<PAGE>
P R O S P E C T U S
JULY 10, 2000
AS SUPPLEMENTED ON OCTOBER 3, 2000
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE IMPORTANT INFORMATION IT CONTAINS BEFORE INVESTING.
DIMENSIONAL INVESTMENT GROUP INC.
Dimensional Investment Group Inc. is a mutual fund that offers a variety of
investment portfolios.
Each of the Fund's Portfolios has its own investment objective and
policies, and is the
equivalent of a separate mutual fund. The Portfolios described in
this Prospectus:
Are generally available only to 401(k) plans
or other similar retirement plans.
Do not charge sales commissions or loads.
Are designed for long-term
investors.
PORTFOLIOS FOR INVESTORS SEEKING TO INVEST IN:
DOMESTIC EQUITY SECURITIES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
U.S. Large Company Portfolio K U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio K
U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio U.S. 6-10 Small Company
K Portfolio K
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY SECURITIES
DFA International Value Emerging Markets Portfolio K
Portfolio K
</TABLE>
FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DFA One-Year Fixed Income DFA Two-Year Global Fixed
Portfolio K Income Portfolio K
</TABLE>
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
<S> <C>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY......................................... 1
HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT ALL THE PORTFOLIOS....................... 1
MANAGEMENT................................................ 1
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS............... 2
OTHER RISKS............................................... 5
RISK AND RETURN BAR CHARTS AND TABLES..................... 5
FEES AND EXPENSES........................................... 10
SECURITIES LENDING REVENUE.................................. 11
HIGHLIGHTS.................................................. 11
U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO K.............................. 12
STANDARD & POORS--INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS............... 13
U.S. VALUE PORTFOLIOS....................................... 13
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO K......................... 14
DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO K......................... 15
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO K................................ 16
FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS..................................... 18
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--EQUITY PORTFOLIOS................... 21
SECURITIES LOANS............................................ 21
DEVIATION FROM MARKET CAPITALIZATION WEIGHTING.............. 22
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS..................................... 22
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES............ 23
ELECTRONIC SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION AND TRANSACTIONS......... 24
PURCHASE OF SHARES.......................................... 24
VALUATION OF SHARES......................................... 26
EXCHANGE OF SHARES.......................................... 28
REDEMPTION OF SHARES........................................ 28
THE MASTER-FEEDER STRUCTURE................................. 29
SERVICE PROVIDERS........................................... 30
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS ABOUT ALL THE PORTFOLIOS
---------------------------------
THE PORTFOLIOS HAVE SPECIAL STRUCTURES: The Portfolios, called "Feeder
Portfolios," do not buy individual securities directly. Instead, they invest in
corresponding mutual funds called "Master Funds." Master Funds in turn purchase
stocks, bonds and/or other securities.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: The Master-Feeder structure is relatively new and more
complex. As a result, a Feeder Portfolio might encounter operational or other
complications. While this structure is designed to reduce costs, it may not do
so.
A Master Fund buys securities directly. A corresponding Feeder Portfolio invests
in the Master Fund's shares. The two have the same gross investment returns.
MANAGEMENT: Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. (the "Advisor") is the investment
manager for each Master Fund. (A Feeder Portfolio does not need an investment
manager.)
INVESTMENT APPROACH -- DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL
--------------------------------------------------
EQUITY PORTFOLIOS
----------------
The Advisor believes that equity investing should involve a long-term view and a
focus on asset class (e.g., small company stocks in general) selection, not
individual stock picking. It places priority on limiting expenses, portfolio
turnover and trading costs. Many other investment managers concentrate on
reacting to price movements and choosing individual securities.
NO MARKET TIMING OR STOCK PICKING: In contrast to some other managers, the
Advisor does not take defensive positions in anticipation of negative investment
conditions, or try to pick potentially outperforming securities.
Generally, the Advisor structures a portfolio by:
1. Selecting a starting universe of securities (for example, all publicly
traded U.S. common stocks).
2. Creating a sub-set of companies meeting the Advisor's investment guidelines.
3. Excluding certain companies after analyzing various factors (for example,
solvency).
4. Purchasing stocks so the portfolio is generally market cap weighted.
MARKET CAPITALIZATION means the number of shares of a company's stock
outstanding times price per share.
U.S. Large Company Portfolio K buys a Master Fund that is managed differently.
Because this Master Fund is an index fund, its only criteria for holding a stock
is whether the stock is in the S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index.
The Master Funds in which the U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K, U.S. 4-10 Value
Portfolio K and U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio K invest use a market
capitalization segmentation approach. Broadly speaking, this technique involves:
1. Dividing all the companies traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")
into 10 groups or "deciles" based on market capitalization. Stocks in decile
1 have the biggest market capitalizations and those in decile 10, the
smallest.
MARKET CAPITALIZATION WEIGHTED means the amount of a stock in an index or
portfolio is keyed to that stock's market capitalization compared to all
eligible stocks. The higher the stock's relative market cap, the greater its
representation.
1
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2. Combining two or more of these deciles into a market cap segment or range.
3. Generally, considering a stock (it may not necessarily be NYSE traded) for
purchase only if its market capitalization falls within the range created.
The U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K's Master Fund buys stocks with market caps
in the range defined by stocks in NYSE deciles 1 through 5. Similarly, U.S. 4-10
Value Portfolio K's Master Fund buys stocks with market caps in the range
defined by stocks in NYSE deciles 4 through 10, and U.S. 6-10 Small Company
Portfolio K's Master Fund buys stocks with market caps in the range defined by
stocks in NYSE deciles 6 through 10.
INVESTMENT APPROACH -- FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS
----------------------------------------------
Generally, the Advisor structures a portfolio by:
1. Setting a maturity range.
2. Implementing the Advisor's quality and eligibility guidelines.
3. Purchasing securities with a view to maximizing returns.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND RISKS
-----------------------------------------
MARKET RISK:
-----------
Even a long-term investment approach cannot guarantee a profit. Economic,
political and issuer specific events will cause the value of securities, and the
Master Funds that own them, to rise or fall. Fixed income Master Funds are
particularly sensitive to changing interest rates.
DOMESTIC EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:
U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO K
----------------------------
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Produce returns similar to those of the
S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that invests in S&P
500-Registered Trademark- Index stocks in about the same proportions as they
are found in the S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index.
ABOUT THE S&P 500-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- INDEX: The Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index is market capitalization weighted. Its performance
is usually cyclical because it reflects periods when stock prices generally rise
or fall.
2
<PAGE>
THE U.S. VALUE PORTFOLIOS
----------------------
U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO K
U.S. 4-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO K
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE(S): Long-term capital appreciation.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that purchases value stocks
of U.S. companies on a market capitalization weighted basis.
- HOW THE PORTFOLIOS DIFFER: The Portfolios focus on different parts of the
value stocks universe:
- U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K -- Large capitalization stocks.
- U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio K -- Mid and small capitalization issues.
"VALUE STOCKS": Compared to other stocks, value stocks sell for low prices
relative to their earnings, dividends and book value.
In selecting value stocks, the Advisor primarily considers price relative to
book value.
MARKET RISK: Although securities of larger firms fluctuate relatively less,
economic, political and issuer specific events will cause the value of all
securities to fluctuate.
SMALL COMPANY RISK: Securities of small firms are often less liquid than those
of large companies. As a result, small company stocks may fluctuate relatively
more in price.
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO K
--------------------------------
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Long-term capital appreciation.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that purchases small and
very small company stocks using a market cap weighted approach.
RISK OF VERY SMALL COMPANIES: Securities of very small firms are often less
liquid than those of larger companies. As a result, the stocks of very small
companies may fluctuate more in price than the stocks of larger companies.
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIOS:
DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO K
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Long-term capital appreciation.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that purchases value stocks
of large non-U.S. companies on a market capitalization weighted basis in each
country in which the Master Fund invests.
Most Portfolios and Master Funds do not hedge their foreign currency risks.
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO K
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Long-term capital appreciation.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that buys stocks of larger
emerging market companies.
EMERGING MARKETS are countries with less developed economies not yet at the
level of the world's mature economies.
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND CURRENCIES RISK -- DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE AND EMERGING
MARKETS PORTFOLIOS: Foreign securities prices may decline or fluctuate because
of: (a) economic or political actions of foreign governments, and/or (b) less
regulated or liquid securities markets. Investors holding these securities are
also
3
<PAGE>
exposed to foreign currency risk (the possibility that foreign currency will
fluctuate in value against the U.S. dollar). Foreign currency risk can be
minimized by hedging. However, hedging may be expensive.
EMERGING MARKETS RISK -- EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO K: Risks generally
associated with foreign securities and currencies may be greater in emerging
market countries than other foreign countries. Numerous emerging market
countries have recently experienced serious, and potentially continuing,
economic and political problems. Stock markets in many emerging market countries
are relatively small, expensive and risky. Foreigners are often limited in their
ability to invest in, and withdraw their assets from, these markets. Additional
restrictions may be imposed under emergency conditions. Risks generally
associated with foreign securities and currencies also apply.
FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS:
DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO K
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Maximize total return available from a universe of high
quality fixed income investments with an average maturity of one year or
less.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that generally invests in
high quality obligations maturing in one year or less. The Master Fund may,
however, take a large position in higher yielding securities maturing within
two years. It also intends to concentrate its investments in the banking
industry if particular conditions occur.
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO K
- INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: Maximize total return available from a universe of high
quality fixed income instruments maturing in two years or less.
- INVESTMENT STRATEGY: Buy shares of a Master Fund that buys debt instruments
with maturities of two years or less. Issuers may include the U.S. and other
national governments, supranational organizations (e.g., the World Bank) and
domestic and foreign corporations. The Master Fund hedges all foreign
currency risks. It also intends to concentrate its investments in the banking
industry if particular conditions occur.
RISKS OF BANKING CONCENTRATION: Focus on the banking industry would link the
performance of the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio K and the DFA Two-Year
Global Fixed Income Portfolio K to changes in performance of the banking
industry generally. For example, a change in the market's perception of the
riskiness of banks compared to non-banks would cause the Portfolios' values to
fluctuate. Additional risks of concentrating in the banking industry include
changes in general market and economic conditions (for example, increases in
interest rates may have a negative impact on banking industry profitablility),
industry consolidation, and changing regulatory requirements.
4
<PAGE>
OTHER RISKS
-----------
DERIVATIVES:
----------
Derivatives are securities, such as futures contracts, whose values are derived
from those of other securities or indices. Derivatives can be used for hedging
(attempting to reduce risk by offsetting one investment position with another)
or speculation (taking a position in the hope of increasing return). DFA
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio K's Master Fund uses foreign currency
contracts to hedge foreign currency risks. The International Equity Portfolios'
Master Funds may also hedge foreign currency risks. Hedging with derivatives may
increase expenses, and there is no guarantee that a hedging strategy will work.
SECURITIES LENDING:
----------------
The Master Funds may lend their portfolio securities to generate additional
income. If they do so, they will use various strategies (for example, only
making fully collateralized and bank guaranteed loans) to reduce related risks.
RISK AND RETURN BAR CHARTS AND TABLES
--------------------------------------
The Bar Charts and Tables below illustrate the variability of each Master Fund's
returns, and are meant to provide some indication of the risks of investing in
the Portfolios. Because the Portfolios are new, the returns shown in the Bar
Charts and Tables are for the corresponding Master Funds and have been adjusted
to reflect the anticipated expenses of the Portfolios. Shown are changes in
performance from year to year, and how annualized 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year
(or since inception if shorter) returns compare with those of broad measures of
market performance. Past performance is not an indication of future results.
Reimbursement fees applicable to purchases of shares in the Emerging Markets
Portfolio K are not reflected in the Bar Chart. If these fees were reflected,
your returns in the Emerging Markets Portfolio K would be less than those shown
in the Bar Chart.
5
<PAGE>
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1991 29.68
1992 6.97
1993 9.52
1994 1.06
1995 36.53
1996 22.11
1997 32.40
1998 27.98
1999 20.12
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was -1.01%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1991-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
21.26 (10/98-12/98) -10.06 (7/98-9/98)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999 ONE FIVE SINCE 1/91
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) YEAR YEARS INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Large Company Portfolio 20.12 27.68 20.13
S&P 500 Index 21.03 28.55 20.85
</TABLE>
U.S. LARGE CAP VALUE PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1994 -4.88
1995 37.86
1996 19.71
1997 27.58
1998 11.47
1999 4.32
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was -7.89%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1994-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
16.65 (10/98-12/98) -17.18 (7/98-9/98)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999 ONE FIVE SINCE 4/93
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) YEAR YEARS INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Large Cap Portfolio 4.32 19.61 14.57
Russell 1000 Value Index 7.35 23.08 17.57
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1993 13.17
1994 -1.82
1995 29.52
1996 17.05
1997 23.55
1998 -6.09
1999 24.70
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was 6.97%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1993-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
19.82 (4/99-6/99) -22.22 (7/98-9/98)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999 ONE FIVE SINCE 4/92
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) YEAR YEARS INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio 24.70 17.01 13.62
Russell 2000 Index 21.26 16.70 14.12
</TABLE>
U.S. 4-10 VALUE PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1999 5.82
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was -3.57%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1999-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
23.96 (4/99-6/99) -22.34 (7/98-9/98)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999 ONE SINCE 3/98
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) YEAR INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio 5.82 -4.99
Russell 2000 Value Index -1.49 -6.44
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
DFA INTERNATIONAL
VALUE PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1995 11.07
1996 7.32
1997 -3.59
1998 14.31
1999 15.72
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was 0.51%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1995-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
17.78 (1/98-3/98) -17.00 (7/98-9/98)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS SINCE 3/94 INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DFA International Value Portfolio 15.72 8.74 7.65
MSCI EAFE Index (net dividends) 26.91 12.82 10.83
</TABLE>
DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1990 8.44
1991 8.08
1992 4.56
1993 3.78
1994 1.85
1995 7.32
1996 5.15
1997 5.37
1998 5.05
1999 3.97
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was 2.54%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1990-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
2.37 (1/95-3/95) 0.11 (1/94-3/94)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) ONE YEAR FIVE YEARS TEN YEARS
<S> <C> <C> <C>
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio 3.97 5.37 5.34
Merrill Lynch U.S. Corporate &
Government 1-3 Years Index 3.26 6.58 6.68
Three-Month U.S. Treasury Bills 4.83 5.35 5.29
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)*
<S> <C>
1995 2.05
1996 10.84
1997 -19.45
1998 -10.03
1999 70.51
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was -13.46%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1995-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
31.39 (10/98-12/98) -22.14 (7/98-9/98)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999 ONE FIVE SINCE 5/94
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) YEAR YEARS INCEPTION
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Emerging Markets Portfolio 69.64 6.81 6.96
MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index 63.69 -0.14 0.39
</TABLE>
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL RETURNS (%)
<S> <C>
1997 5.31
1998 5.86
1999 3.95
</TABLE>
*The Portfolio's total return for the period January 1, 2000 through June 30,
2000 was 2.27%.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JANUARY 1997-JUNE 2000
HIGHEST QUARTER LOWEST QUARTER
<S> <C>
1.87 (4/97-6/97) 0.84 (4/99-6/99)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIODS ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1999
ANNUALIZED RETURNS (%) ONE YEAR SINCE 3/96 INCEPTION
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL
<S> <C> <C>
Fixed Income Portfolio 3.95 5.48
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Years
Government Index 3.08 5.54
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
FEES AND EXPENSES
This table describes the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Portfolios.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT):
REIMBURSEMENT FEES (AS PERCENTAGE OF OFFERING PRICE)(1)
Emerging Markets Portfolio K ........................................ 0.50%
------------------------
(1) Reimbursement fees are charged to purchasers of shares and paid to the
Emerging Markets Portfolio K, except in the case of certain purchases
permitted to be made by exchange. (See "EXCHANGE OF SHARES.") The
reimbursement fees serve to offset costs incurred by the Portfolio when
investing the proceeds from the sale of its shares. (See "VALUATION OF
SHARES-Public Offering Price" for a more complete description of
reimbursement fees.) The corresponding Master Fund charges a reimbursement
fee to purchasers of shares equal to the reimbursement fee charged by the
Portfolio as set forth above.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM PORTFOLIO ASSETS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
OTHER ANNUAL
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES MANAGEMENT EXPENSES OPERATING
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS) FEE(1) (2) EXPENSES
------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Large Company Portfolio K.............................. 0.40% 0.47% 0.87%
U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K............................ 0.50% 0.29% 0.79%
U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio K................................. 0.65% 0.46% 1.11%
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio K......................... 0.60% 0.41% 1.01%
DFA International Value Portfolio K......................... 0.65% 0.37% 1.02%
Emerging Markets Portfolio K................................ 0.75% 0.89% 1.64%
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio K....................... 0.40% 0.41% 0.81%
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio K................ 0.40% 0.47% 0.87%
</TABLE>
------------------------
(1) The "Management Fee" includes an investment advisory fee payable by the
Master Fund and an administration fee payable by the Portfolio. From the
administration fee that it receives from each Portfolio, the Advisor
compensates service agents that provide shareholder servicing,
recordkeeping, account maintenance and other services to 401(k) plan
shareholders and their plan participants, in an amount up to 0.25% of the
Portfolio's average net assets.
(2) "Other Expenses" are annualized estimates based on anticipated fees and
expenses payable by both the Master Fund and the Portfolio through the
fiscal year ending November 30, 2000.
10
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE
This Example is meant to help you compare the cost of investing in the
Portfolios with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the specified Portfolio for
the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of
those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return
each year, that the Portfolio's operating expenses remain the same and current
reimbursement fees apply. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower,
based on these assumptions your costs would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Large Company Portfolio K.............................. $ 89 $278
U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K............................ $ 81 $252
U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio K................................. $113 $353
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio K......................... $103 $322
DFA International Value Portfolio K......................... $104 $325
Emerging Markets Portfolio K................................ $216 $565
DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio K....................... $ 83 $259
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Fund Income Portfolio K........... $ 89 $278
</TABLE>
The Example summarizes the aggregate annual operating expenses of both the
Portfolios and their corresponding Master Funds. Because the Portfolios are new,
the Example is based on the Portfolios' anticipated expenses for their current
fiscal year and does not extend over five- and ten-year periods.
SECURITIES LENDING REVENUE
For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1999, the following Master Funds
received the following net revenue from a securities lending program which
constituted a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Master Fund
(See "SECURITIES LOANS").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE
OF NET
NET REVENUE ASSETS
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Large Company.......................................... $ 115,000 0.01%
U.S. Large Cap Value........................................ $ 57,000 0.00%
U.S. 4-10 Value............................................. $ 88,000 0.03%
U.S. 6-10 Small Company..................................... $ 688,000 0.12%
DFA International Value..................................... $1,324,000 0.08%
</TABLE>
HIGHLIGHTS
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The Advisor serves as investment advisor to each Master Fund. Dimensional
Fund Advisors Ltd. and DFA Australia Limited provide consulting services to the
Advisor with respect to DFA International Value Portfolio K's Master Fund. The
Advisor provides each Portfolio with certain administrative services. (See
"MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS.")
11
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PORTFOLIO/MASTER FUND YEARLY QUARTERLY MONTHLY
--------------------- ------ --------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Large Company X
U.S. Large Cap Value X
U.S. 4-10 Value X
U.S. 6-10 Small Company X
DFA International Value X
Emerging Markets X
DFA One-Year Fixed Income X
DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income X
</TABLE>
PURCHASE, VALUATION AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The shares of the Portfolios (except the Emerging Markets Portfolio K) are
sold at net asset value. The redemption price of the shares of all of the
Portfolios is equal to the net asset value of their shares. Shares of the
Emerging Markets Portfolio K may be purchased at a public offering price that is
equal to the net asset value of its shares, plus a reimbursement fee. The
reimbursement fee is used to defray the costs associated with investment of the
proceeds from the sale of its shares.
The value of the shares issued by each Portfolio will fluctuate in relation
to the investment experience of the Master Fund in which such Portfolio invests.
Unlike shares of money market funds, the shares of the Fixed Income Portfolios
will tend to reflect fluctuations in interest rates because their corresponding
Master Funds do not seek to stabilize the price of their shares by use of the
"amortized cost" method of securities valuation. (See "PURCHASE OF SHARES,"
"VALUATION OF SHARES" and "REDEMPTION OF SHARES.")
ELECTRONIC SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
The Portfolios are designed specifically for on-line investors, in order to
keep costs to a minimum. A 401(k) plan or similar retirement plan, when opening
an account, must consent to the acceptance of all shareholder information
(prospectuses and annual and semi-annual reports) about the Portfolios through
e-mail and access to the Portfolios' website at www.dfafunds.com. A plan may
later revoke its consent by requesting paper versions of shareholder information
(see "ELECTRONIC SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION AND TRANSACTIONS").
U.S. LARGE COMPANY PORTFOLIO K
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
U.S. Large Company Portfolio K seeks, as its investment objective, to
approximate the investment performance of the S&P 500-Registered Trademark-
Index, in terms of its total investment return. The Portfolio invests all of its
assets in the U.S. Large Company Series (the "U.S. Large Company Series") of The
DFA Investment Trust Company (the "Trust"), which has the same investment
objective and policies as the Portfolio. The U.S. Large Company Series intends
to invest in all of the stocks that comprise the S&P 500-Registered Trademark-
Index in approximately the same proportions as they are represented in the
Index. The amount of each stock purchased for the U.S. Large Company Series,
therefore, will be based on the issuer's respective market capitalization. The
S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index is comprised of a broad and diverse group of
stocks most of which are traded on the NYSE. Generally, these are the U.S.
stocks with the largest market capitalizations and, as a group, they represent
approximately 70% of the total market capitalization of all publicly traded U.S.
stocks. Under normal market conditions, at least 95% of the U.S. Large Company
Series' assets will be invested in the stocks that comprise the S&P
500-Registered Trademark- Index.
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The U.S. Large Company Series may also acquire stock index futures contracts
and options thereon in order to commit funds awaiting investment in stocks or to
maintain cash liquidity. To the extent that this Master Fund invests in stock
index futures contracts and options thereon for other than bona fide hedging
purposes, the Master Fund will not purchase such futures contracts or options if
as a result more than 5% of its net assets would then consist of initial margin
deposits and premiums required to establish such contracts or options.
Ordinarily, portfolio securities will not be sold except to reflect
additions or deletions of the stocks that comprise the S&P
500-Registered Trademark- Index, including mergers, reorganizations and similar
transactions and, to the extent necessary, to provide cash to pay redemptions of
the U.S. Large Company Series' shares.
STANDARD & POORS--INFORMATION AND DISCLAIMERS
Neither the U.S. Large Company Portfolio K nor the U.S. Large Company Series
are sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a
division of The McGraw Hill Companies ("S&P"). S&P makes no representation or
warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the U.S. Large Company
Portfolio K or the U.S. Large Company Series or any member of the public
regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the U.S.
Large Company Portfolio K or the U.S. Large Company Series particularly or the
ability of the S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index to track general stock market
performance. S&P's only relationship to the U.S. Large Company Portfolio K and
the U.S. Large Company Series is the licensing of certain trademarks and trade
names of S&P and of the S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index which is determined,
composed and calculated by S&P without regard to the U.S. Large Company
Portfolio K or the U.S. Large Company Series. S&P has no obligation to take the
needs of the U.S. Large Company Portfolio K, the U.S. Large Company Series or
their respective owners into consideration in determining, composing or
calculating the S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index. S&P is not responsible for
and has not participated in the determination of the prices and amount of the
U.S. Large Company Portfolio K or the U.S. Large Company Series or the issuance
or sale of shares of the U.S. Large Company Portfolio K or the U.S. Large
Company Series or in the determination or calculation of the equation by which
the U.S. Large Company Portfolio K or the U.S. Large Company Series is to be
converted into cash. S&P has no obligation or liability in connection with the
administration, marketing or trading of the U.S. Large Company Portfolio K or
the U.S. Large Company Series.
S&P DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY AND/OR THE COMPLETENESS OF THE S&P
500-Registered Trademark- INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN AND S&P SHALL HAVE
NO LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INTERRUPTIONS THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO
WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO RESULTS TO BE OBTAINED BY LICENSEE, OWNERS
OF THE PRODUCT, OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FROM THE USE OF THE S&P
500-Registered Trademark- INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. S&P MAKES NO
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE WITH RESPECT TO THE
S&P 500-Registered Trademark- INDEX OR ANY DATA INCLUDED THEREIN. WITHOUT
LIMITING ANY OF THE FOREGOING, IN NO EVENT SHALL S&P HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY
SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LOST PROFITS),
EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
U.S. VALUE PORTFOLIOS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K and U.S.
4-10 Value Portfolio K is to achieve long-term capital appreciation. These
Portfolios will pursue their investment objectives by investing all of their
assets in the U.S. Large Cap Value Series (the "Large Cap Value Series") and the
U.S. 4-10 Value Series (the "4-10 Value Series") of the Trust, respectively.
These Master Funds are collectively
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called the "U.S. Value Master Funds." Each of the U.S. Value Master Funds has
the same investment objective and policies as its corresponding U.S. Value
Portfolio. Ordinarily, each of the U.S. Value Master Funds will invest at least
80% of its assets in a broad and diverse group of readily marketable common
stocks of U.S. companies which the Advisor believes to be value stocks at the
time of purchase. Securities are considered value stocks primarily because a
company's shares have a high book value in relation to their market value (a
"book to market ratio"). In measuring value, the Advisor may consider additional
factors such as cash flow, economic conditions and developments in the issuer's
industry. Generally, a company's shares will be considered to have a high book
to market ratio and thus will be considered eligible for investment if the ratio
equals or exceeds the ratios of any of the 30% of companies with the highest
positive book to market ratios whose shares are listed on the NYSE.
The Large Cap Value Series will purchase common stocks of companies whose
market capitalizations equal or exceed that of the company having the median
market capitalization of U.S. operating companies whose shares are listed on the
NYSE. The 4-10 Value Series will purchase common stocks of companies whose
market capitalizations are equal to the market capitalizations of companies in
the 4th through 10th deciles of those companies listed on the NYSE. With respect
to the 9th and 10th deciles, the 4-10 Value Series may limit purchases of such
common stocks to those times when it is advantageous to do so.
PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION
The U.S. Value Master Funds will purchase securities that are listed on the
principal U.S. national securities exchanges or traded on the over-the-counter
market ("OTC"). Each of the U.S. Value Master Funds is market capitalization
weighted. That is, each security is generally purchased based on the issuer's
relative market capitalization. In this way, the amount of a particular security
owned by each of the U.S. Value Master Funds is keyed to that security's market
capitalization compared to all securities eligible for purchase. On not less
than a semi-annual basis, the Advisor will calculate the book to market ratio
necessary to determine those companies whose stock may be eligible for
investment by each of the U.S. Value Master Funds.
The Large Cap Value Series may sell portfolio securities when an issuer's
market capitalization falls substantially below that of the issuer with the
minimum market capitalization which is then eligible for purchase by that Master
Fund. The 4-10 Value Series may sell portfolio securities when the issuer's
market capitalization increases to a level that substantially exceeds that of
the issuer with the largest market capitalization which is then eligible for
investment by that Master Fund.
In addition, the Large Cap Value Series may sell portfolio securities when
their book to market ratios fall substantially below that of the security with
the lowest such ratio that is then eligible for purchase by that Master Fund.
The 4-10 Value Series may also sell portfolio securities in the same
circumstances, however, it anticipates that it will generally retain securities
of issuers with relatively smaller market capitalizations for longer periods,
despite any decrease in the issuer's book to market ratio.
U.S. 6-10 SMALL COMPANY PORTFOLIO K
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The U.S. 6-10 Small Company Portfolio K invests all of its assets in the
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Series of the Trust (the "U.S. Small Company Series"),
which has the same investment objective and policies as the Portfolio. Both the
Portfolio and Master Fund have an investment objective to achieve long-term
capital appreciation. The U.S. Small Company Series invests in securities of
small U.S. companies generally having readily marketable securities. Company
size will be determined solely on the basis of a company's market
capitalization. Market capitalization will be calculated by multiplying the
price of a company's stock by the number of its shares of outstanding common
stock.
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The U.S. Small Company Series will invest at least 80% of its assets in
equity securities of U.S. small companies and will be structured to reflect
reasonably the relative market capitalizations of its portfolio companies.
References in this prospectus to a "small U.S. company" means a company whose
securities are traded in the U.S. securities markets and whose market
capitalization is not larger than the largest of those in the smaller one-half
(deciles 6 through 10) of companies listed on the NYSE. The Advisor believes
that over the long term the investment performance of small companies is
superior to large companies. Investors which, for a variety of reasons, may
choose not to make substantial, or any, direct investment in companies whose
securities will be held by the U.S. Small Company Series, may participate
indirectly in the investment performance of these companies through ownership of
a Portfolio's stock.
The U.S. Small Company Series will purchase common stocks of companies whose
shares are listed on the NYSE, the American Stock Exchange (the "AMEX") or
traded OTC. The U.S. Small Company Series may invest in securities of foreign
issuers which are traded in the U.S. securities markets, but such investments
may not exceed 5% of its gross assets. Generally, it is the intention of the
U.S. Small Company Series to acquire a portion of the common stock of an
eligible NYSE, AMEX and OTC company on a market capitalization weighted basis.
In the future, the Master Fund may purchase common stocks of small U.S.
companies which are listed on other U.S. securities exchanges. In addition, the
U.S. Small Company Series is authorized to invest in private placements of
interest-bearing debentures that are convertible into common stock ("privately
placed convertible debentures"). Such investments are considered illiquid and
the value thereof, together with the value of all other illiquid investments,
may not exceed 15% of the value of the Master Fund's net assets at the time of
purchase.
PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION
The U.S. Small Company Series is market capitalization weighted. That is,
each security is generally purchased based on the issuer's relative market
capitalization. In this way, the amount of a particular security owned by the
U.S. Small Company Series is keyed to that security's market capitalization
compared to all securities eligible for purchase. The decision to include or
exclude the shares of an issuer will be made on the basis of such issuer's
relative market capitalization determined by reference to other companies
located in the United States. It is management's belief that the stocks of small
companies offer, over a long term, a prudent opportunity for capital
appreciation, but, at the same time, selecting a limited number of such issues
for investment involves greater risk than investing in a large number of them.
Even though a company's stock may meet the applicable market capitalization
criterion, it may not be purchased if: (1) in the Advisor's judgment, the issuer
is in extreme financial difficulty, (2) the issuer is involved in a merger or
consolidation or is the subject of an acquisition or (3) a significant portion
of the issuer's securities are closely held. Further, securities of real estate
investment trusts will be excluded (except as part of a merger, consolidation or
acquisition of assets).
On a periodic basis, the Advisor will review the holdings of the U.S. Small
Company Series and determine which, at the time of such review, are no longer
considered small companies.
DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE PORTFOLIO K
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of DFA International Value Portfolio K is to
achieve long-term capital appreciation. The Portfolio invests all of its assets
in the DFA International Value Series of the Trust (the "International Value
Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies as the Portfolio.
The International Value Series seeks to achieve its objective by investing in
the stocks of large non-U.S. companies that the Advisor believes to be value
stocks at the time of purchase. Securities are considered value stocks primarily
because a company's shares have a high book value in relation to their market
value (a "book to market ratio"). In measuring value, the Advisor may consider
additional factors such as cash flow, economic conditions and developments in
the issuer's industry. Generally, the shares of a company in
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any given country will be considered to have a high book to market ratio if the
ratio equals or exceeds the ratios of any of the 30% of companies in that
country with the highest positive book to market ratios whose shares are listed
on a major exchange, and, except as described below, will be considered eligible
for investment. The International Value Series intends to invest in the stocks
of large companies in countries with developed markets. As of the date of this
prospectus, the International Value Series may invest in the stocks of large
companies in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. As the
Master Fund's asset growth permits, it may invest in the stocks of large
companies in other developed markets.
Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the International Value
Series' assets will be invested in companies organized or having a majority of
their assets in or deriving a majority of their operating income in at least
three non-U.S. countries, and no more than 40% of the Master Fund's assets will
be invested in such companies in any one country. The International Value Series
reserves the right to invest in index futures contracts to commit funds awaiting
investment or to maintain liquidity. To the extent that the International Value
Series invests in futures contracts for other than bona fide hedging purposes,
the Master Fund will not purchase futures contracts if as a result more than 5%
of its net assets would then consist of initial margin deposits required to
establish such contracts.
PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION
As of the date of this prospectus, the International Value Series intends to
invest in companies having at least $800 million of market capitalization, and
the Master Fund will be approximately market capitalization weighted. The
Advisor may reset such floor from time to time to reflect changing market
conditions. In determining market capitalization weights, the Advisor, using its
best judgment, will seek to eliminate the effect of cross holdings on the
individual country weights. As a result, the weighting of certain countries in
the International Value Series may vary from their weighting in international
indices such as those published by The Financial Times, Morgan Stanley Capital
International or Salomon/Russell. The Advisor, however, will not attempt to
account for cross holding within the same country.
It is management's belief that the value stocks of large companies, over a
long term, offer a prudent opportunity for capital appreciation, but, at the
same time, selecting a limited number of such issues for inclusion in the
International Value Series involves greater risk than including a large number
of them. The Advisor does not anticipate that a significant number of securities
which meet the market capitalization criteria will be selectively excluded from
the International Value Series.
EMERGING MARKETS PORTFOLIO K
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Emerging Markets Portfolio K is to achieve
long-term capital appreciation. The Emerging Markets Portfolio K invests all of
its assets in the Emerging Markets Series of the Trust (the "Emerging Markets
Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies as the Portfolio.
The Emerging Markets Series seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing in emerging markets designated by the Investment Committee of the
Advisor ("Approved Markets"). The Emerging Markets Series invests its assets
primarily in Approved Market equity securities listed on bona fide securities
exchanges or actively traded on OTC markets. These exchanges or OTC markets may
be either within or outside the issuer's domicile country, and the securities
may be listed or traded in the form of International Depository Receipts or
American Depository Receipts.
The Emerging Markets Series will seek a broad market coverage of larger
companies within each Approved Market. The Master Fund will attempt to own
shares of companies whose aggregate overall share of the Approved Market's total
public market capitalization is at least in the upper 40% of such
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capitalization, and can be as large as 75%. The Master Fund may limit the market
coverage in the smaller emerging markets in order to limit purchases of small
market capitalization companies.
The Emerging Markets Series may not invest in all such companies or Approved
Markets or achieve approximate market weights, for reasons that include
constraints imposed within Approved Markets, restrictions on purchases by
foreigners, and the Master Fund's policy not to invest more than 25% of its
assets in any one industry.
Under normal market conditions, the Emerging Markets Series will invest at
least 65% of its assets in Approved Market securities. Approved Market
securities are defined to be: (1) securities of companies organized in a country
in an Approved Market or for which the principal trading market is in an
Approved Market, (2) securities issued or guaranteed by the government of an
Approved Market country, its agencies or instrumentalities, or the central bank
of such country, (3) securities denominated in an Approved Market currency
issued by companies to finance operations in Approved Markets, (4) securities of
companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues primarily from either goods
or services produced in Approved Markets or sales made in Approved Markets and
(5) Approved Markets equity securities in the form of depository shares.
Securities of Approved Markets may include securities of companies that have
characteristics and business relationships common to companies in other
countries. As a result, the value of the securities of such companies may
reflect economic and market forces in such other countries as well as in the
Approved Markets. The Advisor, however, will select only those companies which,
in its view, have sufficiently strong exposure to economic and market forces in
Approved Markets such that their value will tend to reflect developments in
Approved Markets to a greater extent than developments in other regions. For
example, the Advisor may invest in companies organized and located in the United
States or other countries outside of Approved Markets, including companies
having their entire production facilities outside of Approved Markets, when such
companies meet the definition of Approved Markets securities so long as the
Advisor believes at the time of investment that the value of the company's
securities will reflect principally conditions in Approved Markets.
The Advisor defines the term "emerging market" to mean a country which is
considered to be an emerging market by the International Finance Corporation.
Approved Markets may not include all such emerging markets. In determining
whether to approve markets for investment, the Advisor will take into account,
among other things, market liquidity, relative availability of investor
information, government regulation, including fiscal and foreign exchange
repatriation rules and the availability of other access to these markets for the
Emerging Markets Series.
As of the date of this Prospectus, the following countries are designated as
Approved Markets: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel,
Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Republic of China (Taiwan),
Thailand and Turkey. Countries that may be approved in the future include, but
are not limited to, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Jordan, Republic of South
Africa, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
The Emerging Markets Series may invest up to 35% of its assets in securities
of issuers that are not Approved Markets securities, but whose issuers the
Advisor believes derive a substantial proportion, but not less than 50%, of
their total revenues from either goods and services produced in, or sales made
in, Approved Markets.
The Emerging Markets Series also may invest up to 10% of its total assets in
shares of other investment companies that invest in one or more Approved
Markets, although it intends to do so only where access to those markets is
otherwise significantly limited. In some Approved Markets, it will be necessary
or advisable for the Emerging Markets Series to establish a wholly owned
subsidiary or a trust for the purpose of investing in the local markets.
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PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION
The Emerging Markets Series' policy of seeking broad market diversification
means that the Advisor will not utilize "fundamental" securities research
techniques in identifying securities selections. The decision to include or
exclude the shares of an issuer will be made primarily on the basis of such
issuer's relative market capitalization determined by reference to other
companies located in the same country. Company size is measured in terms of
reference to other companies located in the same country and in terms of local
currencies in order to eliminate the effect of variations in currency exchange
rates.
Even though a company's stock may meet the applicable market capitalization
criterion for the Master Fund's criterion for investment, it may not be included
for one or more reasons. For example, in the Advisor's judgment, the issuer may
be considered in extreme financial difficulty, a material portion of its
securities may be closely held and not likely available to support market
liquidity, or the issuer may be a "passive foreign investment company" (as
defined in the Code). To this extent, the Advisor will exercise discretion and
consideration which would not be present in the management of a portfolio
seeking to represent an established index of broadly traded domestic securities
(such as the S&P 500-Registered Trademark- Index). The Advisor will also
exercise discretion in determining the allocation of investments between
Approved Markets.
It is management's belief that equity investments offer, over a long term, a
prudent opportunity for capital appreciation, but, at the same time, selecting a
limited number of such issues for inclusion in a Master Fund involves greater
risk than including a large number of them.
FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIOS
DFA ONE-YEAR FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO K
The investment objective of DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio K is to
achieve a stable real return in excess of the rate of inflation with a minimum
of risk. The DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio K invests all of its assets in
the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Series of the Trust (the "One-Year Fixed Income
Series"), which has the same investment objective and policies as the Portfolio.
The One-Year Fixed Income Series will invest in U.S. government obligations,
U.S. government agency obligations, dollar-denominated obligations of foreign
issuers issued in the United States, bank obligations, including U.S.
subsidiaries and branches of foreign banks, corporate obligations, commercial
paper, repurchase agreements and obligations of supranational organizations.
Generally, the Master Fund will acquire obligations which mature within one year
from the date of settlement, but substantial investments may be made in
obligations maturing within two years from the date of settlement when greater
returns are available. It is the Master Fund's policy that the weighted average
length of maturity of investments will not exceed one year. The Master Fund
principally invests in certificates of deposit, commercial paper, bankers'
acceptances, notes and bonds. The Master Fund will concentrate its investments
in obligations of U.S. and foreign banks and bank holding companies if
particular conditions occur (see "Investments in the Banking Industry").
DFA TWO-YEAR GLOBAL FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO K
The investment objective of DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio K is
to maximize total returns consistent with preservation of capital. The DFA
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Portfolio K invests all of its assets in the DFA
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series of the Trust (the "Two-Year Global Fixed
Income Series"). The Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series will have the same
investment objective and policies as the Portfolio. The Two-Year Global Fixed
Income Series will invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. and
foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt
obligations, bank obligations, commercial paper, repurchase agreements,
obligations of other domestic and foreign issuers having quality ratings meeting
the minimum standards described in "Description of Investments," securities of
domestic or foreign issuers denominated in U.S. dollars but not trading in the
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United States, and obligations of supranational organizations, such as the World
Bank, the European Investment Bank, European Economic Community and European
Coal and Steel Community. At the present time, the Advisor expects that most
investments will be made in the obligations of issuers which are in developed
countries, such as those countries which are members of the Organization of
Economic Cooperation and Development. However, in the future, the Advisor
anticipates investing in issuers located in other countries as well. Under
normal market conditions, the Master Fund will invest at least 65% of the value
of its assets in issuers organized or having a majority of their assets in, or
deriving a majority of their operating income in, at least three different
countries, one of which may be the United States.
The Master Fund will acquire obligations which mature within two years from
the date of settlement. Because many of the Master Fund's investments will be
denominated in foreign currencies, the Master Fund will also enter into forward
foreign currency contracts solely for the purpose of hedging against
fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Master Fund will concentrate its
investments in obligations of U.S. and foreign banks and bank holding companies
if particular conditions occur (see "Investments in the Banking Industry").
DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENTS
The following is a description of the categories of investments that may be
acquired by the One-Year Fixed Income and Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series
(collectively, the "Fixed Income Master Funds").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERMISSIBLE CATEGORIES:
-----------------------
<S> <C>
One-Year Fixed Income Series................................ 1-6, 8
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series......................... 1-10
</TABLE>
1. U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury
that are direct obligations of the U.S. government, including bills, notes
and bonds.
2. U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS--Issued or guaranteed by U.S.
government-sponsored instrumentalities and federal agencies, including
Fannie Mae, Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Housing Administration.
3. CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS--Nonconvertible corporate debt securities (e.g.,
bonds and debentures that are issued by companies whose commercial paper is
rated Prime-1 by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") or A-l by S&P
and dollar-denominated obligations of foreign issuers issued in the United
States. If the issuer's commercial paper is unrated, then the debt security
must be rated at least AA by S&P or Aa2 by Moody's. If there is neither a
commercial paper rating nor a rating of the debt security, then the Advisor
must determine that the debt security is of comparable quality to equivalent
issues of the same issuer rated at least AA or Aa2.
4. BANK OBLIGATIONS--Obligations of U.S. banks and savings and loan
associations and dollar-denominated obligations of U.S. subsidiaries and
branches of foreign banks, such as certificates of deposit (including
marketable variable rate certificates of deposit) and bankers' acceptances.
Bank certificates of deposit will only be acquired from banks having assets
in excess of $1,000,000,000.
5. COMMERCIAL PAPER--Rated, at the time of purchase, A-l or better by S&P or
Prime-1 by Moody's, or, if not rated, issued by a corporation having an
outstanding unsecured debt issue rated Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P, and
having a maximum maturity of nine months.
6. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--Instruments through which the Fixed Income Master
Funds purchase securities ("underlying securities") from a bank, or a
registered U.S. government securities dealer, with an agreement by the
seller to repurchase the underlying securities at an agreed price, plus
interest at a specified rate. The underlying securities will be limited to
U.S. government and agency obligations described in (1) and (2) above. A
Fixed Income Master Fund will not enter into a repurchase agreement with a
duration of more than seven days if, as a result, more than 10% of the value
of such
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Master Fund's total assets would be so invested. The Master Funds will also
only invest in repurchase agreements with a bank if the bank has at least
$1,000,000,000 in assets and is approved by the Investment Committee of the
Advisor. The Advisor will monitor the market value of the underlying
securities plus any accrued interest thereon so that they will at least
equal the repurchase price.
7. FOREIGN GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS--Bills, notes, bonds and other
debt securities issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, or their
agencies and instrumentalities.
8. SUPRANATIONAL ORGANIZATION OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities of supranational
organizations, such as the European Coal and Steel Community, the European
Economic Community and the World Bank, which are chartered to promote
economic development.
9. FOREIGN ISSUER OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities of non-U.S. issuers rated AA or
better by S&P or Aa2 or better by Moody's.
10. EURODOLLAR OBLIGATIONS--Debt securities of domestic or foreign issuers
denominated in U.S. dollars but not trading in the United States.
The categories of investments that may be acquired by the Fixed Income
Master Funds may include both fixed and floating rate securities. Floating rate
securities bear interest at rates that vary with prevailing market rates.
Interest rate adjustments are made periodically (e.g., every six months),
usually based on a money market index such as the London Interbank Offered Rate
(LIBOR) or the Treasury bill rate.
INVESTMENTS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY
The Fixed Income Master Funds will invest more than 25% of their respective
total assets in obligations of U.S. and foreign banks and bank holding companies
when the yield to maturity on these investments exceeds the yield to maturity on
all other eligible portfolio investments for a period of five consecutive days
when the NYSE is open for trading. The Portfolios that invest in the Fixed
Income Master Funds, the DFA One-Year Fixed Income Portfolio K and DFA Two-Year
Global Fixed Income Portfolio K, each have the same policy. This policy can only
be changed by a vote of shareholders. Investments in the Fixed Income Master
Funds will not be considered investments in the banking industry so that a
Portfolio may invest all or substantially all of its assets in its respective
Master Fund. When investment in such obligations exceeds 25% of the total net
assets of any of the Fixed Income Master Funds, such Master Fund will be
considered to be concentrating its investments in the banking industry. As of
the date of this prospectus, each of the One-Year Fixed Income Series and the
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series is concentrating its investments in the
banking industry.
The types of bank and bank holding company obligations in which the Fixed
Income Master Funds may invest include: dollar-denominated certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances, commercial paper and other debt obligations
issued in the United States and which mature within two years of the date of
settlement, provided such obligations meet each Master Fund's established credit
rating criteria as stated under "Description of Investments." In addition, the
Fixed Income Master Funds are authorized to invest more than 25% of their total
assets in Treasury bonds, bills and notes and obligations of federal agencies
and instrumentalities.
PORTFOLIO STRATEGY
The Fixed Income Master Funds will be managed with a view to capturing
credit risk premiums and term or maturity premiums. The term "credit risk
premium" means the anticipated incremental return on investment for holding
obligations considered to have greater credit risk than direct obligations of
the U.S. Treasury, and "maturity risk premium" means the anticipated incremental
return on investment for holding securities having maturities of longer than one
month compared to securities having a maturity of one month. The Advisor
believes that credit risk premiums are available largely through investment in
high
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grade commercial paper, certificates of deposit and corporate obligations. The
holding period for assets of the Fixed Income Master Funds will be chosen with a
view to maximizing anticipated returns, net of trading costs.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fixed Income Master Funds are expected to have high portfolio turnover
rates due to the relatively short maturities of the securities to be acquired.
The rate of portfolio turnover will depend upon market and other conditions; it
will not be a limiting factor when management believes that portfolio changes
are appropriate. While the Fixed Income Master Funds acquire securities in
principal transactions and, therefore, do not pay brokerage commissions, the
spread between the bid and asked prices of a security may be considered to be a
"cost" of trading. Such costs ordinarily increase with trading activity.
However, as stated above, securities ordinarily will be sold when, in the
Advisor's judgment, the monthly return of either Fixed Income Master Fund will
be increased as a result of portfolio transactions after taking into account the
cost of trading. It is anticipated that securities will be acquired in the
secondary markets for short-term instruments.
The Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series engages in frequent trading of
portfolio securities. A high portfolio turnover rate may have negative tax
consequences to shareholders and may result in increased trading costs.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--EQUITY PORTFOLIOS
With respect to the Master Funds in which the Domestic and International
Equity Portfolios invest, investments will generally be made in eligible
securities on a market capitalization weighted basis. Securities will not be
purchased or sold based on the prospects for the economy, the securities markets
or the individual issuers whose shares are eligible for purchase. Securities
that have depreciated in value since their acquisition will not be sold solely
because prospects for the issuer are not considered attractive or due to an
expected or realized decline in securities prices in general. Securities will
not be sold to realize short-term profits, but when circumstances warrant, they
may be sold without regard to the length of time held. Securities, including
those eligible for purchase, may be disposed of, however, at any time when, in
the Advisor's judgment, circumstances warrant their sale, including but not
limited to, tender offers, mergers and similar transactions, or bids made for
block purchases at opportune prices. Generally, securities will be purchased
with the expectation that they will be held for longer than one year and will be
held until such time as they are no longer considered appropriate holdings in
light of the investment policy of each Portfolio.
SECURITIES LOANS
All of the Master Funds are authorized to lend securities to qualified
brokers, dealers, banks and other financial institutions for the purpose of
earning additional income. While a Master Fund may earn additional income from
lending securities, such activity is incidental to the investment objective of
the Master Fund. The value of securities loaned may not exceed 33% of the value
of a Master Fund's total assets. In connection with such loans, a Master Fund
will receive collateral consisting of cash or U.S. government securities, which
will be maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the loaned securities. In addition, the Master Funds
will be able to terminate the loan at any time and will receive reasonable
interest on the loan, as well as amounts equal to any dividends, interest or
other distributions on the loaned securities. In the event of the bankruptcy of
the borrower, the Fund or the Trust could experience delay in recovering the
loaned securities. Management believes that this risk can be controlled through
careful monitoring procedures. While the Portfolios are also authorized to lend
portfolio securities, as long as the Portfolios only hold shares of their
corresponding Master Funds, the Portfolios do not intend to lend those shares.
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DEVIATION FROM MARKET CAPITALIZATION WEIGHTING
The portfolio structures of the Large Cap Value, 4-10 Value, U.S. Small
Company and International Value Series involve market capitalization weighting.
That is, their investment portfolios are market capitalization weighted.
Deviation from strict market capitalization weighting may occur for several
reasons. The Advisor may exclude the stock of a company that meets applicable
market capitalization criterion if the Advisor determines in its best judgment
that the purchase of such stock is inappropriate given other conditions.
Deviation also will occur because the Advisor intends to purchase securities in
round lots only. Furthermore, the Advisor may reduce the relative amount of any
security held from the level of strict adherence to market capitalization
weighting, in order to retain sufficient portfolio liquidity. A portion, but
generally not in excess of 20% of a Master Fund's assets, may be invested in
interest bearing obligations, such as money market instruments, thereby causing
further deviation from strict market capitalization weighting. With regard to
the U.S. Small Company Series, a further deviation may occur due to investments
in privately placed convertible debentures.
Block purchases of eligible securities may be made at opportune prices even
though such purchases exceed the number of shares which, at the time of
purchase, strict adherence to the policy of market capitalization weighting
would otherwise require. (The 4-10 Value Series may limit purchases of common
stocks in the 9th and 10th deciles to those times when it is advantageous to do
so.) In addition, securities eligible for purchase or otherwise represented in a
portfolio may be acquired in exchange for the issuance of shares. (See "PURCHASE
OF SHARES--In Kind Purchases.") While such transactions might cause a temporary
deviation from market capitalization weighting, they would ordinarily be made in
anticipation of further growth of assets.
Changes in the composition and relative ranking (in terms of market
capitalization) of the stocks which are eligible for purchase take place with
every trade when the securities markets are open for trading due, primarily, to
price fluctuations of such securities. On at least a semi-annual basis, the
Advisor will prepare lists of companies whose stock is eligible for investment
by each Master Fund. Additional investments generally will not be made in
securities which have changed in value sufficiently to be excluded from the
Advisor's then current market capitalization requirement for eligible portfolio
securities. This may result in further deviation from strict market
capitalization weighting. Such deviation could be substantial if a significant
amount of a portfolio's holdings change in value sufficiently to be excluded
from the requirement for eligible securities, but not by a sufficient amount to
warrant their sale.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
The Advisor serves as investment advisor to each Master Fund. As such, the
Advisor is responsible for the management of each Master Fund's assets.
Investment decisions for the Master Funds are made by the Investment Committee
of the Advisor, which meets on a regular basis and also as needed to consider
investment issues. The Investment Committee is composed of certain officers and
directors of the Advisor who are elected annually. The Advisor provides the
Master Funds with a trading department and selects brokers and dealers to effect
securities transactions. Securities transactions are placed with a view to
obtaining best price and execution. The Advisor is authorized to pay a higher
commission to a broker, dealer or exchange member than another such organization
may charge if it determines, in good faith, that the commission paid is
reasonable in relation to the research or brokerage services provided by such
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organization. For the fiscal year ended November 30, 1999, each Master Fund paid
advisory fees, as a percentage of its average net assets, as set forth below:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
U.S. Large Company Series................................... 0.025%
U.S. Large Cap Value Series................................. 0.10%
U.S. 4-10 Value Series...................................... 0.10%
U.S. 6-10 Small Company Series.............................. 0.03%
International Value Series.................................. 0.20%
Emerging Markets Series..................................... 0.10%
One-Year Fixed Income Series................................ 0.05%
Two-Year Global Fixed Income Series......................... 0.05%
</TABLE>
The Portfolios and Master Funds bear all of their own costs and expenses,
including: services of their independent accountants, legal counsel, brokerage
fees, commissions and transfer taxes in connection with the acquisition and
disposition of portfolio securities, taxes, insurance premiums, costs incidental
to meetings of their shareholders and directors or trustees, the cost of filing
their registration statements under the federal securities laws and the cost of
any filings required under state securities laws, reports to shareholders, and
transfer and dividend disbursing agency, administrative services and custodian
fees. Expenses allocable to a particular Portfolio or Master Fund are so
allocated. The expenses of the Fund that are not allocable to a particular
Portfolio are to be borne by each Portfolio of the Fund on the basis of its
relative net assets. Similarly, the expenses of the Trust that are not allocable
to a particular Master Fund are to be borne by each Master Fund on the basis of
its relative net assets.
The Advisor was organized in May 1981 and is engaged in the business of
providing investment management services to institutional investors. Assets
under management total approximately $34 billion. The Advisor owns 100% of the
outstanding shares of Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd. ("DFAL") and beneficially
owns 100% of DFA Australia Limited ("DFA Australia").
CONSULTING SERVICES--DFA INTERNATIONAL VALUE MASTER FUND AND EMERGING MARKETS
MASTER FUND
The Advisor has entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with DFAL and
DFA Australia, respectively. Pursuant to the terms of each Consulting Services
Agreement, DFAL and DFA Australia provide certain trading and administrative
services to the Advisor with respect to DFA International Value and Emerging
Markets Series.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
On behalf of each Portfolio, the Advisor enters into agreements with service
agents to provide shareholder servicing, recordkeeping, account maintenance and
other services to 401(k) plan shareholders and their plan participants. From the
administration fee it receives from each Portfolio, the Advisor pays such
service agents in an amount up to 0.25% of each Portfolio's average net assets.
DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The policy of the U.S. 4-10 Value Portfolio K, U.S. 6-10 Small Company
Portfolio K and Emerging Markets Portfolio K is to distribute substantially all
of their net investment income, together with any net realized capital gains, in
December of each year. Dividends from net investment income of U.S. Large
Company Portfolio K, U.S. Large Cap Value Portfolio K and DFA International
Value Portfolio K are distributed quarterly, and any net realized capital gains
are distributed annually after November 30. Net investment income, which is
accrued daily, will be distributed monthly (except for January) by DFA One-Year
Fixed Income Portfolio K, and quarterly by DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income
Portfolio K. Any net realized capital gains of the Fixed Income Portfolios will
be distributed annually after the end of the fiscal year.
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<PAGE>
Shareholders of each Portfolio will automatically receive all income
dividends and capital gains distributions in additional shares of the Portfolio
whose shares they hold at net asset value (as of the business date following the
dividend record date).
Dividends and distributions paid to a 401(k) plan accumulate free of federal
income taxes. In addition, the sale or redemption by a 401(k) plan of a
Portfolio's shares will not be subject to federal income taxes.
A Portfolio is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains
distributions and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not complied with
IRS taxpayer identification regulations. You may avoid this withholding
requirement by certifying on the account registration form your proper Taxpayer
Identification Number and by certifying that you are not subject to backup
withholding.
The tax discussion set forth above is included for general information only.
Prospective investors should consult the statement of additional information.
Prospective investors should also consult their own tax advisers concerning the
federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences of an investment in a
Portfolio.
ELECTRONIC SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION AND TRANSACTIONS
The Portfolios are sold only to 401(k) plans and other similar retirement
plans. In order to keep costs to the Fund to a minimum, a 401(k) plan sponsor or
its agent, when opening an account, must consent to the acceptance of all
shareholder information about the Portfolios in which the 401(k) plan invests
through e-mail and access to the Portfolios' website at www.dfafunds.com. The
401(k) plan sponsor or its agent will be notified when a prospectus amendment or
annual or semi-annual report has been made available on the Portfolios' website.
Confirmations and monthly statements will initially be delivered on paper but
may, in the future, be delivered electronically.
The Portfolios may choose to deliver paper versions of shareholder
information in certain circumstances at no extra cost to the plan. Currently,
the SEC requires an investor in the Portfolios be offered the opportunity to
revoke its consent to receive shareholder information (including prospectuses
and annual and semi-annual reports) electronically. In order to revoke a prior
consent, a 401(k) plan sponsor may call the Fund collect at (310) 395-8005, or
write to the Fund at Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc., 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th
Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90401. After consent is revoked, the Fund will send the
401(k) plan a set of paper documents at no charge. If the SEC allows
shareholders who have revoked their consent to be charged for paper delivery of
shareholder information, the Fund may notify 401(k) plan sponsors or their
agents that the Fund will charge a plan that has revoked its consent a fee of up
to $15 per year, per set of copies delivered, to cover the costs of printing,
shipping and handling paper versions of shareholder information available on the
Portfolios' website.
The Portfolios' website address is www.dfafunds.com. The current prospectus
and recent shareholder reports of the Portfolios will be readily available for
viewing and printing on the website.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
401(k) PLAN PARTICIPANT PURCHASE PROCEDURES
Shares of the Portfolios are sold only to 401(k) plans and other similar
retirement plans. Provided that shares of the Portfolios are available under an
employer's 401(k) plan, shares may be purchased by following the procedures
adopted by the respective employer and approved by Fund management for making
investments. Investors who are considering an investment in the Portfolios
should contact their employer for details. The Fund does not impose a minimum
purchase requirement, but investors should determine whether their employer's
plan imposes a minimum transaction requirement.
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<PAGE>
401(k) PLAN PURCHASE PROCEDURES
A 401(k) plan may purchase shares of any Portfolio by having its service
provider contact the Advisor at (310) 395-8005 to notify the Advisor of the
proposed investment. All investments by 401(k) plans are subject to approval of
the Advisor, and a 401(k) plan's service provider must complete and submit the
necessary account registration forms in good order. The Fund reserves the right
to reject any initial or additional investment by a 401(k) plan and to suspend
the offering of shares of any Portfolio to any 401(k) plan.
"Good order" with respect to the purchase of shares means that (1) a fully
completed and properly signed account registration form and any additional
supporting legal documentation required by the Advisor has been received in
legible form and (2) the Advisor has been notified of the purchase by telephone
and, if the Advisor so requests, also in writing, no later than the close of
regular trading on the NYSE (ordinarily 1:00 p.m. PST) on the day of the
purchase. If an order to purchase shares must be canceled due to nonpayment, the
401(k) plan or its agent will be responsible for any loss incurred by the Fund
arising out of such cancellation. To recover any such loss, the Fund reserves
the right to redeem shares owned by any 401(k) plan whose order is canceled, and
such 401(k) plan may be prohibited or restricted in the manner of placing
further orders.
A 401(k) plan's service provider or other designee having an account with a
bank that is a member or a correspondent of a member of the Federal Reserve
System, after having informed the Advisor of the proposed investment by
telephone as described above, should then request the bank to transmit
immediately available funds (Federal Funds) by wire to PNC Bank, N.A. for the
account of Dimensional Investment Group Inc. (specify Portfolio). Additional
investments also may be made through the wire procedure by first notifying the
Advisor.
Payment of the total amount due should be made in U.S. dollars. Subject to
approval by the Advisor, payment may be made in any freely convertible currency
and the necessary foreign exchange transactions will be arranged on behalf of,
and at the expense of, the applicant. Applicants settling in any currency other
than U.S. dollars are advised that a delay in processing a purchase or
redemption may occur to allow for currency conversion.
401(k) plans that are clients of investment advisory organizations may also
be subject to investment advisory fees under their own arrangements with such
organizations.
Purchases of shares will be made in full and fractional shares calculated to
three decimal places. In the interest of economy and convenience, certificates
for shares will not be issued.
IN-KIND PURCHASES
If accepted by the Fund, shares of the Portfolios may be purchased in
exchange for securities which are eligible for acquisition by the corresponding
Master Funds or otherwise represented in their portfolios as described in this
prospectus or in exchange for local currencies in which such securities of the
DFA International Value Series, Emerging Markets Series and DFA Two-Year Global
Fixed Income Series are denominated. Purchases in exchange for securities will
not be subject to a reimbursement fee. Securities and local currencies to be
exchanged which are accepted by the Fund and Portfolio shares to be issued
therefore will be valued as set forth under "VALUATION OF SHARES" at the time of
the next determination of net asset value after such acceptance. All dividends,
interest, subscription, or other rights pertaining to such securities shall
become the property of the Portfolio whose shares are being acquired and must be
delivered to the Fund by the investor upon receipt from the issuer. Investors
who desire to purchase shares of the DFA International Value K, Emerging Markets
K or DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income K Portfolios with local currencies should
first contact the Advisor for wire instructions.
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<PAGE>
The Fund will not accept securities in exchange for shares of a Portfolio
unless: (1) such securities are, at the time of the exchange, eligible to be
included, or otherwise represented, in the Master Fund in which the Portfolio
invests and current market quotations are readily available for such securities;
(2) the investor represents and agrees that all securities offered to be
exchanged are not subject to any restrictions upon their sale by the Master Fund
under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the laws of the country in which the
principal market for such securities exists, or otherwise; and (3) at the
discretion of the Fund, the value of any such security (except U.S. Government
securities) being exchanged together with other securities of the same issuer
owned by the Master Fund may not exceed 5% of the net assets of the Master Fund
immediately after the transaction. The Fund will accept such securities for
investment and not for resale.
A gain or loss for federal income tax purposes will generally be realized by
investors who are subject to federal taxation upon the exchange depending upon
the cost of the securities or local currency exchanged. Investors interested in
such exchanges should contact the Advisor.
VALUATION OF SHARES
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Portfolio and corresponding Master
Fund is calculated as of the close of the NYSE by dividing the total market
value of the respective Portfolio's or Master Fund's investments and other
assets, less any liabilities, by the total outstanding shares of the stock of
the respective Portfolio or Master Fund. The value of the shares of each
Portfolio will fluctuate in relation to the investment experience of the Master
Fund in which such Portfolio invests. Securities held by the Master Funds which
are listed on a securities exchange and for which market quotations are
available are valued at the last quoted sale price of the day or, if there is no
such reported sale, the Master Funds, except for the Fixed Income Master Funds,
value such securities at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and asked
prices. Price information on listed securities is taken from the exchange where
the security is primarily traded. Securities issued by open-end investment
companies, such as the Master Funds, are valued using their respective net asset
values for purchase orders placed at the close of the NYSE. Unlisted securities
for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the mean between
the most recent bid and asked prices. The value of other assets and securities
for which no quotations are readily available (including restricted securities)
are determined in good faith at fair value in accordance with procedures adopted
by the Board of Trustees. The net asset values per share of the DFA
International Value Series, Emerging Markets Series and Two-Year Global Fixed
Income Series are expressed in U.S. dollars by translating the net assets of
each Master Fund using the mean between the most recent bid and asked prices for
the dollar as quoted by generally recognized reliable sources.
The value of the shares of the Fixed Income Master Funds will tend to
fluctuate with interest rates because, among other factors, unlike money market
funds, the Fixed Income Master Funds do not seek to stabilize the value of their
respective shares by use of the "amortized cost" method of asset valuation. In
addition, changes in the creditworthiness of an issuer may affect the value of
its debt and thus, a Fixed Income Master Fund's net asset value. Net asset value
includes interest on fixed income securities which is accrued daily. Securities
which are traded OTC and on a stock exchange will be valued according to the
broadest and most representative market, and it is expected that for bonds and
other fixed income securities this ordinarily will be the OTC market. Securities
held by the Fixed Income Master Funds may be valued on the basis of prices
provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the
current market value of such securities. Other assets and securities for which
quotations are not readily available will be valued in good faith at fair value
using methods determined by the Board of Trustees.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is completed each day at
various times prior to the close of the NYSE. The values of foreign securities
held by those Master Funds that invest in such securities are determined as of
such times for the purpose of computing the net asset values of the Master Funds
and their corresponding Portfolios. If events which materially affect the value
of the investments of
26
<PAGE>
a Master Fund occur subsequent to the close of the securities market on which
such securities are primarily traded, the investments affected thereby will be
valued at "fair value" as described above. Since the International Value Series
and Emerging Markets Series own securities that are primarily listed on foreign
exchanges which may trade on days when the Master Funds and Portfolios do not
price their shares, the net asset values of the DFA International Value
Portfolio and Emerging Markets Portfolio may change on days when shareholders
will not be able to purchase or redeem shares.
Certain of the securities holdings of the Emerging Markets Series in
Approved Markets may be subject to tax, investment and currency repatriation
regulations of the Approved Markets that could have a material effect on the
valuation of the securities. For example, the Emerging Markets Series might be
subject to different levels of taxation on current income and realized gains
depending upon the holding period of the securities. In general, a longer
holding period (e.g., 5 years) may result in the imposition of lower tax rates
than a shorter holding period (e.g., 1 year). The Master Fund may also be
subject to certain contractual arrangements with investment authorities in an
Approved Market which require the Master Fund to maintain minimum holding
periods or to limit the extent of repatriation of income and realized gains. As
a result, the valuation of particular securities at any one time may depend
materially upon the assumptions that the Master Fund makes at that time
concerning the anticipated holding period for the securities. Absent special
circumstances as determined by the Board of Trustees of the Master Fund, it is
presently intended that the valuation of such securities will be based upon the
assumption that they will be held for at least the amount of time necessary to
avoid higher tax rates or penalties and currency repatriation restrictions.
However, the use of such valuation standards will not prevent the Master Fund
from selling such securities in a shorter period of time if the Advisor
considers the earlier sale to be a more prudent course of action. Revision in
valuation of those securities will be made at the time of the transaction to
reflect the actual sales proceeds inuring to the Master Fund.
Futures contracts are valued using the settlement price established each day
on the exchange on which they are traded. The value of such futures contracts
held by a Master Fund is determined each day as of such close.
PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE
Provided that PFPC Inc., the Fund's transfer agent, or the service agent
designated under a 401(k) plan has received the investor's instructions in good
order and the custodian has received the investor's payment, shares of the
Portfolio selected will be priced at the public offering price calculated next
after receipt of the investor's funds by the custodian. If an order to purchase
shares must be canceled due to nonpayment, the purchaser will be responsible for
any loss incurred by the Fund arising out of such cancellation. To recover any
such loss, the Fund reserves the right to redeem shares owned by any purchaser
whose order is canceled, and such purchaser may be prohibited or restricted in
the manner of placing further orders.
It is management's belief that payment of a reimbursement fee by each
investor, which is used to defray significant costs associated with investing
proceeds of the sale of their shares to such investors, will eliminate a
dilutive effect such costs would otherwise have on the net asset value of shares
held by previous investors. Therefore, the shares of the Emerging Markets
Portfolio K are sold at an offering price which is equal to the current net
asset value of such shares plus a reimbursement fee. The amount of the
reimbursement fee represents management's estimate of the costs reasonably
anticipated to be associated with the purchase of securities by the Emerging
Markets Portfolio K and is paid to the Portfolio and used by it to defray such
costs. Such costs include brokerage commissions on listed securities and imputed
commissions on OTC securities. Reinvestments of dividends and capital gains
distributions paid by the Portfolio and in-kind investments are not subject to a
reimbursement fee. (See "PURCHASE OF SHARES--In-Kind Purchases" and "DIVIDENDS,
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.") The Emerging Markets Master Fund
charges a reimbursement fee equal to that charged by the Portfolio.
27
<PAGE>
The public offering price of shares of the other Portfolios described in
this prospectus is the net asset value thereof next determined after the receipt
of the investor's funds by the custodian, provided that the service agent has
received appropriate instruction in the form required by such service agent; no
sales charge or reimbursement fee is imposed.
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
Provided such transactions are permitted under an employer's 401(k) plan,
plan participants may exchange shares of one Portfolio described in this
prospectus for shares in one or more of the other Portfolios described in this
prospectus by completing the necessary documentation as required by the service
agent designated under the employer's plan and the Advisor. Please contact your
employer or the service agent of your plan for further information.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
401(k) PLAN PARTICIPANT REDEMPTION PROCEDURE
A participant in a 401(k) plan who desires to redeem shares of a Portfolio
must furnish a redemption request to the service agent designated under the
401(k) plan in the form required by such service agent. The service agent will
adopt procedures approved by Fund management for transmitting redemption orders.
401(k) PLAN REDEMPTION PROCEDURE
A 401(k) plan that desires to redeem shares of a Portfolio must furnish a
redemption request to the Fund. Each Portfolio will redeem shares at the net
asset value of such shares next determined after receipt of a written request in
good order by PFPC Inc. "Good order" means that the request to redeem shares
must include all necessary documentation, to be received in writing by the
Advisor no later than the close of regular trading on the NYSE (ordinarily 1:00
p.m. PST), including but not limited to: a letter of instruction or a stock
assignment specifying the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed,
signed by all registered owners (or authorized representatives thereof) of the
shares; and, if the Fund does not have on file the authorized signatures for the
account, proof of authority and a guarantee of the signature of each registered
owner by an eligible guarantor institution; and any other required supporting
legal documents. A signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or
trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency or savings association who are
participants in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer
Association. The three recognized medallion programs are Securities Transfer
Agents Medallion (STAMP), Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP) and New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP). Signature guarantees
which are not a part of these programs will not be accepted.
A 401(k) plan redeeming shares for which certificates have not been issued,
who have authorized redemption payment by wire in writing, may request that
redemption proceeds be paid in federal funds wired to the bank they have
designated in writing. The Fund reserves the right to send redemption proceeds
by check in its discretion; a 401(k) plan may request overnight delivery of such
check at the plan's own expense. If the proceeds are wired to the plan's account
at a bank which is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, there could be a
delay in crediting the funds to the plan's bank account. The Fund reserves the
right at any time to suspend or terminate the redemption by wire procedure after
prior notification to shareholders. No fee is charged for redemptions.
Although the redemption payments will ordinarily be made within seven days
after receipt, payment to investors redeeming shares which were purchased by
check will not be made until the Fund can verify that the payments for the
purchase have been, or will be, collected, which may take up to fifteen days or
more. Investors may avoid this delay by submitting a certified check along with
the purchase order.
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IN-KIND REDEMPTIONS
When in the best interests of a Portfolio, the Portfolio may make a
redemption payment, in whole or in part, by a distribution of portfolio
securities that the Portfolio receives from the Master Fund in lieu of cash.
Investors may incur brokerage charges and other transaction costs selling
securities that were received in payment of redemptions. The DFA International
Value Portfolio K, Emerging Markets Portfolio K and DFA Two-Year Global Fixed
Income Portfolio K reserve the right to redeem their shares in the currencies in
which their corresponding Master Funds' investments are denominated. Investors
may incur brokerage charges and other transaction costs selling securities and
converting currencies which were received in payment of redemptions. Also, the
value of the securities may be affected by currency exchange fluctuations.
THE MASTER-FEEDER STRUCTURE
Other institutional investors, including other mutual funds, may invest in
each Master Fund, and the expenses of such other funds and, correspondingly,
their returns may differ from those of the Portfolios. Please contact The DFA
Investment Trust Company at 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor, Santa Monica, CA
90401, (310) 395-8005 for information about the availability of investing in a
Master Fund other than through a Portfolio.
The aggregate amount of expenses for a Portfolio and the corresponding
Master Fund may be greater than it would be if the Portfolio were to invest
directly in the securities held by the corresponding Master Fund. However, the
total expense ratios for the Portfolios and the Master Funds are expected to be
less over time than such ratios would be if the Portfolios were to invest
directly in the underlying securities. This arrangement enables various
institutional investors, including the Portfolios, to pool their assets, which
may be expected to result in economies by spreading certain fixed costs over a
larger asset base. Each shareholder in a Master Fund, including a Portfolio,
will pay its proportionate share of the expenses of that Master Fund.
The shares of the Master Funds will be offered to institutional investors
for the purpose of increasing the funds available for investment, to reduce
expenses as a percentage of total assets and to achieve other economies that
might be available at higher asset levels. Investment in a Master Fund by other
institutional investors offers potential benefits to the Master Funds, and
through their investment in the Master Funds, the Portfolios also. However, such
economies and expense reductions might not be achieved, and additional
investment opportunities, such as increased diversification, might not be
available if other institutions do not invest in the Master Funds. Also, if an
institutional investor were to redeem its interest in a Master Fund, the
remaining investors in that Master Fund could experience higher pro rata
operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns, and the Master Fund's
security holdings may become less diverse, resulting in increased risk.
Institutional investors that have a greater pro rata ownership interest in a
Master Fund than the corresponding Portfolio could have effective voting control
over the operation of the Master Fund.
If the Board of Directors of the Fund determines that it is in the best
interest of a Portfolio, the Portfolio may withdraw its investment in a Master
Fund at any time. Upon any such withdrawal, the Board would consider what action
the Portfolio might take, including either seeking to invest its assets in
another registered investment company with the same investment objective as the
Portfolio, which might not be possible, or retaining an investment advisor to
manage the Portfolio's assets in accordance with its own investment objective,
possibly at increased cost. Shareholders of a Portfolio will receive written
notice thirty days prior to the effective date of any change in the investment
objective of its corresponding Master Fund. A withdrawal by a Portfolio of its
investment in the corresponding Master Fund could result in a distribution in
kind of portfolio securities (as opposed to a cash distribution) to the
Portfolio. Should such a distribution occur, the Portfolio could incur brokerage
fees or other transaction costs in converting such securities to cash in order
to pay redemptions. In addition, a distribution in kind to the Portfolio could
result in a less diversified portfolio of investments and could affect adversely
the liquidity of the Portfolio.
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Moreover, a distribution in kind by the Master Fund corresponding to the U.S.
6-10 Small Company, DFA One-Year Fixed Income, DFA Two-Year Global Fixed Income,
U.S. 4-10 Value, U.S. Large Cap Value and DFA International Value Portfolios may
constitute a taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes resulting in gain
or loss to such Portfolios. Any net capital gains so realized will be
distributed to such a Portfolio's shareholders as described in "DIVIDENDS,
CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES."
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SERVICE PROVIDERS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT ADVISOR CUSTODIAN
DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS INC. PFPC TRUST COMPANY
1299 Ocean Avenue 11th Floor 400 Bellevue Parkway
Santa Monica, CA 90401 Wilmington, DE 19809
Tel. No. (310) 395-8005
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ACCOUNTING SERVICES, DIVIDEND DISBURSING
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AND TRANSFER AGENT
200 East Las Olas Boulevard PFPC INC.
Suite 1700 400 Bellevue Parkway
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 Wilmington, DE 19809
LEGAL COUNSEL
STRADLEY, RONON, STEVENS & YOUNG, LLP
2600 One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103-7098
</TABLE>
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OTHER AVAILABLE INFORMATION
You can find more information about the Fund and the Portfolios in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI"). You can find more information about
the Trust and the Master Funds in the Trust's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. The SAI supplements, and is technically
part of, this prospectus. It includes an expanded discussion of investment
practices, risks, and fund operations.
ANNUAL AND SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS. These reports focus on
portfolio holdings and performance. The Annual Report also discusses the market
conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Master
Funds in their last fiscal year. The Portfolios are new so the Fund's reports do
not yet include any information about them.
TO OBTAIN DOCUMENTS:
- Access them on the Fund's web site at www.dfafunds.com.
- If you represent a 401(k) plan sponsor or other qualifying retirement plan,
call collect at (310) 395-8005.
- Access them on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
- Review and copy them at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
- Request copies from the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, D.C.
20549 (you will be charged a copying fee).
DIMENSIONAL FUND ADVISORS INC.
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-8005
DIMENSIONAL INVESTMENT GROUP INC.--REGISTRATION NO. 811-6067
