representatives, shall
have access to such books and records during the Custodian's normal
business hours. Upon the reasonable request of the Fund, copies of any
such books and records shall be provided by the Custodian to the Fund or
the Fund's authorized representative, and the Fund shall reimburse the
Custodian its expenses of providing such copies. Upon reasonable request
of the Fund, the Custodian shall provide in hard copy or on micro-film,
whichever the Custodian elects, any records included in any such delivery
which are maintained by the Custodian on a computer disc, or are similarly
maintained, and the Fund shall reimburse the Custodian for its expenses
of providing such hard copy or micro-film.
14. The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained
by the Custodian on the system of internal accounting control of the Book-
Entry system, each Depository or O.C.C., and with such reports on its own
systems of internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably request
from time to time.
15. The Custodian shall furnish upon request annually to the Fund
a letter prepared by the Custodian's accountants with respect to the
Custodian's internal systems and controls in the form generally provided
by the Custodian to other investment companies for which the Custodian
acts as custodian.
16. The Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian against and save the
Custodian harmless from all liability, claims, losses and demands
whatsoever, including attorney's fees, howsoever arising out of, or
related to, the Custodian's performance of its obligations under this
Agreement, except for any such liability, claim, loss and demand arising
out of the negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct of the Custodian,
any co-Custodian or subcustodian appointed by the Custodian, or that of
the officers, employees, or agents of any of them.
17. Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Agreement, the
Custodian shall deliver and receive Securities, and receipts with respect
to such Securities, and shall make and receive payments only in accordance
with the customs prevailing from time to time among brokers or dealers in
such Securities and, except as may otherwise be provided by this Agreement
or as may be in accordance with such customs, shall make payment for
Securities only against delivery thereof and deliveries of Securities only
against payment therefor.
18. The Custodian will comply with the procedures, guidelines or
restrictions ("Procedures") adopted by the Fund from time to time for par-
ticular types of investments or transactions, e.g., Repurchase Agreements
and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, provided that the Custodian has
received from the Fund a copy of such Procedures. If within ten days
after receipt of any such Procedures, the Custodian determines in good
faith that it is unreasonable for it to comply with any new procedures,
guidelines or restrictions set forth therein, it may within such ten day
period send notice to the Fund that it does not intend to comply with
those new procedures, guidelines or restrictions which it identifies with
particularity in such notice, in which event the Custodian shall not be
required to comply with such identified procedures, guidelines or
restrictions; provided, however, that, anything to the contrary set forth
herein or in any other agreement with the Fund, if the Custodian identi-
fies procedures, guidelines or restrictions with which it does not intend
to comply, the Fund shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement without
cost or penalty to the Fund upon thirty days' written notice.
19. Whenever the Custodian has the authority to deduct monies from
the account for a series without a Certificate, it shall notify the Fund
within one business day of such deduction and the reason for it. Whenever
the Custodian has the authority to sell Securities or any other property
of the Fund on behalf of any Series without a Certificate, the Custodian
will notify the Fund of its intention to do so and afford the Fund the
reasonable opportunity to select which Securities or other property it
wishes to sell on behalf of such Series. If the Fund does not promptly
sell sufficient Securities or Deposited Property on behalf of the Series,
then, after notice, the Custodian may proceed with the intended sale.
20. The Custodian shall have no duties or responsibilities
whatsoever except such duties and responsibilities as are specifically set
forth or referred to in this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation
shall be implied in this Agreement against the Custodian.
ARTICLE XVII
TERMINATION
1. Except as provided in paragraph 3 of this Article, this
Agreement shall continue until terminated by either the Custodian giving
to the Fund, or the Fund giving to the Custodian, a notice in writing
specifying the date of such termination, which date shall be not less than
60 days after the date of the giving of such notice. In the event such
notice or a notice pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article is given by the
Fund, it shall be accompanied by a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund, certified by an Officer and the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Fund, electing to terminate this Agreement and
designating a successor custodian or custodians, each of which shall be
eligible to serve as a custodian for the Securities of a management
investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In the event
such notice is given by the Custodian, the Fund shall, on or before the
termination date, deliver to the Custodian a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund, certified by the Secretary or any Assistant
Secretary, designating a successor custodian or custodians. In the ab-
sence of such designation by the Fund, the Custodian may designate a
successor custodian which shall be a bank or trust company eligible to
serve as a custodian for Securities of a management investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and which is acceptable to the
Fund. Upon the date set forth in such notice this Agreement shall
terminate, and the Custodian shall upon receipt of a notice of acceptance
by the successor custodian on that date deliver directly to the successor
custodian all Securities and moneys then owned by the Fund and held by it
as Custodian, after deducting all fees, expenses and other amounts for the
payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled.
2. If a successor custodian is not designated by the Fund or the
Custodian in accordance with the preceding paragraph, the Fund shall upon
the date specified in the notice of termination of this Agreement and upon
the delivery by the Custodian of all Securities (other than Securities
held in the Book-Entry System which cannot be delivered to the Fund) and
moneys then owned by the Fund be deemed to be its own custodian and the
Custodian shall thereby be relieved of all duties and responsibilities
pursuant to this Agreement arising thereafter, other than the duty with
respect to Securities held in the Book Entry System which cannot be deliv-
ered to the Fund to hold such Securities hereunder in accordance with this
Agreement.
3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may terminate this
Agreement upon the date specified in a written notice in the event of the
"Bankruptcy" of The Bank of New York. As used in this sub-paragraph, the
term "Bankruptcy" shall mean The Bank of New York's making a general
assignment, arrangement or composition with or for the benefit of its
creditors, or instituting or having instituted against it a proceeding
seeking a judgment of insolvency or bankruptcy or the entry of a order for
relief under any applicable bankruptcy law or any other relief under any
bankruptcy or insolvency law or other similar law affecting creditors
rights, or if a petition is presented for the winding up or liquidation
of the party or a resolution is passed for its winding up or liquidation,
or it seeks, or becomes subject to, the appointment of an administrator,
receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for all
or substantially all of its assets or its taking any action in furtherance
of, or indicating its consent to approval of, or acquiescence in, any of
the foregoing.
ARTICLE XVIII
TERMINAL LINK
1. At no time and under no circumstances shall the Fund be
obligated to have or utilize the Terminal Link, and the provisions of this
Article shall apply if, but only if, the Fund in its sole and absolute
discretion elects to utilize the Terminal Link to transmit Certificates
to the Custodian.
2. The Terminal Link shall be utilized only for the purpose of the
Fund providing Certificates to the Custodian and the Custodian providing
notices to the Fund and only after the Fund shall have established access
codes and internal safekeeping procedures to safeguard and protect the
confidentiality and availability of such access codes. Each use of the
Terminal Link by the Fund shall constitute a representation and warranty
that at least two officers have each utilized an access code that such
internal safekeeping procedures have been established by the Fund, and
that such use does not contravene the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the rules and regulations thereunder.
3. Each party shall obtain and maintain at its own cost and expense
all equipment and services, including, but not limited to communications
services, necessary for it to utilize the Terminal Link, and the other
party shall not be responsible for the reliability or availability of any
such equipment or services, except that the Custodian shall not pay any
communications costs of any line leased by the Fund, even if such line is
also used by the Custodian.
4. The Fund acknowledges that any data bases made available as part
of, or through the Terminal Link and any proprietary data, software,
processes, information and documentation (other than any such which are
or become part of the public domain or are legally required to be made
available to the public) (collectively, the "Information"), are the
exclusive and confidential property of the Custodian. The Fund shall, and
shall cause others to which it discloses the Information, to keep the
Information confidential by using the same care and discretion it uses
with respect to its own confidential property and trade secrets, and shall
neither make nor permit any disclosure without the express prior written
consent of the Custodian.
5. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, each Fund
shall return to the Custodian any and all copies of the Information which
are in the Fund's possession or under its control, or which the Fund
distributed to third parties. The provisions of this Article shall not
affect the copyright status of any of the Information which may be
copyrighted and shall apply to all Information whether or not copyrighted.
6. The Custodian reserves the right to modify the Terminal Link from
time to time without notice to the Fund, except that the Custodian shall
give the Fund notice not less than 75 days in advance of any modification
which would materially adversely affect the Fund's operation, and the Fund
agrees not to modify or attempt to modify the Terminal Link without the
Custodian's prior written consent. The Fund acknowledges that any
software provided by the Custodian as part of the Terminal Link is the
property of the Custodian and, accordingly, the Fund agrees that any
modifications to the same, whether by the Fund or the Custodian and
whether with or without the Custodian's consent, shall become the property
of the Custodian.
7. Neither the Custodian nor any manufacturers and suppliers it
utilizes or the Fund utilizes in connection with the Terminal Link makes
any warranties or representations, express or implied, in fact or in law,
including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for
a particular purpose.
8. Each party will cause its officers and employees to treat the
authorization codes and the access codes applicable to Terminal Link with
extreme care, and irrevocably authorizes the other to act in accordance
with and rely on Certificates and notices received by it through the
Terminal Link. Each party acknowledges that it is its responsibility to
assure that only its authorized persons use the Terminal Link on its
behalf, and that a party shall not be responsible nor liable for use of
the Terminal Link on behalf of the other party by unauthorized persons of
such other party.
9. Notwithstanding anything else in this Agreement to the contrary,
neither party shall have any liability to the other for any losses,
damages, injuries, claims, costs or expenses arising as a result of a
delay, omission or error in the transmission of a Certificate or notice
by use of the Terminal Link except for money damages for those suffered
as the result of the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such
party or its officers, employees or agents in an amount not exceeding for
any incident $100,000; provided, however, that a party shall have no
liability under this Section 9 if the other party fails to comply with the
provisions of Section 11.
10. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in no event
shall either party or any manufacturer or supplier of its computer
equipment, software or services relating to the Terminal Link be
responsible for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages
which the other party may incur or experience by reason of its use of the
Terminal Link even if such party, manufacturer or supplier has been
advised of the possibility of such damages, nor with respect to the use
of the Terminal Link shall either party or any such manufacturer or
supplier be liable for acts of God, or with respect to the following to
the extent beyond such person's reasonable control: machine or computer
breakdown or malfunction, interruption or malfunction of communication
facilities, labor difficulties or any other similar or dissimilar cause.
11. The Fund shall notify the Custodian of any errors, omissions or
interruptions in, or delay or unavailability of, the Terminal Link as
promptly as practicable, and in any event within 24 hours after the
earliest of (i) discovery thereof, and (ii) in the case of any error, the
date of actual receipt of the earliest notice which reflects such error,
it being agreed that discovery and receipt of notice may only occur on a
business day. The Custodian shall promptly advise the Fund whenever the
Custodian learns of any errors, omissions or interruption in, or delay or
unavailability of, the Terminal Link.
12. Each party shall, as soon as practicable after its receipt of
a Certificate or a notice transmitted by the Terminal Link, verify to the
other party by use of the Terminal Link its receipt of such Certificate
or notice, and in the absence of such verification the party to which the
Certificate or notice is sent shall not be liable for any failure to act
in accordance with such Certificate or notice and the sending party may
not claim that such Certificate or notice was received by the other party.
ARTICLE XIX
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Annexed hereto as Appendix A is a Certificate signed by two of
the present Officers of the Fund under its seal, setting forth the names
and the signatures of the present Authorized Persons. The Fund agrees to
furnish to the Custodian a new Certificate in similar form in the event
that any such present Authorized Person ceases to be an Authorized Person
or in the event that other or additional Authorized Persons are elected
or appointed. Until such new Certificate shall be received, the Custodian
shall be entitled to rely and to act upon Oral Instructions, Written
Instructions, or signatures of the present Authorized Persons as set forth
in the last delivered Certificate to the extent provided by this
Agreement.
2. Annexed hereto as Appendix B is a Certificate signed by two of
the present Officers of the Fund under its seal, setting forth the names
and the signatures of the present Officers of the Fund. The Fund agrees
to furnish to the Custodian a new Certificate in similar form in the event
any such present officer ceases to be an officer of the Fund, or in the
event that other or additional officers are elected or appointed. Until
such new Certificate shall be received, the Custodian shall be entitled
to rely and to act upon the signatures of the officers as set forth in the
last delivered Certificate to the extent provided by this Agreement.
3. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or
required by this Agreement to be given to the Custodian, other than any
Certificate or Written Instructions, shall be sufficiently given if
addressed to the Custodian and mailed or delivered to it at its offices
at 90 Washington Street, New York, New York 10286, or at such other place
as the Custodian may from time to time designate in writing.
4. Any notice or other instrument in writing, authorized or rehired
by this Agreement to be given to the Fund shall be sufficiently given if
addressed to the Fund and mailed or delivered to it at its office at the
address for the Fund first above written, or at such other place as the
Fund may from time to time designate in writing.
5. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties, replaces all prior agreements and may not be amended or modified
in any manner except by a written agreement executed by both parties with
the same formality as this Agreement and approved by a resolution of the
Board of Trustees of the Fund, except that Appendices A and B may be
amended unilaterally by the Fund without such an approving resolution.
6. This Agreement shall extend to and shall be binding upon the
parties hereto, and their respective successors and assigns; provided,
however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by the Fund without
the written consent of the Custodian, or by the Custodian or The Bank of
New York without the written consent of the Fund, authorized or approved
by a resolution of the Fund's Board of Trustees. For purposes of this
paragraph, no merger, consolidation, or amalgamation of the Custodian, The
Bank of New York, or the Fund shall be deemed to constitute an assignment
of this Agreement.
7. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of the State of New York without giving effect to conflict of laws
principles thereof. Each party hereby consents to the jurisdiction of a
state or federal court situated in New York City, New York in connection
with any dispute arising hereunder and hereby waives its right to trial
by jury.
8. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts
shall, together, constitute only one instrument.
9. A copy of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with
the Secretary of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby
given that this instrument is executed on behalf of the Board of Trustees
of the Fund as Trustees and not individually and that the obligations of
the instrument are not binding upon any of the Trustees or shareholders
individually but are binding upon the assets and property of the Fund;
provided, however, that the Declaration of Trust of the Fund provides that
the assets of a particular series of the Fund shall under no circumstances
be charges with liabilities attributable to any other series of the Fund
and that all persons extending credit to, or contracting with or having
any claim against a particular series of the Fund shall look only to the
assets of that particular series for payment of such credit, contract or
claim.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their respective Officers, thereunto duly authorized and
their respective seals to be hereunto affixed, as of the day and year
first above written.
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
By: _______________________________
Robert G. Galli, Vice President
[SEAL]
Attest:
___________________________________
Robert G. Zack, Assistant Secretary
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
[SEAL] By__________________________________
Attest:
___________________________________
APPENDIX A
I, President and I,
, of Oppenheimer Fund,
a Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund") do hereby certify that:
The following individuals have been duly authorized by the Board of
Trustees of the Fund in conformity with the Fund's Declaration of Trust
and By-Laws to give Oral Instructions and Written Instructions on behalf
of the Fund, except that those persons designated as being an "Officer of
OSS" shall be an Authorized Person only for purposes of Articles XII and
XIII. The signatures set forth opposite their respective names are their
true and correct signatures:
Name Position Signature
__________________ _______________________ __________________
APPENDIX B
I, President and I,
, of Oppenheimer Fund, a
Massachusetts business trust (the "Fund"), do hereby certify that:
The following individuals for whom a position other than "Officer of
OSS" is specified serve in the following positions with the Fund and each
has been duly elected or appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund
to each such position and qualified therefor in conformity with the Fund's
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. With respect to the following
individuals for whom a position of "Officer of OSS" is specified, each
such individual has been designated by a resolution of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund to be an Officer for purposes of the Fund's Custody
Agreement with The Bank of New York, but only for purposes of Articles XII
and XIII thereof and a certified copy of such resolution is attached
hereto. The signatures of each individual below set forth opposite their
respective names are their true and correct signatures:
Name Position Signature
__________________ _______________________ __________________
APPENDIX C
The undersigned, hereby
certifies that he or she is the duly elected and acting
of Oppenheimer Fund (the "Fund"),
further certifies that the following resolutions were adopted by the Board
of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on __________________, 199
, at which a quorum at all times present and that such resolutions have
not been modified or rescinded and are in full force an effect as of the
date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank New York, as Custodian pursuant to
a Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York and the
Fund dated as of 199 (the "Custody Agreement") is
authorized and instructed on a continuous and ongoing basis
to act in accordance with, and to rely on instructions by
the Fund to the Custodian communicated by a Terminal Link as
defined in the Custody Agreement.
RESOLVED, that the Fund shall establish access codes and
grant use of such access codes only to officers of the Fund
as defined in the Custody Agreement, and shall establish
internal safekeeping procedures to safeguard and protect the
confidentiality and availability of such access codes.
RESOLVED, that Officers of the Fund as defined in the
Custody Agreement shall, following the establishment of such
access codes and such internal safekeeping procedures,
advise the Custodian that the same have been established by
delivering a Certificate, as defined in the Custody
Agreement, and the Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon
such advice.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand in the seal of
, as of the day of , 199 .
APPENDIX D
I, Richard P. Lando, an Assistant Vice President with THE BANK OF NEW
YORK do hereby designate the following publications:
The Bond Buyer
Depository Trust Company Notices
Financial Daily Card Service
JJ Kenney Municipal Bond Service
London Financial Times
New York Times
Standard & Poor's Called Bond Record
Wall Street Journal
APPENDIX E
The following books and records pertaining to Fund shall be prepared
and maintained by the Custodian and shall be the property of the Fund:
EXHIBIT A
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, , hereby
certifies that he or she is the duly elected and acting
of Oppenheimer Fund, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was
adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on 199
, at which a quorum was at all times present and that such resolution has
not been modified or rescinded and is in full force and effect as of the
date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant
to a Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York and the
Fund dated as of , 199 (the "Custody Agreement")
is authorized and instructed on a continuous and ongoing
basis to deposit in the Book-Entry System, as defined in the
Custody Agreement, all Securities eligible for deposit
therein, regardless of the Series to which the same are
specifically allocated, and to utilize the Book-Entry System
to the extent possible in connection with its performance
thereunder, including, without limitation, In connection
with settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans
of Securities, and deliveries and returns of Securities col-
lateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal
of , as of the day of
, 199 .
__________________________
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT B
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned , hereby certifies
that he or she is the duly elected and acting
of Oppenheimer Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the
"Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on
, 199 , at which a quorum was at all times present and
that such resolution has not been modified or rescinded and is in full
force and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant
to a Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York and the
Fund dated as of , 199 (the "Custody Agreement")
is authorized and instructed on a continuous and ongoing
basis until such time as it receives a Certificate, as
defined in the Custody Agreement, to the contrary to deposit
in The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") as a "Depository" as
defined in the Custody Agreement, all Securities eligible
for deposit therein, regardless of the Series to which the
same are specifically allocated, and to utilize DTC to the
extent possible in connection with its performance there-
under, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans of
Securities, and deliveries and returns of Securities
collateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of
as of the day of , 199 .
___________________________
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT B-1
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, hereby certifies that he or she
is the duly elected and acting
of Oppenheimer Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the
"Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on
, 199 , at which a quorum was at all times present and that such
resolution has not been modified or rescinded and is in full force and
effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant
to a Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York and the
Fund dated as of 199 , (the "Custody Agreement") is
authorized and instructed on a continuous and ongoing basis
until such time as it receives a Certificate, as defined in
the Custody Agreement, to the contrary to deposit in the
Participants Trust Company as a Depository, as defined in
the Custody Agreement, all Securities eligible for deposit
therein, regardless of the Series to which the same are
specifically allocated, and to utilize the Participants
Trust Company to the extent possible in connection with its
performance thereunder, including, without limitation, in
connection with settlements of purchases and sales of
Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns
of Securities collateral.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of
, as of the day of , 199 .
_______________________
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT C
CERTIFICATION
The undersigned, , hereby certifies that
he or she is the duly elected and acting
of Oppenheimer Fund, a Massachusetts business trust (the
"Fund"), and further certifies that the following resolution was adopted
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund at a meeting duly held on
, 199 , at which a quorum was at all times present and that
such resolution has not been modified or rescinded and is in full force
and effect as of the date hereof.
RESOLVED, that The Bank of New York, as Custodian pursuant
to a Custody Agreement between The Bank of New York and the
Fund dated as of , 199 (the "Custody Agreement")
is authorized and instructed on a continuous and ongoing
basis until such time as it receives a Certificate, as
defined in the Custody Agreement, to the contrary, to ac-
cept, utilize and act with respect to Clearing Member
confirmations for Options and transaction in Options,
regardless of the Series to which the same are specifically
allocated, as such terms are defined in the Custody
Agreement, as provided in the Custody Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the
seal of , as of the day of , 199 .
____________________________
[SEAL]
EXHIBIT D
[FORM OF FOREIGN SUBCUSTODIAN AGREEMENT]
Appendix A
Article XIX.1 49
Appendix B
Article XIX.2 50
Exhibit A
Article III.1 7
Exhibit B
Article III.1 8
Exhibit C
Article III.1 8
Exhibit D 34
Article XV.4 34
Schedule A
Article XV.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
September 3, 1987
Champion High Yield Fund - USA
3410 South Galena Street
Denver, Colorado 80231
Gentlemen:
In connection with the proposed public offering of shares of beneficial
interest of Champion High Yield Fund - USA (the "Fund"), we have examined
such records and documents as we deem necessary for the purpose of this
opinion.
The Fund is a business trust duly organized and validly existing under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As of the date of this letter,
it is our opinion that the indefinite number of shares of the Fund covered
by the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, when issued and paid
for in accordance with the terms of the offering, as set for the in the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information forming a part of the
Registration Statement, will be, when such Registration Statement shall
have become effective, legally issued, fully paid and, except as set forth
in the next paragraph, non-assessable by the Fund.
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of the Fund may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations
of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust does, however, contain an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund
and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement,
obligation, or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the
Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of
the trust property of any shareholder held personally liable for the
obligations of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the
Fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any
shareholder for any act or obligation of the Fund and satisfy any judgment
thereon.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to such
Registration Statement and amendments thereto prior to the effective date
thereof and to the reference to Counsel in such Prospectus and/or
Statement of Additional Information. We also consent to the filing of
this opinion with the authorities administering the securities laws of any
jurisdiction in connection with the registration or qualification under
such laws of the Fund and the Fund's shares.
Very truly yours,
HAMILTON, MYER, SWANSON, FAATZ & CLARK
By: /s/ Allan B. Adams
-----------------------
Allan B. Adams, Partner
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN AND AGREEMENT
WITH
OPPENHEIMER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
FOR CLASS C SHARES OF
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLAN AND AGREEMENT (the "Plan") dated the 1st day
of December, 1993, by and between OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
(the "Fund") and OPPENHEIMER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. (the "Distributor").
1. The Plan. This Plan is the Fund's written distribution plan for
Class C shares of the Fund (the "Shares"), contemplated by Rule 12b-1 (the
"Rule") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"),
pursuant to which the Fund will compensate the Distributor for a portion
of its costs incurred in connection with the distribution of Shares, and
the personal service and maintenance of shareholder accounts that hold
Shares ("Accounts"). The Fund may act as distributor of securities of
which it is the issuer, pursuant to the Rule, according to the terms of
this Plan. The Distributor is authorized under the Plan to pay
"Recipients," as hereinafter defined, for rendering (1) distribution
assistance in connection with the sale of Shares and/or (2) administrative
support services with respect to Accounts. Such Recipients are intended
to have certain rights as third-party beneficiaries under this Plan. The
terms and provisions of this Plan shall be interpreted and defined in a
manner consistent with the provisions and definitions contained in (i) the
1940 Act, (ii) the Rule, (iii) Article III, Section 26, of the Rules of
Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or
its successor (the "NASD Rules of Fair Practice") and (iv) any conditions
pertaining either to distribution related expenses or to a plan of
distribution, to which the Fund is subject under any order on which the
Fund relies, issued at any time by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. Definitions. As used in this Plan, the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
(a)"Recipient" shall mean any broker, dealer, bank or other institution
which: (i) has rendered assistance (whether direct, administrative or
both) in the distribution of Shares or has provided administrative
support services with respect to Shares held by Customers (defined
below) of the Recipient; (ii) shall furnish the Distributor (on behalf
of the Fund) with such information as the Distributor shall reasonably
request to answer such questions as may arise concerning the sale of
Shares; and (iii) has been selected by the Distributor to receive
payments under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a majority of
the Fund's Board of Trustees (the "Board") who are not "interested
persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any
agreements relating to this Plan (the "Independent Trustees") may
remove any broker, dealer, bank or other institution as a Recipient,
whereupon such entity's rights as a third-party beneficiary hereof
shall terminate.
(b)"Qualified Holdings" shall mean, as to any Recipient, all Shares
owned beneficially or of record by: (i) such Recipient, or (ii) such
customers, clients and/or accounts as to which such Recipient is a
fiduciary or custodian or co-fiduciary or co-custodian (collectively,
the "Customers"), but in no event shall any such Shares be deemed owned
by more than one Recipient for purposes of this Plan. In the event
that two entities would otherwise qualify as Recipients as to the same
Shares, the Recipient which is the dealer of record on the Fund's books
shall be deemed the Recipient as to such Shares for purposes of this
Plan.
3. Payments for Distribution Assistance and Administrative Support
Services.
(a)The Fund will make payments to the Distributor, within forty-five
(45) days of the end of each calendar quarter, in the aggregate amount
(i) of 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during the
calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset value of the Shares
computed as of the close of each business day (the "Service Fee"), plus
(ii) 0.1875% (0.75% on an annual basis) of the average during the
calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset value of the Shares
computed as of the close of each business day (the "Asset Based Sales
Charge"). Such Service Fee payments received from the Fund will
compensate the Distributor and Recipients for providing administrative
support services of the type approved by the Board with respect to
Accounts. Such Asset Based Sales Charge payments received from the
Fund will compensate the Distributor and Recipients for providing
distribution assistance in connection with the sale of Shares.
The administrative support services in connection with the Accounts
to be rendered by Recipients may include, but shall not be limited to,
the following: answering routine inquiries concerning the Fund,
assisting in establishing and maintaining accounts or sub-accounts in
the Fund and processing Share redemption transactions, making the
Fund's investment plans and dividend payment options available, and
providing such other information and services in connection with the
rendering of personal services and/or the maintenance of Accounts, as
the Distributor or the Fund may reasonably request. The distribution
assistance in connection with the sale of Shares to be rendered by
Recipients may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
distributing sales literature and prospectuses other than those
furnished to current holders of the Fund's Shares ("Shareholders"), and
providing such other information and services in connection with the
distribution of Shares as the Distributor or the Fund may reasonably
request. It may be presumed that a Recipient has provided distribution
assistance or administrative support services qualifying for payment
under the Plan if it has Qualified Holdings of Shares to entitle it to
payments under the Plan. In the event that either the Distributor or
the Board should have reason to believe that, notwithstanding the level
of Qualified Holdings, a Recipient may not be rendering appropriate
distribution assistance in connection with the sale of Shares or
administrative support services for the Accounts, then the Distributor,
at the request of the Board, shall require the Recipient to provide a
written report or other information to verify that said Recipient is
providing appropriate distribution assistance and/or services in this
regard. If the Distributor still is not satisfied, it may take
appropriate steps to terminate the Recipient's status as such under the
Plan, whereupon such entity's rights as a third-party beneficiary
hereunder shall terminate.
(b)The Distributor shall make service fee payments to any Recipient
quarterly, within forty-five (45) days of the end of each calendar
quarter, at a rate not to exceed 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of
the average during the calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset
value of Shares, computed as of the close of each business day
constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of record by the
Recipient or by its Customers for a period of more than the minimum
period (the "Minimum Holding Period"), if any, to be set from time to
time by a majority of the Independent Trustees. Alternatively, the
Distributor may, at its sole option, make service fee payments
("Advance Service Fee Payments") to any Recipient quarterly, within
forty-five (45) days of the end of each calendar quarter, at a rate not
to exceed (i) 0.25% of the average during the calendar quarter of the
aggregate net asset value of Shares computed as of the close of
business on the day such Shares are sold, constituting Qualified
Holdings sold by the Recipient during that quarter and owned
beneficially or of record by the Recipient or by its Customers, plus
(ii) 0.0625% (0.25% on an annual basis) of the average during the
calendar quarter of the aggregate net asset value of Shares computed
as of the close of each business day, constituting Qualified Holdings
owned beneficially or of record by the Recipient or by its Customers
for a period of more than one (1) year, subject to reduction or
chargeback so that the Advance Service Fee Payments do not exceed the
limits on payments to Recipients that are, or may be, imposed by
Article III, Section 26, of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice. The
Advance Service Fee Payments described in part (i) of the preceding
sentence may, at the Distributor's sole option, be made more often than
quarterly, and sooner than the end of the calendar quarter. In
addition, the Distributor shall make asset-based sales charge payments
to any Recipient quarterly, within forty-five (45) days of the end of
each calendar quarter, at a rate not to exceed 0.1875% (0.75% on an
annual basis) of the average during the calendar quarter of the
aggregate net asset value of Shares computed as of the close of each
business day constituting Qualified Holdings owned beneficially or of
record by the Recipient or its Customers for a period of more than one
(1) year. However, no such service fee or asset-based sales charge
payments (collectively, the "Recipient Payments") shall be made to any
Recipient for any such quarter in which its Qualified Holdings do not
equal or exceed, at the end of such quarter, the minimum amount
("Minimum Qualified Holdings"), if any, to be set from time to time by
a majority of the Independent Trustees. A majority of the Independent
Trustees may at any time or from time to time decrease and thereafter
adjust the rate of fees to be paid to the Distributor or to any
Recipient, but not to exceed the rates set forth above, and/or direct
the Distributor to increase or decrease the Minimum Holding Period or
the Minimum Qualified Holdings. The Distributor shall notify all
Recipients of the Minimum Qualified Holdings or Minimum Holding Period,
if any, and the rates of Recipient Payments hereunder applicable to
Recipients, and shall provide each Recipient with written notice within
thirty (30) days after any change in these provisions. Inclusion of
such provisions or a change in such provisions in a revised current
prospectus shall constitute sufficient notice. The Distributor may
make Plan payments to any "affiliated person" (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Distributor if such affiliated person qualifies as a
Recipient.
(c)The Distributor is entitled to retain from the payments described
in Section 3(a) the aggregate amount of (i) the Service Fee on Shares
outstanding for less than the Minimum Holding Period, (ii) the Asset-
Based Sales Charge on Shares outstanding for not more than one (1)
year, plus (iii) any additional Asset-Based Sales Charge payment which
no Recipient qualifies to receive, in each case computed as of the
close of each business day during that period and subject to reduction
or elimination of such amounts under the limits to which the
Distributor is, or may become, subject under Article III, Section 26,
of the NASD Rules of Fair Practice. Such amount is collectively
referred to as the "Quarterly Limitation." The distribution assistance
and administrative support services in connection with the sale of
Shares to be rendered by the Distributor may include, but shall not be
limited to, the following: (i) paying sales commissions to any broker,
dealer, bank or other institution that sell Shares, and\or paying such
persons Advance Service Fee Payments in advance of, and\or greater
than, the amount provided for in Section 3(a) of this Agreement; (ii)
paying compensation to and expenses of personnel of the Distributor who
support distribution of Shares by Recipients; (iii) paying of or
reimbursing the Distributor for interest and other borrowing costs on
unreimbursed Carry Forward Expenses (as hereafter defined) at the rate
paid by the Distributor or, if such amounts are financed by the
Distributor from its own resources or by an affiliate, at the rate of
1% per annum above the prime rate (which shall mean the most
preferential interest rate on corporate loans at large U.S. money
center commercial banks) then being reported in the Eastern edition of
the Wall Street Journal (or if such prime rate is no longer so
reported, such other rate as may be designated from time to time by the
Distributor with the approval of the Independent Trustees); (iv) other
direct distribution costs of the type approved by the Board, including
without limitation the costs of sales literature, advertising and
prospectuses (other than those furnished to current Shareholders) and
state "blue sky" registration expenses; and (v) any service rendered
by the Distributor that a Recipient may render pursuant to part (a) of
this Section 3. The Distributor's costs of providing the above-
mentioned services are hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Distribution and Service Costs." "Carry Forward Expenses" are
Distribution and Service Costs that are not paid in the fiscal quarter
in which they arise because they exceed the Quarterly Limitation. In
the event that the Board should have reason to believe that the
Distributor may not be rendering appropriate distribution assistance
or administrative support services in connection with the sale of
Shares, then the Distributor, at the request of the Board, shall
provide the Board with a written report or other information to verify
that the Distributor is providing appropriate services in this regard.
(d)The excess in any fiscal quarter of (i) the Quarterly Limitation
plus any contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") payments recovered
by the Distributor on the proceeds of redemption of Shares over (ii)
Distribution and Service Costs during that quarter, shall be applied
in the following order of priority: first to interest on unreimbursed
Carry Forward Expenses, second to reduce any unreimbursed Carry Forward
Expenses, third to reduce Distribution and Service Costs during that
quarter, and fourth, to reduce the Asset Based Sales Charge payments
by the Fund to the Distributor in that quarter. Carry Forward Expenses
shall be carried forward by the Fund until payment can be made under
the Quarterly Limitation.
(e)Under the Plan, payments may be made to Recipients: (i) by
Oppenheimer Management Corporation ("OMC") from its own resources
(which may include profits derived from the advisory fee it receives
from the Fund), or (ii) by the Distributor (a subsidiary of OMC), from
its own resources, from Asset Based Sales Charge payments or from its
borrowings.
4. Selection and Nomination of Trustees. While this Plan is in effect,
the selection and nomination of those persons to be Trustees of the Fund
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund ("Disinterested Trustees")
shall be committed to the discretion of such Disinterested Trustees.
Nothing herein shall prevent the Disinterested Trustees from soliciting
the views or the involvement of others in such selection or nomination if
the final decision on any such selection and nomination is approved by a
majority of the incumbent Disinterested Trustees.
5. Reports. While this Plan is in effect, the Treasurer of the Fund
shall provide at least quarterly a written report to the Fund's Board for
its review, detailing distribution expenditures properly attributable to
the Shares, including the amount of all payments made pursuant to this
Plan, the identity of the Recipient of each such payment, the amount paid
to the Distributor and the Distribution and Service Costs and Carry
Forward Expenses for that period. The report shall state whether all
provisions of Section 3 of this Plan have been complied with. The
Distributor shall annually certify to the Board the amount of its total
expenses incurred that year and its total expenses incurred in prior years
and not previously recovered with respect to the distribution of Shares
in conjunction with the Board's annual review of the continuation of the
Plan.
6. Related Agreements. Any agreement related to this Plan shall be in
writing and shall provide that: (i) such agreement may be terminated at
any time, without payment of any penalty, by a vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities of
the Class, on not more than sixty days written notice to any other party
to the agreement; (ii) such agreement shall automatically terminate in the
event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act); (iii) it shall go
into effect when approved by a vote of the Board and its Independent
Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such agreement; and (iv) it shall, unless terminated as herein provided,
continue in effect from year to year only so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by a vote of the Board and its
Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such continuance.
7. Effectiveness, Continuation, Termination and Amendment. This Plan
has been approved by a vote of the Board and its Independent Trustees cast
in person at a meeting called on October 26, 1993 for the purpose of
voting on this Plan, and takes effect as of the date first set forth
above. Unless terminated as hereinafter provided, it shall continue in
effect from year to year from the date first set forth above or as the
Board may otherwise determine only so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by a vote of the Board and its
Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such continuance. This Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the amount of payments to be made without approval of the
Class C Shareholders, in the manner described above, and all material
amendments must be approved by a vote of the Board and of the Independent
Trustees. This Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of a majority
of the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a "majority"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's outstanding voting securities
of the Class. In the event of such termination, the Board and its
Independent Trustees shall determine whether the Distributor is entitled
to payment from the Fund of all Carry Forward Expenses and related costs
properly incurred in respect of Shares sold prior to the effective date
of such termination, and whether the Fund shall continue to make payment
to the Distributor in the amount the Distributor is entitled to retain
under part (c) of Section 3 hereof, until such time as the Distributor has
been reimbursed for all such amounts by the Fund and by retaining CDSC
payments.
8. Disclaimer of Shareholder and Trustee Liability. The Distributor
understands that the obligations of the Fund under this Plan are not
binding upon any Trustee or shareholder of the Fund personally, but bind
only the Fund and the Fund's property. The Distributor represents that
it has notice of the provisions of the Declaration of Trust of the Fund
disclaiming shareholder and Trustee liability for acts or obligations of
the Fund.
OPPENHEIMER CHAMPION HIGH YIELD FUND
By:____________________________________________
Robert G. Zack, Assistant Secretary
OPPENHEIMER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
By:_____________________________________________
Katherine P. Feld, Vice President and
Secretary
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Exhibit 24(b)(16) to Form N-1A
Performance Data Computation Schedule
The Fund's average annual total returns and total returns are
calculated as described below, on the basis of the Fund's
distributions, for the past 10 years which are as follows:
Distribution Amount From Amount From
Reinvestment Investment Long or Short-Term Reinvestment
(Ex)Date Income Capital Gains Price
Class A Shares
12/08/87 0.0749359 0.0000 11.390
12/31/87 0.0906312 0.0000 11.580
01/11/88 0.0435017 0.0000 11.600
02/08/88 0.1101632 0.0000 12.000
03/08/88 0.1140977 0.0000 12.060
04/11/88 0.1337696 0.0000 12.080
05/09/88 0.1101632 0.0000 12.050
06/08/88 0.1189806 0.0000 12.070
07/11/88 0.1287500 0.0000 12.190
08/08/88 0.1053904 0.0000 12.210
09/09/88 0.1224939 0.0000 12.120
10/10/88 0.1216102 0.0000 12.110
11/08/88 0.1122531 0.0000 12.080
12/08/88 0.1169233 0.0000 12.030
12/30/88 0.0856000 0.1400 11.840
01/10/89 0.0427944 0.0000 11.860
02/08/89 0.1184395 0.0000 11.830
03/08/89 0.1050970 0.0000 11.840
04/10/89 0.1321986 0.0000 11.750
05/08/89 0.1116532 0.0000 11.700
06/08/89 0.1197603 0.0000 11.850
07/11/89 0.1291361 0.0000 11.810
08/08/89 0.1034668 0.0000 11.830
09/11/89 0.1244246 0.0000 11.800
10/09/89 0.1056065 0.0000 11.520
11/08/89 0.1085000 0.0000 11.270
12/08/89 0.1079041 0.0000 11.310
12/29/89 0.1268311 0.0000 11.230
01/09/90 0.0394790 0.0000 11.230
02/08/90 0.1076700 0.0000 11.080
03/08/90 0.1068117 0.0000 10.920
04/09/90 0.1240533 0.0000 10.970
05/08/90 0.1166603 0.0000 10.870
06/08/90 0.1213904 0.0000 10.970
07/05/90 0.1050840 0.0000 11.000
08/08/90 0.1329772 0.0000 10.980
09/10/90 0.1205070 0.0000 10.760
10/10/90 0.1065238 0.0000 10.350
11/14/90 0.1253361 0.0000 10.040
12/12/90 0.0989020 0.0000 10.090
12/31/90 0.0677602 0.0000 10.090
01/09/91 0.0334956 0.0000 10.100
02/13/91 0.1426406 0.0000 10.330
03/13/91 0.1190719 0.0000 10.750
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Page 2
January 6, 1995
Distribution Amount From Amount From
Reinvestment Investment Long or Short-Term Reinvestment
(Ex)Date Income Capital Gains Price
Class A Shares (Continued)
04/10/91 0.1157644 0.0000 11.010
05/08/91 0.1182808 0.0000 11.170
06/12/91 0.1267984 0.0000 11.160
07/10/91 0.1130507 0.0000 11.320
08/14/91 0.1556661 0.0000 11.410
09/11/91 0.1171589 0.0000 11.530
10/09/91 0.1209660 0.0000 11.550
11/13/91 0.1412882 0.0000 11.730
12/11/91 0.1050652 0.0000 11.540
12/31/91 0.0713153 0.0000 11.580
01/08/92 0.0331137 0.0000 11.720
02/12/92 0.1394176 0.0000 12.040
03/11/92 0.1142743 0.0000 12.180
04/08/92 0.1114858 0.0000 12.100
05/13/92 0.1208152 0.0000 12.170
06/10/92 0.1149839 0.0000 12.180
07/08/92 0.1118269 0.0000 12.160
08/12/92 0.1225576 0.0000 12.300
09/09/92 0.1068058 0.0000 12.250
10/14/92 0.1269119 0.0000 12.070
11/11/92 0.0925110 0.0000 11.990
12/09/92 0.0963249 0.0000 12.030
12/31/92 0.0972944 0.0000 12.010
01/13/93 0.0444903 0.0000 12.100
02/10/93 0.0964170 0.0000 12.330
03/10/93 0.0917997 0.0000 12.560
04/14/93 0.1209879 0.0000 12.670
05/12/93 0.0847282 0.0000 12.720
06/09/93 0.0836887 0.0000 12.900
06/30/93 0.0735387 0.0000 12.990
07/30/93 0.0896500 0.0000 13.050
08/31/93 0.0839568 0.0000 12.990
09/30/93 0.1179897 0.0000 12.900
10/29/93 0.1086641 0.0000 13.160
11/30/93 0.1102826 0.0000 13.110
12/31/94 0.1070635 0.1887628 13.080
01/31/94 0.0879305 0.0000 13.320
02/28/94 0.0798046 0.0000 13.170
03/31/94 0.0959372 0.0000 12.680
04/29/94 0.0778299 0.0000 12.520
05/31/94 0.0833046 0.0000 12.610
06/30/94 0.0846318 0.0000 12.500
07/29/94 0.0879858 0.0000 12.430
08/31/94 0.0889744 0.0000 12.340
09/30/94 0.0957540 0.0000 12.320
Class C Shares
12/31/93 0.0730473 0.1887628 13.070
01/31/94 0.0747539 0.0000 13.320
02/28/94 0.0670124 0.0000 13.170
03/31/94 0.0856328 0.0000 12.680
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Page 3
January 6, 1995
Distribution Amount From Amount From
Reinvestment Investment Long or Short-Term Reinvestment
(Ex)Date Income Capital Gains Price
Class C Shares (Continued)
04/29/94 0.0703100 0.0000 12.530
05/31/94 0.0752066 0.0000 12.610
06/30/94 0.0757186 0.0000 12.500
07/29/94 0.0793942 0.0000 12.430
08/31/94 0.0799592 0.0000 12.340
09/30/94 0.0876407 0.0000 12.320
1. Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended 09/30/94:
The formula for calculating average annual total return is as
follows:
1 ERV n
--------------- = n (---) - 1 = average annual total return
number of years P
Where: ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the period
P = hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
Class A Shares
Examples, assuming a maximum sales charge of 4.75%:
One Year Five Year
$1,005.99 1 $1,812.01 .2
(---------) - 1 = 0.60% (---------) - 1 = 12.62%
$1,000 $1,000
Inception
$2,306.46 .1455
(---------) - 1 = 12.93%
$1,000
Class C Shares
Examples, assuming a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%
for the first year:
Inception
$1,001.73 1.1990
(---------) - 1 = 0.21%
$1,000
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Page 4
January 6, 1995
1. Average Annual Total Returns for the Periods Ended 09/30/94
(Continued):
Examples at NAV:
Class A Shares
One Year Five Year
$1,056.16 1 $1,902.38 .2
(---------) - 1 = 5.62% (---------) - 1 = 13.73%
$1,000 $1,000
Inception
$2,421.48 .1455
(---------) - 1 = 13.73%
$1,000
Class C Shares
Inception
$1,011.12 1.1990
(---------) - 1 = 1.34%
$1,000
2. Cumulative Total Returns for the Periods Ended 9/30/94:
The formula for calculating cumulative total return is as follows:
(ERV - P) / P = Cumulative Total Return
Class A Shares
Examples, assuming a maximum sales charge of 4.75%:
One Year Five Year
$1,005.99 - $1,000 $1,812.01 - $1,000
------------------ = 0.60% ------------------ = 81.20%
$1,000 $1,000
Inception
$2,306.46 - $1,000
------------------ = 130.65%
$1,000
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Page 5
January 6, 1995
2. Cumulative Total Returns for the Periods Ended 9/30/94 (Continued):
Class C Shares
Examples, assuming a maximum contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00%
for the first year:
Inception
$1,001.73 - $1,000
------------------ = 0.17%
$1,000
Examples at NAV:
Class A Shares
One Year Five Year
$1,056.16 - $1,000 $1,902.38 - $1,000
------------------ = 5.62% ------------------ = 90.24%
$1,000 $1,000
Inception
$2,421.48 - $1,000
------------------ = 142.15%
$1,000
Class C Shares
Inception
$1,011.12 - $1,000
------------------ = 1.11%
$1,000
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Page 6
January 6, 1995
3. Standardized Yield for the 30-Day Period Ended 09/30/94:
The Fund's standardized yields are calculated using the following
formula set
forth in the SEC rules:
a - b 6
Yield = 2 { (-------- + 1 ) - 1 }
cd or ce
The symbols above represent the following factors:
a = Dividends and interest earned during the 30-day period.
b = Expenses accrued for the period (net of any expense
reimbursements).
c = The average daily number of Fund shares outstanding during
the 30-day period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = The Fund's maximum offering price (including sales charge)
per share on the last day of the period.
e = The Fund's net asset value (excluding contingent deferred
sales charge) per share on the last day of the period.
Class A Shares
Example, assuming a maximum sales charge of 4.75%:
$1,144,970.36 - $80,585.01 6
2{(-------------------------- + 1) - 1} = 7.90%
12,702,601 x $12.93
Class C Shares
Example at NAV:
$ 190,031.75 - $30,504.82 6
2{(-------------------------- + 1) - 1} = 7.48%
2,108,215 x $12.32
Oppenheimer Champion High Yield Fund
Page 7
January 6, 1995
4. DIVIDEND YIELDS FOR THE 30-DAY PERIOD ENDED 9/30/94:
The Fund's dividend yields are calculated using the following
formula:
Dividend Yield = { (a / 30) x 365 } / b or c
The symbols above represent the following factors:
a = The accrual dividend earned during the period.
b = The Fund's maximum offering price (including sales charge)
per share on the last day of the period.
c = The Fund's net asset value (excluding sales charge) per share
on the last day of the period.
Examples:
Class A Shares
Dividend Yield
at Maximum Offering $.0892170/30 x 365
------------------ = 8.40%
$12.93
Dividend Yield
at Net Asset Value $.0892170/30 x 365
------------------ = 8.81%
$12.32
Class C Shares
Dividend Yield
at Net Asset Value $.0811889/30 x 365
------------------ = 8.02%
$12.32
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