File Nos.33- and 811-08661
(formerly File Nos.
33-34801 and
811-06106)
As Filed With The Securities and Exchange Commission on February 18, 1998
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / X /
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Pre-Effective Amendment No. ___ / /
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Post-Effective Amendment No. / /
and/or
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 / X /
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Amendment No. / /
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address of principal executive office) Zip Code
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 742-7825
Joseph P. Barri, Hale and Dorr LLP, 60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Name and address of agent for service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the
effective of the registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
Title of Shares Being Registered: Shares of Beneficial Interest (without par
value).
<PAGE>
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
Cross-Reference Sheet Showing Location in the Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information
Required by Items of the Registration Form
Location in
Prospectus or
Statement of
Additional
Form N-1A Item Number and Caption Information
- --------------------------------- -----------
1. Cover Page Prospectus - Cover
Page
2. Synopsis Prospectus - Expense
Information
3. Condensed Financial Information Prospectus -
Financial Highlights
4. General Description of Registrant Prospectus - Investment
Objective and
Policies; Management of
the Fund; The Trust
5. Management of the Fund Prospectus -
Management of the Fund
5A. Management's Discussion of Not Applicable
Fund Performance
6. Capital Stock and Other Securities Prospectus -
Investment Objective and
Policies;
Dividends, Distributions
and Taxation; The Trust
7. Purchase of Securities Being
Offered Prospectus - Distribution
Plans; Fund
Share Alternatives; Share
Price; How to Buy Fund Shares;
Shareholder Services
8. Redemption or Repurchase Prospectus - Fund
Share Alternatives;
How to Sell Fund Shares;
Shareholder Services
9. Pending Legal Proceedings Not Applicable
<PAGE>
10. Cover Page Statement of
Additional Information -
Cover Page
11. Table of Contents Statement of
Additional Information -
Cover Page
12. General Information and History Statement of
Additional Information -
Cover Page;
Description of Shares
13. Investment Objectives and Policies Statement of
Additional Information -
Investment Policies and
Restrictions
14. Management of the Fund Statement of
Additional Information -
Management of the Funds;
Investment Adviser
15. Control Persons and Principal Holders
of Securities Statement of
Additional Information -
Management of the Fund
16. Investment Advisory and Other
Services Statement of
Additional Information -
Management of the Funds;
Investment Adviser;Shareholder
Servicing/Transfer Agent;
Underwriting Agreement and
Distribution Plans;Custodian;
Independent
Public Accountants
17. Brokerage Allocation and Other
Practices Statement of
Additional Information -
Portfolio Transactions
18. Capital Stock and Other Securities Statement of
Additional Information -
Description of Shares; Certain
Liabilities
<PAGE>
19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered Statement of
Additional Information -
Determination of Net Asset
Value; Letter of Intention;
Systematic Withdrawal Plan;
20. Tax Status Statement of
Additional Information -
Tax Status and Dividends
21. Underwriters Statement of
Additional Information -
Principal Underwriter
22. Calculation of Performance Data Statement of
Additional Information -
Investment Results
23. Financial Statements Statement of
Additional Information -
Financial Statements
<PAGE>
[Pioneer Logo]
Pioneer
Gold Shares
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
Prospectus
May 1, 1998
Pioneer Gold Shares (the "Fund") seeks long-term capital appreciation and
such protection against inflation as may be provided by investments in
securities of companies engaged in the mining, processing, refining or sale of
gold or other precious metals.
It is anticipated that in order to achieve its investment objective, the
Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in foreign securities. See
"Investment Objective and Policies" in this Prospectus. There is no assurance
that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Fund returns and share prices fluctuate and the value of your account,
upon redemption, may be more or less than your purchase price. Shares in the
Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank
or other depository institution, and the shares are not federally insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other
government agency. Investments in securities of companies engaged in the mining,
processing, refining or sale of gold or other precious metals entail risks in
addition to those customarily associated with investing in securities in
general. In addition, the Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign
companies or governments which involve risks not typically associated with
investments in U.S. securities. The Fund is intended for investors who can
accept the risks associated with its investments and may not be suitable for all
investors. See "Investment Objectives and Policies" for a discussion of these
risks.
This Prospectus provides information about the Fund that you should know
before investing. Please read and retain it for your future reference. More
information about the Fund is included in the Statement of Additional
Information, also dated May 1, 1998, as supplemented or revised from time to
time, which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. A copy of the
Statement of Additional Information may be obtained free of charge by calling
Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the Fund at 60
State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Additional information about the Fund
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is
available upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-225-6292 or through
the SEC's Internet web site (http://www.sec.gov).
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
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I. EXPENSE INFORMATION ...................................... 2
II. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ..................................... 3
III. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES ........................ 5
IV. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND ................................... 6
V. FUND SHARE ALTERNATIVES .................................. 7
VI. SHARE PRICE .............................................. 8
VII. HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES ................................... 8
VIII. HOW TO SELL FUND SHARES .................................. 12
IX. HOW TO EXCHANGE FUND SHARES .............................. 13
X. DISTRIBUTION PLANS ....................................... 13
XI. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXATION .................... 14
XII. SHAREHOLDER SERVICES ..................................... 15
Account and Confirmation Statements ..................... 15
Additional Investments .................................. 15
Automatic Investment Plans .............................. 15
Financial Reports and Tax Information ................... 15
Distribution Options .................................... 15
Directed Dividends ...................................... 16
Direct Deposit .......................................... 16
Voluntary Tax Withholding ............................... 16
Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities .......... 16
FactFone(SM) ............................................ 16
Retirement Plans ........................................ 16
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) ............ 16
Systematic Withdrawal Plans ............................. 16
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A Shares Only) ........... 17
XIII. THE FUND ................................................. 17
XIV. INVESTMENT RESULTS ....................................... 17
APPENDIX--CERTAIN INVESTMENT PRACTICES ................... 19
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
I. EXPENSE INFORMATION
This table is designed to help you understand the charges and expenses that
you, as a shareholder, will bear directly or indirectly when you invest in the
Fund. The table reflects annual operating expenses based on actual expenses
incurred for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997.
Class A Class B Class C
Shareholder Transaction Expenses:
Maximum Initial Sales Charge on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering
price) ................................... 5.75%(1) None None
Maximum Sales Charge on Reinvestment
of Dividends ............................. None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of purchase price
or redemption proceeds, as applicable) None(1) 4.00% 1.00%
Redemption fee2 ............................ None None None
Exchange fee ............................... None None None
Annual Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average
net assets)3:
Management fee (after fee reduction)4 ...... 0.45% 0.45% 0.45%
12b-1 fees ................................. 0.25% 1.00% 1.00%
Other Expenses (including transfer agent
fee, custodian fees and accounting and
printing expenses) (after expense
reduction)4 ............................. 1.02% 1.04% 0.88%
----- ----- -----
Total Operating Expenses (after
reductions)4 .............................. 1.72% 2.49% 2.33%
===== ===== =====
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(1) Purchases of $1 million or more and purchases by participants in certain
group plans are not subject to an initial sales charge but may be subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") as further described under
"How to Sell Fund Shares."
(2) Separate fees (currently $10 and $20, respectively) apply to United States
("U.S.") and international wire transfers of redemption proceeds.
(3) Expenses are net of amounts paid in connection with third-party
brokerage/service and certain expense offset arrangements. See "Financial
Highlights."
(4) Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC"), the Fund's investment adviser,
has agreed not to impose all or a portion of its management fee as required
to limit the Class A shares operating expenses of the Fund to 1.75% of the
average net assets attributable to Class A shares; the portion of Fund-wide
operating expenses attributable to Class B and Class C shares will be
reduced only to the extent that they are reduced for Class A shares. This
agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or terminated at
any time by PMC.
Class A Class B Class C
Expenses Absent Reductions
Management Fee ................... 0.65% 0.65% 0.65%
Other Expenses ................... 1.03% 1.07% 0.93%
Total Operating Expenses ......... 1.93% 2.72% 2.58%
Example:
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5%
annual return, reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and that the
percentage amounts listed under "Annual Operating Expenses" remain the same each
year.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
Class A Shares $74 $109 $145 $249
Class B Shares*
--Assuming complete redemption
at end of period $65 $108 $153 $264
--Assuming no redemption $25 $ 78 $133 $264
Class C Shares**
--Assuming complete redemption
at end of period $34 $ 73 $125 $267
--Assuming no redemption $24 $ 73 $125 $267
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* Class B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase;
therefore, Class A share expenses are used after year eight.
** Class C shares redeemed during the first year after purchase are subject to
a 1% CDSC.
THE EXAMPLE IS DESIGNED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR RETURN. ACTUAL FUND
EXPENSES AND RETURN WILL VARY FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN
THOSE SHOWN.
For further information regarding management fees, Rule 12b-1 fees and
other expenses of the Fund, see "Management of the Fund," "Distribution Plans"
and "How To Buy Fund Shares" in this Prospectus and "Management of the Funds"
and "Underwriting Agreement and Distribution Plans" in the Statement of
Additional Information. The Fund's payment of a 12b-1 fee may result in
long-term shareholders indirectly paying more than the economic equivalent of
the maximum sales charge permitted under the Conduct Rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
The maximum initial sales charge is reduced on purchases of specified
larger amounts of Class A shares and the value of shares owned in other Pioneer
mutual funds is taken into account in determining the applicable initial sales
charge. See "How to Buy Fund Shares." No sales charge is applied to exchanges of
shares of the Fund for shares of other publicly available Pioneer mutual funds.
See "How to Exchange Fund Shares."
2
<PAGE>
II. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information has been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants. Arthur Andersen LLP's report on the Fund's
financial statements as of October 31, 1997 appears in the Fund's Annual Report
which is incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information.
The information listed below should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements contained in the Annual Report. The Annual Report includes more
information about the Fund's performance and is available free of charge by
calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292.
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
Selected Data for a Class A Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended October 31,
---------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
---------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .............. $ 7.81 $ 6.80 $ 7.94
------- ------- -------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) ..................... $ (0.01) $ (0.01) $ (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency transactions ... ( 1.94) 1.02 ( 1.13)
------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) from investment
operations ....................................... $ (1.95) $ 1.01 $ (1.14)
Distribution to shareholders from:
Net investment income ............................ 0.09) -- --
------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value ........ $ (2.04) $ 1.01 $ (1.14)
------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period .................... $ 5.77 $ 7.81 $ 6.80
======= ======= =======
Total return* ..................................... (25.24)% 14.85% (14.36%)
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net
assets ........................................... 1.74%+ 1.72%+ 1.76%+
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets ........................................... ( 0.08)%+ (0.13)%+ ( 0.16%)+
Portfolio turnover rate ........................... 22% 15% 6%
Average brokerage commission per share ............ $0.0418 $0.0349 --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) .......... $28,638 $36,028 $24,412
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
and assumption of expenses by PMC
and no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ........................... 1.93% 1.88% 2.28%
Net investment income (loss) ..................... ( 0.27)% (0.29)% ( 0.68%)
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and reduction
for fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ........................... 1.72% 1.71% 1.75%
Net investment income (loss) ..................... ( 0.06)% (0.12)% (0.15)%
<CAPTION>
7/25/90
- --------------------
(Commencement
of Operations) to
1994 1993 1992 1991 10/31/90
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .............. $ 7.44 $ 5.03 $ 5.35 $ 5.33 $ 6.50
------- ------- ------ ------- ------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) ..................... $ (0.03) $ (0.03) $(0.02) $ 0.01 $(0.14)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and foreign currency transactions ... 0.53 2.44 (0.28) 0.01 ( 1.03)
------- ------- ------ ------- ------
Net increase (decrease) from investment
operations ....................................... $ 0.50 $ 2.41 $(0.30) $ 0.02 $(1.17)
Distribution to shareholders from:
Net investment income ............................ -- -- (0.02) -- --
------- ------- ------ ------- ------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value ........ $ 0.50 $ 2.41 $(0.32) $ 0.02 $(1.17)
------- ------- ------ ------- ------
Net asset value, end of period .................... $ 7.94 $ 7.44 $ 5.03 $ 5.35 $ 5.33
======= ======= ====== ======= ======
Total return* ..................................... 6.72% 47.91% (5.70%) 0.38% (18.00%)
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net
assets ........................................... 1.75% 1.75% 1.75% 1.75% 9.21%**
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets ........................................... (0.40%) (0.52%) (0.35%) 0.18% (6.31%)**
Portfolio turnover rate ........................... 3% 6% 4% 10% 15%**
Average brokerage commission per share ............ -- -- -- -- --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) .......... $26,168 $14,057 $3,461 $1,800 $1,399
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees
and assumption of expenses by PMC
and no reduction for fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ........................... 2.14% 3.23% 6.62% 10.97% --
Net investment income (loss) ..................... (0.79%) (2.00%) (5.22%) (9.04%) --
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and reduction
for fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ........................... -- -- -- -- --
Net investment income (loss) ..................... -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- -----------
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
period, reinvestment of distributions, the complete redemption of the
investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charge.
Total return would be reduced if sale charges were taken into account.
** Annualized.
+ Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
3
<PAGE>
II. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
Selected Data for a Class B Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended October 31,
--------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995
--------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .......................... $ 7.65 $ 6.73 $ 7.89
------- ------- ------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) ................................. $ (0.04) $ (0.06) $(0.05)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions ........................... ( 1.91) 0.98 1.11)
------- ------- ------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations ........... $ (1.95) $ 0.92 $(1.16)
Distribution to shareholders .................................. ( 0.09) -- --
------- ------- ------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value .................... $ (2.04) $ 0.92 $(1.16)
------- ------- ------
Net asset value, end of period ................................ $ 5.61 $ 7.65 $ 6.73
======= ======= ======
Total return* ................................................. (25.77)% 13.67% (14.70%)
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets ......... 2.51%+ 2.59%+ 2.57%+
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets ....................................................... ( 0.84)%+ (1.00)%+ (1.01%)+
Portfolio turnover rate ....................................... 22% 15% 6%
Average brokerage commission per share ........................ $0.0418 $0.0349 --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ...................... $ 5,394 $ 4,720 $1,762
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and no reduction for
fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ....................................... 2.72% 2.73% 3.12%
Net investment income (loss) ................................. (1.05)% (1.14)% (1.56%)
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and reduction for fees
paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ....................................... 2.49% 2.57% 2.53%
Net investment income (loss) ................................. (0.82)% (0.98)% (0.97%)
<CAPTION>
April 4, 1994 to
October 31, 1994
-------------------
<S> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .......................... $ 7.83
------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) ................................. $(0.03)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions ........................... 0.09
------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations ........... $ 0.06
Distribution to shareholders .................................. --
------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value .................... $ 0.06
------
Net asset value, end of period ................................ $ 7.89
======
Total return* ................................................. 0.77%
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets ......... 2.67%**
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets ....................................................... (1.42%)**
Portfolio turnover rate ....................................... 3%
Average brokerage commission per share ........................ --
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ...................... $951
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and no reduction for
fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ....................................... 2.79%**
Net investment income (loss) ................................. (1.54%)**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and reduction for fees
paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses ....................................... --
Net investment income (loss) ................................. --
</TABLE>
Selected Data for a Class C Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year Ended For the period January 31, 1996
October 31, 1997 through October 31, 1996
-------------------- --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period ..................... $ 7.65 $ 8.70
------- -------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) ............................ $ (0.04) $ (0.02)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
and foreign currency transactions ...................... (1.90) ( 1.03)
------- -------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value ............... $ (2.03) $ (1.05)
------- -------
Net asset value, end of period ........................... $ 5.62 $ 7.65
======= =======
Total return* ............................................ (25.64)% (12.07)%
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets .... 2.38%+ 2.59%**+
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets .................................................. (0.76)%+ (1.12)%**+
Portfolio turnover rate .................................. 22% 15%
Average brokerage commission per share ................... $0.0418 $0.0349
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) ................. $ 1,034 $ 1,690
Ratios assuming no waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and no reduction for
fees paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses .................................. 2.58% 2.83%**
Net investment income (loss) ............................ (0.96)% (1.36)%**
Ratios assuming waiver of management fees and
assumption of expenses by PMC and reduction for fees
paid indirectly:
Net operating expenses .................................. 2.33% 2.56%**
Net investment income (loss) ............................ (0.71)% (1.09)%**
</TABLE>
- -----------
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
period, reinvestment of distributions, the complete redemption of the
investment at net asset value at the end of each period and no sales charge.
Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into account.
** Annualized.
+ Ratio assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
4
<PAGE>
III. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Fund is managed in accordance with the value investment philosophy of
PMC, the Fund's investment adviser. This approach consists of developing a
diversified portfolio of securities consistent with the Fund's investment
objective and selected primarily on the basis of PMC's judgment that the
securities have an underlying value, or potential value, which exceeds their
current prices. The analysis and quantification of the economic worth, or basic
value, of individual companies reflects PMC's assessment of a company's assets
and the company's prospects for earnings and/or reserve growth over the next
three-to-five years. PMC relies primarily on the knowledge, experience and
judgment of its own research staff, but also receives and uses information from
a variety of outside sources, including brokerage firms, electronic data bases,
specialized research firms and technical journals.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term capital
appreciation and such protection against inflation as may be provided by
investments in securities of companies engaged in the mining, processing,
refining or sale of gold or other precious metals.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 70% of its assets
in common stocks or securities convertible into common stock of companies
engaged principally in the mining, processing, refining or sale of gold or
products made primarily from gold. A company will be deemed to be engaged
principally in such business if it derives at least 50% of its net income or
gross revenues from such activities or if 50% of its assets are devoted to such
activities. The Fund's investment concentration policy (i.e., investing more
than 25% of its assets in the gold industry) is a fundamental policy which may
not be changed without shareholder approval. The balance of the Fund's assets
may be invested in: (i) securities of companies or countries mining or producing
other precious metals such as platinum or silver; (ii) securities of companies
or countries mining or producing gemstones; (iii) securities which are backed
by, or otherwise tied to the price of gold and securities of companies which
provide goods or services to the mining industry; and (iv) certain short-term,
temporary investments such as marketable obligations issued or guaranteed by the
United States ("U.S.") government, obligations of U.S. banks and commercial
paper.
The Fund may invest all or part of its assets in foreign securities.
Because a significant portion of the worldwide production of gold is outside the
U.S., a significant portion of the Fund's assets will typically consist of such
foreign securities. It is also possible that the Fund will invest more than 25%
of its assets in securities of companies located in a single foreign country.
Although the Fund may invest in the securities of foreign governments, their
agencies and instrumentalities, the Fund has no present intention to invest more
than 5% of its assets in such securities. See the Statement of Additional
Information for more information.
The Fund's fundamental investment objective and the fundamental investment
restrictions set forth in the Statement of Additional Information may not be
changed without shareholder approval. Certain other investment policies and
strategies and restrictions on investment are noted throughout the Prospectus
and are set forth in the Statement of Additional Information. These investment
policies and strategies and restrictions may be changed at any time by a vote of
the Board of Trustees.
The Fund is substantially fully invested at all times. It is the policy of
the Fund not to engage in trading for short-term profits. Nevertheless, changes
in the portfolio will be made promptly when determined to be advisable by reason
of developments not foreseen at the time of the initial investment decision, and
usually without reference to the length of time a security has been held.
Accordingly, portfolio turnover rate will not be considered a limiting factor in
the execution of investment decisions. See "Financial Highlights" for the Fund's
actual turnover rates. Short-term, temporary investments will not normally
represent more than 10% of the Fund's assets. A short-term investment is
considered to be an investment with a maturity of one year or less from the date
of issuance.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, not to exceed seven days,
with broker-dealers and any member bank of the Federal Reserve System. The Board
of Trustees will review and monitor the creditworthiness of any institution
which enters into a repurchase agreement with the Fund. Such repurchase
agreements will be fully collateralized with U.S. Treasury and/or agency
obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the obligations, valued
daily. Collateral will be held by the Fund's custodian in a segregated,
safekeeping account for the benefit of the Fund. In the event that a repurchase
agreement is not fulfilled, the Fund could suffer a loss to the extent that the
value of the collateral falls below the repurchase price.
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to member firms of the New York
Stock Exchange (the "Exchange"). As with other extensions of credit, there are
risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail financially. The Fund will lend portfolio
securities only to firms which have been approved in advance by the Board of
Trustees, which will monitor the creditworthiness of any such firms. At no time
will the value of the securities loaned exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. These investment strategies are also described in the Statement of
Additional Information.
The Fund may invest in warrants as described in the Statement of Additional
Information. Although the Fund does not have a formal percentage limitation on
investments in warrants, it is not expected that PMC will invest more than 5% of
the Fund's total assets in such securities. The Fund may also invest in
investment companies limited to the extent permitted under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
In pursuit of its objective, the Fund may employ certain active investment
management techniques including forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
options and futures contracts on currencies, securities and securities indices
and options on such futures contracts. These techniques may be
5
<PAGE>
employed in an attempt to hedge foreign currency and other risks associated with
the Fund's portfolio securities. The risks associated with the Fund's
transactions in options and futures, which are considered to be derivative
securities, may include some or all of the following: market risk, leverage and
volatility risk, correlation risk, credit risk and liquidity and valuation risk.
See the Appendix to this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information
for a description of these investment practices and associated risks.
Risk Factors
The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign companies and in
securities issued by foreign governments. Investing in securities of foreign
companies and countries involves certain considerations and risks which are not
typically associated with investing in U.S. government securities and securities
of U.S. companies. Foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable
to U.S. companies. There may also be less publicly available information about
foreign companies compared to reports and ratings published about U.S.
companies. In addition, foreign securities markets have substantially less
volume than domestic markets and securities of some foreign companies are less
liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. There may
also be less government supervision and regulation of foreign securities
exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the United States.
Interest or dividends, or in some cases capital gains, from foreign investments
may be subject to withholding or other foreign taxes which will decrease the net
return on such investments as compared to the return on the fund's domestic
investments. Finally, there may be the possibility of expropriations,
confiscatory taxation, political, economic or social instability or diplomatic
developments which could adversely affect assets of the Fund held in foreign
countries.
The value of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by
fluctuations in the relative rates of exchange between the currencies of
different nations and by exchange control regulations. For example, the value of
a foreign security held by the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars will decrease if
the foreign currency in which the security is denominated declines in value
against the U.S. dollar. In such event, this will cause an overall decline in
the Fund's net asset value and may also reduce net investment income and capital
gains, if any, to be distributed in U.S. dollars to shareholders of the Fund.
Fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest generally pay a fixed
rate of return and may include debt obligations of the U.S. government, foreign
governments, corporations and municipalities. Fixed-income securities are
subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest
payments on the obligations and may also be subject to price volatility due to
such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity.
The Fund's investment policies present unique risks to the portfolio's
value. In recent years, the prices of gold and other precious metals have been
subject to dramatic fluctuations caused primarily by international monetary and
political developments including trade or currency restrictions, currency
devaluations and revaluations and social and political conditions within a
country. Dramatic fluctuations in the prices of gold or other metals will affect
the market values of the securities of companies in which the Fund intends to
invest. Major gold suppliers are to be found in the Republic of South Africa
("South Africa"), Australia, Canada, the United States and member states of the
Commonwealth of Independent States ("CIS") which were formerly part of the
Soviet Union. The current economic, political and social conditions in South
Africa and the CIS may adversely affect the price of gold and, accordingly, the
market values of the securities of companies in the industry. The only legally
authorized sales agent for gold produced in South Africa, the world's largest
producer, is the Reserve Bank of South Africa. The Reserve Bank's policies
significantly influence the timing of any sales of South African bullion.
Additionally, the South African Ministry of Mines determines gold mining policy.
South Africa depends on the sale of gold for the foreign exchange necessary to
finance its imports, and its sales policy is necessarily subject to national
economic and political developments. Finally, investments in the securities of
South African companies may be affected by laws in the U.S. relating to foreign
investments in South Africa or foreign investments generally.
IV. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has overall responsibility for management
and supervision of the Fund. The Board meets at least quarterly. By virtue of
the functions performed by PMC as investment adviser, the Fund requires no
employees other than its executive officers, all of whom receive their
compensation from PMC or other sources. The Statement of Additional Information
contains the name and general business and professional background of each
Trustee and executive officer of the Fund.
Investment advisory services are provided to the Fund by PMC pursuant to a
management contract between PMC and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund. PMC serves
as investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for the overall management
of the Fund's business affairs, subject only to the authority of the Board of
Trustees. PMC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Pioneer Group, Inc. ("PGI"), a
publicly-traded Delaware corporation. Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"),
an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PGI, is the principal underwriter of
shares of the Fund.
Mr. David Tripple, President and Chief Investment Officer of PMC and
Executive Vice President of each Pioneer mutual fund, has general
responsibility for PMC's investment operations and chairs a committee of PMC's
equity managers which reviews PMC's research and portfolio operations,
including those of the Fund. Mr. Tripple joined PMC in 1974.
The Fund is covered by a team of managers and analysts which does research
for and oversees the management of the Fund. Members of the team meet regularly
to discuss holdings, prospective investments and portfolio composition.
Day-to-day management of the Fund has been the responsibility of Mr.
Michael P. Bradshaw, Vice President of PMC,
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since December 1, 1997. Mr. Bradshaw joined PMC in July of 1997 and has four
years of investment experience. During these four years he worked as a financial
analyst and as a research associate within the equity research department of a
major Canadian securities firm. Prior to this time, he was an associate and a
partner with an investor group for two years and an exploration geologist for
six years.
In addition to the Fund, PMC also manages and serves as the investment
adviser for other mutual funds and is an investment adviser to certain other
institutional accounts. PMC's and PFD's executive offices are located at 60
State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. In an effort to avoid conflicts of
interest with the Fund, the Fund and PMC have adopted a Code of Ethics that is
designed to maintain a high standard of personal conduct by directing that all
personnel defer to the interests of the Fund and its shareholders in making
personal securities transactions.
Under the terms of its contract with the Fund, PMC assists in the
management of the Fund and is authorized in its discretion to buy and sell
securities for the account of the Fund. PMC pays all the expenses, including
executive salaries and the rental of certain office space, related to its
services for the Fund, with the exception of the following which are to be paid
by the Fund: (a) charges and expenses for fund accounting, pricing and appraisal
services and related overhead, including, to the extent such services are
performed by personnel of PMC or its affiliates, office space and facilities and
personnel compensation, training and benefits; (b) the charges and expenses of
auditors; (c) the charges and expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan
agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar appointed by the Fund with
respect to the Portfolio; (d) issue and transfer taxes, chargeable to the Fund
in connection with securities transactions to which the Fund is a party; (e)
insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade
associations, and all taxes and corporate fees payable by the Fund to federal,
state or other governmental agencies; (f) fees and expenses involved in
registering and maintaining registrations of the Fund and/or its shares with the
SEC, state securities agencies and foreign jurisdictions, including the
preparation of Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for filing
with regulatory agencies; (g) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees'
meetings and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices,
proxy statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies;
(h) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the Fund and the Trustees; (i)
distribution fees paid by the Fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act; (j) compensation of those Trustees of the Fund
who are not affiliated with or interested persons of PMC, the Fund (other than
as Trustees), PGI or PFD; (k) the cost of preparing and printing share
certificates; and (l) interest on borrowed money, if any. In addition to the
expenses described above, the Fund shall pay all brokers' and underwriting
commissions chargeable to the Fund in connection with securities transactions to
which the Fund is a party.
Orders for the Fund's portfolio securities transactions are placed by PMC,
which strives to obtain the best price and execution for each transaction. In
circumstances in which two or more broker-dealers are in a position to offer
comparable prices and execution, consideration may be given to whether the
broker-dealer provides investment research or brokerage services or sells shares
of any Pioneer mutual fund or other funds for which PMC or any other affiliate
or subsidiary serves as investment adviser or manager. See the Statement of
Additional Information for a further description of PMC's brokerage allocation
practices.
As compensation for its management services and certain expenses which PMC
incurs, PMC is entitled to a management fee equal to 0.65% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets up to $300 million, 0.60% of the next $200
million, 0.50% of the next $500 million and 0.45% of the excess over $1 billion.
The fee is normally computed daily and paid monthly. See "Expense Information"
in this Prospectus and "Investment Adviser" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
John F. Cogan, Jr., Chairman and President of the Trust, Chairman of PFD,
President and a Director of PGI and Chairman and a Director of PMC, owned
approximately 14% of the outstanding capital stock of PGI as of the date of this
Prospectus.
V. FUND SHARE ALTERNATIVES
The Fund continuously offers three Classes of shares designated as Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, as described more fully in "How to Buy Fund Shares."
If you do not specify in your instructions to the Fund which Class of shares you
wish to purchase, exchange or redeem, the Fund will assume that your
instructions apply to Class A shares.
Class A Shares. If you invest less than $1 million in Class A shares, you
will pay an initial sales charge. Certain purchases may qualify for reduced
initial sales charges. If you invest $1 million or more in Class A shares, no
sales charge will be imposed at the time of purchase, however, shares redeemed
within 12 months of purchase may be subject to a CDSC. Class A shares are
subject to distribution and service fees at a combined annual rate of up to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares.
Class B Shares. If you plan to invest up to $250,000, Class B shares are
available to you. Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but
are subject to a CDSC of up to 4% if redeemed within six years. Class B shares
are subject to distribution and service fees at a combined annual rate of 1% of
the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. Your entire
investment in Class B shares is available to work for you from the time you make
your investment, but the higher distribution fee paid by Class B shares will
cause your Class B shares (until conversion) to have a higher expense ratio and
to pay lower dividends, to the extent dividends are paid, than Class A shares.
Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares, based on relative
net asset value, eight years after the initial purchase.
Class C Shares. Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge,
but are subject to a 1% CDSC if they are
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redeemed within the first year after purchase. Class C shares are subject to
distribution and service fees at a combined annual rate of up to 1% of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. Your entire
investment in Class C shares is available to work for you from the time you make
your investment, but the higher distribution fee paid by Class C shares will
cause your Class C shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends, to the extent dividends are paid, than Class A shares. Class C shares
have no conversion feature.
Selecting a Class of Shares. The decision as to which Class to purchase
depends on the amount you invest, the intended length of the investment and your
personal situation. If you are making an investment that qualifies for reduced
sales charges, you might consider Class A shares. If you prefer not to pay an
initial sales charge on an investment of $250,000 or less and you plan to hold
the investment for at least six years, you might consider Class B shares. If you
prefer not to pay an initial sales charge and you plan to hold your investment
for one to eight years, you may prefer Class C shares.
Investment dealers or their representatives may receive different
compensation depending on which Class of shares they sell. Shares may be
exchanged only for shares of the same Class of another Pioneer mutual fund and
shares acquired in the exchange will continue to be subject to any CDSC
applicable to the shares of the Pioneer mutual fund originally purchased. Shares
sold outside the U.S. to persons who are not U.S. citizens may be subject to
different sales charges, CDSCs and dealer compensation arrangements in
accordance with local laws and business practices.
VI. SHARE PRICE
Shares of the Fund are sold at the public offering price, which is the net
asset value per share, plus the applicable sales charge. Net asset value per
share of a Class of the Fund is determined by dividing the value of its assets,
less liabilities attributable to that Class, by the number of shares of that
Class outstanding. The net asset value is computed once daily, on each day the
Exchange is open, as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange.
Securities are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange or
market where they are traded. Securities which have not traded on the date of
valuation or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are
valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted
in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange
rates employed by the Fund's independent pricing service. Generally, trading in
foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to
the close of the Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the
net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign
currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of the
Exchange. Occasionally, events which affect the values of such securities and
such exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and
the close of the Exchange and will therefore not be reflected in the computation
of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such
securities occur during such period, then these securities are valued at their
fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees. All assets of the Fund
for which there is no other readily available valuation method are valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees.
VII. HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
You may buy Fund shares from any securities broker-dealer which has a sales
agreement with PFD. If you do not have a securities broker-dealer, please call
1-800-225-6292. Shares will be purchased at the public offering price, that is,
the net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge, next computed
after receipt of a purchase order, except as set forth below.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares except as specified below. The minimum initial investment is $50 for
Class A accounts being established to utilize monthly bank drafts, government
allotments, payroll deduction and other similar automatic investment plans.
Separate minimum investment requirements apply to retirement plans and to
telephone and wire orders placed by broker-dealers; no sales charges or minimum
requirements apply to the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. The minimum subsequent investment is $50 for Class A shares and
$500 for Class B and Class C shares except that the subsequent minimum
investment amount for Class B and Class C share accounts may be as little as $50
if an automatic investment plan (see "Automatic Investment Plans") is
established.
Telephone Purchases. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone purchase privilege unless you indicate otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"). The
telephone purchase option may be used to purchase additional shares for an
existing Pioneer mutual fund account; it may not be used to establish a new
account. Proper account identification will be required for each telephone
purchase. A maximum of $25,000 per account may be purchased by telephone each
day. The telephone purchase privilege is available to Individual Retirement
Accounts ("IRAs") but may not be available to other types of retirement plan
accounts. Call PSC for more information.
You are strongly urged to consult with your financial representative prior
to requesting a telephone purchase. To purchase shares by telephone, you must
establish your bank account of record by completing the appropriate section of
your Account Application or an Account Options Form. PSC will electronically
debit the amount of each purchase from this predesignated bank account.
Telephone purchases may not be made for 30 days after the establishment of your
bank of record or any change to your bank information.
Telephone purchases will be priced at the net asset value plus any
applicable sales charge next determined after PSC's receipt of a telephone
purchase instruction and receipt of good funds (usually 3 days after the
purchase instruction). Shares purchased by telephone may not be redeemed for 15
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days after the date of purchase. You may always elect to deliver purchases to
PSC by mail. See "Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" for
additional information.
Class A Shares
You may buy Class A shares at the public offering price, including a sales
charge, as follows:
Sales Charge as a % of Dealer
---------------------- Allowance
Net as a % of
Offering Amount Offering
Amount of Purchase Price Invested Price
- ------------------ -------- --------- ---------
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.75
$1,000,000 or more -0- -0- see below
The schedule of sales charges above is applicable to purchases of Class A
shares of the Fund by (i) an individual, (ii) an individual and his or her
spouse and children under the age of 21 and (iii) a trustee or other fiduciary
of a trust estate or fiduciary account or related trusts or accounts including
pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts qualified under
Section 401 or 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), although more than one beneficiary is involved. The sales charges
applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of the Fund by a person
listed above is determined by adding the value of shares to be purchased to the
aggregate value (at the then current offering price) of shares of any of the
other Pioneer mutual funds previously purchased and then owned, provided PFD is
notified by such person or his or her broker-dealer each time a purchase is made
which would qualify. Pioneer mutual funds include all mutual funds for which PFD
serves as principal underwriter. At the sole discretion of PFD, holdings of
funds domiciled outside the U.S., but which are managed by affiliates of PMC,
may be included for this purpose.
No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more or for purchases by participants in certain group plans
(described below) subject to a CDSC of 1% which may be imposed in the event of a
redemption of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase. See "How to Sell Fund
Shares." PFD may, in its discretion, pay a commission to broker-dealers who
initiate and are responsible for such purchases as follows: 1% on the first $5
million invested; 0.50% on the next $45 million; and 0.25% on the excess over
$50 million. These commissions will not be paid if the purchaser is affiliated
with the broker-dealer or if the purchase represents the reinvestment of a
redemption made during the previous 12 calendar months. Broker-dealers who
receive a commission in connection with Class A share purchases at net asset
value by 401(a) or 401(k) retirement plans with 1,000 or more eligible
participants or with at least $10 million in plan assets will be required to
return any commission paid or a pro rata portion thereof if the retirement plan
redeems its shares within 12 months of purchase. See also "How to Sell Fund
Shares." In connection with PGI's acquisition of Mutual of Omaha Fund Management
Company and contingent upon the achievement of certain sales objectives, PFD may
pay to Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. 50% of PFD's retention of any
sales commission on sales of the Fund's Class A shares through such dealer. From
time to time, PFD may elect to reallow the entire initial sales charge to
participating dealers for all Class A sales with respect to which orders are
placed during a particular period. Dealers to whom substantially the entire
sales charge is reallowed may be deemed to be underwriters under the federal
securities laws.
Qualifying for a Reduced Sales Charge.
Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at a reduced or eliminated sales
charge to certain group plans ("Group Plans") under which a sponsoring
organization makes recommendations to, permits group solicitation of, or
otherwise facilitates purchases by, its employees, members or participants.
Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value without a sales charge
to 401(k) retirement plans with 100 or more participants or at least $500,000 in
plan assets. Information about such arrangements is available from PFD.
Class A shares of the Fund may also be sold at net asset value per share
without a sales charge to: (a) current or former Trustees and officers of the
Trust and partners and employees of its legal counsel; (b) current or former
directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of PGI or its
subsidiaries; (c) current or former directors, officers, employees or sales
representatives of any subadviser or predecessor investment adviser to any
investment company for which PMC serves as investment adviser, and the
subsidiaries or affiliates of such persons; (d) current or former officers,
partners, employees or registered representatives of broker-dealers which have
entered into sales agreements with PFD; (e) members of the immediate families of
any of the persons above; (f) any trust, custodian, pension, profit-sharing or
other benefit plan of the foregoing persons; (g) insurance company separate
accounts; (h) certain "wrap accounts" for the benefit of clients of financial
planners adhering to standards established by PFD; (i) other funds and accounts
for which PMC or any of its affiliates serves as investment adviser or manager;
and (j) certain unit investment trusts. Shares so purchased are purchased for
investment purposes and may not be resold except through redemption or
repurchase by or on behalf of the Fund. The availability of this privilege is
conditioned upon the receipt by PFD of written notification of eligibility.
Class A shares of a Fund may be sold at net asset value per share without a
sales charge to Optional Retirement Program (the "Program") participants if (i)
the employer has authorized a limited number of investment company providers for
the Program, (ii) all authorized investment company providers offer their shares
to Program participants at net asset value, (iii) the employer has agreed in
writing to actively promote the authorized investment company providers to
Program participants and (iv) the Program provides for a matching contribution
for each participant contribution. Shares of the Fund may also be sold at net
asset value without a sales charge in connection with certain reorganization,
liquidation or acquisition transactions involving other investment companies or
personal holding companies.
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Reduced sales charges are available for purchases of $50,000 or more of
Class A shares (excluding any reinvestments of dividends and capital gains
distributions) made within a 13-month period pursuant to a Letter of Intent
("LOI") which may be established by completing the Letter of Intent section of
the Account Application. The reduced sales charge will be the charge that would
be applicable to the purchase of the specified amount of Class A shares as if
the shares had all been purchased at the same time. A purchase not made pursuant
to an LOI may be included if the LOI is submitted to PSC within 90 days of such
purchase. You may also obtain the reduced sales charge by including the value
(at current offering price) of all your Class A shares in the Fund and all other
Pioneer mutual funds held of record as of the date of your LOI in the amount
used to determine the applicable sales charge for the Class A shares to be
purchased under the LOI. Five percent of your total intended purchase amount
will be held in escrow by PSC, registered in your name, until the terms of the
LOI are fulfilled.
You are not obligated to purchase the amount specified in your LOI. If,
however, the amount actually purchased during the 13-month period is more or
less than that indicated in your LOI, an adjustment in the sales charge will be
made. If a payment to cover actual sales charges is due, it must be paid to PFD
within 20 days after PFD or your dealer sends you a written request or PFD will
direct PSC to liquidate sufficient shares from your escrow account to cover the
amount due. See the Statement of Additional Information for more information.
Investors who are clients of a broker-dealer with a current sales agreement
with PFD may purchase shares of the Fund at net asset value, without a sales
charge, to the extent that the purchase price is paid out of proceeds from one
or more redemptions by the investor of shares of certain other mutual funds. In
order for a purchase to qualify for this privilege, the investor must document
to the broker-dealer that the redemption occurred within the 60 days immediately
preceding the purchase of Class A shares; that the client paid a sales charge on
the original purchase of the shares redeemed; and that the mutual fund whose
shares were redeemed also offers net asset value purchases to redeeming
shareholders of any of the Pioneer mutual funds. Further details may be obtained
from PFD.
Class B Shares
You may buy Class B shares at the net asset value per share next computed
after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales
charge. However, Class B shares redeemed within six years of purchase will be
subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below. The charge will be
assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the
original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on
increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares
derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years
from the time of purchase until the time of redemption of Class B shares. For
the purpose of determining the number of years from the time of any purchase,
all payments during a quarter will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on
the first day of that quarter. In processing redemptions of Class B shares, the
Fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC, and then shares held
longest during the six-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest
possible CDSC.
The CDSC for Class B shares subject to a CDSC upon redemption will be
determined as follows:
CDSC as a Percentage
of Dollar Amount
Year Since Purchase Subject to CDSC
- ------------------------------- ---------------------
First 4.0%
Second 4.0%
Third 3.0%
Fourth 3.0%
Fifth 2.0%
Sixth 1.0%
Seventh and thereafter none
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to
defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the
Fund in connection with the sale of Class B shares, including the payment of
compensation to broker-dealers.
Class B shares will automatically convert into Class A shares at the end of
the calendar quarter that is eight years after the purchase date, except as
noted below. Class B shares acquired by exchange from Class B shares of another
Pioneer fund will convert into Class A shares based on the date of the initial
purchase and the applicable CDSC. Class B shares acquired through reinvestment
of distributions will convert into Class A shares based on the date of the
initial purchase to which such shares relate. For this purpose, Class B shares
acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be attributed to particular
purchases of Class B shares in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees
may determine from time to time. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares is subject to the continuing availability of a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS"), which the Fund has obtained, or an opinion of counsel
that such conversions will not constitute taxable events for federal tax
purposes. There can be no assurance that such ruling will continue to be in
effect at the time any particular conversion would normally occur. The
conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will not occur if such ruling is
no longer in effect and such an opinion is not available and, therefore, Class B
shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for
an indeterminate period.
Class C Shares
You may buy Class C shares at the net asset value per share next computed
after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales
charge; however, Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be
subject to a CDSC of 1%. The charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the
lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares
being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the
initial purchase price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions. Class C shares do not convert to any
other Class of Fund shares.
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<PAGE>
For the purpose of determining the time of any purchase, all payments
during a quarter will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first
day of that quarter. In processing redemptions of Class C shares, the Fund will
first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC, and then shares held for the
shortest period of time during the one-year period. As a result, you will pay
the lowest possible CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to
defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the
Fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares, including the payment of
compensation to broker-dealers.
Waiver or Reduction of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC on Class
B shares may be waived or reduced for non-retirement accounts if: (a) the
redemption results from the death of all registered owners of an account (in the
case of UGMA, UTMA and trust accounts, waiver applies upon the death of all
beneficial owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72
of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of the shares
being redeemed or (b) the redemption is made in connection with limited
automatic redemptions as set forth in "Systematic Withdrawal Plans" (limited in
any year to 10% of the value of the account in the Fund at the time the
withdrawal plan is established).
The CDSC on Class B shares may be waived or reduced for retirement plan
accounts if: (a) the redemption results from the death or a total and permanent
disability (as defined in Section 72 of the Code) occurring after the purchase
of the shares being redeemed of a shareholder or participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan; (b) the distribution is to a participant in
an IRA, 403(b) or employer-sponsored retirement plan, is part of a series of
substantially equal payments made over the life expectancy of the participant or
the joint life expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary or as
scheduled periodic payments to a participant (limited in any year to 10% of the
value of the participant's account at the time the distribution amount is
established; a required minimum distribution due to the participant's attainment
of age 701/2 may exceed the 10% limit only if the distribution amount is based
on plan assets held in Pioneer mutual funds); (c) the distribution is from a
401(a) or 401(k) retirement plan and is a return of excess employee deferrals or
employee contributions or a qualifying hardship distribution as defined by the
Code or results from a termination of employment (limited with respect to a
termination to 10% per year of the value of the plan's assets in the Fund as of
the later of the prior December 31 or the date the account was established
unless the plan's assets are being rolled over to or reinvested in the same
class of shares of a Pioneer mutual fund subject to the CDSC of the shares
originally held); (d) the distribution is from an IRA, 403(b) or
employer-sponsored retirement plan and is to be rolled over to or reinvested in
the same class of shares in a Pioneer mutual fund and which will be subject to
the applicable CDSC upon redemption; (e) the distribution is in the form of a
loan to a participant in a plan which permits loans (each repayment of the loan
will constitute a new sale which will be subject to the applicable CDSC upon
redemption); or (f) the distribution is from a qualified defined contribution
plan and represents a participant's directed transfer (provided that this
privilege has been pre-authorized through a prior agreement with PFD regarding
participant directed transfers).
The CDSC on Class C shares and on any Class A shares subject to a CDSC may
be waived or reduced as follows: (a) for automatic redemptions as described in
"Systematic Withdrawal Plans" (limited to 10% of the value of the account; (b)
if the redemption results from the death or a total and permanent disability (as
defined in Section 72 of the Code) occurring after the purchase of the shares
being redeemed of a shareholder or participant in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan; (c) if the distribution is part of a series of substantially
equal payments made over the life expectancy of the participant or the joint
life expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary; or (d) if the
distribution is to a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan and is
(i) a return of excess employee deferrals or contributions, (ii) a qualifying
hardship distribution as defined by the Code, (iii) from a termination of
employment, (iv) in the form of a loan to a participant in a plan which permits
loans, or (v) from a qualified defined contribution plan and represents a
participant's directed transfer (provided that this privilege has been
pre-authorized through a prior agreement with PFD regarding participant directed
transfers).
The CDSC on any shares subject to a CDSC may be waived or reduced for
either non-retirement or retirement plan accounts if the redemption is made
pursuant to each Fund's right to liquidate or involuntarily redeem shares in a
shareholder's account. The CDSC on any shares subject to a CDSC will not be
applicable if the selling broker-dealer elects, with PFD's approval, to waive
receipt of the commission normally paid at the time of the sale.
Broker-Dealers. An order for any Class of Fund shares received by PFD from
a broker-dealer prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange is
confirmed at the price appropriate for that Class as determined at the close of
regular trading on the Exchange on the day the order is received, provided the
order is received prior to PFD's close of business (usually, 5:30 p.m. Eastern
time). It is the responsibility of broker-dealers to transmit orders so that
they will be received by PFD prior to PFD's close of business. PFD or its
affiliates may provide additional compensation to certain dealers or such
dealers' affiliates based on certain objective criteria established from time to
time by PFD. All such payments are made out of PFD's or the affiliate's own
assets. These payments will not change the price an investor will pay for shares
or the amount that the Fund will receive from such sale.
General. The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to withdraw all
or any part of the offering of shares when, in the judgment of the Fund's
management, such withdrawal is in the best interest of the Fund. An order to
purchase shares is not binding on, and may be rejected by, PFD until it has been
confirmed in writing by PFD and payment has been received.
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VIII. HOW TO SELL FUND SHARES
You can arrange to sell (redeem) Fund shares on any day the Exchange is
open by selling either some or all of your shares to the Fund.
You may sell your shares either through your broker-dealer or directly to
the Fund. Please note the following:
[bullet] If you are selling shares from a retirement account, other than an
IRA, you must make your request in writing (except for exchanges
to other Pioneer mutual funds which can be requested by phone or
in writing). Call 1-800-622-0176 for more information.
[bullet] If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account or an IRA,
you may use any of the methods described below.
Your shares will be sold at the share price next calculated after your
order is received in good order less any applicable CDSC. Sale proceeds
generally will be sent to you by check, bank wire, or electronic funds transfer
normally within seven days after your order is received in good order. The Fund
reserves the right to withhold payment of the sale proceeds until checks
received by the Fund in payment for the shares being sold have cleared, which
may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
In Writing. You may sell your shares by delivering a written request,
signed by all registered owners, in good order to PSC, however, you must use a
written request, including a signature guarantee, to sell your shares if any of
the following applies:
[bullet] you wish to sell over $100,000 worth of shares,
[bullet] your account registration or address has changed within the last
30 days,
[bullet] the check is not being mailed to the address on your account
(address of record),
[bullet] the check is not being made out to the account owners, or
[bullet] the sale proceeds are being transferred to a Pioneer mutual fund
account with a different registration.
Your request should include your name, the Fund's name, your fund account
number, the Class of shares to be redeemed, the dollar amount or number of
shares to be redeemed, and any other applicable requirements as described below.
Unless instructed otherwise, PSC will send the proceeds of the sale to the
address of record. Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit
additional documents. For more information, contact PSC at 1-800-225-6292.
Written requests will not be processed until they are received in good
order by PSC. Good order means that there are no outstanding claims or requests
to hold redemptions on the account, any certificates are endorsed by the record
owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered and, if a signature guarantee is
required, the signature(s) are guaranteed by an eligible guarantor. You should
be able to obtain a signature guarantee from a bank, broker, dealer, credit
union (if authorized under state law), securities exchange or association,
clearing agency or savings association. A notary public cannot provide a
signature guarantee. Signature guarantees are not accepted by facsimile ("fax").
For additional information about the necessary documentation for redemption by
mail, please contact PSC at 1-800-225-6292.
By Telephone or by Fax. Your account is automatically authorized to have
the telephone redemption privilege unless you indicate otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to PSC. Proper account identification will be required
for each telephone redemption. The telephone redemption option is not available
to retirement plan accounts, except IRAs. A maximum of $100,000 per account per
day may be redeemed by telephone or fax and the proceeds may be received by
check or by bank wire or electronic funds transfer. To receive the proceeds by
check: the check must be made payable exactly as the account is registered and
the check must be sent to the address of record which must not have changed in
the last 30 days. To receive the proceeds by bank wire or by electronic funds
transfer: the proceeds must be sent to your bank address of record which must
have been properly predesignated either on your Account Application or on an
Account Options Form and which must not have changed in the last 30 days. To
redeem by fax send your redemption request to 1-800-225-4240. You may always
elect to deliver redemption instructions to PSC by mail. See "Telephone
Transactions and Related Liabilities" below. Telephone and fax redemptions will
be priced as described above. You are strongly urged to consult with your
financial representative prior to requesting a telephone redemption.
Selling Shares Through Your Broker-Dealer. The Fund has authorized PFD to
act as its agent in the repurchase of shares of the Fund from qualified
broker-dealers and reserves the right to terminate this procedure at any time.
Your broker- dealer must receive your request before the close of business on
the Exchange and transmit it to PFD before PFD's close of business to receive
that day's redemption price. Your broker-dealer is responsible for providing all
necessary documentation to PFD and may charge you for its services.
Small Accounts. The minimum account value is $500. If you hold shares of
the Fund in an account with a net asset value of less than the minimum required
amount due to redemptions or exchanges, the Fund may redeem the shares held in
this account at net asset value if you have not increased the net asset value of
the account to at least the minimum required amount within six months of notice
by the Fund to you of the Fund's intention to redeem the shares.
CDSC on Class A Shares. Purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more,
or by participants in a Group Plan which were not subject to an initial sales
charge, may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. A CDSC is payable to PFD on
these investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following
the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares
redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions) or
the total cost of such shares. Shares subject to the CDSC which are exchanged
into another Pioneer mutual fund will continue to be subject to the CDSC until
the original 12-month period expires. However, no CDSC is payable upon
redemption with respect to Class A shares purchased by 401(a) or 401(k)
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retirement plans with 1,000 or more eligible participants or with at least $10
million in plan assets.
General. Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed during any
period in which any of the following conditions exist: the Exchange is closed or
trading on the Exchange is restricted; an emergency exists as a result of which
disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or
it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of
the net assets of its portfolio; or the SEC, by order, so permits.
Redemptions and repurchases are taxable transactions to shareholders. The
net asset value per share received upon redemption or repurchase may be more or
less than the cost of shares to an investor, depending on the market value of
the portfolio at the time of redemption or repurchase.
IX. HOW TO EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
Written Exchanges. You may exchange your shares by sending a letter of
instruction to PSC. Your letter should include your name, the name of the fund
out of which you wish to exchange and the name of the Pioneer mutual fund into
which you wish to exchange, your fund account number(s), the Class of shares to
be exchanged and the dollar amount or number of shares to be exchanged. Written
exchange requests must be signed by all record owner(s) exactly as the shares
are registered.
Telephone Exchanges. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone exchange privilege unless you indicate otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to PSC. Proper account identification will be required
for each telephone exchange. Telephone exchanges may not exceed $500,000 per
account per day. Each telephone exchange request, whether by voice or
FactFone(SM), will be recorded. You are strongly urged to consult with your
financial representative prior to requesting a telephone exchange. See
"Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" below.
Automatic Exchanges. You may automatically exchange shares from one Pioneer
mutual fund account for shares of the same Class in another Pioneer mutual fund
account on a monthly or quarterly basis. The accounts must have identical
registrations and the originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000.
The exchange will be effective on the day of the month designated on your
Account Application or Account Options Form.
General. Exchanges must be at least $1,000. You may exchange your
investment from one Class of Fund shares at net asset value, without a sales
charge, for shares of the same Class of any other Pioneer mutual fund. Not all
Pioneer mutual funds offer more than one Class of shares. A new Pioneer mutual
fund account opened through an exchange must have a registration identical to
that on the original account.
Shares which would normally be subject to a CDSC upon redemption will not
be charged the applicable CDSC at the time of an exchange. Shares acquired in an
exchange will be subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held. For purposes
of determining the amount of any applicable CDSC, the length of time you have
owned shares acquired by exchange will be measured from the date you acquired
the original shares and will not be affected by any subsequent exchange.
Exchange requests received by PSC before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time will be
effective on that day if the requirements above have been met, otherwise, they
will be effective on the next business day. PSC will process exchanges only
after receiving an exchange request in good order. There are currently no fees
or sales charges imposed at the time of an exchange. An exchange of shares may
be made only in states where legally permitted. For federal and (generally)
state income tax purposes, an exchange is considered to be a sale of the shares
of the Fund exchanged and a purchase of shares in another Pioneer mutual fund.
Therefore, an exchange could result in a gain or loss on the shares sold,
depending on the tax basis of these shares and the timing of the transaction,
and special tax rules may apply.
You should consider the differences in objectives and policies of the
Pioneer mutual funds, as described in each fund's current prospectus, before
making any exchange. For the protection of the Fund's performance and
shareholders, the Fund and PFD reserve the right to refuse any exchange request
or restrict, at any time without notice, the number and/or frequency of
exchanges to prevent abuses of the exchange privilege. Such abuses may arise
from frequent trading in response to short-term market fluctuations, a pattern
of trading by an individual or group that appears to be an attempt to "time the
market," or any other exchange request which, in the view of management, will
have a detrimental effect on the Fund's portfolio management strategy or its
operations. In addition, the Fund and PFD reserve the right to charge a fee for
exchanges or to modify, limit, suspend or discontinue the exchange privilege
with notice to shareholders as required by law.
X. DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution for each Class of shares (the
"Class A Plan," "Class B Plan," and "Class C Plan") in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which certain distribution and service fees
are paid.
Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund reimburses PFD for its actual
expenditures to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of
Class A shares or to provide services to holders of Class A shares, provided the
categories of expenses for which reimbursement is made are approved by the
Fund's Board of Trustees. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Board of
Trustees has approved the following categories of expenses for Class A shares of
the Fund: (i) a service fee to be paid to qualified broker-dealers in an amount
not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares; (ii) reimbursement to PFD for its expenditures for broker-dealer
commissions and employee compensation on certain sales of the Fund's
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Class A shares with no initial sales charge (See "How to Buy Fund Shares"); and
(iii) reimbursement to PFD for expenses incurred in providing services to Class
A shareholders and supporting broker-dealers and other organizations (such as
banks and trust companies) in their efforts to provide such services. Banks are
currently prohibited under the Glass-Steagall Act from providing certain
underwriting or distribution services. If a bank was prohibited from acting in
any capacity or providing any of the described services, management would
consider what action, if any, would be appropriate.
Expenditures of the Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan are accrued daily and
may not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares. Distribution expenses of PFD are expected to substantially
exceed the distribution fees paid by the Fund in a given year. The Class A Plan
may not be amended to increase materially the annual percentage limitation of
average net assets which may be spent for the services described therein without
approval of the shareholders of the Fund.
Both the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan provide that the Fund will pay a
distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to the applicable Class of shares and will pay PFD a service
fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to that Class of shares. The distribution fee is intended to
compensate PFD for its distribution services to the Fund. The service fee is
intended to be additional compensation for personal services and/or account
maintenance services with respect to Class B or Class C shares. PFD also
receives the proceeds of any CDSC imposed on the redemption of Class B or Class
C shares.
Commissions of 4%, equal to 3.75% of the amount invested and a first year's
service fee equal to 0.25% of the amount invested in Class B shares, are paid to
broker-dealers who have sales agreements with PFD. PFD may advance to dealers
the first year service fee at a rate up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such
shares and, as compensation therefore, PFD may retain the service fee paid by
the Fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase. Dealers
will become eligible for additional service fees with respect to such shares
commencing in the 13th month following the purchase.
Commissions of up to 1% of the amount invested in Class C shares,
consisting of 0.75% of the amount invested and a first year's service fee of
0.25% of the amount invested, are paid to broker-dealers who have sales
agreements with PFD. PFD may advance to dealers the first year service fee at a
rate up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares and, as compensation
therefore, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such
shares for the first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following
the purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional
annual distribution fees and service fees of up to 0.75% and 0.25%,
respectively, of the net asset value with respect to such shares.
When a broker-dealer sells Class B or Class C shares and elects, with PFD's
approval, to waive its right to receive the commission normally paid at the time
of sale, PFD may cause all or a portion of the distribution fees described above
to be paid to the broker-dealer.
Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain criteria in order
to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all
service fees payable under the Class B Plan or the Class C Plan for which there
is no dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not been met as
partial consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
XI. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXATION
The Fund has elected to be treated, has qualified, and intends to qualify
each year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code, so
that it will not pay federal income tax on income and capital gains distributed
to shareholders as required under the Code.
Under the Code, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal
excise tax on a portion of its undistributed ordinary income and capital gains
if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to each
calendar year. The Fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner and
accordingly does not expect to be subject to the excise tax.
The Fund's policy is to pay to shareholders dividends from net investment
income, if any, and to make distributions from net long-term capital gains, if
any, in December. Distributions from net short-term capital gains, if any, may
be paid with such dividends; dividends from income and/or capital gains may also
be paid at such other times as may be necessary for the Fund to avoid federal
income or excise tax. Generally, dividends from the Fund's net investment
income, market discount income, net short-term capital gains, and certain net
foreign exchange gains are taxable under the Code as ordinary income, and
dividends from the Fund's net long-term capital gains are taxable as long-term
capital gains. The Fund's distributions of long-term capital gains to
individuals or other noncorporate taxpayers are subject to different maximum tax
rates (which will be indicated in the annual tax information the Fund provides
to Shareholders), depending generally upon the sources of the Fund's holding
periods for the assets that produce the gains.
Unless shareholders specify otherwise, all distributions will be
automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the Fund.
For federal income tax purposes, all dividends are taxable as described above
whether a shareholder takes them in cash or reinvests them in additional shares
of the Fund. Information as to the federal tax status of dividends and
distributions will be provided to shareholders annually. For further information
on the distribution options available to shareholders, see "Distribution
Options" and "Directed Dividends" below.
Distributions by the Fund of the dividend income it receives from U.S.
domestic corporations, if any, may qualify for the dividends-received deduction
for corporate shareholders, subject to holding-period requirements and
debt-financing restrictions under the Code.
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The Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes or other foreign taxes
on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) on certain of its
foreign investments, which will reduce the yield on or return from those
investments. In any year in which the Fund qualifies, it may make an election
that would permit certain of its shareholders to take a credit or a deduction
for their shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Each shareholder
would then include in gross income (in addition to dividends actually received)
his or her share of the amount of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund. If
this election is made, the Fund will notify its shareholders annually as to
their share of the amount of qualified foreign taxes paid and the foreign source
income of the Fund.
Dividends and other distributions and the proceeds of redemptions,
exchanges or repurchases of Fund shares paid to individuals and other non-exempt
payees will be subject to 31% backup withholding of federal income tax if the
Fund is not provided with the shareholder's correct taxpayer identification
number and certification that the number is correct and that the shareholder is
not subject to backup withholding or the Fund receives notice from the IRS or a
broker that such withholding applies. Please refer to the Account Application
for additional information.
The description above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences
for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens or residents or U.S.
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and who are subject to U.S.
federal income tax. Non-U.S. shareholders and tax-exempt shareholders are
subject to tax treatment that is different than described above. Shareholders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding state, local and other
applicable tax laws, including the effect of recent federal tax legislation,
and regulations referred to above in their particular circumstances.
XII. SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
PSC is the shareholder services and transfer agent for shares of the Fund.
PSC, a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PGI. PSC's
offices are located at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and
inquiries to PSC should be mailed to Pioneering Services Corporation, P.O. Box
9014, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9014. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the
"Custodian") serves as custodian of the Fund's portfolio securities and other
assets. The principal business address of the mutual fund division of the
Custodian is 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Account and Confirmation Statements
PSC maintains an account for each shareholder and all transactions of the
shareholder are recorded in this account. Confirmation statements showing
details of transactions are sent to shareholders as transactions occur, except
Automatic Investment Plan transactions which are confirmed quarterly. The
Pioneer Combined Account statement, mailed quarterly, is available to
shareholders who have more than one Pioneer mutual fund account.
Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of an investment
broker-dealer or other party will not normally have an account with the Fund and
might not be able to utilize some of the services available to shareholders of
record. Examples of services which might not be available are purchases,
exchanges or redemptions of shares by mail or telephone, automatic reinvestment
of dividends and capital gains distributions, withdrawal plans, Letters of
Intent, Rights of Accumulation and newsletters.
Additional Investments
You may add to your account by sending a check (minimum of $50 for Class A
shares and $500 for Class B and Class C shares) to PSC (account number and Class
of shares should be clearly indicated). The bottom portion of a confirmation
statement may be used as a remittance slip to make additional investments.
Additions to your account, whether by check or through a Pioneer
Investomatic Plan, are invested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at the
applicable offering price in effect as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on the day of receipt.
Automatic Investment Plans
You may arrange for regular automatic investments of $50 or more through
government/military allotments, payroll deduction or through a Pioneer
Investomatic Plan. A Pioneer Investomatic Plan provides for a monthly or
quarterly investment by means of a preauthorized electronic funds transfer from
your bank account. Pioneer Investomatic Plan investments are voluntary, and you
may discontinue your plan at any time or change your plan elections for the
dollar amount, frequency or investment date by calling PSC at 1-800-225-6292, or
by sending a written request to Pioneering Services Corporation, P.O. Box 9014,
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9014. A change to your bank information must be made
in writing on an Account Options Form. You should allow up to five business days
for PSC to make changes to an established plan. PSC acts as agent for the
purchaser, the broker-dealer and PFD in maintaining these plans.
Financial Reports and Tax Information
As a shareholder, you will receive financial reports at least semiannually.
In January of each year, the Fund will mail you information about the tax status
of dividends and distributions.
Distribution Options
Dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, will automatically be
invested in additional shares of the Fund, at the applicable net asset value per
share, unless you indicate another option on the Account Application. Two other
options available are (a) dividends in cash and capital gains distributions in
additional shares; and (b) all dividends and capital gains distributions in
cash. These two options are not available, however, for retirement plans or for
an account with a net asset value of less than $500. Changes in your
distribution options may be made by written request to PSC.
If you elect to receive either dividends or capital gains or both in cash
and a distribution check issued to you is returned by the U.S. Postal Service as
not deliverable or a distribution check remains uncashed for six months or more,
the amount of the check may be reinvested in your account. Such additional
shares will be purchased at the then current
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net asset value. Furthermore, the distribution option on the account will
automatically be changed to the reinvestment option until such time as you
request a different option by writing to PSC.
Directed Dividends
You may elect (in writing) to have the dividends paid by one Pioneer
mutual fund account invested in a second Pioneer mutual fund account. The value
of this second account must be at least $1,000 ($500 for Pioneer Fund or
Pioneer II). Invested dividends may be in any amount, and there are no fees or
charges for this service. Retirement plan shareholders may only direct
dividends to accounts with identical registrations .
Direct Deposit
If you have elected to take distributions, whether dividends or dividends
and capital gains, in cash, or have established a Systematic Withdrawal Plan,
you may choose to have those cash payments deposited directly into your savings,
checking or NOW bank account. You may establish this service by completing the
appropriate section on the Account Application when opening a new account or the
Account Options Form for an existing account.
Voluntary Tax Withholding
You may request (in writing) that PSC withhold 28% of the dividends and
capital gains distributions paid from your account (before any reinvestment) and
forward the amount withheld to the IRS as a credit against your federal income
taxes. This option is not available for retirement plan accounts or for accounts
subject to backup withholding.
Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities
Your account is automatically authorized to have telephone transaction
privileges unless you indicate otherwise on your Account Application or by
writing to PSC. You may purchase, sell or exchange Fund shares by telephone. See
"How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Sell Fund Shares" and "How to Exchange Fund
Shares" for more information. For personal assistance, call 1-800-225-6292
between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. Computer-assisted
transactions are available to shareholders who have pre-recorded certain bank
information (see "FactFone(SM)"). You are strongly urged to consult with your
financial representative prior to requesting any telephone transaction.
To confirm that each transaction instruction received by telephone is
genuine, PSC will record each telephone transaction, require the caller to
provide the personal identification number ("PIN") for the account and send you
a written confirmation of each telephone transaction. Different procedures may
apply to accounts that are registered to non-U.S. citizens or that are held in
the name of an institution or in the name of an investment broker-dealer or
other third-party. If reasonable procedures, such as those described above, are
not followed, the Fund may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. The Fund may implement other procedures from time to
time. In all other cases, neither the Fund, PSC or PFD will be responsible for
the authenticity of instructions received by telephone; therefore, you bear the
risk of loss for unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transactions.
During times of economic turmoil or market volatility or as a result of
severe weather or a natural disaster, it may be difficult to contact the Fund by
telephone to institute a redemption or exchange. You should communicate with the
Fund in writing if you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone.
FactFone(SM)
FactFone(SM) is an automated inquiry and telephone transaction system
available to Pioneer mutual fund shareholders by dialing 1-800-225-4321.
FactFone(SM) allows you to obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual
fund accounts and to inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly
available Pioneer mutual funds. In addition, you may use FactFone(SM) to make
computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions from your
Pioneer mutual fund accounts if you have activated your PIN. Telephone
purchases and redemptions require the establishment of a bank account of
record. You are strongly urged to consult with your financial representative
prior to requesting any telephone transaction. Shareholders whose accounts are
registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party may not be able
to use FactFone(SM). See "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Exchange Fund
Shares," "How to Sell Fund Shares" and "Telephone Transactions and Related
Liabilities." Call PSC for assistance.
Retirement Plans
You should contact the Retirement Plans Department of PSC at 1-800-622-0176
for information relating to tax-deferred retirement plans for individuals,
businesses and tax-exempt organizations, all of which are available in
conjunction with investments in the Fund. The Account Application accompanying
this Prospectus should not be used to establish any of these plans. Separate
applications are required.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
If you have a hearing disability and access to TDD keyboard equipment, you
can call our TDD number toll-free at 1-800-225-1997, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Eastern time, to contact our telephone representatives with questions
about your account.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans
If your account has a total value of at least $10,000 you may establish a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") providing for fixed payments at regular
intervals. Withdrawals from Class B and Class C share accounts are limited to
10% of the value of the account at the time the SWP is implemented. See "Waiver
or Reduction of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" for more information. Periodic
checks of $50 or more will be sent to you, or any person designated by you,
monthly or quarterly, and your periodic redemptions of shares may be taxable to
you. Payments can be made either by check or electronic transfer to a bank
account designated by you. If you direct that withdrawal checks be paid to
another person after you have opened your account, a signature guarantee must
accompany your instructions. Purchases of Class A shares of the Fund at a time
when you have a SWP in effect may result in the payment of unnecessary sales
charges and may therefore be disadvantageous.
16
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You may obtain additional information by calling PSC at 1-800-225-6292 or
by referring to the Statement of Additional Information.
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A Shares Only)
If you redeem all or part of your Class A shares of the Fund, you may
reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds without a sales charge in Class
A shares of the Fund if you send a written request to PSC not more than 90 days
after your shares were redeemed. Your redemption proceeds will be reinvested at
the next determined net asset value of the Class A shares of the Fund in effect
immediately after receipt of the written request for reinstatement. You may
realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the
redemption, and special tax rules may apply if a reinstatement occurs. Subject
to the provisions outlined under "How to Exchange Fund Shares" above, you may
also reinvest in Class A shares of other Pioneer mutual funds; in this case you
must meet the minimum investment requirements for each fund you enter.
The 90-day reinstatement period may be extended by PFD for periods of up to
one year for shareholders living in areas that have experienced a natural
disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake.
----------------------------------------------
The options and services available to shareholders, including the terms of
the Exchange Privilege and the Pioneer Investomatic Plan, may be revised,
suspended or terminated at any time by PFD or by the Fund. You may establish the
services described in this section when you open your account. You may also
establish or revise many of them on an existing account by completing an Account
Options Form, which you may request by calling 1-800-225-6292.
XIII. THE FUND
The Fund is a diversified open-end management investment company (commonly
referred to as a mutual fund) re-organized as a Delaware business trust on April
30, 1998. Prior to that time the Fund operated as a series of a Massachusetts
business trust, initially organized as such on April 7, 1990. The Fund has
authorized an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest. As an open-end
management investment company, the Fund continuously offers its shares to the
public and under normal conditions must redeem its shares upon the demand of any
shareholder at the then current net asset value per share. See "How to Sell Fund
Shares." The Fund is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual
shareholder meetings although special meetings may be called for the purpose of
electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental investment restrictions or
approving a management contract.
The Fund reserves the right to create and issue additional series of
shares. The Trustees have the authority, without further shareholder approval,
to classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund, or any additional series of
the Fund, into one or more classes. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
Trustees have authorized the issuance of three classes of shares, designated
Class A, Class B and Class C. The shares of each class represent an interest in
the same portfolio of investments of the Fund. Each class has equal rights as to
voting, redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each class bears
different distribution and transfer agent fees and may bear other expenses
properly attributable to the particular class. Class A, Class B and Class C
shareholders have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1
distribution plans adopted by holders of those shares in connection with the
distribution of shares.
In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of
Trust provides that a shareholder of the Fund may bring a derivative action on
behalf of the Fund only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders
eligible to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least
10% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or 10% of the outstanding shares of
the series or class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for
the Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a
reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and investigate
the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or
other advisers in considering the merits of the request and shall require an
undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the Fund for
the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to
bring such action.
When issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, shares of the Fund are fully paid and
non-assessable. Shares will remain on deposit with the Fund's transfer agent and
certificates will not normally be issued. The Fund reserves the right to charge
a fee for the issuance of Class A certificates; certificates will not be issued
for Class B and Class C shares.
XIV. INVESTMENT RESULTS
The average annual total return (for a designated period of time) on an
investment in the Fund may be included in advertisements, and furnished to
existing or prospective shareholders. The average annual total return for each
Class is computed in accordance with the SEC's standardized formula. The
calculation for all Classes assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of federal or
state income taxes. In addition, for Class A shares the calculation assumes the
deduction of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; for Class B and Class C shares
the calculation reflects the deduction of any applicable CDSC. The periods
illustrated would normally include one, five and ten years (or since the
commencement of the public offering of the shares of a Class, if shorter)
through the most recent calendar quarter.
One or more additional measures and assumptions, including but not limited
to historical total returns; distribution returns; results of actual or
hypothetical investments; changes in dividends, distributions or share values;
or any graphic illustration of such data may also be used. These data may cover
any period of the Fund's existence and may or may not include the impact of
sales charges, taxes or other factors.
Other investments or savings vehicles and/or unmanaged market indices,
indicators of economic activity or averages
17
<PAGE>
of mutual funds results may be cited or compared with the investment performance
of the Fund. Rankings or listings by magazines, newspapers or independent
statistical or rating services, such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., may
also be referenced.
The Fund's investment results will vary from time to time depending on
market conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and operating
expenses of the Fund. All quoted investment results are historical and should
not be considered representative of what an investment in the Fund may earn in
any future period. For further information about the calculation methods and
uses of the Fund's investment results, see the Statement of Additional
Information.
18
<PAGE>
APPENDIX--CERTAIN INVESTMENT PRACTICES
This Appendix provides a brief description of certain investment techniques
that the Fund may employ. For a more complete discussion of these and other
practices, see "Investment Policies and Restrictions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
Options on Securities Indices
The Fund may purchase put and call options on indices that are based on
securities in which it may invest to manage cash flow and to manage its exposure
to foreign and domestic stocks or stock markets instead of, or in addition to,
buying and selling stock. The Fund may also purchase options in order to hedge
against risks of market-wide price fluctuations.
The Fund may purchase put options in order to hedge against an anticipated
decline in securities prices that might adversely affect the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities. If the Fund purchases a put option on a securities index,
the amount of the payment it would receive upon exercising the option would
depend on the extent of any decline in the level of the securities index below
the exercise price. Such payments would tend to offset a decline in the value of
the Fund's portfolio securities. However, if the level of the securities index
increases and remains above the exercise price while the put option is
outstanding, the Fund will not be able to profitably exercise the option and
will lose the amount of the premium and any transaction costs. Such loss may be
partially offset by an increase in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund may purchase call options on securities indices in order to remain
fully invested in a particular stock market or to lock in a favorable price on
securities that it intends to buy in the future. If the Fund purchases a call
option on a securities index, the amount of the payment it receives upon
exercising the option depends on the extent of an increase in the level of the
securities index above the exercise price. Such payments would in effect allow
the Fund to benefit from securities market appreciation even though it may not
have had sufficient cash to purchase the underlying securities. Such payments
may also offset increases in the price of securities that the Fund intends to
purchase. If, however, the level of the securities index declines and remains
below the exercise price while the call option is outstanding, the Fund will not
be able to exercise the option profitably and will lose the amount of the
premium and transaction costs. Such loss may be partially offset by a reduction
in the price the Fund pays to buy additional securities for its portfolio.
The Fund may sell an option it has purchased or a similar option prior to
the expiration of the purchased option in order to close out its position in an
option which it has purchased. The Fund may also allow options to expire
unexercised, which would result in the loss of the premium paid.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts and Options on Foreign Currencies
The Fund has the ability to hold a portion of its assets in foreign
currencies and to enter into forward foreign currency contracts to facilitate
settlement of foreign securities transactions or to protect against changes in
foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund might sell a foreign currency on
either a spot or forward basis to hedge against an anticipated decline in the
dollar value of securities in its portfolio or securities it intends or has
contracted to sell or to preserve the U.S. dollar value of dividends, interest
or other amounts it expects to receive. Although this strategy could minimize
the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged foreign currency,
it could also limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in
the value of the currency. Alternatively, the Fund might purchase a foreign
currency or enter into a forward purchase contract for the currency to preserve
the U.S. dollar price of securities it is authorized to purchase or has
contracted to purchase.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract to buy foreign currency, the
Fund will be required to place cash or high grade liquid securities in a
segregated account of the Fund maintained by the Fund's custodian in an amount
equal to the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of
the forward contract.
The Fund may purchase put and call options on foreign currencies for the
purpose of protecting against declines in the dollar value of foreign portfolio
securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities
to be acquired. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute
an effective hedge against exchange rate fluctuations.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
To hedge against changes in securities prices, currency exchange rates or
interest rates, the Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures
contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures
contracts. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions
with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be
based on various stock and other securities indices, foreign currencies and
other financial instruments and indices. The Fund will engage in futures and
related options transactions for bona fide hedging purposes only. These
transactions involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case
of contracts and options obligating the Fund to purchase currencies, require the
Fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options.
Limitations and Risks Associated with Transactions
in Options, Futures Contracts and Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Transactions involving options on securities and securities indices,
futures contracts and options on futures and forward foreign currency exchange
contracts involve (1) liquidity risk that contractual positions cannot be easily
closed out in the event of market changes or generally in the absence of a
liquid secondary market, (2) correlation risk that changes in the value of
hedging positions may not match the securities market and foreign currency
fluctuations intended to be hedged and (3) market risk that an incorrect
prediction of securities prices or exchange rates by the Fund's investment
adviser may cause the Fund to perform less favorably than if such positions had
not been entered. The Fund will purchase and sell options that are traded only
in a regulated market which
19
<PAGE>
is open to the public. The use of options, futures contracts and forward foreign
currency exchange contracts are highly specialized activities which involve
investment techniques and risks that are different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio transactions. The Fund may not enter into futures contracts
and options on futures contracts for speculative purposes. The percent of the
Fund's assets that may be subject to futures contracts and options on such
contracts entered into for bona fide hedging purposes or in forward foreign
currency exchange contracts is 100%. The loss that may be incurred by the Fund
in entering into future contracts and written options thereon and forward
foreign currency exchange contracts is potentially unlimited. The Fund may not
invest more than 5% of its total assets in financial instruments that are used
for non-hedging purposes and which have a leverage effect.
The Fund's transactions in options, forward foreign currency exchange
contracts, futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be limited by
the requirements for qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company
for tax purposes. See "Tax Status" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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<PAGE>
[Pioneer Logo]
Pioneer
Gold Shares
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
OFFICERS
JOHN F. COGAN, JR., Chairman and President
DAVID D. TRIPPLE, Executive Vice President
WILLIAM H. KEOUGH, Treasurer
JOSEPH P. BARRI, Secretary
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
PIONEERING MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
CUSTODIAN
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
LEGAL COUNSEL
HALE AND DORR LLP
0298-4937
(c) Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND TRANSFER AGENT
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Telephone: 1-800-225-6292
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you would like information on the following, please call:
Existing and new accounts, prospectuses,
applications and service forms and
telephone transactions................... 1-800-225-6292
FactFone(SM)
Automated fund yields, automated prices
and account information.................. 1-800-225-4321
Retirement plans.............................. 1-800-622-0176
Toll-free fax................................. 1-800-225-4240
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).. 1-800-225-1997
Visit our web site...................... www.pioneerfunds.com
<PAGE>
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
May 1, 1998
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus
("Prospectus"), but should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for
Pioneer Gold Shares (the "Fund") dated May 1, 1998, as supplemented or revised
from time to time. A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained free of charge by
calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the Fund
at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The most recent Annual Report
to Shareholders is attached to this Statement of Additional Information and is
hereby incorporated in this Statement of Additional Information by reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Investment Policies and Restrictions...................... 2
2. Management of the Fund.................................... 10
3. Investment Adviser........................................ 14
4. Underwriting Agreement and Distribution Plans............. 15
5. Shareholder Servicing/Transfer Agent...................... 18
6. Custodian................................................. 18
7. Principal Underwriter..................................... 18
8. Independent Public Accountants............................ 19
9. Portfolio Transactions.................................... 19
10. Tax Status................................................ 20
11. Description of Shares..................................... 24
12. Certain Liabilities....................................... 25
13. Letter of Intent.......................................... 26
14. Systematic Withdrawal Plan................................ 26
15. Determination of Net Asset Value.......................... 27
16. Investment Results........................................ 27
17. Financial Statements...................................... 30
Appendix A................................................ 31
Appendix B................................................ 46
-------------------------
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A
PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR
ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The Fund's current Prospectus presents the investment objective and the
principal investment policies of the Fund. Additional investment policies and a
further description of some of the policies described in the Prospectus appear
below. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning given to
them in the Prospectus.
The following policies and restrictions supplement those discussed in
the Prospectus. Whenever an investment policy or restriction states a maximum
percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or presents
a policy regarding quality standards, this standard or other restrictions shall
be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund's investment.
Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values,
net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether
the investment complies with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to member firms of the Exchange,
under agreements which would require that the loans be secured continuously by
collateral in cash, cash equivalents or United States ("U.S.") Treasury bills
maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of
the securities loaned. The Fund would continue to receive the equivalent of the
interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned as well as the
benefit of an increase in the market value of the securities loaned and would
also receive compensation based on investment of the collateral. The Fund would
not, however, have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during
the existence of the loan, but would call the loan in anticipation of an
important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or of the giving or
withholding of consent on a material matter affecting the investment.
As with other extensions of credit there are risks of delay in recovery
or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities
fail financially. The Fund will lend portfolio securities only to firms which
have been approved in advance by the Board of Trustees, which will monitor the
creditworthiness of any such firms. At no time would the value of the securities
loaned exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions
The Fund may engage in foreign currency transactions. These
transactions may be conducted on a spot, i.e., cash basis, at the spot rate for
purchasing or selling currency prevailing in the foreign exchange market. The
Fund also has authority to enter into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which the Fund will
invest as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rate
between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. This is accomplished through
contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified
future date and price set at the time of the contract. The Fund's transactions
in forward foreign currency contracts will be limited to hedging either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale
of forward foreign currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or
payables of the Fund, accrued in connection with the purchase and sale of their
portfolio securities denominated in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the
use of forward foreign currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions
denominated or quoted in such foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that the
Fund will be engaged in hedging activities when adverse exchange rate movements
occur. The Fund will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio
positions, and will enter into such transactions only to the extent, if any,
deemed appropriate by the investment adviser. The Fund will not enter into
speculative forward foreign currency contracts.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign
currency, the Fund will segregate cash or high grade liquid debt securities in a
separate account in an amount equal to the value of the total assets committed
to the consummation of such forward contract. Those assets will be valued at
market daily and if the value of the assets in the separate account declines,
additional cash or securities will be placed in the accounts so that the value
of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitment with respect to
such contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the opportunity
for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not
be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the devaluation level it anticipates.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in foreign currency transactions
varies with such factors as the currency involved, the size of the contract, the
length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since
transactions in foreign currency and forward contracts are usually conducted on
a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The Fund may close out a
forward position in a currency by selling the forward contract or by entering
into an offsetting forward contract.
Options on Securities
The Fund may write (sell) covered call options on certain portfolio
securities, but options may not be written on more than 25% of the aggregate
market value of any single portfolio security (determined each time a call is
sold as of the date of such sale). The Fund does not intend to write covered
call options on portfolio securities with an aggregate market value exceeding 5%
of the Fund's total assets in the coming year. As the writer of a call option,
the Fund receives a premium less commission, and, in exchange, foregoes the
opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security
covering the call above the sum of the premium and the exercise price of the
option during the life of the option. The purchaser of such a call written by
the Fund has the option of purchasing the security from the Fund at the option
price during the life of the option. Portfolio securities on which options may
be written are purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations
consistent with the Fund's investment objectives. All call options written by
the Fund are covered; the Fund may cover a call option by owning the securities
subject to the option so long as the option is outstanding or using the other
methods described below. In addition, a written call option may be covered by
purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its
exercise price or otherwise, covers the Fund's net exposure on its written
option position. The Fund does not consider a security covered by a call option
to be "pledged" as that term is used in the Fund's policy which limits the
pledging or mortgaging of its assets.
The Fund may purchase call options on securities for entering into a
"closing purchase transaction," i.e., a purchase of a call option on the same
security with the same exercise price and expiration date as a "covered" call
already written by the Fund. These closing purchase transactions enable the Fund
to immediately realize gains or minimize losses on their respective options
positions. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect such
closing purchase transactions at a favorable price. If the Fund cannot enter
into such a transaction it may be required to hold a security that it might
otherwise have sold. The Fund's portfolio turnover may increase through the
exercise of options if the market price of the underlying securities goes up and
the Fund has not entered into a closing purchase transaction. The commission on
purchase or sale of a call option is higher in relation to the premium than the
commission in relation to the price on purchase or sale of the underlying
security.
Options on Securities Indices
The Fund may purchase call and put options on securities indices for
the purpose of hedging against the risk of unfavorable price movements adversely
affecting the value of the Fund's securities or securities which the Fund
intends to buy. Securities index options will not be used for speculative
purposes.
The Fund may only purchase and sell options that are traded only in a
regulated market which is open to the public. Currently, options on stock
indices are traded only on national securities exchanges or over-the-counter
("OTC"), both in the U.S. and in foreign countries. A securities index
fluctuates with changes in the market values of the securities included in the
index. For example, some stock index options are based on a broad market index
such as the S&P 500 or the Value Line Composite Index in the U.S., the Nikkei in
Japan or the FTSE 100 in the United Kingdom. Index options may also be based on
a narrower market index such as the S&P 100 or on an industry or market segment
such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index.
The Fund may purchase put options in order to hedge against an
anticipated decline in securities prices that might adversely affect the value
of the Fund's portfolio securities. If the Fund purchases a put option on a
securities index, the amount of the payment it would receive upon exercising the
option would depend on the extent of any decline in the level of the securities
index below the exercise price. Such payments would tend to offset a decline in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. However, if the level of the
securities index increases and remains above the exercise price while the put
option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to profitably exercise the
option and will lose the amount of the premium and any transaction costs. Such
loss may be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities.
The Fund may purchase call options on securities indices in order to
remain fully invested in a particular foreign stock market or to lock in a
favorable price on securities that it intends to buy in the future.
If the Fund purchases a call option on a securities index, the amount
of the payment it receives upon exercising the option depends on the extent of
an increase in the level of other securities indices above the exercise price.
Such payments would in effect allow the Fund to benefit from securities market
appreciation even though it may not have had sufficient cash to purchase the
underlying securities. Such payments may also offset increases in the price of
securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If, however, the level of the
securities index declines and remains below the exercise price while the call
option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to exercise the option
profitably and will lose the amount of the premium and transaction costs. Such
loss may be partially offset by a reduction in the price the Fund pays to buy
additional securities for its portfolio.
The Fund may sell the securities index option it has purchased or write
a similar offsetting securities index option in order to close out a position in
a securities index option which it has purchased. These closing sale
transactions enable the Funds to immediately realize gains or minimize losses on
their respective options positions. However, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or
at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market may exist. In
addition, securities index prices may be distorted by interruptions in the
trading of securities of certain companies or of issuers in certain industries,
or by restrictions that may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing
transactions, or both, which would disrupt trading in options on such indices
and preclude the Fund from closing out its options positions. If the Fund is
unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options that it has
purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options
markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant
price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that can not
be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.
In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between the Fund's
portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index
options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the
Fund in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of
unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the securities
index on which the option is based.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
To hedge against changes in securities prices or currency exchange
rates, the Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and
purchase and write (sell) call and put options on any of such futures contracts.
The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect
to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on
various securities (such as U.S. Government securities), securities indices,
foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices.
The Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for
bona fide hedging and non-hedging purposes as described below. All futures
contracts entered into by the Fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of
trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (the "CFTC") or on foreign exchanges.
Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an
agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments
for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash
settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise
not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).
When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the
Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio
securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are
falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of
futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later
be available in the market when they effect anticipated purchases. Similarly,
the Fund can sell futures contracts on a specified currency to protect against a
decline in the value of such currency and a decline in the value of its
portfolio securities which are denominated in such currency. The Fund can
purchase futures contracts on a foreign currency to establish the price in U.S.
dollars of a security denominated in such currency that the Funds have acquired
or expect to acquire.
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to
maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may
result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency
will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take,
delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears
economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the
exchange on which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that,
if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging Strategies. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to
establish with more certainty the effective price, rate of return and currency
exchange rate on portfolio securities and securities that the Fund owns or
proposes to acquire. The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling futures contracts in order to hedge against an
anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign
currency rates that would adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery
of securities held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to
those of the Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the Fund may sell futures
contracts in a foreign currency in which its portfolio securities are
denominated or in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of
securities denominated in a different currency if there is an established
historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion
of Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC"), there is a sufficient degree of
correlation between price trends for the Fund's portfolio securities and futures
contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other
indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of their
hedging strategies. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in
the Fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures
contracts, PMC will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference
based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having
the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by
attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the
Fund's portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any
depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset
by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any
unanticipated appreciation in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities would
be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.
On other occasions, the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing
futures contracts. This may be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable
market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently available.
Options on Futures Contracts. The acquisition of put and call options
on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a
specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures
contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on
a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if
prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of
an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium
which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets. By
writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium,
to sell a futures contract (if the option is exercised), which may have a value
higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a
futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an increase in
the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund
becomes obligated to purchase a futures contract (if the option is exercised)
which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by
the Fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed
the amount of the premium received. The Fund will incur transaction costs in
connection with the writing of options on futures.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate
its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series.
There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
The Fund may use options on futures contracts for bona fide hedging or
non-hedging purposes as discussed below.
Other Considerations. The Fund will engage in futures and related
options transactions only for bona fide hedging or non-hedging purposes in
accordance with CFTC regulations which permit principals of an investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act") to engage in such transactions without registering as commodity pool
operators. The Fund is not permitted to engage in speculative futures trading.
The Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and
options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price
fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or which the Fund expects to
purchase. Except as stated below, the Fund's futures transactions will be
entered into for traditional hedging purposes -- i.e., futures contracts will be
sold to protect against a decline in the price of securities (or the currency in
which they are denominated) that the Fund owns, or futures contracts will be
purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities (or
the currency in which they are denominated) it intends to purchase. As evidence
of this hedging intent, the Fund expects that on 75% or more of the occasions on
which it takes a long futures or option position (involving the purchase of
futures contracts), the Fund will have purchased, or will be in the process of
purchasing, equivalent amounts of related securities or assets denominated in
the related currency in the cash market at the time when the futures or option
position is closed out. However, in particular cases, when it is economically
advantageous for the Fund to do so, a long futures position may be terminated or
an option may expire without the corresponding purchase of securities or other
assets.
As an alternative to literal compliance with the bona fide hedging
definition, a CFTC regulation permits the Fund to elect to comply with a
different test, under which the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on
the Fund's existing non-hedging futures contracts and premiums paid for options
on futures entered into for non-hedging purposes (net of the amount the
positions are "in the money") would not exceed 5% of the market value of the
Fund's total assets. The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts
and related options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for
maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes.
Transaction costs associated with futures contracts and related options
involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts
and options obligating the Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require
the Fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may
reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks.
Thus, while the Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures,
unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange
rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if they had
not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of
an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position
which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained
and the Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. It is not possible to hedge fully
or perfectly against the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of foreign
securities because currency movements impact the value of different securities
in differing degrees.
Other Policies and Risks
The Fund's fundamental policy allows the concentration in the
securities of companies engaged in the mining, processing or sale of gold and
other precious metals presents risks which are not presented in portfolios which
diversify their investments over many industries. The Fund will not concentrate
its investment in any other industry. The Fund's policies on concentration do
not apply to investments in U.S. Government Securities.
The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign governments, their
agencies and instrumentalities ("foreign government securities") but has no
present intention to invest more than 5% of its total assets in such securities.
The Fund will limit its investment in foreign government securities to those
rated at least investment grade, i.e., Baa by Moody's Investor Service,
Inc.("Moody's") or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's)
or, if unrated, determined by PMC to be of comparable quality. See the Appendix
for a description of the ratings. Investment in foreign government securities
entails certain risks similar to those of investing in foreign companies as set
forth in the Prospectus and the additional risk that the foreign government will
repudiate its underlying obligation or alter any favorable tax treatment
associated with the obligation.
With respect to liquidity determinations generally, the Board of
Trustees has the ultimate responsibility for determining whether specific
securities are liquid or illiquid. The Board has delegated the function of
making day to day determinations of liquidity to PMC, pursuant to guidelines
reviewed by the Trustees. PMC takes into account a number of factors in reaching
liquidity decisions. These factors may include but are not limited to: (i) the
frequency of trading in the security; (ii) the number of dealers who make quotes
in the securities; (iii) the number of dealers who have undertaken to make a
market in the security; (iv) the number of potential purchasers; and (v) the
nature of the security and how trading is effected (the time needed to sell the
security, how offers are solicited and the mechanics of transfer). PMC will
monitor the liquidity of securities in the Fund's portfolio and report
periodically on such decisions to the Trustees.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in warrants, which are securities permitting, but
not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other securities. Warrants do not
carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the
securities that they entitle their holders to purchase, and they do not
represent any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result, an investment in
warrants may be considered more speculative than certain other types of
investments. In addition, the value of a warrant does not necessarily change
with the value of the underlying securities and a warrant ceases to have value
if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. Although the Fund does not
have a formal percentage limitation on such investments, it is not expected that
PMC will invest more than 5% of the Fund's total assets in such securities.
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following list presents the
fundamental investment restrictions applicable to the Fund. These restrictions
cannot be changed unless a majority of the outstanding shares (as such vote is
defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act) of the Fund approves the change.
The Fund may not:
(1) borrow money, except from banks as a temporary measure to
facilitate the meeting of redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes and except pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls,
in all cases in amounts not exceeding 331/3% of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed) taken at market value;
(2) invest in real estate or interests therein, excluding readily
marketable securities of companies that invest in real estate or real estate
investment trusts
(3) invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except interest rate
futures contracts, options on securities, securities indices, currency and other
financial instruments, futures contracts on securities, securities indices,
currency and other financial instruments and options on such futures contracts,
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, securities
index put or call warrants, interest rate swaps, caps and floors and repurchase
agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment policies.
(4) make loans, provided that (i) the purchase of debt securities
pursuant to the Fund's investment objectives shall not be deemed loans for the
purposes of this restriction; (ii) loans of portfolio securities as described,
from time to time, under "Lending of Portfolio Securities" shall be made only in
accordance with the terms and conditions therein set forth and (iii) in seeking
a return on temporarily available cash the Fund may engage in repurchase
transactions as described in the Prospectus;
(5) issue senior securities, except as permitted by restrictions nos.
1, 3 and 5 above, and, for purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares
of beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, forward
commitments, forward foreign exchange contracts and repurchase agreements
entered into in accordance with the Fund's investment policies, and the pledge,
mortgage or hypothecation of the Fund's assets within the meaning of fundamental
restriction no. 7 below are not deemed to be senior securities.
(6) act as an underwriter, except as it may be deemed to be an underwriter
in a sale of restricted securities; or
(7) guarantee the securities of any other company, or mortgage, pledge,
hypothecate, assign or otherwise encumber as security for indebtedness its
securities or receivables in an amount exceeding the amount of the borrowing
secured thereby.
As long as the Fund is registered in the Federal Republic of Germany,
Austria or Switzerland, the Fund may not without the prior approval of its
shareholders:
(i) invest in the securities of any other domestic or foreign
investment company or investment fund, except in connection with a plan of
merger or consolidation with or acquisition of substantially all the assets of
such other investment company or investment fund;
(ii) purchase or sell real estate, or any interest therein, and real
estate mortgage loans, except that the Fund may invest in securities of
corporate or governmental entities secured by real estate or marketable
interests therein or securities issued by companies (other than real estate
limited partnerships, real estate investment trusts and real estate funds) that
invest in real estate or interests therein;
(iii) borrow money in amounts exceeding 10% of the Fund's total assets
(including the amount borrowed) taken at market value;
(iv) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets in amounts exceeding 10% of
the Fund's total assets taken at market value;
(v) purchase securities on margin or make short sales;
(vi) redeem its securities in-kind; or
(vii) invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development leases or programs.
Further, as long as the Fund is registered in Switzerland, the Fund may
not without the prior approval of its shareholders:
(a) purchase gold or silver bullion, coins or other precious metals or
purchase or sell futures contracts or options on any such precious metals;
(b) invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of any one
issuer; provided, however, that this restriction does not apply to cash items
and U.S. Government securities;
(c) write (sell) uncovered calls or puts or any combination thereof or
purchase, in an amount exceeding 5% of its assets, calls, puts, straddles,
spreads or any combination thereof; or
(d) invest more than 5% of its total assets in financial instruments
that are used for non-hedging purposes and which have a leverage effect.
In the case of a change in the laws of Germany, Austria or
Switzerland applicable to the Fund, the Trustees have the right to adjust the
above restrictions accordingly without the prior approval of the shareholders.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following restrictions
have been designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the
Fund's Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders.
The Fund may not:
(1) purchase securities for the purpose of controlling management of other
companies;
(2) invest in any security, including any repurchase agreement maturing
in more than seven days, which is illiquid, if more than 15% of the total assets
of the Fund, taken at market value, would be invested in such securities.
In addition to the foregoing restrictions, at least 75% of the value of
the Fund's total assets must be represented by cash and cash items, government
securities, securities of other investment companies, and other securities,
which, for the purpose of this calculation is limited in respect of any one
issuer to an amount not greater in value than 5% of the value of the total
assets of the Fund and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of such issuer.
The Fund does not intend to borrow money during the coming year, and in
any case would do so only as a temporary measure for extraordinary purposes or
to facilitate redemptions.
2. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the
affairs of the Fund. The officers of the Fund are responsible for the Fund's
operations. The Trustees and executive officers of the Fund are listed below,
together with their principal occupations during the past five years. An
asterisk indicates those Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
JOHN F. COGAN, JR.*, Chairman of the Board, President and Trustee, DOB:
June 1926 President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of The Pioneer
Group, Inc. ("PGI"); Chairman and a Director of Pioneering Management
Corporation ("PMC") and Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"); Director of
Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"), Pioneer Capital Corporation ("PCC"),
Pioneer Real Estate Advisors, Inc. (PREA), Pioneer Forest, Inc., Pioneer
Explorer, Inc. ("PEI"), Pioneer Management (Ireland) Ltd. ("PMIL") and Closed
Joint Stock Company "Forest-Starma"; President and Director of Pioneer Metals
and Technology, Inc. ("PMT"), Pioneer International Corp. ("PIntl"), Pioneer
First Russia, Inc. ("First Russia") and Pioneer Omega, Inc. ("Omega"); Chairman
of the Board and Director of Pioneer Goldfields Limited ("PGL") and Teberebie
Goldfields Limited; Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Pioneer Fonds
Marketing, GmbH ("Pioneer GmbH"), Pioneer First Polish Trust Fund Joint Stock
Company, S.A. ("PFPT") and Pioneer Czech Investment Company, A.S.; Chairman,
President and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds; Director of Pioneer
Global Equity Fund Plc, Pioneer Global Bond Fund Plc, Pioneer DM Cashfonds Plc,
Pioneer European Equity Fund Plc, Pioneer Central & Eastern Europe Fund Plc, and
Pioneer US Real Estate Fund Plc, collectively, the ("Pioneer Irish Funds"); and
Partner, Hale and Dorr LLP (counsel to PGI and the Fund).
MARY K. BUSH, Trustee, DOB: April 1948
4201 Cathedral Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016
President, Bush & Co., an international financial advisory firm, since
1991; Director/Trustee of Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, Novecon
Management Company, Hoover Institution, Folger Shakespeare Library, March of
Dimes, Project 2000, Inc., Small Enterprise Assistance Fund and Wilberforce
University; Advisory Board member, Washington Mutual Investors Fund, a
registered investment company; and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds,
except Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
RICHARD H. EGDAHL, M.D., Trustee, DOB: December 1926
Boston University Health Policy Institute, 53 Bay State Road., Boston, MA 02115
Professor of Management, Boston University School of Management;
Professor of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health; Professor
of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine; Director, Boston University
Health Policy Institute and Boston University Medical Center; Executive Vice
President and Vice Chairman of the Board, University Hospital; Academic Vice
President for Health Affairs, Boston University; Director, Essex Investment
Management Company, Inc. (investment adviser), Health Payment Review, Inc.
(health care containment software firm), Mediplex Group, Inc. (nursing care
facilities firm), Peer Review Analysis, Inc. (health care facilities firm) and
Springer-Verlag New York, Inc. (publisher); Honorary Trustee, Franciscan
Children's Hospital; and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
MARGARET B.W. GRAHAM, Trustee, DOB: May 1947
The Keep, P.O. Box 110. Little Deer Isle, ME 04650
Founding Director, The Winthrop Group, Inc (consulting firm); Manager
of Research Operations, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, from 1991 to 1994;
Professor of Operations Management and Management of Technology, and Associate
Dean, Boston University School of Management from 1989 to 1993; and Trustee of
all of the Pioneer mutual funds, except Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
JOHN W. KENDRICK, Trustee, DOB: July 1917
6363 Waterway Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044
Professor Emeritus, George Washington University; Director, American
Productivity and Quality Center; Adjunct Scholar American Enterprise Institute;
and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds, except Pioneer Variable
Contracts Trust.
MARGUERITE A. PIRET, Trustee, DOB: May 1948
One Boston Place, Suite 2635, Boston, MA 02108
President, Newbury, Piret & Company, Inc., (merchant banking firm);
Trustee of Boston Medical Center; Member of the Board of Governors of the
Investment Company Institute; and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
DAVID D. TRIPPLE*, Trustee and Executive Vice President, DOB: February 1944
Executive Vice President and a Director of PGI; President, Chief
Investment Officer and a Director of PMC; Director of PFD, PCC, , PIntl, First
Russia, Omega and Pioneer SBIC Corporation ("Pioneer SBIC"), PMIL, Pioneer
Global Equity Fund Plc, Pioneer Global Bond Fund Plc, Pioneer DM Cashfonds Plc,
Pioneer European Equity Fund Plc, Pioneer Central & Eastern Europe Fund Plc and
Pioneer US Real Estate Fund Plc; and Executive Vice President and Trustee of all
of the Pioneer mutual funds.
STEPHEN K. WEST, Trustee, DOB: September 1928
125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell (law firm); Trustee, The Winthrop Focus
Funds (mutual funds) and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
JOHN WINTHROP, Trustee, DOB: June 1936
One North Adgers Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
President, John Winthrop & Co., Inc. (private investment firm); Director of
NUI Corp. (energy sales, services and distribution); Trustee of Alliance Capital
Reserves, Alliance Government Reserves and Alliance Tax Exempt Reserves; and
Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds, except Pioneer Variable Contracts
Trust.
WILLIAM H. KEOUGH, Treasurer, DOB: April 1937
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of PGI;
Treasurer of PFD, PMC, PSC, PCC, , PIntl, PMT, PGL, First Russia, Omega and
Pioneer SBIC; and Treasurer of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
JOSEPH P. BARRI, Secretary, DOB: August 1946
Corporate Secretary of PGI and most of its subsidiaries; Secretary of the
Pioneer mutual funds and Partner, Hale and Dorr LLP (counsel to PGI and the
Fund).
ERIC W. RECKARD, Assistant Treasurer, DOB: June 1956
Manager of Fund Accounting of PMC since May 1994; Manager of Auditing,
Compliance and Business Analysis for PGI prior to May 1994; and Assistant
Treasurer of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
ROBERT P. NAULT, Assistant Secretary, DOB: March 1964
General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of PGI since 1995; Assistant
Secretary of PMC, PIntl, PGL, First Russia, Omega and all of the Pioneer mutual
funds; Assistant Clerk of PFD and PSC; and junior partner of Hale and Dorr LLP
prior to 1995.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") provides that
the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares may vote to remove a Trustee
of the Fund at any meeting of shareholders. See "Description of Shares" below.
The business address of all officers is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109.
All of the outstanding capital stock of PFD, PMC and PSC is owned,
directly or indirectly, by PGI, a publicly owned Delaware corporation. PMC, the
Fund's investment adviser, serves as the investment adviser for the Pioneer
mutual funds listed below and manages the investments of certain institutional
accounts.
The table below lists all the Pioneer mutual funds currently offered to
the public and the investment adviser and principal underwriter for each fund.
Investment Principal
Fund Name Adviser Underwriter
Pioneer International Growth Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Europe Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer World Equity Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer India Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Growth Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Small Company Fund PMC PFD
<PAGE>
Investment Principal
Fund Name Adviser Underwriter
Pioneer Micro-Cap Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Gold Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Balanced Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer II PMC PFD
Pioneer Real Estate Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust PMC PFD
Pioneer America Income Trust PMC PFD
Pioneer Bond Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Interest Shares PMC Note 1
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust PMC Note 2
Note 1 This fund is a closed-end fund.
Note 2 This is a series of ten separate portfolios designed to provide
investment vehicles for the variable annuity and variable life insurance
contracts of various insurance companies or for certain qualified pension plans.
To the knowledge of the Fund, no officer or Trustee of the Fund owned 5%
or more of the issued and outstanding shares of PGI on the date of this
Statement of Additional Information, except Mr. Cogan who then owned
approximately 14% of such shares. As of the date of this Statement of Additional
Information, the Trustees and Officers of the Fund owned beneficially in the
aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. As of such date
Donaldson Lufkin Jenerette Securities Corporation Inc., Box 2052, Jersey City,
NJ 07303-9998 owned approximately 9.21% (91,070) of the outstanding Class B
shares and Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc., for the sole benefit of its
customers owned approximately 20.89% (82,145) of the outstanding Class C shares
of the Fund.
Compensation of Officers and Trustees
The Fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers. The
Fund will pay an annual trustee's fee to each Trustee who is not affiliated with
PMC, PGI, PFD or PSC consisting of two components: (a) a base fee of $500 and
(b) a variable fee, calculated on the basis of the average net assets of the
Fund. In addition, the Fund will pay a per meeting fee of $100 to each Trustee
who is not affiliated with PMC, PGI, PFD or PSC. The Fund will also pay an
annual committee participation fee to trustees who serve as members of
committees established to act on behalf of one or more of the Pioneer mutual
funds. Committee fees will be allocated to the Fund on the basis of the Fund's
average net assets. Each Trustee who is a member of the Audit Committee for the
Pioneer mutual funds will receive an annual fee equal to 10% of the aggregate
annual trustee's fee, except the Committee Chair who will receive an annual
trustee's fee equal to 20% of the aggregate annual trustee's fee. Members of the
Pricing Committee for the Pioneer mutual funds, as well as any other committee
which renders material functional services to the Board of Trustees for the
Pioneer mutual funds, will receive an annual fee equal to 5% of the annual
trustee's fee, except the Committee Chair who will receive an annual trustee's
fee equal to 10% of the annual trustee's fee. Any such fees paid to affiliates
or interested persons of PGI, PMC, PFD or PSC are reimbursed to the Fund under
its management contract.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
compensation of each Trustee of the Fund:
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Pension or Total
Retirement Compensation from the
Aggregate Benefits Accrued Fund and Other Pioneer
Compensation as Part of Mutual Funds**
Name of Trustee from the Fund* Fund's Expenses
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
John F. Cogan, Jr. $ 500.00 0 $12,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Mary K.Bush + $ 642.00 $0 $ 30,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Richard H. Egdahl, M.D. $ 1,814.00 0 $62,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Margaret B.W. Graham $ 1,814.00 0 $60,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
John W. Kendrick $ 1,814.00 0 $55,800.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Marguerite A. Piret $2,083.00 0 $80,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
David D. Tripple $ 500.00 0 $12,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Stephen K. West $ 1,933.00 0 $63,800.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
John Winthrop $ 2,037.00 0 $69,000.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
Total $ 13,137.00 0 $444,600.00
--------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- -------------------------
* As of October 31, 1997, the Fund's fiscal year end.
** For the calendar year ended December 31, 1997, there were 24 mutual
funds in the Pioneer Family of Funds.
+ Mary K. Bush became a Trustee on June 23, 1997.
</TABLE>
3. INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Fund has contracted with PMC, 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, to act as investment adviser. A description of the services
provided to the Fund under its management contract and the expenses paid by the
Fund under such contract is set forth in the Prospectuses under the caption
"Management of the Fund."
The term of each management contract is one year and is renewable
annually by the vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund
(including a majority of the Board of Trustees who are not parties to the
contract or interested persons of any such parties). The vote must be cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such renewal. This
contract terminates if assigned and may be terminated without penalty by either
party upon sixty days' written notice by vote of its Board of Directors or
Trustees or a majority of its outstanding voting securities. Pursuant to each
management contract, PMC will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law or for any loss sustained by reason of the adoption of any investment
policy or the purchase, sale or retention of any securities on the
recommendation of PMC. PMC, however, is not protected against liability by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance
of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties under the respective management contract.
As compensation for its management services and expenses incurred, PMC
is entitled to a management fee from the Fund at the rate of 0.65% per annum of
the Fund's average daily net assets up to $300 million, 0.60% of the next $200
million, 0.50% of the next $500 million and 0.45% of any excess over $1 billion.
The fee is normally computed and accrued daily and paid monthly.
PMC has agreed not to impose all or a portion of its management fee as
required to limit the Class A shares operating expenses of the Fund to 1.75% of
the average net assets attributable to Class A shares; the portion of Fund-wide
operating expenses attributable to Class B and Class C shares will be reduced
only to the extent that they are reduced for Class A shares. This agreement is
temporary and voluntary and may be revised or terminated at any time by PMC. See
"Expense Information" in the Prospectus.
During the fiscal years ended October 31 1997, October 31 1996, and
October 31, 1995, PMC earned management fees from the Fund as follows: $242,889,
$254,175, and $174,094.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, October 31, 1996, and
October 31, 1995 the expense limitations described above resulted in a reduction
of the total management fees payable by the Fund, in the following amounts:
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
Ended Ended Ended
October 31, 1997 October 31, 1996 October 31, 1995
---------------- ---------------- ----------------
75,447 $59,762 $139,498
4. UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund entered into an Underwriting Agreement with PFD. The
Underwriting Agreement will continue from year to year if annually approved by
the Trustees. The Underwriting Agreement provides that PFD will bear expenses
for the distribution of the Fund's shares, except for expenses incurred by PFD
for which it is reimbursed or compensated by the Fund under the distribution
plans (discussed below). PFD bears all expenses it incurs in providing services
under the Underwriting Agreement. Such expenses include compensation to its
employees and representatives and to securities dealers for distribution related
services performed for the Fund. PFD also pays certain expenses in connection
with the distribution of the Fund's shares, including the cost of preparing,
printing and distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the cost of
printing and distributing prospectuses and supplements to prospective
shareholders. The Fund bears the cost of registering its shares under federal
and state securities law and the laws of certain foreign countries. The Fund and
PFD have agreed to indemnify each other against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Under the Underwriting
Agreement, PFD will use its best efforts in rendering services to the Fund.
The Fund has adopted a plan of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act with respect to each Class of shares of the Fund (the "Class
A Plan", "Class B Plan", and "Class C Plan", and, together, the "Plans").
Class A Plan
Pursuant to the Class A Plan the Fund may reimburse PFD for its
expenditures in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale
of Fund shares. Certain categories of such expenditures have been approved by
the Board of Trustees and are set forth in each Prospectus. See "Distribution
Plans" in each Prospectus. The expenses of the Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan
are accrued on a fiscal year basis and may not exceed, with respect to Class A
shares, the annual rate of .25% of the Fund's average annual net assets
attributable to Class A shares.
Class B Plan
The Class B Plan provides that the Fund shall pay PFD, as the Fund's
distributor for its Class B shares, a daily distribution fee equal on an annual
basis to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B
shares and will pay PFD a service fee equal to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily
net assets attributable to Class B shares (which PFD will in turn pay to
securities dealers which enter into a sales agreement with PFD at a rate of up
to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares
owned by investors for whom that securities dealer is the holder or dealer of
record). This service fee is intended to be in consideration of personal
services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the dealer with respect
to Class B shares. PFD will advance to dealers the first-year service fee at a
rate equal to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may
retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the
first year after purchase. Dealers will become eligible for additional service
fees with respect to such shares commencing in the thirteenth month following
purchase. Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other
criteria in order to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to
retain all service fees payable under the Class B Plan for which there is no
dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not been met as
partial consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class B Plan is
to compensate PFD for its distribution services with respect to Class B shares
of the Funds. PFD pays commissions to dealers as well as expenses of printing
prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses with respect to the
preparation and printing of sales literature and other distribution-related
expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary to provide
distribution- related services, or personnel, travel office expenses and
equipment. The Class B Plan also provides that PFD will receive all contingent
deferred sales charges ("CDSC") attributable to Class B shares. (See
"Distribution Plans" in the Prospectus). When a broker-dealer sells Class B
shares and elects, with PFD's approval, to waive its right to receive the
commission normally paid at the time of the sale, PFD may cause all or a portion
of the distribution fees described above to be paid to the broker-dealer.
Class C Plan
The Class C Plan provides that the Fund will pay PFD, as the Fund's
distributor for its Class C shares, a distribution fee accrued daily and paid
quarterly, equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class C shares and will pay PFD a service fee equal to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. PFD
will in turn pay to securities dealers which enter into a sales agreement with
PFD a distribution fee and a service fee at rates of up to 0.75% and 0.25%,
respectively, of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C
shares owned by investors for whom that securities dealer is the holder or
dealer of record. The service fee is intended to be in consideration of personal
services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the dealer with respect
to Class C shares. PFD will advance to dealers the first-year service fee at a
rate equal to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may
retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the
first year after purchase. Commencing in the thirteenth month following a
purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional service
fees at a rate of up to 0.25% of the amount invested and additional compensation
at a rate of up to 0.75% of the amount invested with respect to such shares.
Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other criteria in
order to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all
service fees payable under the Class C Plan for which there is no dealer of
record or for which qualification standards have not been met as partial
consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class C Plan is
to compensate PFD for its distribution services with respect to the Class C
shares of the Funds. PFD pays commissions to dealers as well as expenses of
printing prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses with respect
to the preparation and printing of sales literature and other
distribution-related expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary
to provide distribution-related services, or personnel, travel office expenses
and equipment. The Class C Plan also provides that PFD will receive all CDSCs
attributable to Class C shares. (See "Distribution Plans" in the Prospectuses.)
When a broker-dealer sells Class C shares and elects, with PFD's approval, to
waive its right to receive the commission normally paid at the time of the sale,
PFD may cause all or a portion of the distribution fees described above to be
paid to the broker-dealer.
General
In accordance with the terms of the Plans, PFD provides to the Fund for
review by the Trustees a quarterly written report of the amounts expended under
the respective Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. In
the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plans, they will consider the continued
appropriateness and the level of reimbursement or compensation the Plans
provide.
No interested person of the Fund, nor any Trustee of the Fund who is
not an interested person of the Fund, has any direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Plans except to the extent that PFD and certain
of its employees may be deemed to have such an interest as a result of receiving
a portion of the amounts expended under the Plans by the Fund and except to the
extent certain officers may have an interest in PFD's ultimate parent, PGI.
The Plans were adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees,
including all of the Trustees who are not, and were not at the time they voted,
interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (none of whom had or
have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans),
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans. In
approving the Plans, the Trustees identified and considered a number of
potential benefits which the Plans may provide. The Board of Trustees believes
that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will benefit the Fund and
their current and future shareholders. Under their terms, the Plans remain in
effect from year to year provided such continuance is approved annually by vote
of the Trustees in the manner described above. The Plans may not be amended to
increase materially the annual percentage limitation of average net assets which
may be spent for the services described therein without approval of the
shareholders of the Fund affected thereby, and material amendments of the Plans
must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. A Plan may
be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operations of the Plan, or by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the respective Class of the Fund. A Plan will automatically terminate in
the event of its assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, the Fund incurred total
distribution fees pursuant to the Fund's Class A Plan, Class B Plan and Class C
Plan, respectively, as follows $76,721, $51,685 and $9,161. The distribution
fees were paid by the Fund to PFD in reimbursement of or compensation for
expenses related to servicing of shareholder accounts and to compensating
dealers and sales personnel.
Upon redemption, Class A shares may be subject to a 1% CDSC, Class B shares are
subject to a CDSC at a rate declining from a maximum of 4% of the lower of the
cost or market value of the shares and Class C shares are subject to a 1% CDSC.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, CDSCs, in the amount of $16,366
were paid to PFD in reimbursement of or compensation for expenses related to
servicing of shareholders' accounts and compensation paid to dealers and sales
personnel.
5. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING/TRANSFER AGENT
The Fund has contracted with PSC, 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, to act as shareholder servicing and transfer agent for the Fund.
This contract terminates if assigned and may be terminated without penalty by
either party upon 90 days' written notice.
Under the terms of its contract with the Fund PSC services shareholder
accounts, and its duties include: (i) processing sales, redemptions and
exchanges of shares of the Fund; (ii) distributing dividends and capital gains
associated with Fund portfolio accounts; and (iii) maintaining account records
and responding to shareholder inquiries.
PSC receives an annual fee of $22.75 per each Class A, Class B and
Class C shareholder account from the Fund as compensation for the services
described above. PSC is also reimbursed by the Fund for its cash out-of-pocket
expenditures. The annual fee is set at an amount determined by vote of a
majority of the Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not
parties to the contract with PSC or interested persons of any such parties) to
be comparable to fees for such services being paid by other investment
companies. The Fund may compensate entities which have agreed to provide certain
sub-accounting services, such as specific transaction processing and
recordkeeping services. Any such payments by the Fund would be in lieu of the
per account fee which would otherwise be paid by the Fund to PSC.
6. CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02109, is the custodian (the "Custodian") of the Fund's assets. The Custodian's
responsibilities include safekeeping and controlling the Fund's cash and
securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting
interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. The Custodian does not
determine the investment policies of the Fund or decide which securities the
Fund will buy or sell. The Fund may, however, invest in securities, including
repurchase agreements, issued by the Custodian and may deal with the Custodian
as a principal in securities transactions. Portfolio securities may be deposited
into the Federal Reserve-Treasury Department Book Entry System or the Depository
Trust Company.
7. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
PFD, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, serves as the
principal underwriter for the Fund in connection with the continuous offering of
the Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund. During the fiscal years
ended October 31, 1997, October 31, 1996, and October 31, 1995, total
underwriting commissions paid to PFD in connection with the offering of Class A
shares of the Fund were, respectively, approximately, $291,000, $417,000, and
$232,000. Commissions reallowed to dealers during the same periods were
approximately $252,000, $361,000, and $200,000.
The Fund will not generally issue Fund shares for consideration other
than cash. At the Fund's sole discretion, however, it may issue Fund shares for
consideration other than cash in connection with a bona fide reorganization,
statutory merger, or other acquisition of portfolio securities.
<PAGE>
8. INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110,
are the Fund's independent public accountants, providing audit services, tax
return review, and assistance and consultation with respect to the preparation
of filings with the SEC.
9. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed
on behalf of the Fund by PMC pursuant to authority contained in the Fund's
management contract. In selecting brokers or dealers, PMC will consider various
relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the size and type of the
transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be
purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and
financial condition of the dealer; the dealer's execution services rendered on a
continuing basis; and the reasonableness of any dealer spreads.
PMC may select broker-dealers which provide brokerage and/or research
services to the Fund and/or other investment companies or other accounts managed
by PMC. In addition, if PMC determines in good faith that the amount of
commissions charged by a broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to the value of
the brokerage and research services provided by such broker, the Fund may pay
commissions to such broker-dealer in an amount greater than the amount another
firm may charge. Such services may include advice concerning the value of
securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities;
the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities;
furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and performance of accounts; and
effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto
(such as clearance and settlement). PMC maintains a listing of broker-dealers
who provide such services on a regular basis. However, because it is anticipated
that many transactions on behalf of the Fund and other investment companies or
accounts managed by PMC are placed with broker-dealers (including broker-dealers
on the listing) without regard to the furnishing of such services, it is not
possible to estimate the proportion of such transactions directed to such
dealers solely because such services were provided.
The research received from broker-dealers may be useful to PMC in
rendering investment management services to the Fund as well as other investment
companies or other accounts managed by PMC, although not all such research may
be useful to the Fund. Conversely, such information provided by brokers or
dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other PMC clients
may be useful to PMC in carrying out its obligations to the Fund. The receipt of
such research has not reduced PMC's normal independent research activities;
however, it enables PMC to avoid the additional expenses which might otherwise
be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its
own staff.
In circumstances where two or more broker-dealers offer comparable
prices and executions, preference may be given to a broker-dealer which has sold
shares of the Fund as well as shares of other investment companies or accounts
managed by PMC. This policy does not imply a commitment to execute all portfolio
transactions through all broker-dealers that sell shares of the Fund.
The Trustees periodically review PMC's performance of its
responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on
behalf of the Fund.
In addition to the Fund, PMC acts as investment adviser or subadviser
to other Pioneer mutual funds and certain private accounts with investment
objectives similar to those of the Fund. Securities frequently meet the
investment objectives of the Fund, such other funds and such private accounts.
In such cases, the decision to recommend a purchase to one fund or account
rather than another is based on a number of factors. The determining factors in
most cases are the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the
value of those securities and the market for them. Other factors considered in
the investment recommendations include other investments which each fund or
account presently has in a particular industry and the availability of
investment funds in each fund or account.
It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more
than one fund and/or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and
the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in
the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the
Pioneer mutual funds or a private account managed by PMC may not be able to
acquire as large a position in such security as it desires, it may have to pay a
higher price for the security. Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as
large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular
portfolio security if PMC decides to sell on behalf of another account the same
portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the same securities
are bought or sold at the same time by more than one Fund or account, the
resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions
for the Fund or the account. In the event more than one account purchases or
sells the same security on a given date, the purchases and sales will normally
be made as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis in proportion to the
amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each.
During the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, October 31, 1996, and
October 31, 1995 the Fund paid aggregate brokerage and underwriting commissions,
respectively, as follows: $55,640, $56,065, and $15,970. Differences in
brokerage commissions reflected above were due to increased or decreased
portfolio activity and changes in net assets as a result of shareholder
transactions throughout the respective periods.
10. TAX STATUS
. It is the Fund's policy to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for qualification as a
regulated investment company. These requirements relate to the sources of the
Fund's income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its
income to shareholders. If the Fund meets all such requirements and distributes
to its shareholders, in accordance with the Code's timing requirements, all
investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, which it earns,
the Fund will be relieved of the necessity of paying federal income tax.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter
M, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its annual gross
income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans,
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies (the "90% income test"), and satisfy certain annual
distribution and quarterly diversification requirements. The Fund's holdings of
and transactions in bullion, coins, and other metals will have to be limited in
order to satisfy the 90% income test and the diversification requirements.
Dividends from investment company taxable income, which includes net
investment income, net short-term capital gain in excess of net long-term
capital loss, and certain net foreign exchange gains, are taxable as ordinary
income, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Dividends
from net long-term capital gain in excess of net short-term capital loss, ("net
capital gain"), if any, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional
shares, are taxable to the Fund's shareholders as capital gains for federal
income tax purposes without regard to the length of time shares of the Fund have
been held. As a result of the enactment of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the
"1997 TRA") on August 5, 1997, gain recognized after May 6, 1997 from the sale
of a capital asset is taxable to individual (noncorporate) investors at
different maximum federal income tax rates, depending generally upon the tax
holding period for the asset, the federal income tax bracket of the taxpayer,
and the dates the asset was acquired and/or sold. The Treasury Department has
issued guidance under the 1997 TRA that (subject to possible modification by
future "technical corrections" legislation) enable the Fund to pass through to
its shareholders the benefits of the capital gains tax rates enacted in the 1997
TRA. The Fund will provide appropriate information to its shareholders about its
distributions, including the tax rate(s) applicable to its distributions from
its long-term capital gains, in accordance with this and any future guidance.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on the correct application of
these new rules in their particular circumstances
Any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December as
of a record date in such a month and paid during the following January will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December
31 of the calendar year in which it is declared.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection
with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt
securities, certain options and futures contracts relating to foreign currency,
foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or
receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the
Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary
income and losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of
distributions to shareholders. Under future regulations, any such transactions
that are not directly related to the Fund's investments in stock or securities
(or its options or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may
need to be limited in order to enable the Fund to satisfy the 90% income test.
If the net foreign exchange loss for a year were to exceed the Fund's investment
company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss), the resulting
ordinary loss for such year would not be deductible by the Fund or its
shareholders in future years.
If the Fund acquires any equity interest (under proposed regulations,
generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as
inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or hold at least 50%
of their assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign
investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to federal income tax and
additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or
deduction for such a tax. An election may generally be available that would
ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election could require
the electing Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to tax
distribution requirements) without the concurrent receipt of cash. These
investments could also result in the treatment of associated capital gains as
ordinary income. The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive
foreign investment companies to minimize its tax liability or maximize its
return from these investments.
If the Fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities ("PIKs"), zero
coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other
securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the Fund
elects to include market discount in income currently), the Fund must accrue
income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior
to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the Fund must
distribute, at least annually, all or substantially all of its net income,
including such accrued income, to shareholders to qualify as a regulated
investment company under the Code and avoid Federal income and excise taxes.
Therefore, the Fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities under
disadvantageous circumstances to generate cash, or may have to leverage itself
by borrowing the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward
a net capital loss for any year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during
the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital
gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in federal income tax
liability to the Fund and therefore are not expected to be distributed as such
to shareholders. As of the end of its most recent taxable year, the Fund had a
capital loss carryforward of $942,992 which will expire in 2005 if not used..
At the time of an investor's purchase of Fund shares, a portion of the
purchase price may be attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the
Fund's portfolio or undistributed taxable income of the Fund. Consequently,
subsequent distributions by the Fund on these shares from such appreciation or
income may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset value of the
investor's shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the
investor's cost for such shares and the distributions economically represent a
return of a portion of the investment.
Redemptions and exchanges are taxable events for shareholders that are
subject to tax. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with
reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular
transaction in Fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as
the following discussion assumes, and the character of and tax rate applicable
to any gains or losses recognized in such transactions under the new rate
structure enacted in the 1997 TRA. Any loss realized by a shareholder upon the
redemption, exchange or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of
six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to
such shares.
In addition, if Class A shares redeemed or exchanged have been held for
less than 91 days, (1) in the case of a reinvestment in the Fund at net asset
value pursuant to the reinvestment privilege, the sales charge paid on such
shares is not included in their tax basis under the Code, and (2) in the case of
an exchange, all or a portion of the sales charge paid on such shares is not
included in their tax basis under the Code, to the extent a sales charge that
would otherwise apply to the shares received is reduced pursuant to the exchange
privilege. In either case, the portion of the sales charge not included in the
tax basis of the shares redeemed or surrendered in an exchange is included in
the tax basis of the shares acquired in the reinvestment or exchange. Losses on
redemptions or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale"
rules in the event of other investments in the same Fund (including those made
pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions) within
a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a
redemption or other disposition of shares. In such a case, the disallowed
portion of any loss would be included in the federal tax basis of the shares
acquired in the other investments.
Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by the
Fund on certain securities, indices and foreign currencies, as well as certain
foreign currency forward contracts, may cause the Fund to recognize gains or
losses from marking-to-market even though such options may not have lapsed, been
closed out, or exercised or such futures or forward contracts may not have been
performed or closed out. The tax rules applicable to these contracts may affect
the characterization as long-term or short-term of some capital gains and losses
realized by the Fund. Certain options, futures and forward contracts relating to
foreign currency may be subject to Section 988, as described above, and may
accordingly produce ordinary income or loss. Additionally, the Fund may be
required to recognize gain if an option, futures contract, forward contract, or
other transaction that is not subject to the mark to market rules is treated as
a "constructive sale" of an "appreciated financial position" held by the Fund
under Section 1259 of the Code. Any net mark to market gains and/or gains from
constructive sales may also have to be distributed to satisfy the distribution
requirements referred to above even though no corresponding cash amounts may
concurrently be received, possibly requiring the disposition of portfolio
securities or borrowing to obtain the necessary cash. Losses on certain options,
futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting positions (portfolio securities
or other positions with respect to which the Fund's risk of loss is
substantially diminished by one or more options, futures or forward contracts)
may also be deferred under the tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also
affect the characterization of capital gains or losses from straddle positions
and certain successor positions as long-term or short-term. Certain tax
elections may be available that would enable the Fund to ameliorate some adverse
effects of the tax rules described in this paragraph. The tax rules applicable
to options, futures or forward contracts and straddles may affect the amount,
timing and character of the Fund's income and losses and hence of its
distributions to shareholders.
For purposes of the 70% dividends-received deduction generally
available to corporations under the Code, dividends received by the Fund from
U.S. domestic corporations in respect of any share of stock with a tax holding
period of at least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock)
extending before and after each dividend held in an unleveraged position and
distributed and designated by the Fund may be treated as qualifying dividends.
Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax advisor regarding the
possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for federal income
tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to
the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current
recognition of income may be required. In order to qualify for the deduction,
corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated
above with respect to their Fund shares, taking into account any holding period
reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish
their risk of loss with respect to their Fund shares, and, if they borrow to
acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to Fund shares, they may be denied
a portion of the dividends-received deduction. The entire qualifying dividend,
including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining the
excess (if any) of a corporation's adjusted current earnings over its
alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase a corporation's
alternative minimum tax liability.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by
foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains,
with respect to its investments, if any, in those countries. Tax conventions
between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in
some cases If more than 50% of total assets of the Fund at the close of any
taxable year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund
may elect to pass through to its shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified
foreign taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that shareholders would be
required to include such taxes in their gross incomes (in addition to dividends
and distributions they actually received), would treat such taxes as foreign
taxes paid by them, and may be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such
taxes, subject to a holding period requirement added by the 1997 TRA and other
limitations under the Code.
Qualified foreign taxes generally include taxes that would be treated
as income taxes under U.S. tax regulations but do not include most other taxes,
such as stamp taxes, securities transaction taxes, and similar taxes. If the
Fund makes the election described above, shareholders may deduct their pro rata
portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund (not in excess of the Tax
actually owed by the Fund) in computing their income subject to U.S. federal
income taxation or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits, subject to
applicable limitations under the Code, against their U.S. federal income taxes.
Shareholders who do not itemize deductions for federal income tax purposes will
not, however, be able to deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign
taxes paid by the Fund, although such shareholders will be required to include
their shares of such taxes in gross income if the Fund makes the election
described above.
If the Fund makes this election and a shareholder chooses to take a
credit for the foreign taxes deemed paid by such shareholder, the amount of the
credit that may be claimed in any year may not exceed the same proportion of the
U.S. tax against which such credit is taken which the shareholder's taxable
income from foreign sources (but not in excess of the shareholder's entire
taxable income) bears to his entire taxable income. For this purpose, long-term
and short-term capital gains the Fund realizes and distributes to shareholders
will generally not be treated as income from foreign sources in their hands, nor
will distributions of certain foreign currency gains subject to Section 988 of
the Code and of any other income realized by the Fund that is deemed, under the
Code, to be U.S.-source income in the hands of the Fund. This foreign tax credit
limitation may also be applied separately to certain specific categories of
foreign-source income and the related foreign taxes. As a result of these rules,
which have different effects depending upon each shareholder's particular tax
situation, certain shareholders may not be able to claim a credit for the full
amount of their proportionate share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
Shareholders who are not liable for U.S. federal income taxes, including
tax-exempt shareholders, will ordinarily not benefit from this election. If the
Fund does make the election, it will provide required tax information to
shareholders. If the Fund does not make the election, it may deduct such taxes
in computing its income available for distribution to shareholders to satisfy
applicable tax distribution requirements.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess
contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement
distributions, and certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts
maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax
advisers for more information.
Federal law requires that the Fund withhold (as "backup withholding")
31% of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain dividends and the
proceeds of redemptions (including exchanges) and repurchases to shareholders
who have not complied with Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regulations. In
order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders must certify on their
Account Applications, or on separate IRS Forms W-9, that the Social Security
Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number they provide is their correct
number and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that
they are exempt from backup withholding. The Fund may nevertheless be required
to withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that the number
provided is incorrect or backup withholding is applicable as a result of
previous underreporting of interest or dividend income.
If, as anticipated, the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment
company under the Code, it will not be required to pay any Massachusetts income,
corporate excise or franchise taxes.
The description of certain federal tax provisions above relates only to
U.S. federal income tax consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e.
U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or
estates, and who are subject to U.S. federal income tax. This description does
not address the special tax rules that may be applicable to particular types of
investors, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, securities
dealers, or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts or entities. Investors
other than U.S. persons may be subject to different U.S. tax treatment,
including a possible 30% non-resident alien U.S. withholding tax (or
non-resident alien withholding tax at a lower treaty rate) on amounts treated as
ordinary dividends from the Fund and, unless an effective IRS Form W-8 or
authorized substitute for Form W-8 is on file, to 31% backup withholding on
certain other payments from such Fund. Shareholders should consult their own tax
advisers on these matters and on state, local and other applicable tax laws.
11. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to
authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of
beneficial interest which may be divided into such separate series as the
Trustees may establish. Currently, the Fund consists of only one series. The
Trustees may establish additional series of shares, and may divide or combine
the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing
the proportionate beneficial interests in the Fund. The Declaration of Trust
further authorizes the Trustees to classify or reclassify any series of the
shares into one or more classes. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have authorized
the issuance of three classes of shares of the Fund, Class A, Class B and Class
C shares. Each share of a class of the Fund represents an equal proportionate
interest in the assets of that Fund allocable to that class. Upon liquidation of
the Fund, shareholders of each class of the Fund are entitled to share pro rata
in the Fund's net assets allocable to such class available for distribution to
shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to create and issue additional series
or classes of shares, in which case the shares of each class of a series would
participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets allocable to that
class of the particular series.
The shares of each series of the Fund are entitled to vote separately
to approve investment advisory agreements or changes in investment restrictions,
but shareholders of all series vote together in the election and selection of
Trustees and accountants. Shares of all series of the Fund vote together as a
class on matters that affect all series of the Fund in substantially the same
manner. As to matters affecting a single series or class, shares of such series
or class will vote separately.
Although Trustees are not elected annually by the shareholders,
shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more
Trustees. The Fund's Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of
two-thirds of its outstanding shares may vote to remove a Trustee at any special
meeting of shareholders. Special meetings of the shareholders of the Fund shall
be called by the Trustees upon the written request of shareholders owning at
least one-tenth of the outstanding shares. Whenever ten or more shareholders,
meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act, seek the
opportunity of furnishing materials to the other shareholders with a view to
obtaining signatures on such a request for a meeting, the Trustees shall comply
with the provisions of Section 16(c) with respect to providing such shareholders
access to the list of the shareholders of record of the Fund or the mailing of
such materials to such shareholders of record. No amendment that adversely
affects the rights of shareholders may be made to the Fund's Declaration of
Trust without the affirmative vote of a majority of its shares. Shares have no
preemptive or conversion rights except that under certain circumstances Class B
shares may convert to Class A shares. Shares are fully paid and non-assessable
by the Fund, except as stated below.
12. CERTAIN LIABILITIES
The Fund was originally organized as a series of a Massachusetts
business trust and was reorganized as a Delaware business trust on May 1, 1998,
pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization approved by the shareholders
of the Fund. As a Delaware business trust, the Fund's operations are governed by
its Declaration of Trust dated January 8 xx , 1998. A copy of the Fund's
Certificate of Trust, dated January 8, 1998, is on file with the office of the
Secretary of State of Delaware. Generally, Delaware business trust shareholders
are not personally liable for obligations of the Delaware business trust under
Delaware law. The Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that
a shareholder of a Delaware business trust shall be entitled to the same
limitation of liability extended to shareholders of private for-profit
corporations. The Fund's Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Fund
is organized under the Delaware Act and that the Declaration of Trust is to be
governed by Delaware law. There is nevertheless a remote possibility that a
Delaware business trust, such as the Fund, might become a party to an action in
another state whose courts refused to apply Delaware law, in which case the
trust's shareholders could become subject to personal liability.
To guard against this risk, the Declaration of Trust (i) contains an
express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund
and provides that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each agreement,
obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or its Trustees,
(ii) provides for the indemnification out of Fund property of any shareholders
held personally liable for any obligations of the Fund or any series of the Fund
and (iii) provides that the Fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Fund and
satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss beyond his or her investment because of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which all of the following factors are present: (1)
a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the liability arose under tort law
or, if not, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect; and (3) the
Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. In light of Delaware law,
the nature of the Fund's business and the nature of its assets, the risk of
personal liability to a Fund shareholder is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Fund shall indemnify
each of its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably
incurred by them, in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit or
proceeding, threatened against or otherwise involving such Trustee or officer,
directly or indirectly, by reason of being or having been a Trustee or officer
of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust does not authorize the Fund to indemnify
any Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise
be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of such person's duties.
13. LETTER OF INTENT (Class A only)
A Letter of Intent ("LOI") may be established by completing the LOI
section of the Account Application. When you sign the Account Application, you
agree to irrevocably appoint PSC your attorney-in-fact to surrender for
redemption any or all shares held in escrow with full power of substitution. An
LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase, or the Fund to
sell, the full amount indicated.
If the total purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified under the
LOI and are in an amount which would qualify for a further quantity discount,
all transactions will be recomputed on the expiration date of the LOI to effect
the lower sales charge. Any difference in the sales charge resulting from such
recomputation will be either delivered to you in cash or invested in additional
shares at the lower sales charge. The dealer, by signing the Account
Application, agrees to return to PFD, as part of such retroactive adjustment,
the excess of the commission previously reallowed or paid to the dealer over
that which is applicable to the actual amount of the total purchases under the
LOI.
If the total purchases, less redemptions, are less than the amount specified
under the LOI, you must remit to PFD any difference between the sales charge on
the amount actually purchased and the amount originally specified in the LOI
section of the Account Application. When the difference is paid, the shares held
in escrow will be deposited to your account. If you do not pay the difference in
sales charge within 20 days after written request from PFD or your dealer, PSC,
after receiving instructions from PFD, will redeem the appropriate number of
shares held in escrow to realize the difference and release any excess. See "How
to Purchase Fund Shares - Letter of Intent" in the Prospectus for more
information.
14. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") is designed to provide a
convenient method of receiving fixed payments at regular intervals from shares
of any Fund deposited by the applicant under the SWP. The applicant must deposit
or purchase for deposit with PSC shares of a Fund having a total value of not
less than $10,000. Periodic payments of $50 or more will be deposited monthly or
quarterly directly into a bank account designated by the applicant or will be
sent by check to the applicant, or any person designated by the applicant.
Designation of another person to receive the payments subsequent to opening an
account must be accompanied by a signature guarantee. Withdrawals from Class B
and Class C share accounts are limited to 10% of the value of the account at the
time the SWP is implemented.
Any income dividends or capital gains distributions on shares under the
SWP will be credited to the SWP account on the payment date in full and
fractional shares at the net asset value per share in effect on the record date.
SWP payments are made from the proceeds of the redemption of shares
deposited under the SWP in a SWP account. To the extent that such redemptions
for periodic withdrawals exceed dividend income reinvested in the SWP account,
such redemptions will reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of shares
deposited in the Plan account. Redemptions are potentially taxable transactions
to shareholders. In addition, the amounts received by a shareholder cannot be
considered as yield or income on his or her investment because part of such
payments may be a return of his or her investment.
The SWP may be terminated at any time (1) by written notice to PSC or
from PSC to the shareholder; (2) upon receipt by PSC of appropriate evidence of
the shareholder's death; or (3) when all shares under the SWP have been
redeemed.
15. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each class of the Fund is determined
as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time) on each day on which the Exchange is open for trading. As of the date of
this Statement of Additional Information, the Exchange is open for trading every
weekday except for the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King
Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset value per share of each
class of the Fund is also determined on any other day in which the level of
trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high that the current net
asset value per share might be materially affected by changes in the value of
its portfolio securities. The Fund is not required to determine its net asset
value per share on any day in which no purchase orders for the shares of the
Fund become effective and no shares are tendered for redemption.
The net asset value per share of each class of the Fund is computed by
taking the value of all of the Fund's assets attributable to a class, less the
Fund's liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing the result by the
number of outstanding shares of that class. For purposes of determining net
asset value, expenses of the classes of the Fund are accrued daily.
Securities that have not traded on the date of valuation or securities
for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at the mean between
the last bid and asked prices. Securities for which no market quotations are
readily available (excluding those whose trading has been suspended) will be
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees,
although the actual computations may be made by persons acting pursuant to the
direction of the Board of Trustees.
The Fund's maximum offering price per Class A share is determined by
adding the maximum sales charge to the net asset value per Class A share. Class
B and Class C shares are offered at net asset value without the imposition of an
initial sales charge.
16. INVESTMENT RESULTS
Quotations, Comparisons, and General Information
From time to time, in advertisements, in sales literature, or in
reports to shareholders, the past performance of the Fund may be illustrated
and/or compared with that of other mutual funds with similar investment
objectives, and to stock or other relevant indices. For example, total return of
the Fund's classes may be compared to rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., a widely recognized independent service which monitors mutual
fund performance; Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index ( the "S&P 500"), an index
of unmanaged groups of common stock; the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a
recognized unmanaged index of common stocks of 30 industrial companies listed on
the Exchange; or the Russell U.S. Equity Indexes or the Wilshire Total Market
Value Index, which are recognized unmanaged indexes of broad based common
stocks.
In addition, the performance of the classes of the Fund may be compared
to alternative investment or savings vehicles and/or to indexes or indicators of
economic activity, e.g., inflation or interest rates. Performance rankings and
listings reported in newspapers or national business and financial publications,
such as Barron's, Business Week, Consumers Digest, Consumer Reports, Financial
World, Forbes, Fortune, Investors Business Daily, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Magazine, Money Magazine, New York Times, Smart Money, USA Today, U.S. News and
World Report, The Wall Street Journal, and Worth may also be cited (if the Fund
is listed in any such publication) or used for comparison, as well as
performance listings and rankings from various other sources including Bloomberg
Financial Markets, CDA/Wiesenberger, Donoghue's Mutual Fund Almanac, Investment
Company Data, Inc., Johnson's Charts, Kanon Bloch Carre and Co., Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Micropal, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., Schabacker
Investment Management and Towers Data Systems, Inc.
In addition, from time to time quotations from articles from financial
publications such as those listed above may be used in advertisements, in sales
literature, or in reports to shareholders of the Fund.
In addition to any of the foregoing performance listings and rankings,
performance of the Fund's classes may be measured against such indices as the
London Gold Prices, the Toronto Gold Index, the Australian Gold Index and the
Financial Times Gold Mining Shares Index. The Fund may also present historical
information on the production and usage of gold.
The Fund may also present, from time to time, historical information
depicting the value of a hypothetical account in one or more classes of the Fund
since the Fund's inception.
In presenting investment results, the Fund may also include references
to certain financial planning concepts, including (a) an investor's need to
evaluate his financial assets and obligations to determine how much to invest;
(b) his need to analyze the objectives of various investments to determine where
to invest; and (c) his need to analyze his time frame for future capital needs
to determine how long to invest. The investor controls these three factors, all
of which affect the use of investments in building assets.
One of the primary methods used to measure the performance of a class
of the Fund is "total return." "Total return" will normally represent the
percentage change in value of an account, or of a hypothetical investment in a
class of the Fund, over any period up to the lifetime of that class of the Fund.
Total return calculations will usually assume the reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains distributions and will be expressed as a percentage increase
or decrease from an initial value, for the entire period or for one or more
specified periods within the entire period. Total return percentages for periods
of less than one year will usually be annualized; total return percentages for
periods longer than one year will usually be accompanied by total return
percentages for each year within the period and/or by the average annual
compounded total return for the period. The income and capital components of a
given return may be separated and portrayed in a variety of ways in order to
illustrate their relative significance. Performance may also be portrayed in
terms of cash or investment values, without percentages. Past performance cannot
guarantee any particular future result.
The Fund's average annual total return quotations for each of its
classes as that information may appear in the Fund's Prospectus, this Statement
of Additional Information or in advertising are calculated by standard methods
prescribed by the SEC.
<PAGE>
Standardized Average Annual Total Return Quotations
Average annual total return quotations for Class A, Class B, and Class
C shares are computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return
that would cause a hypothetical investment in that class made on the first day
of a designated period (assuming all dividends and distributions are reinvested)
to equal the ending redeemable value of such hypothetical investment on the last
day of the designated period in accordance with the following formula:
P(1+T)n = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of
$1,000, less the maximum sales load
of $57.50 for Class A shares or the
deduction of any CDSC applicable to
Class B or Class C shares at the end
of the period
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of the hypothetical $1000
initial payment made at the beginning of the
designated period (or fractional portion thereof)
For purposes of the above computation, it is assumed that all dividends
and distributions made by the Fund are reinvested at net asset value during the
designated period. The average annual total return quotation is determined to
the nearest 1/100 of 1%.
In determining the average annual total return (calculated as provided
above), recurring fees, if any, that are charged to all shareholder accounts of
a particular class are taken into consideration. For any account fees that vary
with the size of the account, the account fee used for purposes of the above
computation is assumed to be the fee that would be charged to a class's mean
account size.
The total returns for Class A, Class B, and Class C shares of the Fund as of
October 31, 1997, are as follows:
One Five Life-of-
Year Years Fund
Class A Shares (29.57)% 1.80 % (2.42)%
- --------------
Class B Shares (28.70)% (9.35)%
- --------------
Class C Shares (25.64)% (21.56)%
- --------------
During the one year, five year and life-of-Fund periods, PMC
temporarily agreed to limit the operating expenses of the Fund's Class A shares
as described in "Investment Adviser". Had PMC not made such an arrangement, the
total returns for the periods noted would have been lower.
Automated Information Line (FactFoneSM)
FactFoneSM, Pioneer's 24-hour automated information line, allows
shareholders to dial toll-free 1-800-225-4321 and hear recorded fund
information, including:
o net asset value prices for all Pioneer mutual funds;
o annualized 30-day yields on Pioneer's fixed income funds;
o annualized 7-day yields and 7-day effective (compound) yields for
Pioneer's money market fund; and
o dividends and capital gains distributions on all Pioneer mutual funds.
Yields are calculated in accordance with SEC mandated standard
formulas.
In addition, by using a personal identification number ("PIN"),
shareholders may enter purchases, exchanges and redemptions, access their
account balance and last three transactions and may order a duplicate statement.
See "FactFoneSM" in the Prospectus for more information.
All performance numbers communicated through FactFoneSM represent past
performance, and figures for all quoted bond funds include the maximum
applicable sales charge. A shareholder's actual yield and total return will vary
with changing market conditions. The value of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares (except for Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund, which seeks to maintain a stable
$1.00 share price) will also vary, and such shares may be worth more or less at
redemption than their original cost.
17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund's Annual Report dated October 31, 1997, (filed electronically
on December 24, 1997 file no. 33-34801; accession number 0000863334-97-000019is
incorporated by reference into and attached to this Statement of Additional
Information in reliance upon the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as experts in accounting and auditing. A copy of each Fund's
Annual Report may be obtained without charge by calling Shareholder Services at
1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the Trust at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS1
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A posses many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing.
Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of
danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in
default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicated that the obligation
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicated
a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of
that generic rating category.
<PAGE>
STANDARD & POOR'S
AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA: An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
a small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB: An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C
the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major
exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to the
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to
have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C: The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D: An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be
used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action
if payments are jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The rating from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major categories.
r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant
noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected
returns which are not addressed in the credit rating. Examples include:
obligations linked or indexed to equities, currencies, or commodities;
obligations exposed to severe prepayment risk, such as interest-only or
principal-only mortgage securities; and obligations with unusually risky
interest terms, such as inverse floaters.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Pioneer Gold Shares
Class A
Date Initial Offering Sales Charge Shares Net Asset Initial Net
Investment Price Purchased Value Asset
Included Per Share Value
7/25/90 $10,000 $7.00 5.75% 1428.571 $6.60 $9,425
Dividends and Capital Gains Reinvested
Value of Shares
Date From From Cap From Dividends Total Value
Investment Gains
Reinvested Reinvested
12/31/90 $7,900 $0 $0 $7,900
12/31/91 $7,443 $0 $22 $7,465
12/31/92 $6,843 $0 $20 $6,863
12/31/93 $11,686 $0 $34 $11,720
12/31/94 $10,315 $0 $30 $10,345
12/31/95 $10,572 $0 $31 $10,603
12/31/96 $10,701 $128 $31 $10,860
12/31/97 $6,700 $80 $20 $ 6,800
<PAGE>
Pioneer Gold Shares
Class B
Date Initial Offering Sales Charge Shares Net Asset Initial
Investment Price Purchased Value Net Asset
Included Per Share Value
4/4/94 $10,000 $7.83 4.00% 1277.139 $7.83 $10,000
Dividends and Capital Gains Reinvested
Value of Shares
Date From From Cap From Dividends CDSC if Total Value
Investment Gains Redeemed
Reinvested Reinvested
12/31/94 $9,157 $0 $0 $366 $8,791
12/31/95 $9,336 $0 $0 $373 $8,963
12/31/96 $9,349 $114 $0 $280 $9,182
12/31/97 $5,811 $71 $0 $174 $5,708
<PAGE>
Pioneer Gold Shares C
Date Initial Offering Sales Charge Shares Net Asset Initial
Investment Price Purchased Value Net Asset
Included Per Share Value
1/31/96 $10,000 $8.70 1.00% 1,149.425 $8.70 $10,000
Dividends and Capital Gains Reinvested
Value of Shares
Date From From Cap From Dividends CDSC if Total Value CDSC %
Investment Gains Redeemed
Reinvested Reinvested
12/31/96 $8,413 $103 $0 $84 $8,432 1.00%
12/31/97 $5,218 $64 $0 $0 $5,282 0.00
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
The following securities indices are well known, unmanaged measures of market
performance. Advertisements and sales literature for the Fund may refer to these
indices or may present comparisons between the performance of the Fund and one
or more of the indices. Other indices may also be used, if appropriate. The
indices are not available for direct investment. The data presented are not
meant to be indicative of the performance of the Fund, do not reflect past
performance and do not guarantee future results.
S&P 500
This index is a readily available, carefully constructed, market value weighted
benchmark of common stock performance. Currently, the S&P 500 includes 500 of
the largest stocks (in terms of stock market value) in the U.S.
DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE
This is a total return index based on the performance of stocks of 30 blue chip
companies widely held by individuals and institutional investors. The 30 stocks
represent about a fifth of the $8 trillion-plus market value of all U.S. stocks
and about a fourth of the value of stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE).
U.S. SMALL STOCK INDEX
This index is a market value weighted index of the ninth and tenth deciles of
the NYSE, plus stocks listed on the American Stock Exchange and over the counter
with the same or less capitalization as the upper bound of the NYSE ninth
decile.
U.S. INFLATION
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), not seasonally
adjusted, is used to measure inflation, which is the rate of change of consumer
goods prices. Unfortunately, the inflation rate as derived by the CPI is not
measured over the same period as the other asset returns. All of the security
returns are measured from one month-end to the next month-end. CPI commodity
prices are collected during the month. Thus, measured inflation rates lag the
other series by about one-half month. Prior to January 1978, the CPI (as
compared with CPI-U) was used. Both inflation measures are constructed by the
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.
S&P/BARRA INDEXES
The S&P/BARRA Growth and Value Indexes are constructed by dividing the stocks in
the S&P 500 according to price-to-book ratios. The Growth Index contains stocks
with higher price-to-book ratios, and the Value Index contains stocks with lower
price-to-book ratios. Both indexes are market capitalization weighted.
MERRILL LYNCH MICRO-CAP INDEX
The Merrill Lynch Micro-Cap Index represents the performance of 2,148 stocks
ranging in market capitalization from $5 million to $60 million. Index returns
are calculated monthly.
LONG-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS
The total returns on long-term government bonds after 1977 are constructed with
data from The Wall Street Journal and are calculated as the change in the flat
price or and-interest price. From 1926 to 1976, data are obtained from the
government bond file at the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP),
Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago. Each year, a one-bond
portfolio with a term of approximately 20 years and a reasonably current coupon
was used and whose returns did not reflect potential tax benefits, impaired
negotiability or special redemption or call privileges. Where callable bonds had
to be used, the term of the bond was assumed to be a simple average of the
maturity and first call dates minus the current date. The bond was "held" for
the calendar year and returns were computed.
INTERMEDIATE-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS
Total returns of intermediate-term government bonds after 1977 are calculated
from The Wall Street Journal prices, using the change in flat price. Returns
from 1934 to 1976 are obtained from the CRSP government bond file.
Each year, one-bond portfolios are formed, the bond chosen is the shortest
noncallable bond with a maturity not less than five years, and this bond is
"held" for the calendar year. Monthly returns are computed. (Bonds with impaired
negotiability or special redemption privileges are omitted, as are partially or
fully tax-exempt bonds starting with 1943.) From 1934 to 1942, almost all bonds
with maturities near five years were partially or fully tax-exempt and were
selected using the rules described above. Personal tax rates were generally low
in that period, so that yields on tax-exempt bonds were similar to yields on
taxable bonds. From 1926 to 1933, there are few bonds suitable for construction
of a series with a five-year maturity. For this period, five-year bond yield
estimates are used.
Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI")
MSCI's indices are based on the share prices of approximately 1,700 companies
listed on stock exchanges in the 22 countries that make up the MSCI World Index.
MSCI's emerging market indices are comprised of approximately 1000 stocks from
26 countries.
Countries in the MSCI EAFE Index are: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.
Countries in the MSCI Emerging Markets Free Index are: Argentina, Brazil,
Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Colombia, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Indonesia, Jordan, Korea (at 50%), Malaysia, Mexico Free, Pakistan, Peru,
Philippines Free, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (at 50%),
Thailand Free, Turkey and Venezuela Free.
6-MONTH CDs
Data sources include the Federal Reserve Bulletin and The Wall Street Journal.
LONG-TERM U.S. CORPORATE BONDS
Since 1969, corporate bond total returns are represented by the Salomon Brothers
Long-Term High-Grade Corporate Bond Index. As most large corporate bond
transactions take place over the counter, a major dealer is the natural source
of these data. The index includes nearly all Aaa- and Aa-rated bonds. If a bond
is downgraded during a particular month, its return for the month is included in
the index before removing the bond from future portfolios.
From 1926 to 1968 the total returns were calculated by summing the capital
appreciation returns and the income returns. For the period 1946 to 1968,
Ibbotson and Sinquefield backdated the Salomon Brothers' index, using Salomon
Brothers' monthly yield data with a methodology similar to that used by Salomon
Brothers for 1969 to 1991. Capital appreciation returns were calculated from
yields assuming (at the beginning of each monthly holding period) a 20-year
maturity, a bond price equal to par, and a coupon equal to the
beginning-of-period yield. For the period 1926 to 1945, Standard & Poor's
monthly high-grade corporate composite yield data were used, assuming a 4%
coupon and a 20-year maturity. The conventional present-value formula for bond
price for the beginning and end-of-month prices was used. (This formula is
presented in Ross, Stephen A., and Randolph W. Westerfield, Corporate Finance,
Times Mirror/Mosby, St. Louis, 1990, p. 97 ["Level-Coupon Bonds"].) The monthly
income return was assumed to be one-twelfth the coupon.
U.S. (30-DAY) TREASURY BILLS
For the U.S. Treasury Bill Index, data from The Wall Street Journal are used
after 1977; the CRSP government bond file is the source until 1976. Each month a
one-bill portfolio containing the shortest-term bill having not less than one
month to maturity is constructed. (The bill's original term to maturity is not
relevant.) To measure holding period returns for the one-bill portfolio, the
bill is priced as of the last trading day of the previous month-end and as of
the last trading day of the current month.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS ("NAREIT")EQUITY REIT
INDEX
All of the data are based upon the last closing price of the month for all
tax-qualified REITs listed on the NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ. The data are
market-value-weighted. Prior to 1987 REITs were added to the index the January
following their listing. Since 1987 newly formed or listed REITs are added to
the total shares outstanding figure in the month that the shares are issued.
Only common shares issued by the REIT are included in the index. The total
return calculation is based upon the weighting at the beginning of the period.
Only those REITs listed for the entire period are used in the total return
calculation. Dividends are included in the month based upon their payment date.
There is no smoothing of income. Liquidating dividends, whether full or partial,
are treated as income.
RUSSELL U.S. EQUITY INDEXES
The Russell 3000(R) Index (the "Russell 3000") is comprised of the 3,000 largest
U.S. companies as determined by market capitalization representing approximately
98% of the U.S. equity market. The average market capitalization is
approximately $2.8 billion. The Russell 2500TM Index measures performance of the
2,500 smallest companies in the Russell 3000. The average market capitalization
is approximately $733.4 million, and the largest company in the index has an
approximate market capitalization of $2.9 billion. The Russell 2000(R) Index
measures performance of the 2,000 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000; the
largest company in the index has a market capitalization of approximately $1.1
billion. The Russell 1000(R) Index (the "Russell 1000") measures the performance
of the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000. The average market
capitalization is approximately $7.6 billion. The smallest company in the index
has an approximate market capitalization of $1.1 billion. The Russell MidcapTM
Index measures performance of the 800 smallest companies in the Russell 1000.
The largest company in the index has an approximate market capitalization of
$8.0 billion.
The Russell indexes are reconstituted annually as of June 1, based on May 31
market capitalization rankings.
WILSHIRE REAL ESTATE SECURITIES INDEX
The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market capitalization weighted
index of 120 publicly traded real estate securities, such as REITs, real estate
operating companies ("REOCs") and partnerships.
The index contains performance data on five major categories of property:
office, retail, industrial, apartment and miscellaneous. The companies in the
index are 91.66% equity and hybrid REITs and 8.33% REOCs.
STANDARD & POOR'S MIDCAP 400 INDEX
The S&P 400 is a market-value-weighted index. The performance data for the index
were calculated by taking the stocks presently in the index and tracking them
backwards in time as long as there were prices reported. No attempt was made to
determine what stocks "might have been" in the S&P 400 five or ten years ago had
it existed. Dividends are reinvested on a monthly basis prior to June 30, 1991,
and are reinvested daily thereafter.
LIPPER BALANCED FUNDS INDEX
This index represents equally weighted performance, adjusted for capital gains
distributions and income dividends, of approximately 30 of the largest funds
with a primary objective of conserving principal by maintaining at all times a
balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds. Typically, the stock/bond ratio ranges
around 60%/40%.
BANK SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Data sources include the U.S. League of Savings Institutions Sourcebook; average
annual yield on savings deposits in FSLIC [FDIC] insured savings institutions
for the years 1963 to 1987; and The Wall Street Journal thereafter.
Sources: Ibbotson Associates, Towers Data Systems, Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc. and PGI
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
DOW S&P/ S&P/
S&P JONES U.S. SMALL BARRA BARRA MERRILL LYNCH
500 INDUSTRIAL STOCK U.S. 500 500 MICRO-CAP
AVERAGE INDEX INFLATION GROWTH VALUE INDEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1925 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1926 11.62 N/A 0.28 -1.49 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1927 37.49 N/A 22.10 -2.08 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1928 43.61 55.38 39.69 -0.97 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1929 -8.42 -13.64 -51.36 0.20 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1930 -24.90 -30.22 -38.15 -6.03 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1931 -43.34 -49.02 -49.75 -9.52 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1932 -8.19 -16.88 -5.39 -10.30 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1933 53.99 73.72 142.87 0.51 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1934 -1.44 8.08 24.22 2.03 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1935 47.67 43.77 40.19 2.99 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1936 33.92 30.23 64.80 1.21 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1937 -35.03 -28.88 -58.01 3.10 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1938 31.12 33.16 32.80 -2.78 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1939 -0.41 1.31 0.35 -0.48 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1940 -9.78 -7.96 -5.16 0.96 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1941 -11.59 -9.88 -9.00 9.72 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1942 20.34 14.13 44.51 9.29 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1943 25.90 19.06 88.37 3.16 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1944 19.75 17.19 53.72 2.11 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1945 36.44 31.60 73.61 2.25 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1946 -8.07 -4.40 -11.63 18.16 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1947 5.71 7.61 0.92 9.01 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1948 5.50 4.27 -2.11 2.71 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1949 18.79 20.92 19.75 -1.80 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1950 31.71 26.40 38.75 5.79 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1951 24.02 21.77 7.80 5.87 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1952 18.37 14.58 3.03 0.88 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1953 -0.99 2.02 -6.49 0.62 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1954 52.62 51.25 60.58 -0.50 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1955 31.56 26.58 20.44 0.37 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1956 6.56 7.10 4.28 2.86 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1957 -10.78 -8.63 -14.57 3.02 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1958 43.36 39.31 64.89 1.76 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1959 11.96 20.21 16.40 1.50 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1960 0.47 -6.14 -3.29 1.48 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1961 26.89 22.60 32.09 0.67 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1962 -8.73 -7.43 -11.90 1.22 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1963 22.80 20.83 23.57 1.65 N/A N/A N/A
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
DOW S&P/ S&P/
S&P JONES U.S. SMALL BARRA 500 BARRA MERRILL LYNCH
500 INDUSTRIAL STOCK U.S. GROWTH 500 MICRO-CAP
AVERAGE INDEX INFLATION VALUE INDEX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1964 16.48 18.85 23.52 1.19 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1965 12.45 14.39 41.75 1.92 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1966 -10.06 -15.78 -7.01 3.35 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1967 23.98 19.16 83.57 3.04 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1968 11.06 7.93 35.97 4.72 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1969 -8.50 -11.78 -25.05 6.11 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1970 4.01 9.21 -17.43 5.49 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1971 14.31 9.83 16.50 3.36 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1972 18.98 18.48 4.43 3.41 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1973 -14.66 -13.28 -30.90 8.80 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1974 -26.47 -23.58 -19.95 12.20 N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1975 37.20 44.75 52.82 7.01 31.72 43.38 N/A
Dec 1976 23.84 22.82 57.38 4.81 13.84 34.93 N/A
Dec 1977 -7.18 -12.84 25.38 6.77 -11.82 -2.57 N/A
Dec 1978 6.56 2.79 23.46 9.03 6.78 6.16 27.76
Dec 1979 18.44 10.55 43.46 13.31 15.72 21.16 43.18
Dec 1980 32.42 22.17 39.88 12.40 39.40 23.59 32.32
Dec 1981 -4.91 -3.57 13.88 8.94 -9.81 0.02 9.18
Dec 1982 21.41 27.11 28.01 3.87 22.03 21.04 33.62
Dec 1983 22.51 25.97 39.67 3.80 16.24 28.89 42.44
Dec 1984 6.27 1.31 -6.67 3.95 2.33 10.52 -14.97
Dec 1985 32.16 33.55 24.66 3.77 33.31 29.68 22.89
Dec 1986 18.47 27.10 6.85 1.13 14.50 21.67 3.45
Dec 1987 5.23 5.48 -9.30 4.41 6.50 3.68 -13.84
Dec 1988 16.81 16.14 22.87 4.42 11.95 21.67 22.76
Dec 1989 31.49 32.19 10.18 4.65 36.40 26.13 8.06
Dec 1990 -3.17 -0.56 -21.56 6.11 0.20 -6.85 -29.55
Dec 1991 30.55 24.19 44.63 3.06 38.37 22.56 57.44
Dec 1992 7.67 7.41 23.35 2.90 5.07 10.53 36.62
Dec 1993 9.99 16.94 20.98 2.75 1.68 18.60 31.32
Dec 1994 1.31 5.06 3.11 2.67 3.13 -0.64 1.81
Dec 1995 37.43 36.84 34.46 2.54 38.13 36.99 30.70
Dec 1996 23.07 28.84 17.62 3.32 23.96 21.99 13.88
Dec 1997 33.36 24.88 22.78 1.92 36.52 29.98 24.61
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
LONG- INTERMEDIATE- MSCI LONG-
TERM TERM U.S. EAFE 6- TERM U.S. U.S.
U.S. GOV'T GOVERNMENT (Net of MONTH CORPORATE T-BILL
BONDS BONDS Taxes) CDS BONDS (30-Day)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1925 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1926 7.77 5.38 N/A N/A 7.37 3.27
Dec 1927 8.93 4.52 N/A N/A 7.44 3.12
Dec 1928 0.10 0.92 N/A N/A 2.84 3.56
Dec 1929 3.42 6.01 N/A N/A 3.27 4.75
Dec 1930 4.66 6.72 N/A N/A 7.98 2.41
Dec 1931 -5.31 -2.32 N/A N/A -1.85 1.07
Dec 1932 16.84 8.81 N/A N/A 10.82 0.96
Dec 1933 -0.07 1.83 N/A N/A 10.38 0.30
Dec 1934 10.03 9.00 N/A N/A 13.84 0.16
Dec 1935 4.98 7.01 N/A N/A 9.61 0.17
Dec 1936 7.52 3.06 N/A N/A 6.74 0.18
Dec 1937 0.23 1.56 N/A N/A 2.75 0.31
Dec 1938 5.53 6.23 N/A N/A 6.13 -0.02
Dec 1939 5.94 4.52 N/A N/A 3.97 0.02
Dec 1940 6.09 2.96 N/A N/A 3.39 0.00
Dec 1941 0.93 0.50 N/A N/A 2.73 0.06
Dec 1942 3.22 1.94 N/A N/A 2.60 0.27
Dec 1943 2.08 2.81 N/A N/A 2.83 0.35
Dec 1944 2.81 1.80 N/A N/A 4.73 0.33
Dec 1945 10.73 2.22 N/A N/A 4.08 0.33
Dec 1946 -0.10 1.00 N/A N/A 1.72 0.35
Dec 1947 -2.62 0.91 N/A N/A -2.34 0.50
Dec 1948 3.40 1.85 N/A N/A 4.14 0.81
Dec 1949 6.45 2.32 N/A N/A 3.31 1.10
Dec 1950 0.06 0.70 N/A N/A 2.12 1.20
Dec 1951 -3.93 0.36 N/A N/A -2.69 1.49
Dec 1952 1.16 1.63 N/A N/A 3.52 1.66
Dec 1953 3.64 3.23 N/A N/A 3.41 1.82
Dec 1954 7.19 2.68 N/A N/A 5.39 0.86
Dec 1955 -1.29 -0.65 N/A N/A 0.48 1.57
Dec 1956 -5.59 -0.42 N/A N/A -6.81 2.46
Dec 1957 7.46 7.84 N/A N/A 8.71 3.14
Dec 1958 -6.09 -1.29 N/A N/A -2.22 1.54
Dec 1959 -2.26 -0.39 N/A N/A -0.97 2.95
Dec 1960 13.78 11.76 N/A N/A 9.07 2.66
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
LONG- INTERMEDIATE- MSCI LONG-
TERM TERM U.S. EAFE 6- TERM U.S. U.S.
U.S. GOV'T GOVERNMENT (Net of MONTH CORPORATE T-BILL
BONDS BONDS Taxes) CDS BONDS (30-Day)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1961 0.97 1.85 N/A N/A 4.82 2.13
Dec 1962 6.89 5.56 N/A N/A 7.95 2.73
Dec 1963 1.21 1.64 N/A N/A 2.19 3.12
Dec 1964 3.51 4.04 N/A 4.17 4.77 3.54
Dec 1965 0.71 1.02 N/A 4.68 -0.46 3.93
Dec 1966 3.65 4.69 N/A 5.76 0.20 4.76
Dec 1967 -9.18 1.01 N/A 5.47 -4.95 4.21
Dec 1968 -0.26 4.54 N/A 6.45 2.57 5.21
Dec 1969 -5.07 -0.74 N/A 8.70 -8.09 6.58
Dec 1970 12.11 16.86 -11.66 7.06 18.37 6.52
Dec 1971 13.23 8.72 29.59 5.36 11.01 4.39
Dec 1972 5.69 5.16 36.35 5.39 7.26 3.84
Dec 1973 -1.11 4.61 -14.92 8.60 1.14 6.93
Dec 1974 4.35 5.69 -23.16 10.20 -3.06 8.00
Dec 1975 9.20 7.83 35.39 6.51 14.64 5.80
Dec 1976 16.75 12.87 2.54 5.22 18.65 5.08
Dec 1977 -0.69 1.41 18.06 6.11 1.71 5.12
Dec 1978 -1.18 3.49 32.62 10.21 -0.07 7.18
Dec 1979 -1.23 4.09 4.75 11.90 -4.18 10.38
Dec 1980 -3.95 3.91 22.58 12.33 -2.76 11.24
Dec 1981 1.86 9.45 -2.28 15.50 -1.24 14.71
Dec 1982 40.36 29.10 -1.86 12.18 42.56 10.54
Dec 1983 0.65 7.41 23.69 9.65 6.26 8.80
Dec 1984 15.48 14.02 7.38 10.65 16.86 9.85
Dec 1985 30.97 20.33 56.16 7.82 30.09 7.72
Dec 1986 24.53 15.14 69.44 6.30 19.85 6.16
Dec 1987 -2.71 2.90 24.63 6.59 -0.27 5.47
Dec 1988 9.67 6.10 28.27 8.15 10.70 6.35
Dec 1989 18.11 13.29 10.54 8.27 16.23 8.37
Dec 1990 6.18 9.73 -23.45 7.85 6.78 7.81
Dec 1991 19.30 15.46 12.13 4.95 19.89 5.60
Dec 1992 8.05 7.19 -12.17 3.27 9.39 3.51
Dec 1993 18.24 11.24 32.56 2.88 13.19 2.90
Dec 1994 -7.77 -5.14 7.78 5.40 -5.76 3.90
Dec 1995 31.67 16.80 11.21 5.21 27.20 5.60
Dec 1996 -0.93 2.10 6.05 5.21 1.40 5.21
Dec 1997 15.85 8.38 1.78 5.71 12.95 5.26
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
NAREIT LIPPER MSCI
EQUITY RUSSELL WILSHIRE BALANCED EMERGING BANK
REIT 2000 REAL ESTATE S&P FUND MARKETS SAVINGS
INDEX INDEX SECURITIES 400 INDEX FREE INDEX ACCOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1925 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1926 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1927 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1928 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1929 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1930 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.30
Dec 1931 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.10
Dec 1932 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.10
Dec 1933 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.40
Dec 1934 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.50
Dec 1935 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.10
Dec 1936 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.20
Dec 1937 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.50
Dec 1938 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.50
Dec 1939 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.40
Dec 1940 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.30
Dec 1941 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.10
Dec 1942 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.00
Dec 1943 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.90
Dec 1944 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.80
Dec 1945 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.50
Dec 1946 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.20
Dec 1947 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.30
Dec 1948 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.30
Dec 1949 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.40
Dec 1950 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.50
Dec 1951 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.60
Dec 1952 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.70
Dec 1953 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.80
Dec 1954 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.90
Dec 1955 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.90
Dec 1956 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.00
Dec 1957 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.30
Dec 1958 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.38
Dec 1959 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.53
Dec 1960 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.77 N/A 3.86
Dec 1961 N/A N/A N/A N/A 20.59 N/A 3.90
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
NAREIT LIPPER MSCI
EQUITY RUSSELL WILSHIRE BALANCED EMERGING BANK
REIT 2000 REAL ESTATE S&P FUND MARKETS SAVINGS
INDEX INDEX SECURITIES 400 INDEX FREE INDEX ACCOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1962 N/A N/A N/A N/A -6.80 N/A 4.08
Dec 1963 N/A N/A N/A N/A 13.10 N/A 4.17
Dec 1964 N/A N/A N/A N/A 12.36 N/A 4.19
Dec 1965 N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.80 N/A 4.23
Dec 1966 N/A N/A N/A N/A -5.86 N/A 4.45
Dec 1967 N/A N/A N/A N/A 15.09 N/A 4.67
Dec 1968 N/A N/A N/A N/A 13.97 N/A 4.68
Dec 1969 N/A N/A N/A N/A -9.01 N/A 4.80
Dec 1970 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.62 N/A 5.14
Dec 1971 N/A N/A N/A N/A 13.90 N/A 5.30
Dec 1972 8.01 N/A N/A N/A 11.13 N/A 5.37
Dec 1973 -15.52 N/A N/A N/A -12.24 N/A 5.51
Dec 1974 -21.40 N/A N/A N/A -18.71 N/A 5.96
Dec 1975 19.30 N/A N/A N/A 27.10 N/A 6.21
Dec 1976 47.59 N/A N/A N/A 26.03 N/A 6.23
Dec 1977 22.42 N/A N/A N/A -0.72 N/A 6.39
Dec 1978 10.34 N/A 13.04 N/A 4.80 N/A 6.56
Dec 1979 35.86 43.09 70.81 N/A 14.67 N/A 7.29
Dec 1980 24.37 38.58 22.08 N/A 19.70 N/A 8.78
Dec 1981 6.00 2.03 7.18 N/A 1.86 N/A 10.71
Dec 1982 21.60 24.95 24.47 22.68 30.63 N/A 11.19
Dec 1983 30.64 29.13 27.61 26.10 17.44 N/A 9.71
Dec 1984 20.93 -7.30 20.64 1.18 7.46 N/A 9.92
Dec 1985 19.10 31.05 22.20 35.58 29.83 N/A 9.02
Dec 1986 19.16 5.68 20.30 16.21 18.43 N/A 7.84
Dec 1987 -3.64 -8.77 -7.86 -2.03 4.13 N/A 6.92
Dec 1988 13.49 24.89 24.18 20.87 11.18 40.43 7.20
Dec 1989 8.84 16.24 2.37 35.54 19.70 64.96 7.91
Dec 1990 -15.35 -19.51 -33.46 -5.12 0.66 -10.55 7.80
Dec 1991 35.70 46.05 20.03 50.10 25.83 59.91 4.61
Dec 1992 14.59 18.41 7.36 11.91 7.46 11.40 2.89
Dec 1993 19.65 18.91 15.24 13.96 11.95 74.83 2.73
Dec 1994 3.17 -1.82 1.64 -3.57 -2.05 -7.32 4.96
Dec 1995 15.27 28.44 13.65 30.94 24.89 -5.21 5.24
Dec 1996 35.26 16.53 36.87 19.20 13.01 6.03 4.95
Dec 1997 20.29 22.36 19.80 32.26 20.05 -11.59 5.17
Source: Lipper Analytical Services. Inc.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER PIONEER INFORMATION
The Pioneer group of mutual funds was established in 1928 with the creation of
Pioneer Fund. Pioneer is one of the oldest and most experienced money managers
in the United States.
As of December 31, 1997, PMC employed a professional investment staff of 58,
with a combined average of 12 years' experience in the financial services
industry.
Total assets of all Pioneer mutual funds at December 31, 1997, were
approximately $19.8 billion representing 1,177,148 shareholder accounts, 791,468
non-retirement accounts and 385,680 retirement accounts.
<PAGE>
File Nos. 33-
811-08661
(formerly File Nos.
33-34801
811-06106)
FORM N-1A
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements:
The financial highlights of the Registrant for the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 are included in
Part A of the Registration Statement and the
financial statements of the Registrant are
incorporated by reference into Part B of the
Registration Statement from the 1997 Annual Reports
to Shareholders for the year ended October 31,
1997 (filed electronically on December 24, 1997
file no. 33-34801; accession number
0000863334-97-000019).
(b) Exhibits:
1.1 Agreement and Declaration of Trust
1.2 Certificate of Trust
2. By-Laws
3. None
4.1 Specimen Share Certificate
5. Form of Management Contract
6.1. Form of Underwriting Agreement
6.2. Form of Dealer Sales Agreement
7. None
8. Form of Custodian Agreement
with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
9.1 Form of Investment Company Service Agreement
9.2 Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
10. None
11. Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
12. None
13. None
14. None
15.1 Class A Distribution Plan
15.2 Class B Distribution Plan
15.3 Class C Distribution Plan
16. None
17. Financial Data Schedules
18. Form of Multiclass Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
19. Powers of Attorney
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant
No person is controlled by the Registrant. A common control relationship
could exist from a management perspective because the Chairman and President of
the Registrant owns approximately 14%of the outstanding shares of The Pioneer
Group, Inc. (PGI), the parent company of the Registrant's investment adviser,
and certain Trustees or officers of the Registrant (i) hold similar positions
with other investment companies advised by PGI and (ii) are directors or
officers of PGI and/or its direct or indirect subsidiaries. The following lists
all U.S. and the principal non-U.S. subsidiaries of PGI and those registered
investment companies with a common or similar Board of Trustees advised by PGI.
OWNED BY PERCENT STATE/COUNTRY OF
COMPANY OF SHARES INCORPORATION
Pioneering Management Corp. (PMC) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD) PMC 100% MA
Pioneer Explorer, Inc. (PEI) PMC 100% DE
Pioneer Fonds Marketing GmbH (GmbH) PFD 100% Germany
Pioneer Forest, Inc. (PFI) PGI 100% DE
CJSC "Forest-Starma" (Forest-Starma) PFI 95% Russia
Pioneer Metals and Technology, Inc. (PMT) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer Capital Corp. (PCC) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer SBIC Corp. PCC 100% MA
Pioneer Real Estate Advisors, Inc. (PREA) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer Management (Ireland) Ltd. (PMIL) PGI 100% Ireland
Pioneer Plans Corporation (PPC) PGI 100% DE
PIOGlobal Corp. (PIOGlobal) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer Investments Corp. (PIC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Goldfields Holdings, Inc. (PGH) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer Goldfields Ltd. (PGL) PGH 100% Guernsey
Teberebie Goldfields Ltd. (TGL) PGL 90% Ghana
Pioneer Omega, Inc. (Omega) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer First Russia, Inc. (First Russia) Omega 81.65% DE
Pioneering Services Corp. (PSC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer International Corp. (PIntl) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer First Polish Trust Fund JSC, S.A.
(First Polish) PIntl 100% Poland
Pioneer Czech Investment Company, A.S.
(Pioneer Czech) PIntl 100% Czech Republic
Registered investment companies that are parties to management contracts with
PMC:
BUSINESS
FUND TRUST
Pioneer International Growth Fund MA
Pioneer World Equity Fund DE
Pioneer Europe Fund MA
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund DE
Pioneer India Fund DE
Pioneer Growth Trust MA
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund DE
Pioneer Growth Shares DE
Pioneer Small Company Fund DE
Pioneer Fund DE
Pioneer II DE
Pioneer Real Estate Shares DE
Pioneer Short-Term Income Fund MA
Pioneer America Income Trust MA
Pioneer Bond Fund MA
Pioneer Balanced Fund DE
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund MA
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund DE
Pioneer Money Market Trust DE
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust DE
Pioneer Interest Shares DE
Pioneer Micro-Cap Fund DE
The following table lists John F. Cogan, Jr.'s positions with the
investment companies, PGI and principal direct or indirect PGI subsidiaries
referenced above and the Registrant's counsel.
TRUSTEE/
ENTITY CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OTHER
Pioneer mutual
funds X X X
PGL X X X
PGI X X X
PPC X X
PIC X X
PIntl X X
PMT X X
Omega X X
PIOGlobal X X
First Russia X X
PCC X
PSC X
PMIL X
PEI X
PFI X
PREA X
Forest-Starma X
PMC X X
PFD X X
TGL X X
First Polish Chairman of Supervisory
Board
GmbH Chairman of Supervisory
Board
Pioneer Czech Chairman of Supervisory
Board
Hale and Dorr LLP Partner
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
The following table sets forth the approximate number of
record holders of each class of securities of the Registrant as of January 31,
1998:
Number of
Record Holders
Fund Class A Class B Class C
Gold Shares 3,243 803 219
<PAGE>
Item 27. Indemnification
Except for the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated January 8, 1998
establishing the Registrant as a trust under Delaware law, there is no contract,
arrangement or statute under which any director, officer, underwriter or
affiliated person of the Registrant is insured or indemnified. The Declaration
of Trust provides that no Trustee or officer will be indemnified against any
liability of which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of or for
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such
person's duties.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be available to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment of the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
All of the information required by this item is set forth in
the Form ADV, as amended, of Pioneering Management Corporation. The following
sections of such Form ADV are incorporated herein by reference:
(a) Items 1 and 2 of Part 2;
(b) Section IV, Business Background, of each Schedule D.
Item 29. Principal Underwriter
(a) See Item 25 above.
(b) Directors and Officers of PFD:
Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Name with Underwriter with Registrant
- ---- ---------------- ---------------
John F. Cogan, Jr. Director and Chairman Chairman of the Board,
President and Trustee
Robert L. Butler Director and President None
David D. Tripple Director Executive Vice President and
Trustee
Steven M. Graziano Senior Vice President None
Stephen W. Long Senior Vice President None
Barry G. Knight Vice President None
William A. Misata Vice President None
Anne W. Patenaude Vice President None
Elizabeth B. Bennett Vice President None
Gail A. Smyth Vice President None
Constance D. Spiros Vice President None
Marcy L. Supovitz Vice President None
Mary Kleeman Vice President None
Steven R. Berke Assistant Vice President None
Steven H. Forss Assistant Vice President None
Mary Sue Hoban Assistant Vice President None
Debra A. Levine Assistant Vice President None
Junior Roy McFarland Assistant Vice President None
Marie E. Moynihan Assistant Vice President None
<PAGE>
William H. Keough Treasurer Treasurer
Roy P. Rossi Assistant Treasurer None
Joseph P. Barri Clerk Secretary
Robert P. Nault Assistant Clerk Assistant Secretary
The principle business address of each of these individuals is 60 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1820.
(c) Not applicable.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts and records are maintained at the Registrant's
office at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts; contact the Treasurer.
Item 31. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) The Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be delivered
with the Prospectus, to each person to whom the Prospectus is sent or
given, a copy of the Registrant's report to shareholders furnished
pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 30d-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, from which the specified
information is incorporated by reference, unless such person currently
holds securities of the Registrant and otherwise has received a copy
of such report, in which case the Registrant shall state in the
Prospectus that it will furnish, without charge, a copy of such report
on request, and the name, address and telephone number of the person
to whom such a request should be directed.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Boston and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the
18th day of February, 1998.
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
By: /s/ David D. Tripple
David D. Tripple
Executive Vice President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Amendment has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:
Title and Signature Date
Principal Executive Officer: )
)
)
John F. Cogan, Jr. )
John F. Cogan, Jr., President )
)
Principal Financial and )
Accounting Officer: )
)
)
/s/William H. Keough* )
William H. Keough, Treasurer )
A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
John F. Cogan, Jr. )
John F. Cogan, Jr., Trustee )
)
Mary K. Bush* )
Mary K. Bush, Trustee )
)
Richard H. Egdahl, M.D.* )
Richard H. Egdahl, Trustee )
)
Margaret B.W. Graham* )
Margaret B.W. Graham, Trustee )
)
John W. Kendrick* )
John W. Kendrick, Trustee )
)
Marguerite A. Piret* )
Marguerite A. Piret, Trustee )
)
/s/David D. Tripple* )
David D. Tripple, Trustee )
)
Stephen K. West* )
Stephen K. West, Trustee )
)
John Winthrop* )
John Winthrop, Trustee )
*By: /s/ David D. Tripple Dated: February 18, 1998
David D. Tripple
Attorney-in-fact
<PAGE>
Exhibit Index
Sequential
Exhibit Page
Number Document Title Number
1.1 Agreement and Declaration of Trust
1.2 Certificate of Trust
2. By-Laws
3. None
4.1 Specimen Share Certificate
5. Form of Management Contract
6.1. Form of Underwriting Agreement
6.2. Form of Dealer Sales Agreement
7. None
8. Form of Custodian Agreement
with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
9.1 Form of Investment Company Service Agreement
9.2 Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization
10. None
11. Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
12. None
13. None
14. None
15.1 Class A Distribution Plan
15.2 Class B Distribution Plan
15.3 Class C Distribution Plan
16. None
17. Financial Data Schedules
18. Form of Multiclass Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
19. Powers of Attorney
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
AGREEMENT AND
DECLARATION OF TRUST
This AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST is made on January 8, 1998 by
the undersigned trustees (together with all other persons from time to time duly
elected, qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the provisions of
Article II hereof, the "Trustees");
NOW, THEREFORE, the Trustees declare that all money and property
contributed to the Trust shall be held and managed in trust pursuant to this
Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
Section 1. Name. The name of the Trust created by this Agreement and
Declaration of Trust is "Pioneer Gold Shares."
Section 2. Definitions. Unless otherwise provided or required by the context:
(a) "Administrator" means the party, other than the Trust, to the
contract described in Article III, Section 3 hereof.
(b) "By-laws" means the By-laws of the Trust adopted by the Trustees,
as amended from time to time, which By-laws are expressly herein incorporated by
reference as part of the "governing instrument" within the meaning of the
Delaware Act.
(c) "Class" means the class of Shares of a Series established pursuant
to Article V.
(d) "Commission," "Interested Person" and "Principal Underwriter" have
the meanings provided in the 1940 Act. Except as such term may be otherwise
defined by the Trustees in conjunction with the establishment of any Series of
Shares, the term "vote of a majority of the Shares outstanding and entitled to
vote" shall have the same meaning as is assigned to the term "vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities" in the 1940 Act.
(e) "Covered Person" means a person so defined in Article IV, Section
2.
(f) "Custodian" means any Person other than the Trust who has custody
of any Trust Property as required by Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act, but does not
include a system for the central handling of securities described in said
Section 17(f).
(g) "Declaration" shall mean this Agreement and Declaration of Trust,
as amended or restated from time to time. Reference in this Declaration of Trust
to "Declaration," "hereof," "herein," and "hereunder" shall be deemed to refer
to this Declaration rather than exclusively to the article or section in which
such words appear.
(h) "Delaware Act" means Chapter 38 of Title 12 of the Delaware Code
entitled "Treatment of Delaware Business Trusts," as amended from time to time.
(i) "Distributor" means the party, other than the Trust, to the
contract described in Article III, Section 1 hereof.
(j) "His" shall include the feminine and neuter, as well as the
masculine, genders.
(k) "Investment Adviser" means the party, other than the Trust, to the
contract described in Article III, Section 2 hereof.
(l) "Net Asset Value" means the net asset value of each Series of the
Trust, determined as provided in Article VI, Section 3.
(m) "Person" means and includes individuals, corporations,
partnerships, trusts, associations, joint ventures, estates and other entities,
and governments and agencies and political subdivisions, thereof, whether
domestic or foreign.
(n) "Series" means a series of Shares established pursuant to Article
V.
(o) "Shareholder" means a record owner of Outstanding Shares;
(p) "Shares" means the equal proportionate transferable units of
interest into which the beneficial interest of each Series or Class is divided
from time to time (including whole Shares and fractions of Shares). "Outstanding
Shares" means Shares shown in the books of the Trust or its transfer agent as
then issued and outstanding, but does not include Shares which have been
repurchased or redeemed by the Trust and which are held in the treasury of the
Trust.
(q) "Transfer Agent" means any Person other than the Trust who
maintains the Shareholder records of the Trust, such as the list of
Shareholders, the number of Shares credited to each account, and the like.
(r) "Trust" means Pioneer Gold Shares established hereby, and reference
to the Trust, when applicable to one or more Series, refers to that Series.
(s) "Trustees" means the person who has signed this Declaration of
Trust, so long as he shall continue in office in accordance with the terms
hereof, and all other persons who may from time to time be duly qualified and
serving as Trustees in accordance with Article II, in all cases in their
capacities as Trustees hereunder.
(t) "Trust Property" means any and all property, real or personal,
tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the Trust or any Series
or the Trustees on behalf of the Trust or any Series.
(u) The "1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
from time to time.
ARTICLE II
THE TRUSTEES
Section 1. Management of the Trust. The business and affairs of the
Trust shall be managed by or under the direction of the Trustees, and they shall
have all powers necessary or desirable to carry out that responsibility. The
Trustees may execute all instruments and take all action they deem necessary or
desirable to promote the interests of the Trust. Any determination made by the
Trustees in good faith as to what is in the interests of the Trust shall be
conclusive. In construing the provisions of this Declaration, the presumption
shall be in favor of a grant of power to the Trustees.
Section 2. Powers. The Trustees in all instances shall act as
principals, free of the control of the Shareholders. The Trustees shall have
full power and authority to take or refrain from taking any action and to
execute any contracts and instruments that they may consider necessary or
desirable in the management of the Trust. The Trustees shall not in any way be
bound or limited by current or future laws or customs applicable to trust
investments, but shall have full power and authority to make any investments
which they, in their sole discretion, deem proper to accomplish the purposes of
the Trust. The Trustees may exercise all of their powers without recourse to any
court or other authority. Subject to any applicable limitation herein or in the
By-laws or resolutions of the Trust, the Trustees shall have power and
authority, without limitation:
(a) To operate as and carry on the business of an investment company,
and exercise all the powers necessary and appropriate to the conduct of such
operations.
(b) To invest in, hold for investment, or reinvest in, cash;
securities, including common, preferred and preference stocks; warrants;
subscription rights; profit-sharing interests or participations and all other
contracts for or evidence of equity interests; bonds, debentures, bills, time
notes and all other evidences of indebtedness; negotiable or non-negotiable
instruments; government securities, including securities of any state,
municipality or other political subdivision thereof, or any governmental or
quasi-governmental agency or instrumentality; and money market instruments
including bank certificates of deposit, finance paper, commercial paper,
bankers' acceptances and all kinds of repurchase agreements, of any corporation,
company, trust, association, firm or other business organization however
established, and of any country, state, municipality or other political
subdivision, or any governmental or quasi-governmental agency or
instrumentality; or any other security, property or instrument in which the
Trust or any of its Series shall be authorized to invest.
(c) To acquire (by purchase, subscription or otherwise), to hold, to
trade in and deal in, to acquire any rights or options to purchase or sell, to
sell or otherwise dispose of, to lend and to pledge any such securities, to
enter into repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, firm commitment
agreements and forward foreign currency exchange contracts, to purchase and sell
options on securities, securities indices, currency and other financial assets,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts of all descriptions and to
engage in all types of hedging and risk-management transactions.
(d) To exercise all rights, powers and privileges of ownership or
interest in all securities and repurchase agreements included in the Trust
Property, including the right to vote thereon and otherwise act with respect
thereto and to do all acts for the preservation, protection, improvement and
enhancement in value of all such securities and repurchase agreements.
(e) To acquire (by purchase, lease or otherwise) and to hold, use,
maintain, develop and dispose of (by sale or otherwise) any property, real or
personal, including cash or foreign currency, and any interest therein.
(f) To borrow money or other property in the name of the Trust
exclusively for Trust purposes and in this connection issue notes or other
evidence of indebtedness; to secure borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or
otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property; and to endorse, guarantee,
or undertake the performance of any obligation or engagement of any other Person
and to lend Trust Property.
(g) To aid by further investment any corporation, company, trust,
association or firm, any obligation of or interest in which is included in the
Trust Property or in the affairs of which the Trustees have any direct or
indirect interest; to do all acts and things designed to protect, preserve,
improve or enhance the value of such obligation or interest; and to guarantee or
become surety on any or all of the contracts, stocks, bonds, notes, debentures
and other obligations of any such corporation, company, trust, association or
firm.
(h) To adopt By-laws not inconsistent with this Declaration providing
for the conduct of the business of the Trust and to amend and repeal them to the
extent such right is not reserved to the Shareholders.
(i) To elect and remove such officers and appoint and terminate such
agents as they deem appropriate.
(j) To employ as custodian of any assets of the Trust, subject to any
provisions herein or in the By-laws, one or more banks, trust companies or
companies that are members of a national securities exchange, or other entities
permitted by the Commission to serve as such.
(k) To retain one or more transfer agents and shareholder servicing
agents, or both.
(l) To provide for the distribution of Shares either through a
Principal Underwriter as provided herein or by the Trust itself, or both, or
pursuant to a distribution plan of any kind.
(m) To set record dates in the manner provided for herein or in the
By-laws.
(n) To delegate such authority as they consider desirable to any
officers of the Trust and to any agent, independent contractor, manager,
investment adviser, custodian or underwriter.
(o) To hold any security or other property (i) in a form not indicating
any trust, whether in bearer, book entry, unregistered or other negotiable form,
or (ii) either in the Trust's or Trustees' own name or in the name of a
custodian or a nominee or nominees, subject to safeguards according to the usual
practice of business trusts or investment companies.
(p) To establish separate and distinct Series with separately defined
investment objectives and policies and distinct investment purposes, and with
separate Shares representing beneficial interests in such Series, and to
establish separate Classes, all in accordance with the provisions of Article V.
(q) To the full extent permitted by Section 3804 of the Delaware Act,
to allocate assets, liabilities and expenses of the Trust to a particular Series
and assets, liabilities and expenses to a particular Class or to apportion the
same between or among two or more Series or Classes, provided that any
liabilities or expenses incurred by a particular Series or Class shall be
payable solely out of the assets belonging to that Series or Class as provided
for in Article V, Section 4.
(r) To consent to or participate in any plan for the reorganization,
consolidation or merger of any corporation or concern whose securities are held
by the Trust; to consent to any contract, lease, mortgage, purchase, or sale of
property by such corporation or concern; and to pay calls or subscriptions with
respect to any security held in the Trust.
(s) To compromise, arbitrate, or otherwise adjust claims in favor of or
against the Trust or any matter in controversy including, but not limited to,
claims for taxes.
(t) To make distributions of income, capital gains, returns of capital
(if any) and redemption proceeds to Shareholders in the manner hereinafter
provided for.
(u) To establish committees for such purposes, with such membership,
and with such responsibilities as the Trustees may consider proper, including a
committee consisting of fewer than all of the Trustees then in office, which may
act for and bind the Trustees and the Trust with respect to the institution,
prosecution, dismissal, settlement, review or investigation of any legal action,
suit or proceeding, pending or threatened.
(v) To issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, cancel, retire, acquire, hold,
resell, reissue, dispose of and otherwise deal in Shares; to establish terms and
conditions regarding the issuance, sale, repurchase, redemption, cancellation,
retirement, acquisition, holding, resale, reissuance, disposition of or dealing
in Shares; and, subject to Articles V and VI, to apply to any such repurchase,
redemption, retirement, cancellation or acquisition of Shares any funds or
property of the Trust or of the particular Series with respect to which such
Shares are issued.
(w) To invest part or all of the Trust Property (or part or all of the
assets of any Series), or to dispose of part or all of the Trust Property (or
part or all of the assets of any Series) and invest the proceeds of such
disposition, in securities issued by one or more other investment companies
registered under the 1940 Act all without any requirement of approval by
Shareholders. Any such other investment company may (but need not) be a trust
(formed under the laws of the State of New York or of any other state) which is
classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
(x) To carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to
any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary or desirable to
accomplish any purpose or to further any of the foregoing powers, and to take
every other action incidental to the foregoing business or purposes, objects or
powers.
(y) To sell or exchange any or all of the assets of the Trust, subject
to Article IX, Section 4.
(z) To enter into joint ventures, partnerships and other combinations
and associations.
(aa) To join with other security holders in acting through a committee,
depositary, voting trustee or otherwise, and in that connection to deposit any
security with, or transfer any security to, any such committee, depositary or
trustee, and to delegate to them such power and authority with relation to any
security (whether or not so deposited or transferred) as the Trustees shall deem
proper, and to agree to pay, and to pay, such portion of the expenses and
compensation of such Committee, depositary or trustee as the Trustees shall deem
proper;
(bb) To purchase and pay for entirely out of Trust Property such
insurance as the Trustees may deem necessary or appropriate for the conduct of
the business, including, without limitation, insurance policies insuring the
assets of the Trust or payment of distributions and principal on its portfolio
investments, and, subject to applicable law and any restrictions set forth in
the By-laws, insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, Trustees, officers,
employees, agents, investment advisers, Principal Underwriters, or independent
contractors of the Trust, individually, against all claims and liabilities of
every nature arising by reason of holding Shares, holding, being or having held
any such office or position, or by reason of any action alleged to have been
taken or omitted by any such Person as Trustee, officer, employee, agent,
investment adviser, Principal underwriter, or independent contractor, including
any action taken or omitted that may be determined to constitute negligence,
whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against
liability;
(cc) To adopt, establish and carry out pension, profit-sharing, share
bonus, share purchase, savings, thrift and other retirement, incentive and
benefit plans and trusts, including the purchasing of life insurance and annuity
contracts as a means of providing such retirement and other benefits, for any or
all of the Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the Trust;
(dd) To enter into contracts of any kind and description;
(ee) To interpret the investment policies, practices or
limitations of any Series or Class; and
(ff) To guarantee indebtedness and contractual obligations of
others.
The clauses above shall be construed as objects and powers, and the
enumeration of specific powers shall not limit in any way the general powers of
the Trustees. Any action by one or more of the Trustees in their capacity as
such hereunder shall be deemed an action on behalf of the Trust or the
applicable Series, and not an action in an individual capacity. No one dealing
with the Trustees shall be under any obligation to make any inquiry concerning
the authority of the Trustees, or to see to the application of any payments made
or property transferred to the Trustees or upon their order. In construing this
Declaration, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of power to the
Trustees.
Section 3. Certain Transactions. Except as prohibited by applicable
law, the Trustees may, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities from or sell
any securities to, or lend any assets of the Trust to, any Trustee or officer of
the Trust or any firm of which any such Trustee or officer is a member acting as
principal, or have any such dealings with any investment adviser, administrator,
distributor or transfer agent for the Trust or with any Interested Person of
such person. The Trust may employ any such person or entity in which such person
is an Interested Person, as broker, legal counsel, registrar, investment
adviser, administrator, distributor, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent,
custodian or in any other capacity upon customary terms.
Section 4. Initial Trustees; Election and Number of Trustees. The
initial Trustees shall be the persons initially signing this Declaration. The
number of Trustees (other than the initial Trustees) shall be fixed from time to
time by a majority of the Trustees; provided, that there shall be at least one
(1) Trustee and no more than fifteen (15). The Shareholders shall elect the
Trustees (other than the initial Trustees) on such dates as the Trustees may fix
from time to time.
Section 5. Term of Office of Trustees. Each Trustee shall hold office
for life or until his successor is elected or the Trust terminates; except that
(a) any Trustee may resign by delivering to the other Trustees or to any Trust
officer a written resignation effective upon such delivery or a later date
specified therein; (b) any Trustee may be removed with or without cause at any
time by a written instrument signed by at least a majority of the then Trustees,
specifying the effective date of removal; (c) any Trustee who requests to be
retired, or who is declared bankrupt or has become physically or mentally
incapacitated or is otherwise unable to serve, may be retired by a written
instrument signed by a majority of the other Trustees, specifying the effective
date of retirement; and (d) any Trustee may be removed at any meeting of the
Shareholders by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Outstanding Shares.
Section 6. Vacancies; Appointment of Trustees. Whenever a vacancy shall
exist in the Board of Trustees, regardless of the reason for such vacancy, the
remaining Trustees shall appoint any person as they determine in their sole
discretion to fill that vacancy, consistent with the limitations under the 1940
Act. Such appointment shall be made by a written instrument signed by a majority
of the Trustees or by a resolution of the Trustees, duly adopted and recorded in
the records of the Trust, specifying the effective date of the appointment. The
Trustees may appoint a new Trustee as provided above in anticipation of a
vacancy expected to occur because of the retirement, resignation or removal of a
Trustee, or an increase in number of Trustees, provided that such appointment
shall become effective only at or after the expected vacancy occurs. As soon as
any such Trustee has accepted his appointment in writing, the trust estate shall
vest in the new Trustee, together with the continuing Trustees, without any
further act or conveyance, and he shall be deemed a Trustee hereunder. The
Trustees' power of appointment is subject to Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act.
Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is
filled as provided in this Article II, the Trustees in office, regardless of
their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees and shall
discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by the Declaration. The
death, declination to serve, resignation, retirement, removal or incapacity of
one or more Trustees, or all of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to
revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration of
Trust.
Section 7. Temporary Vacancy or Absence. Whenever a vacancy in the
Board of Trustees shall occur, until such vacancy is filled, or while any
Trustee is absent from his domicile (unless that Trustee has made arrangements
to be informed about, and to participate in, the affairs of the Trust during
such absence), or is physically or mentally incapacitated, the remaining
Trustees shall have all the powers hereunder and their certificate as to such
vacancy, absence, or incapacity shall be conclusive. Any Trustee may, by power
of attorney, delegate his powers as Trustee for a period not exceeding six (6)
months at any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees.
Section 8. Chairman. The Trustees shall appoint one of their number to
be Chairman of the Board of Trustees. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings
of the Trustees, shall be responsible for the execution of policies established
by the Trustees and the administration of the Trust, and may be the chief
executive, financial and/or accounting officer of the Trust.
Section 9. Action by the Trustees. The Trustees shall act by majority
vote at a meeting duly called at which a quorum is present, including a meeting
held by conference telephone, teleconference or other electronic media or
communication equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can communicate with each other; or by written consent of a majority of
Trustees (or such greater number as may be required by applicable law) without a
meeting. A majority of the Trustees shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.
Meetings of the Trustees may be called orally or in writing by the President or
by any one of the Trustees. Notice of the time, date and place of all Trustees'
meetings shall be given to each Trustee as set forth in the By-laws; provided,
however, that no notice is required if the Trustees provide for regular or
stated meetings. Notice need not be given to any Trustee who attends the meeting
without objecting to the lack of notice or who signs a waiver of notice either
before or after the meeting. The Trustees by majority vote may delegate to any
Trustee or Trustees or committee authority to approve particular matters or take
particular actions on behalf of the Trust. Any written consent or waiver may be
provided and delivered to the Trust by facsimile or other similar electronic
mechanism.
Section 10. Ownership of Trust Property. The Trust Property of the
Trust and of each Series shall be held separate and apart from any assets now or
hereafter held in any capacity other than as Trustee hereunder by the Trustees
or any successor Trustees. Legal title in and beneficial ownership of all of the
assets of the Trust shall at all times be considered as vested in the Trust,
except that the Trustees may cause legal title in and beneficial ownership of
any Trust Property to be held by, or in the name of one or more of the Trustees
acting for and on behalf of the Trust, or in the name of any person as nominee
acting for and on behalf of the Trust. No Shareholder shall be deemed to have a
severable ownership in any individual asset of the Trust or of any Series or any
right of partition or possession thereof, but each Shareholder shall have, as
provided in Article V, a proportionate undivided beneficial interest in the
Trust or Series or Class thereof represented by Shares. The Shares shall be
personal property giving only the rights specifically set forth in this Trust
Instrument. The Trust, or at the determination of the Trustees one or more of
the Trustees or a nominee acting for and on behalf of the Trust, shall be deemed
to hold legal title and beneficial ownership of any income earned on securities
of the Trust issued by any business entities formed, organized, or existing
under the laws of any jurisdiction, including the laws of any foreign country.
Upon the resignation or removal of a Trustee, or his otherwise ceasing to be a
Trustee, he shall execute and deliver such documents as the remaining Trustees
shall require for the purpose of conveying to the Trust or the remaining
Trustees any Trust Property held in the name of the resigning or removed
Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any Trustee, his legal representative
shall execute and deliver on his behalf such documents as the remaining Trustees
shall require as provided in the preceding sentence.
Section 11. Effect of Trustees Not Serving. The death, resignation,
retirement, removal, incapacity or inability or refusal to serve of the
Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to annul the Trust or to revoke
any existing agency created pursuant to the terms of this Declaration.
Section 12. Trustees, etc. as Shareholders. Subject to any restrictions
in the By-laws, any Trustee, officer, agent or independent contractor of the
Trust may acquire, own and dispose of Shares to the same extent as any other
Shareholder; the Trustees may issue and sell Shares to and buy Shares from any
such person or any firm or company in which such person is interested, subject
only to any general limitations herein.
Section 13. Series Trustees. In connection with the establishment of
one or more Series or Classes, the Trustees establishing such Series or Class
may appoint, to the extent permitted by the Delaware Act, separate Trustees with
respect to such Series or Classes (the "Series Trustees"). Series Trustees may,
but are not required to, serve as Trustees of the Trust or any other Series or
Class of the Trust. The Series Trustees shall have, to the exclusion of any
other Trustee of the Trust, all the powers and authorities of Trustees hereunder
with respect to such Series or Class, but shall have no power or authority with
respect to any other Series or Class. Any provision of this Declaration relating
to election of Trustees by Shareholders only shall entitle the Shareholders of a
Series or Class for which Series Trustees have been appointed to vote with
respect to the election of such Series Trustees and the Shareholders of any
other Series or Class shall not be entitled to participate in such vote. In the
event that Series Trustees are appointed, the Trustees initially appointing such
Series Trustees shall, without the approval of any Outstanding Shares, amend
either the Declaration or the By-laws to provide for the respective
responsibilities of the Trustees and the Series Trustees in circumstances where
an action of the Trustees or Series Trustees affects all Series of the Trust or
two or more Series represented by different Trustees.
ARTICLE III
CONTRACTS WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS
Section 1. Underwriting Contract. The Trustees may in their discretion
from time to time enter into an exclusive or non-exclusive distribution contract
or contracts providing for the sale of the Shares whereby the Trustees may
either agree to sell the Shares to the other party to the contract or appoint
such other party as their sales agent for the Shares, and in either case on such
terms and conditions, if any, as may be prescribed in the By-laws, and such
further terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine
not inconsistent with the provisions of this Article III or of the By-laws; and
such contract may also provide for the repurchase of the Shares by such other
party as agent of the Trustees.
Section 2. Advisory or Management Contract. The Trustees may in their
discretion from time to time enter into one or more investment advisory or
management contracts or, if the Trustees establish multiple Series, separate
investment advisory or management contracts with respect to one or more Series
whereby the other party or parties to any such contracts shall undertake to
furnish the Trust or such Series management, investment advisory,
administration, accounting, legal, statistical and research facilities and
services, promotional or marketing activities, and such other facilities and
services, if any, as the Trustees shall from time to time consider desirable and
all upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion
determine. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Declaration, the Trustees may
authorize the Investment Advisers or persons to whom the Investment Adviser
delegates certain or all of their duties, or any of them, under any such
contracts (subject to such general or specific instructions as the Trustees may
from time to time adopt) to effect purchases, sales, loans or exchanges of
portfolio securities and other investments of the Trust on behalf of the
Trustees or may authorize any officer, employee or Trustee to effect such
purchases, sales, loans or exchanges pursuant to recommendations of such
Investment Advisers, or any of them (and all without further action by the
Trustees). Any such purchases, sales, loans and exchanges shall be deemed to
have been authorized by all of the Trustees.
Section 3. Administration Agreement. The Trustees may in their
discretion from time to time enter into an administration agreement or, if the
Trustees establish multiple Series or Classes, separate administration
agreements with respect to each Series or Class, whereby the other party to such
agreement shall undertake to manage the business affairs of the Trust or of a
Series or Class thereof of the Trust and furnish the Trust or a Series or a
Class thereof with office facilities, and shall be responsible for the ordinary
clerical, bookkeeping and recordkeeping services at such office facilities, and
other facilities and services, if any, and all upon such terms and conditions as
the Trustees may in their discretion determine.
Section 4. Service Agreement. The Trustees may in their discretion from
time to time enter into service agreements with respect to one or more Series or
Classes of Shares whereby the other parties to such Service Agreements will
provide administration and/or support services pursuant to administration plans
and service plans, and all upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees in
their discretion may determine.
Section 5. Transfer Agent. The Trustees may in their discretion from
time to time enter into a transfer agency and shareholder service contract
whereby the other party to such contract shall undertake to furnish transfer
agency and shareholder services to the Trust. The contract shall have such terms
and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine not
inconsistent with the Declaration. Such services may be provided by one or more
Persons.
Section 6. Custodian. The Trustees may appoint or otherwise engage one
or more banks or trust companies, each having aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits (as shown in its last published report) of at least two
million dollars ($2,000,000), or any other entity satisfying the requirements of
the 1940 Act, to serve as Custodian with authority as its agent, but subject to
such restrictions, limitations and other requirements, if any, as may be
contained in the By-laws of the Trust. The Trustees may also authorize the
Custodian to employ one or more sub- custodians, including such foreign banks
and securities depositories as meet the requirements of applicable provisions of
the 1940 Act, and upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between
the Custodian and such sub-custodian, to hold securities and other assets of the
Trust and to perform the acts and services of the Custodian, subject to
applicable provisions of law and resolutions adopted by the Trustees.
Section 7. Affiliations of Trustees or Officers, Etc. The fact that:
(i) any of the Shareholders, Trustees or officers of the Trust
or any Series thereof is a shareholder, director, officer, partner,
trustee, employee, manager, adviser or distributor of or for any
partnership, corporation, trust, association or other organization or
of or for any parent or affiliate of any organization, with which a
contract of the character described in this Article III or for services
as Custodian, Transfer Agent or disbursing agent or for related
services may have been or may hereafter be made, or that any such
organization, or any parent or affiliate thereof, is a Shareholder of
or has an interest in the Trust, or that
(ii) any partnership, corporation, trust, association or other
organization with which a contract of the character described in
Sections 1, 2, 3 or 4 of this Article III or for services as Custodian,
Transfer Agent or disbursing agent or for related services may have
been or may hereafter be made also has any one or more of such
contracts with one or more other partnerships, corporations, trusts,
associations or other organizations, or has other business or
interests,
shall not affect the validity of any such contract or disqualify any
Shareholder, Trustee or officer of the Trust from voting upon or executing the
same or create any liability or accountability to the Trust or its Shareholders.
ARTICLE IV
COMPENSATION, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Compensation. The Trustees as such shall be entitled to
reasonable compensation from the Trust, and they may fix the amount of such
compensation. Nothing herein shall in any way prevent the employment of any
Trustee for advisory, management, legal, accounting, investment banking or other
services and payment for the same by the Trust.
Section 2. Limitation of Liability. All persons contracting with or
having any claim against the Trust or a particular Series shall look only to the
assets of all Series or such particular Series for payment under such contract
or claim; and neither the Trustees nor, when acting in such capacity, any of the
Trust's officers, employees or agents, whether past, present or future, shall be
personally liable therefor. Every written instrument or obligation on behalf of
the Trust or any Series shall contain a statement to the foregoing effect, but
the absence of such statement shall not operate to make any Trustee or officer
of the Trust liable thereunder. Provided they have exercised reasonable care and
have acted under the reasonable belief that their actions are in the best
interest of the Trust, the Trustees and officers of the Trust shall not be
responsible or liable for any act or omission or for neglect or wrongdoing of
them or any officer, agent, employee, investment adviser or independent
contractor of the Trust, but nothing contained in this Declaration or in the
Delaware Act shall protect any Trustee or officer of the Trust against liability
to the Trust or to Shareholders to which he would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Section 3. Indemnification. (a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations
contained in subsection (b) below:
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee
or agent of the Trust (including any individual who serves at its
request as director, officer, partner, trustee or the like of another
organization in which it has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or
otherwise) ("Covered Person") shall be indemnified by the Trust or the
appropriate Series to the fullest extent permitted by law against
liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him
in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he
becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or
having been a Covered Person and against amounts paid or incurred by
him in the settlement thereof; and
(ii) as used herein, the words "claim," "action," "suit," or
"proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings
(civil, criminal or other, including appeals), actual or threatened,
and the words "liability" and "expenses" shall include, without
limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in
settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Covered
Person:
(i) who shall have been adjudicated by a court or body before which the
proceeding was brought (A) to be liable to the Trust or its
Shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct
of his office, or (B) not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable
belief that his action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(ii) in the event of a settlement, unless there has been a
determination that such Covered Person did not engage in willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office; (A) by the court or other
body approving the settlement; (B) by at least a majority of those
Trustees who are neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor are
parties to the matter based upon a review of readily available facts
(as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry); (C) by written opinion of
independent legal counsel based upon a review of readily available
facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) or (D) by a vote of a
majority of the Outstanding Shares entitled to vote (excluding any
Outstanding Shares owned of record or beneficially by such individual).
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured
against by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not be
exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any Covered Person may now or
hereafter be entitled, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors
and administrators of a Covered Person.
(d) To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, expenses in
connection with the preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim,
action, suit or proceeding of the character described in subsection (a) of this
Section may be paid by the Trust or applicable Series from time to time prior to
final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such
Covered Person that such amount will be paid over by him to the Trust or
applicable Series if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to
indemnification under this Section; provided, however, that either (i) such
Covered Person shall have provided appropriate security for such undertaking,
(ii) the Trust is insured against losses arising out of any such advance
payments or (iii) either a majority of the Trustees who are neither Interested
Persons of the Trust nor parties to the matter, or independent legal counsel in
a written opinion, shall have determined, based upon a review of readily
available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that there is reason
to believe that such Covered Person will not be disqualified from
indemnification under this Section.
(e) Any repeal or modification of this Article IV by the Shareholders,
or adoption or modification of any other provision of the Declaration or By-laws
inconsistent with this Article, shall be prospective only, to the extent that
such repeal, or modification would, if applied retrospectively, adversely affect
any limitation on the liability of any Covered Person or indemnification
available to any Covered Person with respect to any act or omission which
occurred prior to such repeal, modification or adoption.
Section 3. Indemnification of Shareholders. If any Shareholder or
former Shareholder of any Series shall be held personally liable solely by
reason of his being or having been a Shareholder and not because of his acts or
omissions or for some other reason, the Shareholder or former Shareholder (or
his heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives or in the
case of any entity, its general successor) shall be entitled out of the assets
belonging to the applicable Series to be held harmless from and indemnified
against all loss and expense arising from such liability. The Trust, on behalf
of the affected Series, shall, upon request by such Shareholder, assume the
defense of any claim made against such Shareholder for any act or obligation of
the Series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the Series.
Section 4. No Bond Required of Trustees.
No Trustee shall be obligated to give any bond or other
security for the performance of any of his duties hereunder.
Section 5. No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, Etc.
No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other Person dealing with the Trustees
or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust or a Series thereof shall be
bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting
to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or be liable
for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to or on the
order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every obligation,
contract, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the Trust or a
Series thereof or undertaking, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed
in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively presumed to have been
executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees
under this Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of
the Trust or a Series thereof. Every written obligation, contract, instrument,
certificate, Share, other security of the Trust or a Series thereof or
undertaking made or issued by the Trustees may recite that the same is executed
or made by them not individually, but as Trustees under the Declaration, and
that the obligations of the Trust or a Series thereof under any such instrument
are not binding upon any of the Trustees or Shareholders individually, but bind
only the Trust Property or the Trust Property of the applicable Series, and may
contain any further recital which they may deem appropriate, but the omission of
such recital shall not operate to bind the Trustees individually. The Trustees
shall at all times maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property
or the Trust Property of the applicable Series, its Shareholders, Trustees,
officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem
adequate to cover possible tort liability, and such other insurance as the
Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable.
Section 6. Reliance on Experts, Etc. Each Trustee, officer or employee
of the Trust or a Series thereof shall, in the performance of his duties, powers
and discretions hereunder be fully and completely justified and protected with
regard to any act or any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith
upon the books of account or other records of the Trust or a Series thereof,
upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust or a Series
thereof by any of its officers or employees or by the Investment Adviser, the
Administrator, the Distributor, Transfer Agent, selected dealers, accountants,
appraisers or other experts or consultants selected with reasonable care by the
Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel
or expert may also be a Trustee.
ARTICLE V
SERIES; CLASSES; SHARES
Section 1. Establishment of Series or Class. The Trust shall consist of
one or more Series. Without limiting the authority of the Trustees to establish
and designate any further Series, the Trustees hereby establish a single Series
which shall be designated Pioneer Gold Shares. Each additional Series shall be
established and is effective upon the adoption of a resolution of a majority of
the Trustees or any alternative date specified in such resolution. The Trustees
may designate the relative rights and preferences of the Shares of each Series.
The Trustees may divide the Shares of any Series into Classes. Without limiting
the authority of the Trustees to establish and designate any further Classes,
the Trustees hereby establish three Classes of Shares which shall be designated
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares. The Classes of Shares of the existing
Series herein established and designated and any Shares of any further Series
and Classes that may from time to time be established and designated by the
Trustees shall be established and designated, and the variations in the relative
rights and preferences as between the different Series shall be fixed and
determined, by the Trustees; provided, that all Shares shall be identical except
for such variations as shall be fixed and determined between different Series or
Classes by the Trustees in establishing and designating such Class or Series. In
connection therewith with respect to the existing Classes, the purchase price,
the method of determining the net asset value, and the relative dividend rights
of holders shall be as set forth in the Trust's Registration Statement on Form
N-1A under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the 1940 Act and as in effect at
the time of issuing Shares of the existing Classes.
All references to Shares in this Declaration shall be deemed to be
Shares of any or all Series or Classes as the context may require. The Trust
shall maintain separate and distinct records for each Series and hold and
account for the assets thereof separately from the other assets of the Trust or
of any other Series. A Series may issue any number of Shares or any Class
thereof and need not issue Shares. Each Share of a Series shall represent an
equal beneficial interest in the net assets of such Series. Each holder of
Shares of a Series or a Class thereof shall be entitled to receive his pro rata
share of all distributions made with respect to such Series or Class. Upon
redemption of his Shares, such Shareholder shall be paid solely out of the funds
and property of such Series. The Trustees may adopt and change the name of any
Series or Class.
Section 2. Shares. The beneficial interest in the Trust shall be
divided into transferable Shares of one or more separate and distinct Series or
Classes established by the Trustees. The number of Shares of each Series and
Class is unlimited and each Share shall have no par value per Share or such
other amount as the Trustees may establish. All Shares issued hereunder shall be
fully paid and nonassessable. Shareholders shall have no preemptive or other
right to subscribe to any additional Shares or other securities issued by the
Trust. The Trustees shall have full power and authority, in their sole
discretion and without obtaining Shareholder approval, to issue original or
additional Shares at such times and on such terms and conditions as they deem
appropriate; to issue fractional Shares and Shares held in the treasury; to
establish and to change in any manner Shares of any Series or Classes with such
preferences, terms of conversion, voting powers, rights and privileges as the
Trustees may determine (but the Trustees may not change Outstanding Shares in a
manner materially adverse to the Shareholders of such Shares); to divide or
combine the Shares of any Series or Classes into a greater or lesser number; to
classify or reclassify any unissued Shares of any Series or Classes into one or
more Series or Classes of Shares; to abolish any one or more Series or Classes
of Shares; to issue Shares to acquire other assets (including assets subject to,
and in connection with, the assumption of liabilities) and businesses; and to
take such other action with respect to the Shares as the Trustees may deem
desirable. Shares held in the treasury shall not confer any voting rights on the
Trustees and shall not be entitled to any dividends or other distributions
declared with respect to the Shares.
Section 3. Investment in the Trust. The Trustees shall accept
investments in any Series or Class from such persons and on such terms as they
may from time to time authorize. At the Trustees' discretion, such investments,
subject to applicable law, may be in the form of cash or securities in which
that Series is authorized to invest, valued as provided in Article VI, Section
3. Investments in a Series shall be credited to each Shareholder's account in
the form of full Shares at the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after
the investment is received or accepted as may be determined by the Trustees;
provided, however, that the Trustees may, in their sole discretion, (a) impose a
sales charge upon investments in any Series or Class, (b) issue fractional
Shares, (c) determine the Net Asset Value per Share of the initial capital
contribution or (d) authorize the issuance of Shares at a price other than Net
Asset Value to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any rule, order or
interpretation of the Commission thereunder. The Trustees shall have the right
to refuse to accept investments in any Series at any time without any cause or
reason therefor whatsoever.
Section 4. Assets and Liabilities of Series. All consideration received
by the Trust for the issue or sale of Shares of a particular Series, together
with all assets in which such consideration is invested or reinvested, all
income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof (including any proceeds derived
from the sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments
derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may
be), shall be held and accounted for separately from the assets of every other
Series and are referred to as "assets belonging to" that Series. The assets
belonging to a Series shall belong only to that Series for all purposes, and to
no other Series, subject only to the rights of creditors of that Series. Any
assets, income, earnings, profits, and proceeds thereof, funds, or payments
which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular Series shall
be allocated by the Trustees between and among one or more Series as the
Trustees deem fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and
binding upon the Shareholders of all Series for all purposes, and such assets,
earnings, income, profits or funds, or payments and proceeds thereof shall be
referred to as assets belonging to that Series. The assets belonging to a Series
shall be so recorded upon the books of the Trust, and shall be held by the
Trustees in trust for the benefit of the Shareholders of that Series. The assets
belonging to a Series shall be charged with the liabilities of that Series and
all expenses, costs, charges and reserves attributable to that Series, except
that liabilities and expenses allocated solely to a particular Class shall be
borne by that Class. Any general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or
reserves of the Trust which are not readily identifiable as belonging to any
particular Series or Class shall be allocated and charged by the Trustees
between or among any one or more of the Series or Classes in such manner as the
Trustees deem fair and equitable. Each such allocation shall be conclusive and
binding upon the Shareholders of all Series or Classes for all purposes.
Without limiting the foregoing, but subject to the right of the
Trustees to allocate general liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves
as herein provided, the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred,
contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to a particular Series shall
be enforceable against the assets of such Series only, and not against the
assets of any other Series. Notice of this contractual limitation on liabilities
among Series may, in the Trustees' discretion, be set forth in the certificate
of trust of the Trust (whether originally or by amendment) as filed or to be
filed in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant
to the Delaware Act, and upon the giving of such notice in the certificate of
trust, the statutory provisions of Section 3804 of the Delaware Act relating to
limitations on liabilities among Series (and the statutory effect under Section
3804 of setting forth such notice in the certificate of trust) shall become
applicable to the Trust and each Series. Any person extending credit to,
contracting with or having any claim against any Series may look only to the
assets of that Series to satisfy or enforce any debt, with respect to that
Series. No Shareholder or former Shareholder of any Series shall have a claim on
or any right to any assets allocated or belonging to any other Series.
Section 5. Ownership and Transfer of Shares. The Trust or a transfer or
similar agent for the Trust shall maintain a register containing the names and
addresses of the Shareholders of each Series and Class thereof, the number of
Shares of each Series and Class held by such Shareholders, and a record of all
Share transfers. The register shall be conclusive as to the identity of
Shareholders of record and the number of Shares held by them from time to time.
The Trustees may authorize the issuance of certificates representing Shares and
adopt rules governing their use. The Trustees may make rules governing the
transfer of Shares, whether or not represented by certificates. Except as
otherwise provided by the Trustees, Shares shall be transferable on the books of
the Trust only by the record holder thereof or by his duly authorized agent upon
delivery to the Trustees or the Trust's transfer agent of a duly executed
instrument of transfer, together with a Share certificate if one is outstanding,
and such evidence or the genuineness of each such execution and authorization
and of such other matters as may be required by the Trustees. Upon such
delivery, and subject to any further requirements specified by the Trustees or
contained in the By-laws, the transfer shall be recorded on the books of the
Trust. Until a transfer is so recorded, the Shareholder of record of Shares
shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereunder and
neither the Trustees nor the Trust, nor any transfer agent or registrar or any
officer, employee or agent of the Trust, shall be affected by any notice of a
proposed transfer.
Section 6. Status of Shares; Limitation of Shareholder Liability.
Shares shall be deemed to be personal property giving Shareholders only the
rights provided in this Declaration. Every Shareholder, by virtue of having
acquired a Share, shall be held expressly to have assented to and agreed to be
bound by the terms of this Declaration and to have become a party hereto. No
Shareholder shall be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, obligations
and expenses incurred by, contracted for, or otherwise existing with respect to,
the Trust or any Series. The death, incapacity, dissolution, termination or
bankruptcy of a Shareholder during the existence of the Trust shall not operate
to terminate the Trust, nor entitle the representative of any such Shareholder
to an accounting or to take any action in court or elsewhere against the Trust
or the Trustees, but entitles such representative only to the rights of such
Shareholder under this Trust. Ownership of Shares shall not entitle the
Shareholder to any title in or to the whole or any part of the Trust Property or
right to call for a partition or division of the same or for an accounting, nor
shall the ownership of Shares constitute the Shareholders as partners. Neither
the Trust nor the Trustees shall have any power to bind any Shareholder
personally or to demand payment from any Shareholder for anything, other than as
agreed by the Shareholder. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of
personal liability as is extended to shareholders of a private corporation for
profit incorporated in the State of Delaware. Every written obligation of the
Trust or any Series shall contain a statement to the effect that such obligation
may only be enforced against the assets of the appropriate Series or all Series;
however, the omission of such statement shall not operate to bind or create
personal liability for any Shareholder or Trustee.
ARTICLE VI
DISTRIBUTIONS AND REDEMPTIONS
Section 1. Distributions. The Trustees or a committee of one or more
Trustees and one or more officers may declare and pay dividends and other
distributions, including dividends on Shares of a particular Series and other
distributions from the assets belonging to that Series. No dividend or
distribution, including, without limitation, any distribution paid upon
termination of the Trust or of any Series (or Class) with respect to, nor any
redemption or repurchase of, the Shares of any Series (or Class) shall be
effected by the Trust other than from the assets held with respect to such
Series, nor shall any Shareholder of any particular Series otherwise have any
right or claim against the assets held with respect to any other Series except
to the extent that such Shareholder has such a right or claim hereunder as a
Shareholder of such other Series. The Trustees shall have full discretion to
determine which items shall be treated as income and which items as capital; and
each such determination and allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the
Shareholders. The amount and payment of dividends or distributions and their
form, whether they are in cash, Shares or other Trust Property, shall be
determined by the Trustees. Dividends and other distributions may be paid
pursuant to a standing resolution adopted once or more often as the Trustees
determine. All dividends and other distributions on Shares of a particular
Series shall be distributed pro rata to the Shareholders of that Series in
proportion to the number of Shares of that Series they held on the record date
established for such payment, except that such dividends and distributions shall
appropriately reflect expenses allocated to a particular Class of such Series.
The Trustees may adopt and offer to Shareholders such dividend reinvestment
plans, cash dividend payout plans or similar plans as the Trustees deem
appropriate.
Section 2. Redemptions. Each Shareholder of a Series shall have the
right at such times as may be permitted by the Trustees to require the Series to
redeem all or any part of his Shares at a redemption price per Share equal to
the Net Asset Value per Share at such time as the Trustees shall have prescribed
by resolution, or, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, at such other
redemption price and at such times as the Trustees shall prescribe by
resolution. In the absence of such resolution, the redemption price per Share
shall be the Net Asset Value next determined after receipt by the Series of a
request for redemption in proper form less such charges as are determined by the
Trustees and described in the Trust's Registration Statement for that Series
under the Securities Act of 1933. The Trustees may specify conditions, prices,
and places of redemption, may specify binding requirements for the proper form
or forms of requests for redemption and may specify the amount of any deferred
sales charge to be withheld from redemption proceeds. Payment of the redemption
price may be wholly or partly in securities or other assets at the value of such
securities or assets used in such determination of Net Asset Value, or may be in
cash. Upon redemption, Shares may be reissued from time to time. The Trustees
may require Shareholders to redeem Shares for any reason under terms set by the
Trustees, including, but not limited to, the failure of a Shareholder to supply
a taxpayer identification number if required to do so, or to have the minimum
investment required, or to pay when due for the purchase of Shares issued to
him. To the extent permitted by law, the Trustees may retain the proceeds of any
redemption of Shares required by them for payment of amounts due and owing by a
Shareholder to the Trust or any Series or Class or any governmental authority.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Trustees may postpone payment of the
redemption price and may suspend the right of the Shareholders to require any
Series or Class to redeem Shares during any period of time when and to the
extent permissible under the 1940 Act.
Section 3. Determination of Net Asset Value. The Trustees shall cause
the Net Asset Value of Shares of each Series or Class to be determined from time
to time in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations. The
Trustees may delegate the power and duty to determine Net Asset Value per Share
to one or more Trustees or officers of the Trust or to a custodian, depository
or other agent appointed for such purpose. The Net Asset Value of Shares shall
be determined separately for each Series or Class at such times as may be
prescribed by the Trustees or, in the absence of action by the Trustees, as of
the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day for all
or part of which such Exchange is open for unrestricted trading.
Section 4. Suspension of Right of Redemption. If, as referred to in
Section 2 of this Article, the Trustees postpone payment of the redemption price
and suspend the right of Shareholders to redeem their Shares, such suspension
shall take effect at the time the Trustees shall specify, but not later than the
close of business on the business day next following the declaration of
suspension. Thereafter Shareholders shall have no right of redemption or payment
until the Trustees declare the end of the suspension. If the right of redemption
is suspended, a Shareholder may either withdraw his request for redemption or
receive payment based on the Net Asset Value per Share next determined after the
suspension terminates.
Section 5. Repurchase by Agreement. The Trust may repurchase Shares
directly, or through the Distributor or another agent designated for the
purpose, by agreement with the owner thereof at a price not exceeding the Net
Asset Value per Share determined as of the time when the purchase or contract of
purchase is made or the Net Asset Value as of any time which may be later
determined, provided payment is not made for the Shares prior to the time as of
which such Net Asset Value is determined.
ARTICLE VII
SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING POWERS AND MEETINGS
Section 1. Voting Powers. The Shareholders shall have power to vote
only with respect to (a) the election of Trustees as provided in Section 2 of
this Article; (b) the removal of Trustees as provided in Article II, Section
3(d); (c) any investment advisory or management contract as provided in Article
VIII, Section 1; (d) any termination of the Trust as provided in Article IX,
Section 4; (e) the amendment of this Declaration to the extent and as provided
in Article X, Section 8; and (f) such additional matters relating to the Trust
as may be required or authorized by law, this Declaration, or the By-laws or any
registration of the Trust with the Commission or any State, or as the Trustees
may consider desirable.
On any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders, all Shares shall
be voted by individual Series or Class, except (a) when required by the 1940
Act, Shares shall be voted in the aggregate and not by individual Series or
Class, and (b) when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects the
interests of more than one Series or Class, then the Shareholders of all such
Series or Classes shall be entitled to vote thereon. As determined by the
Trustees without the vote or consent of shareholders, on any matter submitted to
a vote of Shareholders either (i) each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote
as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall
be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote or (ii) each dollar of net asset
value (number of Shares owned times net asset value per share of such Series or
Class, as applicable) shall be entitled to one vote on any matter on which such
Shares are entitled to vote and each fractional dollar amount shall be entitled
to a proportionate fractional vote. Without limiting the power of the Trustees
in any way to designate otherwise in accordance with the preceding sentence, the
Trustees hereby establish that each whole Share shall be entitled to one vote as
to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional Share shall be
entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. There shall be no cumulative voting
in the election of Trustees. Shares may be voted in person or by proxy or in any
manner provided for in the By-laws. The By-laws may provide that proxies may be
given by any electronic or telecommunications device or in any other manner, but
if a proposal by anyone other than the officers or Trustees is submitted to a
vote of the Shareholders of any Series or Class, or if there is a proxy contest
or proxy solicitation or proposal in opposition to any proposal by the officers
or Trustees, Shares may be voted only in person or by written proxy. Until
Shares of a Series are issued, as to that Series the Trustees may exercise all
rights of Shareholders and may take any action required or permitted to be taken
by Shareholders by law, this Declaration or the By-laws. Meetings of
Shareholders shall be called and notice thereof and record dates therefor shall
be given and set as provided in the By-laws.
Section 2. Quorum; Required Vote. One-third of the Outstanding Shares
of each Series or Class, or one-third of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust,
entitled to vote in person or by proxy shall be a quorum for the transaction of
business at a Shareholders' meeting with respect to such Series or Class, or
with respect to the entire Trust, respectively. Any lesser number shall be
sufficient for adjournments. Any adjourned session of a Shareholders' meeting
may be held within a reasonable time without further notice. Except when a
larger vote is required by law, this Declaration or the By-laws, a majority of
the Shares voting at a Shareholders' meeting in person or by proxy shall decide
any matters to be voted upon with respect to the entire Trust and a plurality of
such Shares shall elect a Trustee; provided, that if this Declaration or
applicable law permits or requires that Shares be voted on any matter by
individual Series or Classes, then a majority of the Shares of that Series or
Class (or, if required by law, a majority of the Shares outstanding and entitled
to vote of that Series or Class) voting at a Shareholders' meeting in person or
by proxy on the matter shall decide that matter insofar as that Series or Class
is concerned. Shareholders may act as to the Trust or any Series or Class by the
written consent of a majority (or such other amount as may be required by
applicable law) of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust or of such Series or
Class, as the case may be.
Section 3. Record Dates. For the purpose of determining the
Shareholders of any Series (or Class) who are entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or of any other distribution, the Trustees may from time to time fix a
date, which shall be before the date for the payment of such dividend or such
other payment, as the record date for determining the Shareholders of such
Series (or Class) having the right to receive such dividend or distribution.
Without fixing a record date, the Trustees may for distribution purposes close
the register or transfer books for one or more Series (or Classes) any time
prior to the payment of a distribution. Nothing in this Section shall be
construed as precluding the Trustees from setting different record dates for
different Series (or Classes).
Section 4. Additional Provisions. The By-laws may include
further provisions for Shareholders' votes and meetings and related matters.
ARTICLE VIII
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST AND SERIES
Section 1. Payment of Expenses by the Trust. Subject to Article V,
Section 4, the Trust or a particular Series shall pay, or shall reimburse the
Trustees from the assets belonging to all Series or the particular Series, for
their expenses (or the expenses of a Class of such Series) and disbursements,
including, but not limited to, interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and
commissions; expenses of issue, repurchase and redemption of Shares; certain
insurance premiums; applicable fees, interest charges and expenses of third
parties, including the Trust's investment advisers, managers, administrators,
distributors, custodians, transfer agents and fund accountants; fees of pricing,
interest, dividend, credit and other reporting services; costs of membership in
trade associations; telecommunications expenses; funds transmission expenses;
auditing, legal and compliance expenses; costs of forming the Trust and its
Series and maintaining its existence; costs of preparing and printing the
prospectuses of the Trust and each Series, statements of additional information
and Shareholder reports and delivering them to Shareholders; expenses of
meetings of Shareholders and proxy solicitations therefor; costs of maintaining
books and accounts; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; fees and
expenses of the Trustees; compensation of the Trust's officers and employees and
costs of other personnel performing services for the Trust or any Series; costs
of Trustee meetings; Commission registration fees and related expenses; state or
foreign securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and for such
non-recurring items as may arise, including litigation to which the Trust or a
Series (or a Trustee or officer of the Trust acting as such) is a party, and for
all losses and liabilities by them incurred in administering the Trust. The
Trustees shall have a lien on the assets belonging to the appropriate Series, or
in the case of an expense allocable to more than one Series, on the assets of
each such Series, prior to any rights or interests of the Shareholders thereto,
for the reimbursement to them of such expenses, disbursements, losses and
liabilities.
Section 2. Payment of Expenses by Shareholders. The Trustees shall have
the power, as frequently as they may determine, to cause each Shareholder, or
each Shareholder of any particular Series, to pay directly, in advance or
arrears, for charges of the Trust's custodian or transfer, shareholder servicing
or similar agent, an amount fixed from time to time by the Trustees, by setting
off such charges due from such Shareholder from declared but unpaid dividends
owed such Shareholder and/or by reducing the number of Shares in the account of
such Shareholder by that number of full and/or fractional Shares which
represents the outstanding amount of such charges due from such Shareholder.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Trust Not a Partnership. This Declaration creates a trust and
not a partnership. No Trustee shall have any power to bind personally either the
Trust's officers or any Shareholder.
Section 2. Trustee Action. The exercise by the Trustees of their powers
and discretion hereunder in good faith and with reasonable care under the
circumstances then prevailing shall be binding upon everyone interested. Subject
to the provisions of Article IV, the Trustees shall not be liable for errors of
judgment or mistakes of fact or law.
Section 3. Record Dates. The Trustees may fix in advance a date up to
ninety (90) days before the date of any Shareholders' meeting, or the date for
the payment of any dividends or other distributions, or the date for the
allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of
Shares shall go into effect as a record date for the determination of the
Shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any such meeting, or
entitled to receive payment of such dividend or other distribution, or to
receive any such allotment of rights, or to exercise such rights in respect of
any such change, conversion or exchange of Shares.
Section 4. Termination of the Trust. (a) This Trust shall have perpetual
existence. Subject to the vote of a majority of the Shares outstanding and
entitled to vote of the Trust or of each Series to be affected, the Trustees may
(i) sell and convey all or substantially all of the assets of all
Series or any affected Series to another Series or to another entity
which is an open-end investment company as defined in the 1940 Act, or
is a series thereof, for adequate consideration, which may include the
assumption of all outstanding obligations, taxes and other liabilities,
accrued or contingent, of the Trust or any affected Series, and which
may include shares of or interests in such Series, entity, or series
thereof; or
(ii) at any time sell and convert into money all or substantially all
of the assets of all Series or any affected Series.
Upon making reasonable provision for the payment of all known liabilities of all
Series or any affected Series in either (i) or (ii), by such assumption or
otherwise, the Trustees shall distribute the remaining proceeds or assets (as
the case may be) ratably among the Shareholders of all Series or any affected
Series; however, the payment to any particular Class of such Series may be
reduced by any fees, expenses or charges allocated to that Class.
(b) The Trustees may take any of the actions specified in subsection
(a) (i) and (ii) above without obtaining the vote of a majority of the Shares
Outstanding and entitled to vote of the Trust or any Series if a majority of the
Trustees determines that the continuation of the Trust or Series is not in the
best interests of the Trust, such Series, or their respective Shareholders as a
result of factors or events adversely affecting the ability of the Trust or such
Series to conduct its business and operations in an economically viable manner.
Such factors and events may include the inability of the Trust or a Series to
maintain its assets at an appropriate size, changes in laws or regulations
governing the Trust or the Series or affecting assets of the type in which the
Trust or Series invests, or economic developments or trends having a significant
adverse impact on the business or operations of the Trust or such Series.
(c) Upon completion of the distribution of the remaining proceeds or
assets pursuant to subsection (a), the Trust or affected Series shall terminate
and the Trustees and the Trust shall be discharged of any and all further
liabilities and duties hereunder with respect thereto and the right, title and
interest of all parties therein shall be canceled and discharged. Upon
termination of the Trust, following completion of winding up of its business,
the Trustees shall cause a certificate of cancellation of the Trust's
certificate of trust to be filed in accordance with the Delaware Act, which
certificate of cancellation may be signed by any one Trustee.
Section 5. Reorganization. (a) Notwithstanding anything else herein, to
change the Trust's form or place of organization the Trustees may, without
Shareholder approval unless such approval is required by applicable law, (i)
cause the Trust to merge or consolidate with or into one or more entities, if
the surviving or resulting entity is the Trust or another open-end management
investment company under the 1940 Act, or a series thereof, that will succeed to
or assume the Trust's registration under the 1940 Act, (ii) cause the Shares to
be exchanged under or pursuant to any state or federal statute to the extent
permitted by law, or (iii) cause the Trust to incorporate under the laws of
Delaware or any other U.S. jurisdiction. Any agreement of merger or
consolidation or certificate of merger may be signed by a majority of Trustees
and facsimile signatures conveyed by electronic or telecommunication means shall
be valid.
(b) Pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section
3815(f) of the Delaware Act, an agreement of merger or consolidation approved by
the Trustees in accordance with this Section 5 may effect any amendment to the
Declaration or effect the adoption of a new trust instrument of the Trust if it
is the surviving or resulting trust in the merger or consolidation.
(c) The Trustees may create one or more business trusts to which all or
any part of the assets, liabilities, profits or losses of the Trust or any
Series or Class thereof may be transferred and may provide for the conversion of
Shares in the Trust or any Series or Class thereof into beneficial interests in
any such newly created trust or trusts or any series or classes thereof.
Section 6. Declaration of Trust. The original or a copy of this
Declaration of Trust and of each amendment hereto or Declaration of Trust
supplemental shall be kept at the office of the Trust where it may be inspected
by any Shareholder. Anyone dealing with the Trust may rely on a certificate by a
Trustee or an officer of the Trust as to the authenticity of the Declaration of
Trust or any such amendments or supplements and as to any matters in connection
with the Trust. The masculine gender herein shall include the feminine and
neuter genders. Headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect
the construction of this Declaration of Trust. This Declaration of Trust may be
executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original.
Section 7. Applicable Law. This Declaration and the Trust created
hereunder are governed by and construed and administered according to the
Delaware Act and the applicable laws of the State of Delaware; provided,
however, that there shall not be applicable to the Trust, the Trustees or this
Declaration of Trust (a) the provisions of Section 3540 of Title 12 of the
Delaware Code, or (b) any provisions of the laws (statutory or common) of the
State of Delaware (other than the Delaware Act) pertaining to trusts which
relate to or regulate (i) the filing with any court or governmental body or
agency of trustee accounts or schedules of trustee fees and charges, (ii)
affirmative requirements to post bonds for trustees, officers, agents or
employees of a trust, (iii) the necessity for obtaining court or other
governmental approval concerning the acquisition, holding or disposition of real
or personal property, (iv) fees or other sums payable to trustees, officers,
agents or employees of a trust, (v) the allocation of receipts and expenditures
to income or principal, (vi) restrictions or limitations on the permissible
nature, amount or concentration of trust investments or requirements relating to
the titling, storage or other manner of holding of trust assets, or (vii) the
establishment of fiduciary or other standards of responsibilities or limitations
on the acts or powers of trustees, which are inconsistent with the limitations
or liabilities or authorities and powers of the Trustees set forth or referenced
in this Declaration. The Trust shall be of the type commonly called a Delaware
business trust, and, without limiting the provisions hereof, the Trust may
exercise all powers which are ordinarily exercised by such a trust under
Delaware law. The Trust specifically reserves the right to exercise any of the
powers or privileges afforded to trusts or actions that may be engaged in by
trusts under the Delaware Act, and the absence of a specific reference herein to
any such power, privilege or action shall not imply that the Trust may not
exercise such power or privilege or take such actions.
Section 8. Amendments. The Trustees may, without any Shareholder vote,
amend or otherwise supplement this Declaration by making an amendment, a
Declaration of Trust supplemental hereto or an amended and restated trust
instrument; provided, that Shareholders shall have the right to vote on any
amendment (a) which would affect the voting rights of Shareholders granted in
Article VII, Section l, (b) to this Section 8, (c) required to be approved by
Shareholders by law or by the Trust's registration statement(s) filed with the
Commission, and (d) submitted to them by the Trustees in their discretion. Any
amendment submitted to Shareholders which the Trustees determine would affect
the Shareholders of any Series shall be authorized by vote of the Shareholders
of such Series and no vote shall be required of Shareholders of a Series not
affected. Notwithstanding anything else herein, any amendment to Article IV
which would have the effect of reducing the indemnification and other rights
provided thereby to Trustees, officers, employees, and agents of the Trust or to
Shareholders or former Shareholders, and any repeal or amendment of this
sentence shall each require the affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of
the Outstanding Shares of the Trust entitled to vote thereon.
Section 9. Derivative Actions. In addition to the requirements set forth in
Section 3816 of the Delaware Act, a Shareholder may bring a derivative action on
behalf of the Trust only if the following conditions are met:
(a) Shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under the
Delaware Act who hold at least 10% of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust, or
10% of the Outstanding Shares of the Series or Class to which such action
relates, shall join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action; and
(b) the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to
consider such shareholder request and to investigate the basis of such claim.
The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in
considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the
Shareholders making such request to reimburse the Trust for the expense of any
such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.
Section 10. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Trust shall end on a
specified date as set forth in the By-laws. The Trustees may change the fiscal
year of the Trust without Shareholder approval.
Section 11. Severability. The provisions of this Declaration are
severable. If the Trustees determine, with the advice of counsel, that any
provision hereof conflicts with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or with other applicable laws and
regulations, the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted
a part of this Declaration; provided, however, that such determination shall not
affect any of the remaining provisions of this Declaration or render invalid or
improper any action taken or omitted prior to such determination. If any
provision hereof shall be held invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction,
such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision only in
such jurisdiction and shall not affect any other provision of this Declaration.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being all the Trustees of the Trust
have executed this instrument as of the date first written above.
/s/ Mary K. Bush
Mary K. Bush As Trustee and not individually
/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
John F. Cogan, Jr. As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Richard H. Egdahl
Richard H. Egdahl As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Margaret B.W. Graham
Margaret B. W. Graham As Trustee and not individually
/s/ John W. Kendrick
John W. Kendrick As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Marguerite A. Piret
Marguerite A. Piret As Trustee and not individually
/s/ David D. Tripple
David D. Tripple As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Stephen K. West
Stephen K. West As Trustee and not individually
/s/ John Winthrop
John Winthrop As Trustee and not individually
The address of each Trustee is
c/o Pioneer Gold Shares
60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
THIS Certificate of Trust of Pioneer Gold Shares (the "Trust"), dated
January 8, 1998, is being duly executed and filed by the undersigned trustees,
to form a business trust under the Delaware Business Trust Act (12 Del. C. ss.
3801, et seq.).
1. Name. The name of the business trust formed hereby is Pioneer Gold Shares.
2. Registered Agent. The business address of the registered office of the
Trust in the State of Delaware is 1201 North Market Street in the City of
Wilmington, County of New Castle, 19801. The name of the Trust's registered
agent at such address is Delaware Corporation Organizers, Inc.
3. Effective Date. This Certificate of Trust shall be effective upon the date
and time of filing.
4. Series Trust. Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Section 3804 of the
Delaware Business Trust Act, the debts, liabilities, obligations and
expenses incurred, contracted for or otherwise existing with respect to a
particular series of the Trust shall be enforceable against the assets of
such series only and not against the assets of the Trust generally. The
Trust is a registered investment company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being all the Trustees of the Trust
have executed this instrument as of the date first written above.
/s/ Mary K. Bush
Mary K. Bush As Trustee and not individually
/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
John F. Cogan, Jr. As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Richard H. Egdahl
Richard H. Egdahl As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Margaret B.W. Graham
Margaret B. W. Graham As Trustee and not individually
/s/ John W. Kendrick
John W. Kendrick As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Marguerite A. Piret
Marguerite A. Piret As Trustee and not individually
/s/ David D. Tripple
David D. Tripple As Trustee and not individually
/s/ Stephen K. West
Stephen K. West As Trustee and not individually
/s/ John Winthrop
John Winthrop As Trustee and not individually
BY-LAWS
OF
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
All capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the
Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Pioneer Gold Shares dated January 8, 1998,
as amended or restated from time to time.
ARTICLE II
OFFICES
Section 1. Principal Office. Until changed by the Trustees, the principal
office of the Trust shall be in Boston, Massachusetts.
Section 2. Other Offices. The Trust may have offices in such other places
without as well as within the State of Delaware as the Trustees may from time to
time determine.
Section 3. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Board of
Trustees shall establish a registered office in the State of Delaware and shall
appoint as the Trust's registered agent for service of process in the State of
Delaware an individual resident of the State of Delaware or a Delaware
corporation or a corporation authorized to transact business in the State of
Delaware; in each case the business office of such registered agent for service
of process shall be identical with the registered Delaware office of the Trust.
ARTICLE III
SHAREHOLDERS
Section 1. Meetings. Meetings of the Shareholders of the Trust or a
Series or Class thereof shall be held as provided in the Declaration of Trust at
such place within or without the State of Delaware as the Trustees shall
designate. The holders of one-third of the Outstanding Shares of the Trust or a
Series or Class thereof present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting of the Shareholders of the Trust or a Series
or Class thereof.
Section 2. Notice of Meetings. Notice of all meetings of the
Shareholders, stating the time, place and purposes of the meeting, shall be
given by the Trustees by mail or telegraphic or electronic means to each
Shareholder at his address as recorded on the register of the Trust mailed at
least (10) days and not more than ninety (90) days before the meeting, provided,
however, that notice of a meeting need not be given to a Shareholder to whom
such notice need not be given under the proxy rules of the Commission under the
1940 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Only the business
stated in the notice of the meeting shall be considered at such meeting. Any
adjourned meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice. No notice
need be given to any Shareholder who shall have failed to inform the Trust of
his current address or if a written waiver of notice, executed before or after
the meeting by the Shareholder or his attorney thereunto authorized, is filed
with the records of the meeting.
Section 3. Record Date for Meetings and Other Purposes. For the purpose
of determining the Shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at any
meeting, or to participate in any distribution, or for the purpose of any other
action, the Trustees may from time to time close the transfer books for such
period, not exceeding thirty (30) days, as the Trustees may determine; or
without closing the transfer books the Trustees may fix a date not more than
ninety (90) days prior to the date of any meeting of Shareholders or
distribution or other action as a record date for the determination of the
persons to be treated as Shareholders of record for such purposes, except for
dividend payments which shall be governed by the Declaration of Trust.
Section 4. Proxies. At any meeting of Shareholders, any holder of
Shares entitled to vote thereat may vote by proxy, provided that no proxy shall
be voted at any meeting unless it shall have been placed on file with the
Secretary, or with such other officer or agent of the Trust as the Secretary may
direct, for verification prior to the time at which such vote shall be taken. A
proxy shall be deemed signed if the shareholder's name is placed on the proxy
(whether by manual signature, typewriting, telegraphic transmission, facsimile,
other electronic means or otherwise) by the Shareholder or the Shareholder's
attorney-in-fact. Proxies may be given by any electronic or telecommunication
device except as otherwise provided in the Declaration of Trust. Proxies may be
solicited in the name of one or more Trustees or one or more of the officers of
the Trust. Only Shareholders of record shall be entitled to vote. As determined
by the Trustees without the vote or consent of Shareholders, on any matter
submitted to a vote of Shareholders, either (i) each whole Share shall be
entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each
fractional Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote or (ii)
each dollar of net asset value (number of Shares owned times net asset value per
Share of such Series or Class, as applicable) shall be entitled to one vote on
any matter on which such Shares are entitled to vote and each fractional dollar
amount shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote. Without limiting
their power to designate otherwise in accordance with the preceding sentence,
the Trustees have established in the Declaration of Trust that each whole share
shall be entitled to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled by the
Declaration of Trust to vote and fractional shares shall be entitled to a
proportionate fractional vote. When any Share is held jointly by several
persons, any one of them may vote at any meeting in person or by proxy in
respect of such Share, but if more than one of them shall be present at such
meeting in person or by proxy, and such joint owners or their proxies so present
disagree as to any vote to be cast, such vote shall not be received in respect
of such Share. A proxy purporting to be executed by or on behalf of a
Shareholder shall be deemed valid unless challenged at or prior to its exercise,
and the burden of proving invalidity shall rest on the challenger. If the holder
of any such share is a minor or a person of unsound mind, and subject to
guardianship or the legal control of any other person as regards the charge or
management of such Share, he may vote by his guardian or such other person
appointed or having such control, and such vote may be given in person or by
proxy.
Section 5. Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes. Outstanding Shares
represented in person or by proxy (including Shares which abstain or do not vote
with respect to one or more of any proposals presented for Shareholder approval)
will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at a
meeting. Abstentions will be treated as Shares that are present and entitled to
vote for purposes of determining the number of Shares that are present and
entitled to vote with respect to any particular proposal, but will not be
counted as a vote in favor of such proposal. If a broker or nominee holding
Shares in "street name" indicates on the proxy that it does not have
discretionary authority to vote as to a particular proposal, those Shares will
not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to such proposal.
Section 6. Inspection of Records. The records of the Trust shall be open to
inspection by Shareholders to the same extent as is permitted shareholders of a
Delaware business corporation.
Section 7. Action without Meeting. Any action which may be taken by
Shareholders may be taken without a meeting if a majority of Outstanding Shares
entitled to vote on the matter (or such larger proportion thereof as shall be
required by law) consent to the action in writing and the written consents are
filed with the records of the meetings of Shareholders. Such consents shall be
treated for all purposes as a vote taken at a meeting of Shareholders.
ARTICLE IV
TRUSTEES
Section 1. Meetings of the Trustees. The Trustees may in their
discretion provide for regular or stated meetings of the Trustees. Notice of
regular or stated meetings need not be given. Meetings of the Trustees other
than regular or stated meetings shall be held whenever called by the President,
the Chairman or by any one of the Trustees, at the time being in office. Notice
of the time and place of each meeting other than regular or stated meetings
shall be given by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or by the officer or
Trustee calling the meeting and shall be mailed to each Trustee at least two
days before the meeting, or shall be given by telephone, cable, wireless,
facsimile or other electronic mechanism to each Trustee at his business address,
or personally delivered to him at least one day before the meeting. Such notice
may, however, be waived by any Trustee. Notice of a meeting need not be given to
any Trustee if a written waiver of notice, executed by him before or after the
meeting, is filed with the records of the meeting, or to any Trustee who attends
the meeting without protesting prior thereto or at its commencement the lack of
notice to him. A notice or waiver of notice need not specify the purpose of any
meeting. The Trustees may meet by means of a telephone conference circuit or
similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other at the same time and participation by such means
shall be deemed to have been held at a place designated by the Trustees at the
meeting. Participation in a telephone conference meeting shall constitute
presence in person at such meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken
at any meeting of the Trustees may be taken by the Trustees without a meeting if
a majority of the Trustees consent to the action in writing and the written
consents are filed with the records of the Trustees' meetings. Such consents
shall be treated as a vote for all purposes.
Section 2. Quorum and Manner of Acting. A majority of the Trustees
shall be present in person at any regular or special meeting of the Trustees in
order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at such meeting and
(except as otherwise required by law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws)
the act of a majority of the Trustees present at any such meeting, at which a
quorum is present, shall be the act of the Trustees. In the absence of a quorum,
a majority of the Trustees present may adjourn the meeting from time to time
until a quorum shall be present. Notice of an adjourned meeting need not be
given.
ARTICLE V
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Executive and Other Committees. The Trustees by vote of a
majority of all the Trustees may elect from their own number an Executive
Committee to consist of not less than three (3) members to hold office at the
pleasure of the Trustees, which shall have the power to conduct the current and
ordinary business of the Trust while the Trustees are not in session, including
the purchase and sale of securities and the designation of securities to be
delivered upon redemption of Shares of the Trust or a Series thereof, and such
other powers of the Trustees as the Trustees may delegate to them, from time to
time, except those powers which by law, the Declaration of Trust or these
By-laws they are prohibited from delegating. The Trustees may also elect from
their own number other Committees from time to time; the number composing such
Committees, the powers conferred upon the same (subject to the same limitations
as with respect to the Executive Committee) and the term of membership on such
Committees to be determined by the Trustees. The Trustees may designate a
chairman of any such Committee. In the absence of such designation the Committee
may elect its own Chairman.
Section 2. Meetings, Quorum and Manner of Acting. The Trustees may (1)
provide for stated meetings of any Committee, (2) specify the manner of calling
and notice required for special meetings of any Committee, (3) specify the
number of members of a Committee required to constitute a quorum and the number
of members of a Committee required to exercise specified powers delegated to
such Committee, (4) authorize the making of decisions to exercise specified
powers by written assent of the requisite number of members of a Committee
without a meeting, and (5) authorize the members of a Committee to meet by means
of a telephone conference circuit.
The Executive Committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and
records of decisions taken without a meeting and cause them to be recorded in a
book designated for that purpose and kept in the office of the Trust.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
Section 1. General Provisions. The officers of the Trust shall be a
President, a Treasurer and a Secretary, who shall be elected by the Trustees.
The Trustees may elect or appoint such other officers or agents as the business
of the Trust may require, including one or more Vice Presidents, one or more
Assistant Secretaries, and one or more Assistant Treasurers. The Trustees may
delegate to any officer or committee the power to appoint any subordinate
officers or agents.
Section 2. Term of Office and Qualifications. Except as otherwise
provided by law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws, the President, the
Treasurer, the Secretary and any other officer shall each hold office at the
pleasure of the Board of Trustees or until his successor shall have been duly
elected and qualified. The Secretary and the Treasurer may be the same person. A
Vice President and the Treasurer or a Vice President and the Secretary may be
the same person, but the offices of Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
shall not be held by the same person. The President shall hold no other office,
however, the President may also serve as Chairman. Except as above provided, any
two offices may be held by the same person. Any officer may be but none need be
a Trustee or Shareholder.
Section 3. Removal. The Trustees, at any regular or special meeting of
the Trustees, may remove any officer with or without cause, by a vote of a
majority of the Trustees then in office. Any officer or agent appointed by an
officer or committee may be removed with or without cause by such appointing
officer or committee.
Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Chairman. The Trustees may, but
need not, appoint from among their number a Chairman. When present he shall
preside at the meetings of the Shareholders and of the Trustees. He may call
meetings of the Trustees and of any committee thereof whenever he deems it
necessary. He shall be an executive officer of the Trust and shall have, with
the President, general supervision over the business and policies of the Trust,
subject to the limitations imposed upon the President, as provided in Section 5
of this Article VI.
Section 5. Powers and Duties of the President. The President may call
meetings of the Trustees and of any Committee thereof when he deems it necessary
and shall preside at all meetings of the Shareholders. Subject to the control of
the Trustees and to the control of any Committees of the Trustees, within their
respective spheres, as provided by the Trustees, he shall at all times exercise
a general supervision and direction over the affairs of the Trust. He shall have
the power to employ attorneys and counsel for the Trust or any Series or Class
thereof and to employ such subordinate officers, agents, clerks and employees as
he may find necessary to transact the business of the Trust or any Series or
Class thereof. He shall also have the power to grant, issue, execute or sign
such powers of attorney, proxies or other documents as may be deemed advisable
or necessary in furtherance of the interests of the Trust or any Series thereof.
The President shall have such other powers and duties, as from time to time may
be conferred upon or assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 6. Powers and Duties of Vice Presidents. In the absence or
disability of the President, the Vice President or, if there be more than one
Vice President, any Vice President designated by the Trustees, shall perform all
the duties and may exercise any of the powers of the President, subject to the
control of the Trustees. Each Vice President shall perform such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the Trustees and the President.
Section 7. Powers and Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be
the principal financial and accounting officer of the Trust. He shall deliver
all funds of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof which may come into his
hands to such Custodian as the Trustees may employ. He shall render a statement
of condition of the finances of the Trust or any Series or Class thereof to the
Trustees as often as they shall require the same and he shall in general perform
all the duties incident to the office of a Treasurer and such other duties as
from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees. The Treasurer shall
give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, if required so to do by
the Trustees, in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees shall
require.
Section 8. Powers and Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall keep
the minutes of all meetings of the Trustees and of the Shareholders in proper
books provided for that purpose; he shall have custody of the seal of the Trust;
he shall have charge of the Share transfer books, lists and records unless the
same are in the charge of a transfer agent. He shall attend to the giving and
serving of all notices by the Trust in accordance with the provisions of these
By-laws and as required by law; and subject to these By-laws, he shall in
general perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other
duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 9. Powers and Duties of Assistant Officers. In the absence or
disability of the Treasurer, any officer designated by the Trustees shall
perform all the duties, and may exercise any of the powers, of the Treasurer.
Each officer shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be
assigned to him by the Trustees. Each officer performing the duties and
exercising the powers of the Treasurer, if any, and any Assistant Treasurer,
shall give a bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, if required so to do
by the Trustees, in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Trustees
shall require.
Section 10. Powers and Duties of Assistant Secretaries. In the absence
or disability of the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary designated by the
Trustees shall perform all the duties, and may exercise any of the powers, of
the Secretary. Each Assistant Secretary shall perform such other duties as from
time to time may be assigned to him by the Trustees.
Section 11. Compensation of Officers and Trustees and Members of the
Advisory Board. Subject to any applicable provisions of the Declaration of
Trust, the compensation of the officers and Trustees and members of an advisory
board shall be fixed from time to time by the Trustees or, in the case of
officers, by any Committee or officer upon whom such power may be conferred by
the Trustees. No officer shall be prevented from receiving such compensation as
such officer by reason of the fact that he is also a Trustee.
ARTICLE VII
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Trust shall begin on the first day of November
in each year and shall end on the last day of October in each year, provided,
however, that the Trustees may from time to time change the fiscal year. The
taxable year of each Series of the Trust shall be as determined by the Trustees
from time to time.
ARTICLE VIII
SEAL
The Trustees may adopt a seal which shall be in such form and shall
have such inscription thereon as the Trustees may from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE IX
SUFFICIENCY AND WAIVERS OF NOTICE
Whenever any notice whatever is required to be given by law, the
Declaration of Trust or these By-laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by
the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time
stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto. A notice shall be deemed to
have been sent by mail, telegraph, cable, wireless, facsimile or other
electronic means for the purposes of these By-laws when it has been delivered to
a representative of any company holding itself out as capable of sending notice
by such means with instructions that it be so sent.
ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS
These By-laws, or any of them, may be altered, amended or repealed, or
new By-laws may be adopted by (a) vote of a majority of the Outstanding Shares
voting in person or by proxy at a meeting of Shareholders and entitled to vote
or (b) by the Trustees, provided, however, that no By-law may be amended,
adopted or repealed by the Trustees if such amendment, adoption or repeal
requires, pursuant to law, the Declaration of Trust or these By-laws, a vote of
the Shareholders.
END OF BY-LAWS
[Registrant will honor Pioneer Growth Trust - Pioneer Gold Shares
Certificates]
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
ORGANIZED AS A BUSINESS TRUST UNDER THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
This is to certify that
is the owner of
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, WITHOUT PAR
VALUE, OF THE TRUST OR SERIES OF THE TRUST IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
transferable only on the books of the Trust, by the holder hereof, in person or
by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly
endorsed. The aforesaid holder is entitled to require the Trust to purchase all
or any part of the Shares represented by this Certificate at net asset value, as
more fully set forth on the reverse of this Certificate. This Certificate is not
valid until countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Trust has caused this Certificate to be
signed by its duly authorized officers and its seal to be hereunto affixed.
Dated:
Countersigned:
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
Transfer Agent
Authorized Officer
Treasurer President
<PAGE>
REVERSE
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE IS ENTITLED TO ALL THE RIGHTS,
INTEREST AND PRIVILEGES OF A SHAREHOLDER AS PROVIDED BY THE AGREEMENT AND
DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BY-LAWS OF THE TRUST, AS MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO
TIME, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN. IN PARTICULAR, THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE TRANSFERABLE BY THE HOLDER, IN PERSON OR BY
HIS DULY AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY, BUT ONLY ON SURRENDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PROPERLY
ENDORSED AND WHEN THE TRANSFER IS MADE ON THE BOOKS OF THE TRUST.
THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE, AS PROVIDED IN SAID AGREEMENT AND
DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BY-LAWS, SHALL NOT IN ANY WISE BE PERSONALLY LIABLE FOR
ANY DEBT, OBLIGATION OR ACT OF THE TRUST.
ANY SHAREHOLDER DESIRING TO DISPOSE OF HIS SHARES MAY DEPOSIT HIS
CERTIFICATE, DULY ENDORSED IN BLANK OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
EXECUTED IN BLANK, AT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION OR ANY
SUCCESSOR TRANSFER AGENT OF THE TRUST, TOGETHER WITH AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER IN
WRITING TO SELL THE SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY AT THE NET ASSET VALUE THEREOF
AND THE TRUST WILL THEREAFTER PURCHASE SAID SHARES FOR CASH AT NET ASSET VALUE.
THE COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, THE LIMITATIONS UPON THE DATE OF PAYMENT AND
PROVISIONS DEALING WITH SUSPENSION OF THIS RIGHT IN CERTAIN EMERGENCIES ARE
FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST AND BY-LAWS.
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME
AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
SIGNATURES MUST BE GUARANTEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THEN CURRENT
PROSPECTUS OF THE TRUST.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with rights of survivorship
UGMA/"state abbreviation" -- Uniform Gifts to Minors
UTMA/"state abbreviation/age" -- Uniform Transfer to Minors
Additional abbreviations that do not appear in the above list may also be used.
<PAGE>
For Value Received, ______________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer
unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR
OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
| |
| |
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF
ASSIGNEE)
Shares represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint
Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named Trust with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated,
Owner
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT: BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY WITH
NOTICE PRINTED ABOVE.
Signature(s) guaranteed by:
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT dated this day of , 1998 between Pioneer Gold Shares,
a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), and Pioneering Management
Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Manager").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), and has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") for the purpose of registering its shares for public offering under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"),
WHEREAS, the parties hereto deem it mutually advantageous that the
Manager should be engaged, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of
Trustees and officers, to manage the Trust.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits
set forth herein, the Trust and the Manager do hereby agree as follows:
1. (a) The Manager will regularly provide the Trust with investment
research, advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment
program for the Trust, consistent with the investment objectives and policies of
the Trust. The Manager will determine from time to time what securities shall be
purchased for the Trust, what securities shall be held or sold by the Trust and
what portion of the Trust's assets shall be held uninvested as cash, subject
always to the provisions of the Trust's Certificate of Trust, Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and its registration statements under the 1940 Act
and under the 1933 Act covering the Trust's shares, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, and to the investment objectives, policies and
restrictions of the Trust, as each of the same shall be from time to time in
effect, and subject,
<PAGE>
further, to such policies and instructions as the Board of Trustees of the Trust
may from time to time establish. To carry out such determinations, the Manager
will exercise full discretion and act for the Trust in the same manner and with
the same force and effect as the Trust itself might or could do with respect to
purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other
things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases,
sales or other transactions.
(b) The Manager will, to the extent reasonably required in the conduct of
the business of the Trust and upon the Trust's request, furnish to the Trust
research, statistical and advisory reports upon the industries, businesses,
corporations or securities as to which such requests shall be made, whether or
not the Trust shall at the time have any investment in such industries,
businesses, corporations or securities. The Manager will use its best efforts in
the preparation of such reports and will endeavor to consult the persons and
sources believed by it to have information available with respect to such
industries, businesses, corporations or entities.
(c) The Manager will maintain all books and records with respect to the
Trust's securities transactions required by sub-paragraphs (b)(5), (6), (9) and
(10) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those
records being maintained by the custodian or transfer agent appointed by the
Trust) and preserve such records for the periods prescribed therefor by Rule
31a-2 under the 1940 Act. The Manager will also provide to the Board of Trustees
such periodic and special reports as the Board may reasonably request.
2. (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Manager, at its own
expense, shall furnish to the Trust office space in the offices of the Manager
or in such other place as may be agreed upon from time to time, and all
necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for managing the Trust's
affairs and investments, and shall arrange, if desired by the Trust, for members
of the Manager's organization to serve as officers or agents of the Trust.
2
<PAGE>
(b) The Manager shall pay directly or reimburse the Trust for: (i) the
compensation (if any) of the Trustees who are affiliated with, or "interested
persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of, the Manager and all officers of the
Trust as such; and (ii) all expenses not hereinafter specifically assumed by the
Trust where such expenses are incurred by the Manager or by the Trust in
connection with the management of the affairs of, and the investment and
reinvestment of the assets of, the Trust.
(c) The Trust shall assume and shall pay: (i) charges and expenses for fund
accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related overhead, including, to
the extent such services are performed by personnel of the Manager, or its
affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and
benefits; (ii) the charges and expenses of auditors; (iii) the charges and
expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend disbursing agent
and registrar appointed by the Trust with respect to the Trust; (iv) issue and
transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with securities
transactions to which the Trust is a party; (v) insurance premiums, interest
charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and
corporate fees payable by the Trust to federal, state or other governmental
agencies; (vi) fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
registrations of the Trust and/or its shares with the Commission, state
securities agencies and foreign jurisdictions, including the preparation of
Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for filing with such
regulatory agencies; (vii) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings
and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy
statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (viii)
charges and expenses of legal counsel to the Trust and the Trustees; (ix) any
distribution fees paid by the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the Commission pursuant to the 1940 Act; (x) compensation of those Trustees of
the Trust who are not affiliated with or interested persons of the Manager, the
Trust (other than as Trustees), The Pioneer Group, Inc. or Pioneer Funds
Distributor, Inc.; (xi) the cost of
3
<PAGE>
preparing and printing share certificates; and (xii) interest on borrowed money,
if any.
(d) In addition to the expenses described in Section 2(c) above, the Trust
shall pay all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the Trust in
connection with securities transactions to which the Trust is a party.
3. (a) The Trust shall pay to the Manager, as compensation for the
Manager's services and expenses assumed hereunder, a fee equal to 0.65% per
annum of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $300 million, 0.60% of the
next $200 million, 0.50% of the next $500 million and 0.45% of the excess over
$1 billion. Management fees payable hereunder shall be computed daily and paid
monthly in arrears. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee
provided in this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on
the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata
adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a
percentage of the total number of days in such month.
(i) If the operating expenses of the Trust in any year exceed the limits
set by state securities laws or regulations in states in which shares of the
Trust are sold, the amount payable to the Manager under subsection (a) above
will be reduced (but not below $0), and the Manager shall make other
arrangements concerning expenses but, in each instance, only as and to the
extent required by such laws or regulations. If amounts have already been
advanced to the Manager under this Agreement, the Manager will return such
amounts to the Trust to the extent required by the preceding sentence.
(ii) In addition to the foregoing, the Manager may from time to time agree
not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in
advance of the time such fee or a portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or
undertake to pay or reimburse the Trust for all or a portion of its expenses not
otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Manager. Any such fee
reduction or undertaking may be discontinued or modified by the Manager at any
time.
4
<PAGE>
4. It is understood that the Manager may employ one or more sub-investment
advisers (each a "Subadviser") to provide investment advisory services to the
Trust by entering into a written agreement with each such Subadviser; PROVIDED,
that any such agreement first shall be approved by the vote of a majority of the
Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, the Manager or any such Subadviser,
at a meeting of Trustees called for the purpose of voting on such approval and
by the affirmative vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. The authority given to the Manager in
Sections 1 through 6 hereof may be delegated by it under any such agreement;
PROVIDED, that any Subadviser shall be subject to the same restrictions and
limitations on investments and brokerage discretion as the Manager. The Trust
agrees that the Manager shall not be accountable to the Trust or the Trust's
shareholders for any loss or other liability relating to specific investments
directed by any Subadviser, even though the Manager retains the right to reverse
any such investment, because, in the event a Subadviser is retained, the Trust
and the Manager will rely almost exclusively on the expertise of such Subadviser
for the selection and monitoring of specific investments.
5. The Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of
law or for any loss sustained by reason of the adoption of any investment policy
or the purchase, sale, or retention of any security on the recommendation of the
Manager, whether or not such recommendation shall have been based upon its own
investigation and research or upon investigation and research made by any other
individual, firm or corporation, but nothing contained herein will be construed
to protect the Manager against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance
of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties under this Agreement.
6. (a) Nothing in this Agreement will in any way limit or restrict the
Manager or any of its officers, Trustees, or
5
<PAGE>
employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or
their own accounts or other accounts. The Manager may act as an investment
advisor to any other person, firm or corporation, and may perform management and
any other services for any other person, association, corporation, firm or other
entity pursuant to any contract or otherwise, and take any action or do any
thing in connection therewith or related thereto; and no such performance of
management or other services or taking of any such action or doing of any such
thing shall be in any manner restricted or otherwise affected by any aspect of
any relationship of the Manager to or with the Trust or deemed to violate or
give rise to any duty or obligation of the Manager to the Trust except as
otherwise imposed by law. The Trust recognizes that the Manager, in effecting
transactions for its various accounts, may not always be able to take or
liquidate investment positions in the same security at the same time and at the
same price.
(b) In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the account of
the Trust, neither the Manager nor any of its Trustees, officers or employees
will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted
by the 1940 Act. The Manager shall arrange for the placing of all orders for the
purchase and sale of securities for the Trust's account with brokers or dealers
selected by the Manager. In the selection of such brokers or dealers and the
placing of such orders, the Manager is directed at all times to seek for the
Trust the most favorable execution and net price available except as described
herein. It is also understood that it is desirable for the Trust that the
Manager have access to supplemental investment and market research and security
and economic analyses provided by brokers who may execute brokerage transactions
at a higher cost to the Trust than may result when allocating brokerage to other
brokers on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient
execution. Therefore, the Manager is authorized to place orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for the Trust with such brokers, subject to review by the
Trust's Trustees from time to time with respect to the extent and continuation
of this practice. It is understood that the
6
<PAGE>
services provided by such brokers may be useful to the Manager in connection
with its or its affiliates' services to other clients.
(c) On occasions when the Manager deems the purchase or sale of a security
to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients, the Manager,
to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the
securities to be sold or purchased in order to obtain the best execution and
lower brokerage commissions, if any. In such event, allocation of the securities
so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will
be made by the Manager in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and
consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such clients.
7. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and shall
remain in force until May 31, 1998 and from year to year thereafter, but only so
long as its continuance is approved annually by a vote of the Trustees of the
Trust voting in person, including a majority of its Trustees who are not parties
to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any
such parties, at a meeting of Trustees called for the purpose of voting on such
approval or by a vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, subject to the right of the Trust and the
Manager to terminate this contract as provided in Section 8 hereof.
8. Either party hereto may, without penalty, terminate this
Agreement by vote of its Board of Trustees or Directors, as the case may be, or
by vote of a "majority of its outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the
1940 Act) and the giving of 60 days' written notice to the other party.
9. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "assignment" shall have the
meaning given it by Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
10. The Trust agrees that in the event that neither the Manager nor any of
its affiliates acts as an investment adviser
7
<PAGE>
to the Trust, the name of the Trust will be changed to one that does not contain
the name "Pioneer" or otherwise suggest an affiliation with the Manager.
11. The Manager is an independent contractor and not an employee of the
Trust for any purpose. If any occasion should arise in which the Manager gives
any advice to its clients concerning the shares of the Trust, the Manager will
act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf
of the Trust or any series thereof.
12. This Agreement states the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and
is intended to be the complete and exclusive statement of the terms hereof. It
may not be added to or changed orally, and may not be modified or rescinded
except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in accordance with the 1940
Act, when applicable.
13. This Agreement and all performance hereunder shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
14. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the remaining terms or provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of
this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
15. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
8
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and their seal to be hereto affixed
as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: PIONEER GOLD SHARES
By:
Joseph P. Barri John F. Cogan, Jr.
Secretary Chairman and President
ATTEST: PIONEERING MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
By:
Joseph P. Barri David D. Tripple
Secretary President
9
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
THIS UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT, dated this 1st day of _____, 199_, by and
between Pioneer Gold Shares, a Delaware business trust ("Pioneer"), and
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the
"Underwriter").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Pioneer is registered as an open-end, diversified, management
investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), and has filed a registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") for
the purpose of registering shares of beneficial interest for public offering
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Underwriter engages in the purchase and sale of securities
both as a broker and a dealer and is registered as a broker-dealer with the
Commission and is a member in good standing of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD");
WHEREAS, the parties hereto deem it mutually advantageous that the
Underwriter should act as Principal Underwriter, as defined in the 1940 Act, for
the sale to the public of the shares of beneficial interest of the securities
portfolio of each series of Pioneer which the Trustees may establish from time
to time (individually, a "Portfolio" and collectively, the "Portfolios"); and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits
set forth herein, Pioneer and the Underwriter do hereby agree as follows:
1. Pioneer does hereby grant to the Underwriter the right and option to
purchase shares of beneficial interest of each class of each Portfolio of
Pioneer (the "Shares") for sale to investors either directly or indirectly
through other broker-dealers. The Underwriter is not required to purchase any
specified number of Shares, but will purchase from Pioneer only a sufficient
number of Shares as may be necessary to fill unconditional orders received from
time to time by the Underwriter from investors and dealers.
2. The Underwriter shall offer Shares to the public at an offering
price based upon the net asset value of the Shares, to be calculated for each
class of shares as described in the Registration Statement, including the
Prospectus, filed with the Commission and in effect at the time of the offering,
plus sales charges as approved by the Underwriter and the Trustees of Pioneer
and as further outlined in Pioneer's Prospectus. The offering price shall be
subject to any provisions set forth in the Prospectus from time to time with
respect thereto, including, without limitation, rights of accumulation, letters
of intention, exchangeability of shares, reinstatement privileges, net asset
value purchases by certain persons and reinvestments of dividends and capital
gain distributions.
<PAGE>
3. In the case of all Shares sold to investors through other
broker-dealers, a portion of applicable sales charges will be reallowed to such
broker-dealers who are members of the NASD or, in the case of certain sales by
banks or certain sales to foreign nationals, to brokers or dealers exempt from
registration with the Commission. The concession reallowed to broker-dealers
shall be set forth in a written sales agreement and shall be generally the same
for broker-dealers providing comparable levels of sales and service.
4. This Agreement shall terminate on any anniversary hereof if its
terms and renewal have not been approved by a majority vote of the Trustees of
Pioneer voting in person, including a majority of its Trustees who are not
"interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Underwriting Agreement (the "Qualified
Trustees"), at a meeting of Trustees called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. This Agreement may also be terminated at any time, without payment of
any penalty, by Pioneer on 60 days' written notice to the Underwriter, or by the
Underwriter upon similar notice to Pioneer. This Agreement may also be
terminated by a party upon five (5) days' written notice to the other party in
the event that the Commission has issued an order or obtained an injunction or
other court order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement
covering these Shares of Pioneer. Finally, this Agreement may also be terminated
by Pioneer upon five (5) days' written notice to the Underwriter provided either
of the following events has occurred: (i) the NASD has expelled the Underwriter
or suspended its membership in that organization; or (ii) the qualification,
registration, license or right of the Underwriter to sell Shares in a particular
state has been suspended or cancelled in a state in which sales of the Shares of
Pioneer during the most recent 12 month period exceeded 10% of all Shares of
Pioneer sold by the Underwriter during such period.
5. The compensation for the services of the Underwriter as a principal
underwriter under this Agreement shall be (i) that part of the sales charge
which is retained by the Underwriter after allowance of discounts to dealers as
set forth in the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, filed with
the Commission and in effect at the time of the offering, as amended, and (ii)
those amounts payable to the Underwriter as reimbursement of expenses pursuant
to any distribution plan for Pioneer which may be in effect. Nothing contained
herein shall relieve Pioneer of any obligation under its management contract or
any other contract with any affiliate of the Underwriter.
6. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that all
liabilities arising hereunder, whether direct or indirect, of any nature
whatsoever, including without limitation, liabilities arising in connection with
any agreement of Pioneer or its Trustees as set forth herein to indemnify any
party to this Agreement or any other person, if any, shall be satisfied out of
the assets of Pioneer and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of
beneficial interest of Pioneer shall be personally liable for any of the
foregoing liabilities. Pioneer's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended
from time to time, is on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware. The Declaration of Trust describes in detail the respective
-2-
<PAGE>
responsibilities and limitations on liability of the Trustees, officers, and
holders of Shares of beneficial interest.
7. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act).
8. In the event of any dispute between the parties, this Agreement
shall be construed according to the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized officers and their seal to be hereto
affixed as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: PIONEER GOLD SHARES
_____________________________ _____________________________
Joseph P. Barri John F. Cogan, Jr.
Secretary President
ATTEST: PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
_____________________________ _____________________________
Joseph P. Barri Robert L. Butler
Clerk President
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-7825
SALES AGREEMENT
Gentlemen:
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD), acts as principal underwriter, as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, for the registered investment
companies (the "Funds") listed on Appendix A attached (as amended from time to
time by PFD.) Acting as a principal, PFD offers to sell shares of the Funds
subject to the conditions set forth in this agreement and subsequent amendments
thereto.
1. Shares purchased from PFD for sale to the public shall be offered and
sold at the price or prices, and on the terms and conditions, set forth in the
currently effective prospectus of the Funds, as amended or supplemented from
time to time (the "Prospectus" or "Prospectuses"). In the sale of such shares to
the public you shall act as dealer for your own account or as agent for your
customer and in no transaction shall you have any authority to act or hold
yourself out as agent for PFD, any of the Funds, the Funds' Custodians, the
Funds' Transfer agent, or any other party, and nothing in this agreement shall
constitute you a partner, employee or agent of ours or give you any authority to
act for PFD. Neither PFD nor the funds shall be liable for any of your acts or
obligations as a broker-dealer under this agreement. Nothing herein shall be
construed to prohibit your acting as agent for one or both customers in the sale
of shares by one customer to another and charging such customer(s) a reasonable
commission.
2. Shares purchased from PFD for sale to the public shall be purchased
only to cover orders previously received by you from your customers. Shares
purchased for your own bona fide investment shall not be reoffered or sold
except to the applicable Fund or to PFD. PFD also agrees to purchase shares only
for investment or to cover orders received.
3. If you purchase shares from your customers, you agree to pay such
customers not less than the redemption price in effect on the date of purchase,
as defined in the prospectus of the applicable Fund. Sales of shares at prices
reflecting a discount, concession, commission or other reallowance shall be made
only to registered broker-dealers which are members of the National Association
of Securities Dealers Inc. (NASD) and who also have entered into sales
agreements with PFD.
4. Only unconditional orders for a designated number of shares or dollar
amount of investment shall be accepted. Procedures relating to handling orders
shall be conveyed to you from time to time. All orders are subject to acceptance
or rejection by PFD in our sole discretion.
5. If any shares sold to or through you under the terms of this agreement
are repurchased by PFD or by the issuer or are tendered for redemption within
seven business days after the date of our confirmation of the original purchase
by you, we both agree to pay to the Fund all commissions on such shares.
6. Sales by you to the public shall earn a commission computed as a
percentage of the applicable offering price and which varies with the size and
nature of each such purchase. The terms and conditions affecting the applicable
offering prices on shares sold with a front-end sales charge , including
features such as combined purchase, rights of accumulation, Letters of Intention
and net asset value purchases, are described in the prospectuses. The schedules
of commissions generally payable with respect to sales of the Funds are outlined
on Appendix A to this agreement. Commission checks for less than $1 will not be
issued.
PFD may, from time to time, offer additional commissions or bonuses on
sales by you or your representatives without otherwise revising this agreement.
Any such additional commissions or bonuses shall take effect in accordance with
the terms and conditions contained in written notification to you.
7. Remittance of the net amount due for shares purchased from PFD shall
be made payable to Pioneering Services Corporation (PSC) Agent for the
Underwriter, in New York or Boston funds, within three days of our confirmation
of sale to you, or within such shorter time as specified by the rules of the
NASD or of a registered clearing agent through which the transaction is settled.
Payments made to PSC should be sent to Post Office Box 9014, Boston, MA 02205
(or wired to an account designated by PSC), along with your transfer
instructions on the appropriate copy of our confirmation of sale to you. If such
payment is not received by PSC, we reserve the right to liquidate the shares
purchased for your account and risk. Promptly upon receipt of payment, shares
sold to you shall be deposited by PSC to an account on the books of the Fund(s)
in accordance with your instructions. Certificates will not be issued unless
specifically requested and we reserve the right to levy a charge for issuance of
certificates.
8. You represent that you are and, at the time of purchasing any shares
of the Funds, will be registered as a broker-dealer with the US. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) or are exempt from such registration; if required to
be registered as a broker-dealer you are a member in good standing of the NASD;
you are qualified to act as a broker-dealer in the states or jurisdictions in
which you intend to offer shares of the Funds; you will abide by all applicable
federal and state statutes and the rules of the NASD; and when making sales to
citizens or residents of foreign countries, that you will abide by all
applicable laws and regulations of that country. Expulsion or suspension from
the NASD or revocation or suspension of SEC registration shall act as an
immediate cancellation of this agreement.
9. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning shares
of any of the Funds except those contained in the then current Prospectus or
Statement of Additional Information for such Fund. In purchasing shares from PFD
you shall rely solely on the representations contained in such Prospectuses and
Statements of Additional Information.
10. Additional copies of the current prospectuses, Statements of
Additional Information (SAI), and other literature will be supplied in
reasonable quantities upon request.
<PAGE>
11. We reserve the right in our discretion to suspend sales or withdraw
the offering of shares of any Fund entirely. Either party hereto has the right
to cancel this agreement upon five days' written notice to the other party. We
reserve the right to amend this agreement at any time and you agree that an
order to purchase shares of any one of the Funds placed by you after notice of
such amendment has been sent to you shall constitute your agreement to any such
amendment.
12. All written communications to PFD should be sent to the above address.
All written communications to you will be sent to your address listed below.
13. This agreement shall become effective upon receipt by us of your
acceptance hereof and supersedes any prior agreement between us with respect to
the sales of Shares of any of the Funds.
14. This agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
Massachusetts. The parties hereby agree that all disputes between us of whatever
subject matter, whether existing on the date hereof or arising hereafter, shall
be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the then current Code of
Arbitration Procedure of the NASD, the Uniform Arbitration Act or similar rules.
Arbitration shall take place in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Any decision
that shall be made in such arbitration shall be final and binding and shall have
the same force and effect as a judgment made in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
15. You appoint the transfer agent for each Fund as your agent to execute
the purchase transactions of Shares of such Fund in accordance with the terms
and provisions of any account, program, plan or service established or used by
your customers and to confirm each purchase to your customers on your behalf,
except as modified in writing by the transfer agent, and you guarantee to us and
the Fund the legal capacity of your customers so purchasing such Shares and any
other person in whose name the Shares are to be registered.
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
Date: ,
By:__________________________________
William A. Misata
Vice President
The undersigned hereby accepts the offer set forth in above letter.
By:__________________________________________________
Title:________________________________________________
RETAIN ONE COPY AND RETURN THE OTHER
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
CLASS A
Schedule 1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Pioneer Fund Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund* Pioneer Equity-Income Fund
Pioneer II Pioneer Gold Shares Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer International Growth Fund Pioneer Europe Fund Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund Pioneer Small Company Fund
Pioneer India Fund
Pioneer World Equity Fund
Sales Charge
as % of Public Broker/Dealer
Purchase Amount Offering Price Commission
Less than $ 50,000.......... 5.75 5.00%
$ 50,000 - 99,999.......... 4.50 4.00
100,000 - 249,999.......... 3.50 3.00
250,000 - 499,999.......... 2.50 2.00
500,000 - 999,999.......... 2.00 1.75
1,000,000 or more .......... none a) see below
Schedule 2
Pioneer Bond Fund Pioneer America Income Trust Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund
Pioneer Income Fund
Sales Charge
as % of Public Broker/Dealer
Purchase Amount Offering Price Commission
Less than $100,000.......... 4.50 4.00%
$100,000 - 249,999.......... 3.50 3.00
250,000 - 499,000......... 2.50 2.00
500,000 - 999,999......... 2.00 1.75
1,000,000 or more .......... none a) see below
Schedule 3
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
Sales Charge
as % of Public Broker/Dealer
Purchase Amount Offering Price Commission
Less than $ 50,000.......... 3.50 3.00%
$ 50,000 - 99,999......... 3.00 2.50
100,000 - 499,999.......... 2.50 2.00
500,000 - 999,999.......... 2.00 1.75
1,000,000 or more .......... none a) see below
Schedule 4
Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust
Sales Charge
as % of Public Broker/Dealer
Purchase Amount Offering Price Commission
Less than $ 50,000.......... 2.50 2.00%
$ 50,000 - 99,999......... 2.00 1.75
100,000 - 249,999.......... 1.50 1.25
250,000 - 999,999.......... 1.00 1.00
1,000,000 or more .......... none a) see below
</TABLE>
a) Purchases of $1 million or more, and certain group plans, are not subject to
an initial sales charge. PFD may pay a commission to broker-dealers who initiate
and are responsible for such purchases at the following rate: for funds listed
on schedules 1 and 2 above, the rate is as follows: 1% on the first $5 million
invested, .50 of 1% on the next $45 million and .25 of 1% on the excess over 50
million. For funds listed on schedules 3 and 4 : .50 of 1% on purchases of $1
million to $5 million and .10 of 1% on the excess over $5 million. A one-year
prepaid service fee is included in this commission. These commissions shall not
be payable if the purchaser is affiliated with the broker-dealer or if the
purchase represents the reinvestment of a redemption made during the previous 12
calendar months. A contingent deferred sales charge will be payable on these
investments in the event of share redemption within 12 months following the
share purchase, at the rate of 1% on funds in schedules 1 and 2 ; and .50 of 1%
on funds in schedules 3 and 4, of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed
(exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions) or the total
cost of such shares. For additional information about the broker-dealer
commission and contingent deferred sales charge applicable to these
transactions, refer to the Fund's prospectus.
PLEASE RETAIN THIS COPY
<PAGE>
Schedule 5
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund Pioneer U.S. Government Money Fund
No Load
CLASS B
Schedule 1 Schedule 2 Schedule 3
---------- ---------- ----------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Pioneer Fund Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Pioneer Short-Term
Pioneer II Fund Fund Income Trust
Pioneer Equity Income Fund
Pioneer Bond Fund
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund
Pioneer Europe Fund
Pioneer Gold Share
Pioneer America Income Trust
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund
Pioneer India Fund
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund
Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer Income Fund
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund
Pioneer Small Company Fund
Pioneer International Growth Fund
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund*
Pioneer World Equity Fund
</TABLE>
Broker/Dealer
Commission 4.00% 3.00% 2.00%
- - ----------
Year Since
Purchase CDSC% CDSC% CDSC%
First 4.0 3.0 2.0
Second 4.0 3.0 2.0
Third 3.0 2.0 1.0
Fourth 3.0 1.0 none
Fifth 2.0 none none
Sixth 1.0 none To A Class
Seventh none To A Class
Eigth none
Ninth To A Class
a)Dealer Commission includes a first year service fee equal to 0.25% of the
amount invested in all Class B shares.
CLASS C
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
Pioneer America Income Trust Pioneer Bond Fund Pioneer Capital Growth Fund
Pioneer Cash Reserves Funds Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund Pioneer Equity-Income Fund
Pioneer Europe Fund Pioneer Gold Shares Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer Income Fund Pioneer Real Estate Shares Pioneer India Fund
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Pioneer Small Company Fund Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund
Pioneer International Growth Fund Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund* Pioneer World Equity Fund
</TABLE>
a) 1% Payout to Broker
b) 1% CDSC for One Year
*formerly Pioneer Three Fund
<PAGE>
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-7825
SUPPLEMENTAL SALES AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
You have entered into a Sales Agreement with Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
("PFD") with respect to the Pioneer mutual funds for which PFD serves as
principal underwriter ("the Funds").
This agreement incorporates and supplements that agreement. In consideration of
your sales of shares of the Funds, for providing services to shareholders of the
Funds and of the Pioneer money market funds and assisting PFD and its affiliates
in providing such services, we are authorized to pay you certain service fees as
specified herein. Receipt by you of any such service fees is subject to the
terms and conditions contained in the Funds' prospectuses and/or specified
below, as may be amended from time to time.
1. You agree to cooperate as requested with programs that the Funds, PFD or
their affiliates provide to enhance shareholder service.
2. You agree to take an active role in providing such shareholder services as
processing purchase and redemption transactions and, where applicable, exchanges
and account transfers; establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts;
providing certain information and assistance with respect to the Funds;
responding to shareholder inquiries or advising us of such inquiries where
appropriate.
3., You agree to assign an active registered representative to each shareholder
account on your and our records and to reassign accounts when registered
representatives leave your firm. You also agree, with respect to accounts which
are held in nominee or "street" name, to provide such documentation and
verification that active representatives are assigned to all such accounts as
PFD may require from time to time.
4. You agree to pay to the registered representatives assigned to shareholder
accounts a share of any service fees paid to you pursuant to this agreement. You
also agree to instruct your representatives to regularly contact shareholders
whose accounts are assigned to them.
5. You acknowledge that service fee payments are subject to terms and conditions
set forth herein and in the Funds' prospectuses, Statements of Additional
Information and Plans of Distribution and that this agreement may be terminated
by either party at any time by written notice to the other. Any order to
purchase or sell shares received by PFD from you subsequent to the date of our
notification to you of an amendment of the Agreement shall be deemed to be your
acceptance of such an amendment.
6. You acknowledge that your continued participation in this agreement is
subject to your providing a level of support to PFD's marketing and shareholder
retention efforts that is deemed acceptable by PFD. Factors which may be
considered by PFD in this respect include, but are not limited to, the level of
shareholder redemptions, the level of assistance in disseminating shareholder
communications, reasonable access to your offices and/or representatives by PFD
wholesalers or other employees and whether your compensation system or
"preferential list" unduly discriminates against the sale of shares of the
Funds.
7. Service fees will generally be paid quarterly, at the rates and under the
conditions specified on schedule A hereto.
8. All communications to PFD should be sent to the above address. Any notice to
you shall be duly given if mailed or telegraphed to the address specified by you
below. This agreement, in conjunction with the Sales Agreement, describes the
complete understanding of the parties.
This agreement shall be construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Accepted: Execute this Agreement in duplicate
and return one ofthe duplicate originals to us.
By:___________________________
By:_________________________________________
Title:________________________ William A. Misata
Vice President
RETAIN ONE COPY AND RETURN THE OTHER
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTAL SALES AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
SCHEDULE A
1. Except as specified in Section 4 below, service fees on the aggregate
net asset value of each account assigned to you in Pioneer Fund, Pioneer II, and
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund** will be paid at the rate of:
a. 0.15% annually on shares acquired prior to August 19, 1991.
b. 0.25% annually on shares acquired on or after August 19, 1991.
2. Except as specified in Section 4 below, service fees on the aggregate
net asset value of each account assigned to you in:
Pioneer Fund Pioneer II
Pioneer America Income Trust Pioneer International Growth Fund
Pioneer Bond Fund Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Europe Fund Pioneer Income Fund
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust
Pioneer Gold Shares Pioneer India Fund
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund Pioneer Small Company Fund*
Pioneer World Equity Fund
will be paid at the rate of:
a. 0.15% annually if the shares are acquired on or after August 19, 1991,
as a result of an exchange from Pioneer Fund, Pioneer II, or Pioneer Mid-Cap
Fund** of shares owned prior to August 19, 1991.
b. 0.25% annually on all other shares.
3. Except as specified in Section 4 below, service fees will be paid at an
annual rate of 0.15% of the aggregate net asset value of each account assigned
to you in:
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund
4. Exceptions -- Service fees will not be paid on accounts representing:
a. Purchases by you or your affiliates, employees or
representatives.
b Shares which were purchased at net asset value, except for sales
of the money market funds or sales on which you are paid a
commission and which are subject to the contingent deferred sales
charge described in the funds' prospectuses.
c. "House" accounts or any other accounts not assigned to an active
registered representative(s).
d. Accounts established in Pioneer Bond Fund prior to January 1,
1986.
e. Service fees of less than $50 per calendar quarter will not be
paid.
f. Pioneer reserves the right to reduce the service fee paid on
individual accounts of more than $10 million.
g. First year services fees on shares subject to a CDSC are at the
rate of 0.25% and are prepaid as part of the initial sales
commission.
5. Service fees on shares sold with a front-end sales charge normally
begin to be earned as soon as the transaction settles, unless specified
otherwise in the fund prospectus. Since the commission on shares sold with a
CDSC includes a prepaid one year service fee , periodic service fees on such
shares are paid beginning one year following the transaction.
6. Service Fees of 1% on class C shares will begin after first year.
* Service fees begin accruing January 1, 1996
** Formerly Pioneer Three Fund
AGREEMENT BETWEEN
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
AND
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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1. Employment of Custodian 1
2. Powers and Duties of the Custodian
with respect to Property of the Fund
held by the Custodian 1
A. Safekeeping 2
B. Manner of Holding Securities 2
C. Registered Name; Nominee 2
D. Purchases 2
E. Exchanges 4
F. Sales of Securities 4
G. Depositary Receipts 5
H. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers 6
I. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. 6
J. Options 6
K. Borrowings 7
L. Demand Deposit Bank Accounts 7
M. Interest Bearing Call or Time Deposits 8
N. Foreign Exchange Transactions
and Futures Contracts 9
O. Stock Loans 10
P. Collections 10
Q. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions 11
R. Proxies, Notices, Etc. 12
S. Nondiscretionary Details 12
T. Bills 13
U. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems 13
V. Other Transfers 15
W. Investment Limitations 15
X. Proper Instructions 16
Y. Segregated Account 17
3. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with
Respect to the Appointment of Subcustodians 18
4. Assistance by the Custodian as to Certain Matters 22
5. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with
Respect to its Role as Financial Agent 22
A. Records 22
B. Accounts 23
C. Access to Records 23
D. Disbursements 23
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6. Standard of Care and Related Matters 23
A. Liability of the Custodian with
Respect to Proper Instructions;
Evidence of Authority; Etc. 24
B. Liability of the Custodian with
Respect to Use of Securities System 25
C. Liability of the Custodian with
respect to Subcustodians 25
D. Standard of Care; Liability;
Indemnification 26
E. Reimbursement of Advances 28
F. Security for Obligations to Custodian 28
G. Appointment of Agents 29
H. Powers of Attorney 29
7. Compensation of the Custodian 29
8. Termination; Successor Custodian 29
9. Amendment 30
10. Governing Law 31
11. Notices 31
12. Binding Effect 31
13. Counterparts 32
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CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this __________, 199_, between PIONEER GOLD SHARES
(herein referred to as the "Fund") and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the
"Custodian");
WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian: The Fund hereby employs and appoints the
Custodian as a custodian for the term and subject to the provisions of this
Agreement. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to require
the Fund to deliver to it any securities or funds owned by the Fund and shall
have no responsibility or liability for or on account of securities or funds not
so delivered. The Fund will deposit with the Custodian copies of the Declaration
of Trust or Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws (or comparable documents)
of the Fund and all amendments thereto, and copies of such votes and other
proceedings of the Fund as may be necessary for or convenient to the Custodian
in the performance of its duties.
2. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with respect to Property of the
Fund held by the Custodian: Except for securities and funds held by any
Subcustodians or held by the Custodian through a non-U.S. securities depository
appointed pursuant to the
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provisions of Section 3 hereof, the Custodian shall have and perform the
following powers and duties:
A. Safekeeping - To keep safely the securities and other assets of
the Fund that have been delivered to the Custodian and, on behalf of the Fund,
from time to time to receive delivery of securities for safekeeping.
B. Manner of Holding Securities - To hold securities of the Fund (1)
by physical possession of the share certificates or other instruments
representing such securities in registered or bearer form, or (2) in book-entry
form by a Securities System (as said term is defined in Section 2U).
C. Registered Name; Nominee - To hold registered securities of the
Fund (1) in the name or any nominee name of the Custodian or the Fund, or in the
name or any nominee name of any Agent appointed pursuant to Section 6F, or (2)
in street certificate form, so-called, and in any case with or without any
indication of fiduciary capacity, provided that securities are held in an
account of the Custodian containing only assets of the Fund or only assets held
as fiduciary or custodian for customers.
D. Purchases - Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, as defined in
Section X on Page 17, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, to pay for
and receive securities purchased for the account of the Fund, payment being made
only upon receipt of the securities (1) by the Custodian, or (2) by a clearing
corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a
member, or (3) by a Securities System. However, (i)
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in the case of repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund, the Custodian (as
well as an Agent) may release funds to a Securities System or to a Subcustodian
prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System or Subcustodian that
the securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by
book entry into the Account (as defined in Section 2U) of the Custodian (or such
Agent) maintained with such Securities System or Subcustodian, so long as such
payment instructions to the Securities System or Subcustodian include a
requirement that delivery is only against payment for securities, (ii) in the
case of foreign exchange contracts, options, time deposits, call account
deposits, currency deposits, and other deposits, contracts or options pursuant
to Sections 2J, 2L, 2M and 2N, the Custodian may make payment therefor without
receiving an instrument evidencing said deposit, contract or option so long as
such payment instructions detail specific securities to be acquired, and (iii)
in the case of securities in which payment for the security and receipt of the
instrument evidencing the security are under generally accepted trade practice
or the terms of the instrument representing the security expected to take place
in different locations or through separate parties, such as commercial paper
which is indexed to foreign currency exchange rates, derivatives and similar
securities, the Custodian may make payment for such securities prior to delivery
thereof in accordance with such generally accepted trade practice or the terms
of the instrument representing such security.
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E. Exchanges - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to exchange
securities held by it for the account of the Fund for other securities in
connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, split-up of shares, change
of par value, conversion or other event relating to the securities or the issuer
of such securities and to deposit any such securities in accordance with the
terms of any reorganization or protective plan. Without proper instructions, the
Custodian may surrender securities in temporary form for definitive securities,
may surrender securities for transfer into a name or nominee name as permitted
in Section 2C, and may surrender securities for a different number of
certificates or instruments representing the same number of shares or same
principal amount of indebtedness, provided the securities to be issued are to be
delivered to the Custodian, and further provided the Custodian shall at the time
of surrendering securities or instruments receive a receipt or other evidence of
ownership thereof.
F. Sales of Securities - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to make
delivery of securities which have been sold for the account of the Fund, but
only against payment therefor (1) in cash, by a certified check, bank cashier's
check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer, or (2) by credit to the account of
the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of
which the Custodian is a member, or (3) by credit to the account of the
Custodian or an Agent of the Custodian with a Securities System; provided,
however, that (i)
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in the case of delivery of physical certificates or instruments representing
securities, the Custodian may make delivery to the broker buying the securities,
against receipt therefor, for examination in accordance with "street delivery"
custom, provided that the payment therefor is to be made to the Custodian (which
payment may be made by a broker's check) or that such securities are to be
returned to the Custodian, and (ii) in the case of securities referred to in
clause (iii) of the last sentence of Section 2D, the Custodian may make
settlement, including with respect to the form of payment, in accordance with
generally accepted trade practice relating to such securities or the terms of
the instrument representing said security.
G. Depositary Receipts - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to
instruct a Subcustodian or an Agent to surrender securities to the depositary
used by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International Depositary
Receipts (hereinafter collectively referred to as "ADRs") for such securities
against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities and
written evidence satisfactory to the Subcustodian or Agent that the depositary
has acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue with respect to such
securities ADRs in the name of the Custodian, or a nominee of the Custodian, for
delivery to the Custodian in Boston, Massachusetts, or at such other place as
the Custodian may from time to time designate.
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Upon receipt of proper instructions, to surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the ADRs
surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer
of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depositary to
deliver the securities underlying such ADRs to a Subcustodian or an Agent.
H. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers - Upon timely receipt of proper
instructions, to deliver to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to the agent of
either, warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities for the purpose of
being exercised or sold, provided that the new securities and cash, if any,
acquired by such action are to be delivered to the Custodian, and, upon receipt
of proper instructions, to deposit securities upon invitations for tenders of
securities, provided that the consideration is to be paid or delivered or the
tendered securities are to be returned to the Custodian.
I. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. - To receive and collect all stock
dividends, rights and other items of like nature; and to deal with the same
pursuant to proper instructions relative thereto.
J. Options - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to receive and
retain confirmations or other documents evidencing the purchase or writing of an
option on a security or securities index by the Fund; to deposit and maintain in
a segregated account, either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System,
securities subject to a covered call option written by
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the Fund; and to release and/or transfer such securities or other assets only in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian
and; and to pay, release and/or transfer such securities, cash or other assets
in accordance with a broker-dealer relating to such securities or other assets a
notice or other communication evidencing the expiration, termination or exercise
of such covered option furnished by The Options Clearing Corporation, the
securities or options exchange on which such covered option is traded or such
other organization as may be responsible for handling such options transactions.
K. Borrowings - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities of the Fund to lenders or their agents as collateral for borrowings
effected by the Fund, provided that such borrowed money is payable to or upon
the Custodian's order as Custodian for the Fund.
L. Demand Deposit Bank Accounts - To open and operate an account or
accounts in the name of the Fund on the Custodian's books subject only to draft
or order by the Custodian. All funds received by the Custodian from or for the
account of the Fund shall be deposited in said account(s). The responsibilities
of the Custodian to the Fund for deposits accepted on the Custodian's books
shall be that of a U. S. bank for a similar deposit
If and when authorized by proper instructions the Custodian may open
and operate an additional account(s) in such other banks or trust companies as
may be designated by the Fund in such instructions (any such bank or trust
company so
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designated by the Fund being referred to hereafter as a "Banking Institution"),
provided that such account(s) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "demand
deposit bank accounts") shall be in the name of the Custodian for account of the
Fund and subject only to the Custodian's draft or order. Such demand deposit
accounts may be opened with Banking Institutions in the United States and in
other countries and may be denominated in either U. S. Dollars or other
currencies as the Fund may determine. All such deposits shall be deemed to be
portfolio securities of the Fund and accordingly the responsibility of the
Custodian therefore shall be the same as and no greater than the Custodian's
responsibility in respect of other portfolio securities of the Fund.
M. Interest Bearing Call or Time Deposits - To place interest bearing
fixed term and call deposits with such banks and in such amounts as the Fund may
authorize pursuant to proper instructions. Such deposits may be placed with the
Custodian or with Subcustodians or other Banking Institutions as the Fund may
determine. Deposits may be denominated in U. S. Dollars or other currencies and
need not be evidenced by the issuance or delivery of a certificate to the
Custodian, provided that the Custodian shall include in its records with respect
to the assets of the Fund appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of
each such deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and other appropriate
details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing the
deposit, if any, as may be forwarded to
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the Custodian by the Banking Institution. Such deposits, other than those placed
with the Custodian, shall be deemed portfolio securities of the Fund and the
responsibilities of the Custodian therefor shall be the same as those for demand
deposit bank accounts placed with other banks, as described in Section L of this
Agreement. The responsibility of the Custodian for such deposits accepted on the
Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit.
N. Foreign Exchange Transactions and Futures Contracts - Pursuant to
proper instructions, to enter into foreign exchange contracts or options to
purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on behalf and
for the account of the Fund. Such transactions may be undertaken by the
Custodian with such Banking Institutions, including the Custodian and
Subcustodian(s) as principals, as approved and authorized by the Fund. Foreign
exchange contracts and options other than those executed with the Custodian,
shall be deemed to be portfolio securities of the Fund and the responsibilities
of the Custodian therefor shall be the same as those for demand deposit bank
accounts placed with other banks as described in Section 2L of this agreement.
Upon receipt of proper instructions, to receive and retain confirmations
evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures contract or an option on a futures
contract by the Fund; to deposit and maintain in a segregated account, for the
benefit of any futures commission merchant or to pay to such futures commission
merchant, assets designated by the Fund as initial,
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maintenance or variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's
performance of its obligations under any futures contracts purchased or sold or
any options on futures contracts written by the Fund, in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement or agreements among any of the Fund, the Custodian
and such futures commission merchant, designated to comply with the rules of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any contract market, or any similar
organization or organizations, regarding such margin deposits; and to release
and/or transfer assets in such margin accounts only in accordance with any such
agreements or rules.
0. Stock Loans - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities of the Fund, in connection with loans of securities by the Fund, to
the borrower thereof prior to receipt of the collateral, if any, for such
borrowing, provided that for stock loans secured by cash collateral the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System require that the Securities
System may deliver the securities to the borrower thereof only upon receipt of
the collateral for such borrowing.
P. Collections - To collect, receive and deposit in said account or
accounts all income, payments of principal and other payments with respect to
the securities held hereunder, and in connection therewith to deliver the
certificates or other instruments representing the securities to the issuer
thereof or its agent when securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise
become payable; provided, that the payment is to be made
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in such form and manner and at such time, which may be after delivery by the
Custodian of the instrument representing the security, as is in accordance with
the terms of the instrument representing the security, or such proper
instructions as the Custodian may receive, or governmental regulations, the
rules of Securities Systems or other U.S. securities depositories and clearing
agencies or, with respect to securities referred to in clause (iii) of the last
sentence of Section 2D, in accordance with generally accepted trade practice;
(ii) to execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal
and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments
with respect to securities of the Fund or in connection with transfer of
securities, and (iii) pursuant to proper instructions to take such other actions
with respect to collection or receipt of funds or transfer of securities which
involve an investment decision.
Q. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions - Upon receipt of proper
instructions from the Fund, or upon receipt of instructions from the Fund's
shareholder servicing agent or agent with comparable duties (the "Shareholder
Servicing Agent") (given by such person or persons and in such manner on behalf
of the Shareholder Servicing Agent as the Fund shall have authorized), the
Custodian shall release funds or securities to the Shareholder Servicing Agent
or otherwise apply funds or securities, insofar as available, for the payment of
dividends or other distributions to Fund shareholders. Upon receipt of proper
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instructions from the Fund, or upon receipt of instructions from the Shareholder
Servicing Agent (given by such person or persons and in such manner on behalf of
the Shareholder Servicing Agent as the Fund shall have authorized), the
Custodian shall release funds or securities, insofar as available, to the
Shareholder Servicing Agent or as such Agent shall otherwise instruct for
payment to Fund shareholders who have delivered to such Agent a request for
repurchase or redemption of their shares of capital stock of the Fund.
R. Proxies, Notices, Etc. - Promptly to deliver or mail to the Fund
all forms of proxies and all notices of meetings and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by the Fund that are
received by the Custodian, and upon receipt of proper instructions to execute
and deliver or cause its nominee to execute and deliver such proxies or other
authorizations as may be required. Neither the Custodian nor its nominee shall
vote upon any of such securities or execute any proxy to vote thereon or give
any consent or take any other action with respect thereto (except as otherwise
herein provided) unless ordered to do so by proper instructions.
S. Nondiscretionary Details - Without the necessity of express
authorization from the Fund, to attend to all nondiscretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer or other
dealings with securities, funds or other property of the Fund held by the
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Custodian except as otherwise directed from time to time by the Directors or
Trustees of the Fund.
T. Bills - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to pay or cause to be
paid, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, bills, statements, or
other obligations of the Fund.
U. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems - The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in (i) The Depository Trust
Company, (ii) any book-entry system as provided in Subpart 0 of Treasury
Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306, Subpart B of 31 CFR Part 350, or the book-entry
regulations of federal agencies substantially in the form of Subpart 0, or (iii)
any other domestic clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which acts
as a securities depository and whose use the Fund has previously approved in
writing (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a
"Securities System"). Utilization of a Securities System shall be in accordance
with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission
rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Fund securities, either
directly or through one or more Agents appointed by the Custodian (provided that
any such agent shall be qualified to act as a custodian of the Fund pursuant to
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder), in
a Securities System provided that such securities
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are represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian or such Agent in the
Securities System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian or Agent
other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian, or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Fund which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by book-entry
those securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account
of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the
account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that
payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and
payment for the account of the Fund. Copies of all advices from the Securities
System of transfers of securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the
Fund, be maintained for the Fund by the Custodian or an Agent as referred to
above, and be provided to the Fund at its request. The Custodian shall furnish
the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the Fund in the
form of a written advice or notice and shall furnish to the Fund copies of daily
transaction sheets reflecting each day's
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transactions in the Securities System for the account of the Fund on the next
business day;
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by
the Custodian or any Agent as referred to above on the Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities deposited in the Securities System; and the Custodian and such Agents
shall send to the Fund such reports on their own systems of internal accounting
control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
5) At the written request of the Fund, the Custodian will terminate
the use of any such Securities System on behalf of the Fund as promptly as
practicable.
V. Other Transfers - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities, funds and other property of the Fund to a Subcustodian or another
custodian of the Fund; and, upon receipt of proper instructions, to make such
other disposition of securities, funds or other property of the Fund in a manner
other than or for purposes other than as enumerated elsewhere in this Agreement,
provided that the instructions relating to such disposition shall include a
statement of the purpose for which the delivery is to be made, the amount of
securities to be delivered and the name of the person or persons to whom
delivery is to be made.
W. Investment Limitations - In performing its duties generally, and
more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale and exchange of
securities made by or for the Fund, the
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Custodian may assume unless and until notified in writing to the contrary that
proper instructions received by it are not in conflict with or in any way
contrary to any provisions of the Fund's Declaration of Trust or Certificate of
Incorporation or By-Laws (or comparable documents) or votes or proceedings of
the shareholders or Directors of the Fund. The Custodian shall in no event be
liable to the Fund and shall be indemnified by the Fund for any violation which
occurs in the course of carrying out instructions given by the Fund of any
investment limitations to which the Fund is subject or other limitations with
respect to the Fund's powers to make expenditures, encumber securities, borrow
or take similar actions affecting the Fund.
X. Proper Instructions - Proper instructions shall mean a tested
telex from the Fund or a written request, direction, instruction or
certification signed or initialled on behalf of the Fund by one or more person
or persons as the Board of Directors or Trustees of the Fund shall have from
time to time authorized, provided, however, that no such instructions directing
the delivery of securities or the payment of funds to an authorized signatory of
the Fund shall be signed by such person. Those persons authorized to give proper
instructions may be identified by the Board of Directors or Trustees by name,
title or position and will include at least one officer empowered by the Board
to name other individuals who are authorized to give proper instructions on
behalf of the Fund. Telephonic or other oral instructions given by any one of
the above persons will be
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considered proper instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have
been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the
transaction involved. Oral instructions will be confirmed by tested telex or in
writing in the manner set forth above but the lack of such confirmation shall in
no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such oral
instructions. The Fund authorizes the Custodian to tape record any and all
telephonic or other oral instructions given to the Custodian by or on behalf of
the Fund (including any of its officers, Directors, Trustees, employees or
agents) and will deliver to the Custodian a similar authorization from any
investment manager or adviser or person or entity with similar reponsibilities
which is authorized to give proper instructions on behalf of the Fund to the
Custodian. Proper instructions may relate to specific transactions or to types
or classes of transactions, and may be in the form of standing instructions.
Proper instructions may include communications effected directly
between electro-mechanical or electronic devices or systems, in addition to
tested telex, provided that the Fund and the Custodian agree to the use of such
device or system.
Y. Segregated Account - The Custodian shall upon receipt of proper
instructions establish and maintain on its books a segregated account or
accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities of the Fund, including securities maintained
by the Custodian
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pursuant to Section 2U hereof, (i) in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (or any futures commission merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act) relating to compliance with the rules of the Options
Clearing Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or any
similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Fund, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash
or securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the Fund
or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by the Fund,
(iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by
Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases
of the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of
segregated accounts by registered investment companies, and (iv) as mutually
agreed from time to time between the Fund and the Custodian.
3. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with Respect to the Appointment
of Subcustodians: The Fund hereby authorizes and instructs the Custodian to hold
securities, funds and other property of the Fund which are maintained outside
the United States at subcustodians appointed pursuant to the provisions of this
Section 3 (a "Subcustodian"). The Fund shall approve in
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writing (1) the appointment of each Subcustodian and the subcustodian agreement
to be entered into between such Subcustodian and the Custodian, and (2) if the
Subcustodian is organized under the laws of a country other than the United
States, the country or countries in which the Subcustodian is authorized to hold
securities, cash and other property of the Fund. The Fund hereby further
authorizes and instructs the Custodian and any Subcustodian to utilize such
securities depositories located outside the United States which are approved in
writing by the Fund to hold securities, cash and other property of the Fund.
Upon such approval by the Fund, the Custodian is authorized on behalf of the
Fund to notify each Subcustodian of its appointment as such. The Custodian may,
at any time in its discretion, remove any Subcustodian that has been appointed
as such but will promptly notify the Fund of any such action.
Those Subcustodians, and the countries where and the securities
depositories through which they or the Custodian may hold securities, cash and
other property of the Fund which the Fund has approved to date are set forth on
Appendix A hereto. Such Appendix shall be amended from time to time as
Subcustodians, and/or countries and/or securities depositories are changed,
added or deleted. The Fund shall be responsible for informing the Custodian
sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment which is to be held in a
country not listed on Appendix A, in order that there shall be sufficient time
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<PAGE>
for the Fund to give the approval required by the preceding paragraph and for
the Custodian to put the appropriate arrangements in place with such
Subcustodian, including negotiation of a subcustodian agreement and submission
of such subcustodian agreement to the Fund for approval.
If the Fund shall have invested in a security to be held in a country
before the foregoing procedures have been completed, such security shall be held
by such agent as the Custodian may appoint. In any event, the Custodian shall be
liable to the Fund for the actions of such agent if and only to the extent the
Custodian shall have recovered from such agent for any damages caused the Fund
by such agent. At the request of the Fund, Custodian agrees to remove any
securities held on behalf of the Fund by such agent, if practical, to an
approved Subcustodian. Under such circumstances Custodian will collect income
and respond to corporate actions on a best efforts basis.
With respect to securities and funds held by a Subcustodian, either
directly or indirectly (including by a securities depository or clearing
agency), notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary,
payment for securities purchased and delivery of securities sold may be made
prior to receipt of the securities or payment, respectively, and securities or
payment may be received in a form, in accordance with governmental regulations,
rules of securities depositories and clearing agencies, or generally accepted
trade practice in the applicable local market.
-20-
<PAGE>
In the event that any Subcustodian appointed pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 3 fails to perform any of its obligations under the
terms and conditions of the applicable subcustodian agreement, the Custodian
shall use its best efforts to cause such Subcustodian to perform such
obligations. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause such
Subcustodian to perform fully its obligations thereunder, the Custodian shall
forthwith upon the Fund's request terminate such Subcustodian in accordance with
the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement and, if
necessary or desirable, appoint another subcustodian in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 3. At the election of the Fund, it shall have the
right to enforce, to the extent permitted by the subcustodian agreement and
applicable law, the Custodian's rights against any such Subcustodian for loss or
damage caused the Fund by such Subcustodian.
The Custodian will not amend any subcustodian agreement or agree to
change or permit any changes thereunder except upon the prior written approval
of the Fund.
The Custodian may, at any time in its discretion upon notification to
the Fund, terminate any Subcustodian of the Fund in accordance with the
termination provisions under the applicable Subcustodian Agreement, and at the
written request of the Fund, the Custodian will terminate any Subcustodian in
accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable Subcustodian
Agreement.
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<PAGE>
If necessary or desirable, the Custodian may appoint another
subcustodian to replace a Subcustodian terminated pursuant to the foregoing
provisions of this Section 3, such appointment to be made upon approval of the
successor subcustodian by the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.
In the event the Custodian receives a claim from a Subcustodian under
the indemnification provisions of any subcustodian agreement, the Custodian
shall promptly give written notice to the Fund of such claim. No more than
thirty days after written notice to the Fund of the Custodian's intention to
make such payment, the Fund will reimburse the Custodian the amount of such
payment except in respect of any negligence or misconduct of the Custodian.
4. Assistance by the Custodian as to Certain Matters: The Custodian
may assist generally in the preparation of reports to Fund shareholders and
others, audits of accounts, and other ministerial matters of like nature.
5. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with Respect to its Role as
Financial Agent: The Fund hereby also appoints the Custodian as the Funds
financial agent. With respect to the appointment as financial agent, the
Custodian shall have and perform the following powers and duties:
A. Records - To create, maintain and retain such records relating to
its activities and obligations under this Agreement as are required under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the
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<PAGE>
rules and regulations thereunder (including Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1
and 31a-2 thereunder) and under applicable Federal and State tax laws. All such
records will be the property of the Fund and in the event of termination of this
Agreement shall be delivered to the successor custodian.
B. Accounts - To keep books of account and render statements,
including interim monthly and complete quarterly financial statements, or copies
thereof, from time to time as reasonably requested by proper instructions.
C. Access to Records - The books and records maintained by the
Custodian pursuant to Sections 5A and 5B shall at all times during the
Custodian's regular business hours be open to inspection and audit by officers
of, attorneys for and auditors employed by the Fund and by employees and agents
of the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided that all such individuals
shall observe all security requirements of the Custodian applicable to its own
employees having access to similar records within the Custodian and such
regulations as may be reasonably imposed by the Custodian.
D. Disbursements - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to pay or
cause to be paid, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, bills,
statements and other obligations of the Fund (including but not limited to
interest charges, taxes, management fees, compensation to Fund officers and
employees, and other operating expenses of the Fund).
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<PAGE>
6. Standard of Care and Related Matters:
A. Liability of the Custodian with Respect to Proper Instructions;
Evidence of Authority, Etc. The Custodian shall not be liable for any action
taken or omitted in reliance upon proper instructions believed by it to be
genuine or upon any other written notice, request, direction, instruction,
certificate or other instrument believed by it to be genuine and signed by the
proper party or parties.
The Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Fund shall certify to the
Custodian the names, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized
to give proper instructions or any other such notice, request, direction,
instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund, the names and
signatures of the officers of the Fund, the name and address of the Shareholder
Servicing Agent, and any resolutions, votes, instructions or directions of the
Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees or shareholders. Such certificate may be
accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts
set forth therein and may be considered in full force and effect until receipt
of a similar certificate to the contrary.
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
The Custodian shall be entitled, at the expense of the Fund, to
receive and act upon advice of (i) counsel regularly
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<PAGE>
retained by the Custodian in respect of custodian matters, (ii) counsel for the
Fund, or (iii) such other counsel as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon,
with respect to all matters, and the Custodian shall be without liability for
any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
B. Liability of the Custodian with Respect to Use of Securities
System - With respect to the portfolio securities, cash and other property of
the Fund held by a Securities System, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund
only for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from use of the Securities
System if caused by any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian
or any of its agents or of any of its or their employees or from any failure of
the Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it may
have against the Securities System. At the election of the Fund, it shall be
entitled to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any
claim against the Securities System or any other person which the Custodian may
have as a consequence of any such loss or damage to the Fund if and to the
extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
C. Liability of the Custodian with respect to Subcustodians The
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund caused
by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Subcustodian to the extent
that under the terms set forth in the subcustodian agreement between the
Custodian and the Subcustodian (or in the subcustodian agreement
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<PAGE>
between a Subcustodian and any secondary Subcustodian), the Subcustodian (or
secondary Subcustodian) has failed to perform in accordance with the standard of
conduct imposed under such subcustodian agreement as determined in accordance
with the law which is adjudicated to govern such agreement and in accordance
with any determination of any court as to the duties of said Subcustodian
pursuant to said agreement. The Custodian shall also be liable to the Fund for
its own negligence in transmitting any instructions received by it from the Fund
and for its own negligence in connection with the delivery of any securities or
funds held by it to any Subcustodian.
D. Standard of Care; Liability; Indemnification - The Custodian shall
be held only to the exercise of reasonable care and diligence in carrying out
the provisions of this Agreement, provided that the Custodian shall not thereby
be required to take any action which is in contravention of any applicable law.
The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees
from all claims and liabilities (including counsel fees) incurred or assessed
against it or its nominees in connection with the performance of this Agreement,
except such as may arise from its or its nominee's breach of the relevant
standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing
indemnification obligation of the Fund, the Fund agrees to indemnify the
Custodian and any nominee in whose name portfolio securities or other property
of the Fund is registered
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<PAGE>
against any liability the Custodian or such nominee may incur by reason of taxes
assessed to the Custodian or such nominee or other costs, liability or expense
incurred by the Custodian or such nominee resulting directly or indirectly from
the fact that portfolio securities or other property of the Fund is registered
in the name of the Custodian or such nominee.
It is also understood that the Custodian shall not be liable for any
loss involving any securities, currencies, deposits or other property of the
Fund, whether maintained by it, a Subcustodian, a securities depository, an
agent of the Custodian or a Subcustodian, a Securities System, or a Banking
Institution, or for any loss arising from a foreign currency transaction or
contract, where the loss results from a Sovereign Risk or where the entity
maintaining such securities, currencies, deposits or other property of the Fund,
whether the Custodian, a Subcustodian, a securities depository, an agent of the
Custodian or a Subcustodian, a Securities System or a Banking Institution, has
exercised reasonable care maintaining such property or in connection with the
transaction involving such property. A "Sovereign Risk" shall mean
nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, revaluation, confiscation, seizure,
cancellation, destruction or similar action by any governmental authority, de
facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any
such governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, taxes,
levies or other charges affecting the Fund's property; or acts of war,
terrorism,
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<PAGE>
insurrection or revolution; or any other act or event beyond the Custodian's
control.
E. Reimbursement of Advances - The Custodian shall be entitled to
receive reimbursement from the Fund on demand, in the manner provided in Section
7, for its cash disbursements, expenses and charges (including the fees and
expenses of any Subcustodian or any Agent) in connection with this Agreement,
but excluding salaries and usual overhead expenses.
F. Security for obligations to Custodian - If the Fund shall require
the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of
the Fund, including in connection with foreign exchange contracts or options
(collectively, an "Advance"), or if the Custodian or any nominee thereof shall
incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or
liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement (collectively a
"Liability"), except such as may arise from its or such nominee's breach of the
relevant standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement, then in such event any
property at any time held for the account of the Fund by the Custodian or a
Subcustodian shall be security for such Advance or Liability and if the Fund
shall fail to repay or indemnify the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be
entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund's property,
including securities, to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement or
indemnification.
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<PAGE>
G. Appointment of Agents - The Custodian may at any time or times in
its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company as its agent (an "Agent") to carry out such of the provisions of this
Agreement as the Custodian may from time to time direct, provided, however, that
the appointment of such Agent (other than an Agent appointed pursuant to the
third paragraph of Section 3) shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its
responsibilities under this agreement.
H. Powers of Attorney - Upon request, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may be
reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the performance by the
Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations under this
Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement.
7. Compensation of the Custodian: The Fund shall pay the Custodian a
custody fee based on such fee schedule as may from time to time be agreed upon
in writing by the Custodian and the Fund. Such fee, together with all amounts
for which the Custodian is to be reimbursed in accordance with Section 6E, shall
be billed to the Fund in such a manner as to permit payment by a direct cash
payment to the Custodian.
8. Termination; Successor Custodian: This Agreement shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated by either party by an instrument in
writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party, such
termination to take effect not sooner than seventy five (75) days after the date
of
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<PAGE>
such delivery or mailing. In the event of termination the Custodian shall be
entitled to receive prior to delivery of the securities, funds and other
property held by it all accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses the payment of
which is contemplated by Sections 6E and 7, upon receipt by the Fund of a
statement setting forth such fees and expenses.
In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is
agreed that the funds and securities owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian
or any Subcustodian shall be delivered to the successor custodian, and the
Custodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund in execution of documents and
performance of other actions necessary or desirable in order to substitute the
successor custodian for the Custodian under this Agreement.
9. Amendment: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. No
provision of this Agreement may be amended or terminated except by a statement
in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the amendment or
termination is sought.
In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and
the Fund may agree in writing from time to time on such provisions
interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in
their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. No
interpretative or additional provisions made as provided in the
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<PAGE>
preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreements.
The section headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of the
parties and in no way alter, amend, limit or restrict the contractual
obligations of the parties set forth in this Agreement.
10. Governing Law: This instrument is executed and delivered in The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be governed by and construed according
to the laws of said Commonwealth.
11. Notices: Notices and other writings delivered or mailed postage
prepaid to the Fund addressed to the Fund at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109 or to such other address as the Fund may have designated to
the Custodian in writing, or to the Custodian at 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, Attention: Manager, Securities Department, or to such other
address as the Custodian may have designated to the Fund in writing, shall be
deemed to have been properly delivered or given hereunder to the respective
addressee.
12. Binding Effect: This Agreement shall be binding on and shall
inure to the benefit of the Fund and the Custodian and their respective
successors and assigns, provided that neither party hereto may assign this
Agreement or any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the other party.
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<PAGE>
13. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This Agreement shall
become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by
each of the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to
be executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
PIONEER GOLD SHARES BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
By_________________________________ per pro________________________________
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INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
_______, 199_
Pioneer Gold Shares, a Delaware business trust with its principal
place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("Customer")
and Pioneering Services Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation ("PSC"), hereby
agree as follows:
1. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PSC. During the term of this Agreement,
PSC will provide to each series of shares of beneficial interest (the "Series")
of Customer, which may be established, from time to time (the "Account"), with
the services described in Exhibits A, B, C and D (collectively, the "Exhibits")
that are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. It is understood
that PSC may subcontract any of such services to one or more firms designated by
PSC, provided that PSC (i) shall be solely responsible for all compensation
payable to any such firm and (ii) shall be liable to Customer for the acts or
omissions of any such firm to the same extent as PSC would be liable to Customer
with respect to any such act or omission hereunder.
2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall become effective on the date
hereof (the "Effective Date") and shall continue in effect until it is
terminated in accordance with Section 11 below.
3. DELIVERY, VERIFICATION AND RECEIPT FOR DATA AND ASSETS. Prior to the
Effective Date, Customer agrees to deliver to PSC all such documentation, data
and materials as PSC may reasonably prescribe to enable it to perform the
services contemplated by this Agreement. If PSC so requests, Customer agrees to
confirm the accuracy of any starting records of Customer's assets and accounts
produced from PSC's computer or held in other recording systems. In the event
Customer does not, prior to the Effective Date, comply fully with any of the
foregoing provisions of this Section 3, the date for commencement of PSC's
services hereunder may be postponed by PSC until such compliance has taken
place.
Customer shall, from time to time, while this Agreement is in effect
deliver all such materials and data as may be necessary or desirable to enable
PSC to perform its services hereunder, including without limitation, those
described in Section 12 hereof.
4. REPORTS AND MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS BY PSC. PSC will furnish to
Customer and to properly authorized auditors, examiners, distributors, dealers,
underwriters, salesmen, insurance companies, investors, and others designated by
Customer in writing, such books, any and all records and reports at such times
as are prescribed for each service in the Exhibits attached hereto. Customer
agrees to examine or to ask any other authorized recipient to examine each such
report or copy promptly and will report or cause to be reported any errors or
discrepancies therein of which Customer then has any knowledge. PSC may at its
option at any time, and shall forthwith upon Customer's demand, turn over to
Customer and cease to retain in PSC's files, any and all records and documents
created and maintained by PSC
<PAGE>
pursuant to this Agreement which are no longer needed by PSC in the performance
of its services or for its protection.
If not so turned over to Customer, such documents and reports will be
retained by PSC for six years from the year of creation, during the first two of
which the same will be in readily accessible form. At the end of six years, such
records and documents will be turned over to Customer by PSC unless Customer
authorizes their destruction.
5. PSC'S DUTY OF CARE. PSC shall at all time use reasonable care and
act in good faith in performing its duties hereunder. PSC shall incur no
liability to Customer in connection with its performance of services hereunder
except to the extent that it does not comply with the foregoing standards.
PSC shall at all times adhere to various procedures and systems
consistent with industry standards in order to safeguard Customer's checks,
records and other data from loss or damage attributable to fire or theft. PSC
shall maintain insurance adequate to protect against the costs of reconstructing
checks, records and other data in the event of such loss and shall notify
Customer in the event of a material adverse change in such insurance coverage.
In the event of damage or loss occurring to Customer's records or data such that
PSC is unable to meet the terms of this Agreement, PSC shall transfer all
records and data to a transfer agent of Customer's choosing upon Customer's
written authorization to do so.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, PSC shall not be
liable or responsible for delays or errors occurring by reason of circumstances
beyond its control including acts of civil, military or banking authority,
national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood or other catastrophes,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, failure of transportation, communication
or power supply.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY. PSC will keep confidential all records and
information provided by Customer or by the shareholders of the Account to PSC,
except to the extent disclosures are required by this Agreement, are required by
the Customer's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, or are
required by a valid subpoena or warrant issued by a court of competent
jurisdiction or by a state or federal agency or governmental authority.
7. CUSTOMER INSPECTION. Upon reasonable notice, in writing signed by
Customer, PSC shall make available, during regular business hours, all records
and other data created and maintained pursuant to this Agreement for reasonable
audit and inspection by Customer or Customer's agents, including reasonable
visitation by Customer or Customer's agents, including inspecting PSC's
operation facilities. PSC shall not be liable for injury to or responsible in
any way for the safety of any individual visiting PSC's facilities under the
authority of this section. Customer will keep confidential and will cause to
keep confidential all confidential information obtained by its employees or
agents or any other individual representing Customer while on PSC's premises.
Confidential information shall include (1) any
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<PAGE>
information of whatever nature regarding PSC's operations, security procedures,
and data processing capabilities, (2) financial information regarding PSC, its
affiliates, or subsidiaries, and (3) any information of whatever kind or
description regarding any customer of PSC, its affiliates or subsidiaries.
8. RELIANCE BY PSC ON INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVICE; INDEMNITY. PSC shall be
entitled to seek advice of Customer's legal counsel with respect to PSC's
responsibilities and duties hereunder and shall in no event be liable to
Customer for any action taken pursuant to such advice, except to the extent that
Customer's legal counsel determines in its sole discretion that the rendering of
advice to PSC would result in a conflict of interest.
Whenever PSC is authorized to take action hereunder pursuant to proper
instructions from Customer, PSC shall be entitled to rely upon any certificate,
letter or other instrument or telephone call reasonably believed by PSC to be
genuine and to have been properly made or signed by an officer or other
authorized agent of Customer, and shall be entitled to receive as conclusive
proof of any fact or matter required to be ascertained by it hereunder a
certificate signed by an officer of Customer or any other person authorized by
Customer's Board of Trustees.
Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of this Agreement, Customer
agrees to indemnify and hold PSC, its employees, agents and nominees harmless
from any and all claims, demands, actions and suits, whether groundless or
otherwise, and from and against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses,
damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and
character arising out of or in any way relating to PSC's action or non-action
upon information, instructions or requests given or made to PSC by Customer with
respect to the Account.
Notwithstanding the above, whenever Customer may be asked to indemnify
or hold PSC harmless, Customer shall be advised of all pertinent facts arising
from the situation in question. Additionally, PSC will use reasonable care to
identify and notify Customer promptly concerning any situation which presents,
actually or potentially, a claim for indemnification against Customer. Customer
shall have the option to defend PSC against any claim for which PSC is entitled
to indemnification from Customer under the terms hereof, and in the event
Customer so elects, it will notify PSC and, thereupon, Customer shall take over
complete defense of the claim and PSC shall sustain no further legal or other
expenses in such a situation for which indemnification shall be sought or
entitled. PSC may in no event confess any claim or make any compromise in any
case in which Customer will be asked to indemnify PSC except with Customer's
prior written consent.
9. MAINTENANCE OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS. PSC shall maintain on behalf of
Customer such deposit accounts as are necessary or desirable from time to time
to enable PSC to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
10. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT TO PSC. For the services rendered by
PSC under this Agreement, Customer agrees to pay an annual fee of $22.75 per
account to PSC, such fee to be payable in equal monthly installments. In
addition, Customer shall reimburse PSC monthly for out-of-pocket expenses such
as postage, forms, envelopes, checks, "outside" mailings, telephone line and
other charges, mailgrams, mail insurance on certificates and data processing
file recovery insurance.
11. TERMINATION. Either PSC or Customer may at any time terminate this
Agreement by giving 90 days' prior written notice to the other.
After the date of termination, for so long as PSC in fact continues to
perform any one or more of the services contemplated by this Agreement or any
exhibit hereto, the provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation
the provisions of Section 8 dealing with indemnification, shall where applicable
continue in full force and effect.
12. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. Customer agrees to furnish to PSC prior to the
Effective Date the following (to the extent not previously provided):
A. Two (2) copies of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of
Customer, and of any amendments thereto, certified by an officer of
the Customer.
B. Two (2) copies of the following documents, currently
certified by the Secretary of Customer:
a. Customer's By-laws and any amendment thereto.
b. Certified copies of resolutions of Customer's Board of
Trustees covering the following matters.
(1) Approval of this Agreement.
(2) Authorization of specified officers of
Customer to instruct PSC hereunder (if different from
other officers of Customer previously specified by
Customer as to other Customer accounts being serviced by
PSC).
C. List of all officers of Customer together with specimen signatures
of those officers who are authorized to sign share certificates and to instruct
PSC in all other matters.
D. Two (2) copies of the following:
a. Prospectus
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<PAGE>
b. Statement of Additional Information
c. Management Agreement
d. Registration Statement
E. Opinion of counsel for Customer as to the due authorization by and
binding effect of this Agreement on Customer, the applicability of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, and the approval by such public authorities as may be prerequisite to
lawful sale and delivery in the various states.
F. Amendments to, and changes in, any of the foregoing forthwith upon
such amendments and changes being available, but in no case later than the
effective date.
13. INDEMNIFICATION. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and
agree that all liabilities arising, directly or indirectly, under this
Agreement, of any and every nature whatsoever, including without limitation,
liabilities arising in connection with any agreement of Customer or its Trustees
set forth herein to indemnify any party to this Agreement or any other person,
shall be satisfied out of the assets of the Account first and then of Customer
and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of beneficial interest of
Customer shall be personally liable for any of the foregoing liabilities.
Customer's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated December 4, 1996, describes
in detail the respective responsibilities and limitations on liability of the
Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of beneficial interest of Customer.
14. LIMITATIONS ON EXCHANGES. PSC acknowledges that shareholders of
other Pioneer mutual funds may not open new accounts with Customer or purchase
shares of Customer by exchanging shares from other Pioneer mutual funds.
Shareholders of Customer may exchange their shares of Customer for shares of
other Pioneer mutual funds. Such shares, however, may not be exchanged back into
Customer. The foregoing exchange restriction shall be in effect, unless Customer
notifies PSC otherwise.
15. MISCELLANEOUS. In connection with the operation of this Agreement,
PSC and Customer may agree from time to time on such provisions interpretive of
or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion
be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions are to be signed by both parties and annexed hereto, but
no such provision shall contravene any applicable Federal and state law or
regulation, and no such provision shall be deemed to be an amendment of this
Agreement.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Customer and PSC have caused this Agreement to be
executed in their respective names by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date first written above.
ATTEST: PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
___________________________ ___________________________
Joseph P. Barri, Clerk Roger Rainville
Executive Vice President
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
___________________________ ___________________________
Joseph P. Barri, Secretary John F. Cogan, Jr.
President
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EXHIBIT A - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Shareholder Account Service:
As Servicing Agent for fund accounts and in accordance with the provisions of
the standard fund application and Customer's prospectus, PSC will:
1. Open, maintain and close accounts.
2. Purchase shares for the shareholder.
3. Out of the money received in payment for sales of Customer's
shares pay to the Customer's custodian the net asset value per
share and pay to the underwriter and to the dealer their
commission, if any, on a bimonthly basis.
4.Redeem shares by systematic withdrawal orders. (See Exhibit B)
5. Issue share certificates, upon instruction, resulting from
withdrawals from share accounts (It is the policy of PSC to issue
share certificates only upon request of the shareholder).
Maintain records showing name, address, certificate numbers and
number of shares.
6. Deposit certificates to shareholder accounts when furnished with
such documents as PSC deems necessary to authorize the deposit.
7. Reinvest or disburse dividends and other distributions upon
direction of shareholder.
8. Establish the proper registration of ownership of shares.
9. Pass upon the adequacy of documents submitted by a shareholder or
his legal representative to substantiate the transfer of
ownership of shares from the registered owner to transferees.
10. Make transfers from time to time upon the books of the Customer
in accordance with properly executed transfer instructions
furnished to PSC.
11. Upon receiving appropriate detailed instructions and written
materials prepared by Customer and, where applicable, proxy
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proofs checked by Customer, mail shareholder reports, proxies and
related materials of suitable design for automatic enclosing,
receive and tabulate executed proxies, and furnish an annual
meeting list of shareholders when required.
12. Respond to shareholder inquiries in a timely manner.
13. Maintain dealer and salesperson records.
14. Maintain and furnish to Customer such shareholder information as
Customer may reasonably request for the purpose of compliance by
Customer with the applicable tax and securities law of various
jurisdictions.
15. Mail confirmations of transactions to shareholders in a timely
fashion (confirmations of Automatic Investment Plan transactions
will be mailed quarterly).
16. Provide Customer with such information regarding correspondence
as well as enable Customer to comply with related N-SAR
requirements.
17. Maintain continuous proof of the outstanding shares of Customer.
18. Solicit taxpayer identification numbers.
19. Provide data to enable Customer to file abandoned property
reports for those accounts that have been indicated by the Post
Office to be not at the address of record with no forwarding
address.
20. Maintain bank accounts and reconcile same on a monthly basis.
21. Provide management information reports on a quarterly basis to
Customer's Board of Trustees/Directors outlining the level of
service provided.
22. Provide sale/statistical reporting for purposes of providing fund
management with information to maximizing the return to
shareholders.
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EXHIBIT B - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Redemption Service:
In accordance with the provisions of the Customer's Prospectus, as servicing
agent for the redemptions, PSC will:
1. Where applicable, establish accounts payable based on information
furnished to PSC on behalf of Customer (i.e., copies of trade
confirmations and other documents deemed necessary or desirable
by PSC on the first business day following the trade date).
2. Receive for redemption either:
a. Share certificates, supported by appropriate documentation;
or
b. Written or telephone authorization (where no share
certificates are issued).
3. Verify there are sufficient available shares in an account to
cover redemption requests.
4. Transfer the redeemed or repurchased shares to Customer's
treasury share account or, if applicable, cancel such shares for
retirement.
5. Pay the applicable redemption or repurchase price to the
shareholder in accordance with Customer's Prospectus and
Declaration of Trust on or before the seventh calendar day
succeeding any receipt of certificates or requests for redemption
or repurchase in "good order" as defined in the Prospectus.
6. Notify Customer and the underwriter on behalf of Customer of the
total number of shares presented and covered by such requests
within a reasonable period of time following receipt.
7. Promptly notify the shareholder if any such certificate or
request for redemption or repurchase is not in "good order"
together with notice of the documents required to comply with the
good order standards. Upon receipt of the necessary documents PSC
shall effect such redemption at the net asset value applicable at
the date and time of receipt of such documents.
8. Produce periodic reports of unsettled items, if any.
9. Adjust unsettled items, if any, relative to dividends and
distributions.
10. Report to Customer any late redemptions which must be included in
Customer's N-SAR.
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EXHIBIT C - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Exchange Service:
1. Receive and process exchanges in accordance with a duly executed
exchange authorization. PSC will redeem existing shares and use
the proceeds to purchase new shares. Shares of Customer purchased
directly or acquired through reinvestment of dividends on such
shares may be exchanged for shares of other Pioneer funds (which
funds have sales charges) only by payment of the applicable sales
charge, if any, as described in Customer's Prospectus. Shares of
Customer acquired by exchange and through reinvestment of
dividends on such shares may be re-exchanged to another Pioneer
fund at their respective net asset values.
2. Make authorized deductions of fees, if any.
3. Register new shares identically with the shares surrendered for
exchange. Mail new shares certificates, if requested, or an
account statement confirming the exchange by first class mail to
the address of record.
4. Maintain a record of unprocessed exchanges and produce a periodic
report.
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EXHIBIT D - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Income Accrual and Disbursing Service:
1. Distribute income dividends and/or capital gain distributions,
either through reinvestment or in cash, in accordance with
shareholder instructions.
2. On the mailing date, Customer shall make available to PSC
collected funds to make such distribution.
3. Adjust unsettled items relative to dividends and distribution.
4. Reconcile dividends and/or distributions with Customer.
5. Prepare and file annual Federal and State information returns of
distributions and, in the case of Federal returns, mail
information copies to shareholders and report and pay Federal
income taxes withheld from distributions made to non-resident
aliens.
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
REORGANIZATION
THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION is made as of the [] day of
[April], 1998, by and between Pioneer Growth Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust (the "Current Trust"), and Pioneer Capital Growth Fund, Pioneer
Equity-Income Fund and Pioneer Gold Shares, each a business trust duly formed
under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Successor Trusts").
This Agreement is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 (a)(1) of the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and is intended to effect the
conversion of the Current Trust into three distinct Delaware business trusts.
The Current Trust consists of three series, the names of which correspond to
each of the Successor Trusts -- Pioneer Capital Growth Fund, Pioneer
Equity-Income Fund and Pioneer Gold Shares (the "Corresponding Series"). The
conversion will involve the transfer of all of the assets of each of the
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust to that corresponding Successor Trust
having the same name as such individual Corresponding Series, solely in exchange
for (1) the assumption by each Successor Trust of all liabilities of the
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust and (2) the issuance by each Successor
Trust of shares of beneficial interest of each class of such Successor Trust
("Successor Trust Shares") to such Corresponding Series of the Current Trust
equal to the number of shares of each class of beneficial interest of such
Corresponding Series then outstanding, followed by the pro rata distribution on
the Closing Date (as defined below) of such Successor Trust Shares to the
holders of shares of each class of beneficial interest, withoutpar value per
share, of such Corresponding Series of the Current Trust (the "Current Trust
Shareholders") in exchange for their shares of beneficial interest of such class
of such Corresponding Series of the Current Trust ("Current Trust Shares") in
liquidation and dissolution of such Corresponding Series of the Current Trust,
all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth in this Agreement.
In consideration of the premises and of the covenants and agreements
hereinafter set forth the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows.
1. TRANSFER OF ASSETS OF EACH OF THE CORRESPONDING SERIES OF THE CURRENT
TRUST IN EXCHANGE FOR ASSUMPTION OF LIABILITIES AND ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF THE
RESPECTIVE SUCCESSOR TRUSTS; DISSOLUTION OF THE CURRENT TRUST
1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and on the
basis of the representations and warranties contained herein, each of the
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust agrees to transfer all of its assets
set forth in paragraph 1.2 and assign and transfer all of its liabilities to the
respective Successor Trust established solely for the purpose of acquiring all
of the assets and assuming all of the liabilities of such Corresponding Series
of the Current Trust. As of the date of this Agreement, the Successor Trusts
have not issued any Successor Trust Shares or commenced operations. Other than
such shares as may be issued to Pioneering Management Corporation or one of its
affiliates to establish the necessary minimum capitalization for registration
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), each of the Successor
Trusts agrees that in exchange for all of the assets of the respective
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust (1) such Successor Trust shall assume
all of the liabilities of the respective Corresponding Series, whether
contingent or otherwise, then existing and (2) such Successor Trust shall
deliver to the respective Corresponding Series the number of full and fractional
Successor Trust Shares equal to the number of each class of Current Trust Shares
than outstanding which collectively shall be equal to the value of the assets of
the respective Corresponding Series transferred to, less the liabilities of such
Corresponding Series assumed by, such Successor Trust (the "Net Assets"), as
described in paragraph 3.1 on the Closing Date provided for in paragraph 3.1.
Such transactions shall take place at the Closing provided for in paragraph 3.1.
1.2 The assets of each of the Corresponding Series of the Current Trust
to be acquired by the respective Successor Trust shall include, without
limitation, all cash, cash equivalents, securities, receivables (including
interest and dividends receivable), any claims or rights of action or rights to
register shares under applicable securities laws, any books or records of such
Corresponding Series and other property owned by such Corresponding Series and
any deferred or prepaid expenses shown as assets on the books of such
Corresponding Series on the Closing Date provided for in paragraph 3.1.
1.3 Immediately upon delivery to each of the Corresponding Series of
the Current Trust of Successor Trust Shares of the respective Successor Trust,
any duly authorized officer of such Corresponding Series as the then sole
shareholder of the respective Successor Trust shall (i) elect as Trustees of the
respective Successor Trust the persons who currently serve as Trustees of the
respective Corresponding Series; (ii) ratify the selection of the independent
accountants; (iii) approve a management contract for the respective Successor
Trust with PMC in the form most recently approved for such Corresponding Series;
and (iv) adopt the investment objectives, investment policies and investment
restrictions of such Corresponding Series.
1.4 As provided in paragraph 3.4, on the Closing Date each of the
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust will distribute in liquidation to its
shareholders of record ("Current Trust Shareholders"), determined as of the
close of business on the Closing Date, the Successor Trust Shares of each class
received from the respective Successor Trust pro rata in proportion to their
respective shares of beneficial interest of such class in the respective
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust ("Current Trust Shares"), in exchange
for such Current Trust Shares. Such distribution will be accomplished by the
transfer of the respective Successor Trust Shares then credited to the account
of the respective Corresponding Series on the share records of the respective
Successor Trust to open accounts on those records in the names of such Current
Trust Shareholders and representing the respective pro rata number of the
Successor Trust Shares of each class received from the respective Successor
Trust due such Current Trust Shareholders. The Successor Trusts shall not issue
certificates representing Successor Trust Shares in connection with such
distributions. Fractional Successor Trust Shares shall be rounded to the third
place after the decimal point.
1.5 As soon as practicable after the distribution of the Successor
Trust Shares as set forth in Section 1.4, each of the Corresponding Series of
the Current Trust shall be terminated and any such further actions shall be
taken in connection therewith as are required by applicable law.
1.6 Ownership of the Successor Trust Shares by each Successor Trust
Shareholder shall be maintained separately on the books of Pioneering Services
Corporation as the shareholder services and transfer agent for the Successor
Trusts.
1.7 Any transfer taxes payable upon issuance of Successor Trust Shares
in a name other than the registered holder of the Current Trust Shares on the
books of each of the Corresponding Series of the Current Trust as of that time
shall be paid by the person to whom such Successor Trust Shares are to be
distributed as a condition of such transfer.
2. VALUATION
2.1 The value of the Net Assets of each Corresponding Series of the
Current Trust to be acquired hereunder by the respective Successor Trust shall
be the net asset value computed as of the valuation time provided in the then
current prospectus of the respective Corresponding Series on the Closing Date
using the valuation procedures set forth in the then current prospectus or
statement of additional information.
2.2 The value of full and fractional Successor Trust Shares of each
Successor Trust to be issued in exchange for the Net Assets of each of the
Corresponding Series shall be equal to the value of such Net Assets on the
Closing Date, and the number of such Successor Trust Shares of each class to be
issued by the respective Successor Trusts shall equal the number of full and
fractional Current Trust Shares of each class of the respective Corresponding
Series on the Closing Date.
2.3 All computations of value shall be made by Pioneering Management
Corporation for the Current Trust and the Successor Trusts.
3. CLOSING AND CLOSING DATE
3.1 The transfer of the assets of the Corresponding Series of the
Current Trust in exchange for the assumption by the respective Successor Trusts
of the liabilities of such Corresponding Series and the issuance of Successor
Trust Shares to the respective Corresponding Series, as described above,
together with related acts necessary to consummate such acts (the "Closing"),
shall occur at the offices of [Hale and Dorr LLP at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109] on [April, 1998] ("Closing Date"), or at such other place
or date on or prior to [December 31, 1998] as the parties may agree in writing.
All acts taking place at the Closing shall be deemed to take place
simultaneously as of the last daily determination of the net asset value of the
Corresponding Series or at such other time and or place as the parties may
agree.
3.2 In the event that on the Closing Date (a) the New York Stock
Exchange is closed to trading or trading thereon is restricted or (b) trading or
reporting of trading on said Exchange or in any market in which portfolio
securities of the Current Trust are traded is disrupted so that accurate
appraisal of the value of the Net Assets of the Current Trust is impracticable,
the Closing shall be postponed until the first business day upon which trading
shall have been fully resumed and reporting shall have been restored.
3.3 Each Corresponding Series of the Current Trust shall deliver at the
Closing a certificate or separate certificates of an authorized officer stating
that it has notified the Custodian, as custodian for the respective
Corresponding Series and the respective Successor Trust, of the conversion of
such Corresponding Series of the Current Trust to the respective Successor
Trust.
3.4 Pioneering Services Corporation, as shareholder services and
transfer agent for the Current Trust, shall deliver at the Closing certificates
as to the conversion on its books and records of the accounts of the
shareholders of the Corresponding Series of the Current Trust to accounts as
holders of shares of the respective Successor Trusts. Each Successor Trust shall
issue and deliver to the Current Trust a confirmation evidencing the shares of
Successor Trust to be credited on the Closing Date or provide evidence
satisfactory to the respective Corresponding Series that such shares of such
Successor Trust have been credited to the account of the Corresponding Series on
the books of such Successor Trust. At the Closing each party shall deliver to
the other such bills of sale, checks, assignments, share certificates, receipts
or other documents as such other party or its counsel may reasonably request.
3.5 Portfolio securities that are not held in book-entry form in the
name of the Custodian as record holder for each of the Corresponding Series of
the Current Trust shall be presented by the respective Corresponding Series of
the Current Trust to the Custodian for examination no later than five business
days preceding the Closing Date. Portfolio securities which are not held in
book-entry form shall be delivered by the respective Corresponding Series of the
Current Trust to the Custodian for the account of the respective Successor Trust
on the Closing Date, duly endorsed in proper form for transfer, in such
condition as to constitute good delivery thereof in accordance with the custom
of brokers, and shall be accompanied by all necessary federal and state stock
transfer stamps or a check for the appropriate purchase price thereof. Portfolio
securities held of record by the Custodian in book- entry form on behalf of a
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust shall be delivered to the respective
Successor Trust by the Custodian by recording the transfer of beneficial
ownership thereof on its records. The cash of a Corresponding Series of the
Current Trust to be delivered shall be in the form of currency or by the
Custodian crediting the respective Successor Trust's account maintained with the
Custodian with immediately available funds.
4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
4.1 The Current Trust represents and warrants as follows:
4.1.A. The Current Trust is a business trust duly authorized
to exist under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has the power
to own all of its properties and assets and, subject to approval by the
shareholders of the Current Trust, to perform its obligations under this
Agreement. The Current Trust is not required to qualify to do business in any
jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where failure to qualify would
not subject it to any material liability or disability. The Current Trust has
all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to own all of its
properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being conducted;
4.1.B. The Current Trust is a registered investment company
classified as a management company of the open-end diversified type and its
registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") as
an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), is in full force and effect;
4.1.C. The Current Trust is not, and the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement will not result, in violation of any provision
of its Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust or By-laws, or any agreement,
indenture, instrument, contract, lease or other undertaking to which the Current
Trust is a party or by which the Current Trust is bound;
4.1.D. The Current Trust has no material contracts or other
commitments (other than this Agreement or agreements for the purchase of
securities entered into in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
its obligations under this Agreement) that will not be terminated without
liability to the Current Trust on or prior to the Closing Date;
4.1.E. No material litigation or administrative proceeding or
investigation of or before any court or governmental body presently is pending
or threatened against the Current Trust or any of its properties or assets. The
Current Trust knows of no facts that might form the basis for the institution of
such proceedings and the Current Trust is not a party to, or subject to, the
provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental body
that materially and adversely affects its business or its ability to consummate
the transactions herein contemplated;
4.1.F. At the date hereof and at the Closing Date, all
federal, state and other tax returns and reports, including information returns
and payee statements, of the Current Trust required by law to have been filed or
furnished by such dates shall have been filed or furnished and all federal,
state and other taxes, interest and penalties shall have been paid so far as due
or provision shall have been made for the payment thereof and no such return is
currently under audit and no assessment has been asserted with respect to any of
such returns or reports;
4.1.G. The Current Trust has elected that each Corresponding
Series be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the
Code, has qualified as such for each taxable year since its inception, and will
qualify as such as of the Closing Date;
4.1.H. The authorized capital of the Current Trust consists of
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, no par value, divided into
three classes (Class A, Class B and Class C) of three separate series--the
Corresponding Series. All issued and outstanding shares of beneficial interest
of the Current Trust are, and at the Closing Date will be, duly and validly
issued and outstanding, fully paid and nonassessable. The Current Trust does not
have outstanding any options, warrants or other rights to subscribe for or
purchase any of its shares of beneficial interest, nor is there outstanding any
security convertible into any of its shares of beneficial interest;
4.1.I. The information to be furnished by the Current Trust
for use in applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and
other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be accurate and complete and shall comply in all
material respects with federal securities and other laws and regulations
thereunder applicable thereto;
4.1.J. All of the issued and outstanding Current Trust Shares
will at the time of the Closing be held by the persons and in the amounts as, on
behalf of each Corresponding Series, certified in accordance with the provisions
of paragraph 3.4;
4.1.K. At the Closing Date, the Current Trust, on behalf of
each Corresponding Series, will have good and marketable title to the assets to
be transferred to the Successor Trust pursuant to paragraph 1.1, and full right,
power and authority to sell, assign, transfer and deliver such assets hereunder,
and upon delivery and in payment for such assets, the Successor Trust will
acquire good and marketable title thereto subject to no restrictions on the full
transfer thereof, including such restrictions as might arise under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act), except as otherwise
disclosed in writing and accepted by the Successor Trust;
4.1.L. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement will have been duly authorized prior to the Closing Date by all
necessary action on the part of the Current Trust and this Agreement constitutes
a valid and binding obligation of the Current Trust enforceable in accordance
with its terms, subject to the approval of the Current Trust's shareholders;
4.1.M. No consent, approval, authorization or order of any
court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the Current
Trust of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as shall have been
obtained prior to the Closing Date.
4.2 Each of the Successor Trusts represents and warrants individually as
follows:
4.2.A. The Successor Trust is a business trust duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware
and has the power to own all of its properties and assets and to perform its
obligations under this Agreement; the Successor Trust is not required to qualify
to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified or where
failure to qualify would not subject it to any material liability or disability;
the Successor Trust has all necessary federal, state and local authorizations to
own all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now being
conducted; that as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, the Successor
Trust consists of one duly established and designated series;
4.2.B. The Successor Trust is not, and the execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement will not result, in violation of any provision
of the Certificate of Trust, Agreement and Declaration of Trust or By-laws of
the Successor Trust or any agreement, indenture, instrument, contract, lease or
other undertaking to which the Successor Trust is a party or by which the
Successor Trust is bound;
4.2.C. No material litigation or administrative proceeding or
investigation of or before any court or governmental body is presently pending
or threatened against the Successor Trust or any of its properties or assets.
The Successor Trust knows of no facts that might form the basis for the
institution of such proceedings, and the Successor Trust is not a party to, or
subject to, the provisions of any order, decree or judgment of any court or
governmental body that materially and adversely affects its business or its
ability to consummate the transactions herein contemplated;
4.2.D. The Successor Trust intends to qualify as a regulated
investment company under Subsection M of the Code for the taxable year in which
the Closing occurs and to continue to qualify as such for each taxable year;
4.2.E. Other than such shares as may be issued to Pioneering
Management Corporation or one of its affiliates to establish the necessary
minimum capitalization for registration with the SEC, prior to the Closing Date,
there shall be no issued and outstanding Successor Trust Shares or any other
securities of the Successor Trust; Successor Trust Shares issued in connection
with the transactions contemplated herein will be duly and validly issued and
outstanding and fully paid and non-assessable;
4.2.F. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the
Successor Trust and, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation
of the Successor Trust enforceable against the Successor Trust in accordance
with its terms;
4.2.G. The information to be furnished by the Successor Trust
for use in applications for orders, registration statements, proxy materials and
other documents which may be necessary in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be accurate and complete and shall comply in all
material respects with Federal securities and other laws and regulations
applicable thereto; and
4.2.H. No consent, approval, authorization or order of any
court or governmental authority is required for the consummation by the
Successor Trust of the transactions contemplated herein, except such as shall
have been obtained prior to the Closing Date.
5. COVENANTS OF THE CURRENT TRUST AND THE SUCCESSOR TRUSTS
5.1 The Current Trust covenants that the Successor Trust Shares are not
being acquired for the purpose of making any distribution thereof, other than in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
5.2 The Current Trust covenants that it will assist the Successor
Trusts in obtaining such information as the Successor Trusts may reasonably
request concerning the beneficial ownership of Current Trust Shares.
5.3 The Current Trust will, from time to time, as and when requested by
the Successor Trusts execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered,
all such assignments and other instruments, and will take or cause to be taken
such further action, as the Successor Trusts may deem necessary or desirable in
order to vest in, and confirm to, the Successor Trusts, title to, and possession
of, all the assets of the Current Trust to be sold, assigned, transferred and
delivered to the Successor Trusts hereunder and otherwise to carry out the
intent and purpose of this Agreement.
5.4 The Successor Trusts will, from time to time, as and when requested
by the Current Trust, execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered
all such assignments and other instruments, and will take or cause to be taken
such further action, as the Current Trust may deem necessary or desirable in
order to vest in, and confirm to, the Current Trust, title to, and possession
of, the Successor Trust Shares issued, sold, assigned, transferred and delivered
hereunder and otherwise to carry out the intent and purpose of this Agreement.
5.5 The Successor Trusts shall use all reasonable efforts to obtain the
approvals and authorizations required by the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and such
state securities laws as it may deem appropriate in order to operate after the
Closing Date.
5.6 Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Successor Trusts
and the Current Trust each will take, or cause to be taken, all action and will
do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to
consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
5.7 As promptly as practicable, but in any event within 60 days after
the Closing Date, each Corresponding Series of the Current Trust shall furnish
to the respective Successor Trust, in such form as is reasonably satisfactory to
such Successor Trust, a statement of the earnings and profits of such
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust for federal income tax purposes, and
of any capital loss carryovers and other items that will be carried over to the
respective Successor Trust as a result of Section 381 of the Code, and which
statement will be certified by the President or Treasurer of such Corresponding
Series of the Current Trust. Each Corresponding Series of the Current Trust
covenants that it has no earnings and profits that were accumulated by it or any
other entity during a taxable year when it or such entity did not qualify as a
regulated investment company under the Code or, if it has such earnings and
profits, that it will distribute them to its shareholders prior to the Closing
Date.
6. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE CURRENT TRUST
The obligations of the Corresponding Series of the Current Trust to
consummate the transactions provided for herein shall be subject to the
performance by the respective Successor Trusts of all the obligations to be
performed by the Successor Trusts hereunder on or before the Closing Date and,
in addition thereto, to the following further conditions:
6.1 All representations and warranties of the Successor Trusts
contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects
as of the date hereof and except as they may be affected by the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date, with the same force and
effect as if made on and as of the Closing Date, and
6.2 The Successor Trusts each shall have delivered on the Closing Date
to the Current Trust a certificate executed in such Successor Trust's name by
its President or Vice President, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Current Trust, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the
representations and warranties of such Successor Trust made in this Agreement
are true and correct at and as of the Closing Date, except as they may be
affected by the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such
other matters as the Current Trust shall reasonably request.
Each of the foregoing conditions precedent may be waived by the Current
Trust.
7. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE SUCCESSOR TRUSTS
The obligations of the Successor Trusts to consummate the transactions
provided for herein shall be subject to the performance by the Current Trust of
all the obligations to be performed hereunder on or before the Closing Date and,
in addition thereto, to the following further conditions:
7.1 All representations and warranties of the Current Trust contained
in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the
date hereof and, except as they may be affected by the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement, as of the Closing Date, with the same force and effect as if
made on and as of the Closing Date;
7.2 Each Corresponding Series of the Current Trust shall have delivered
to the respective Successor Trust on the Closing Date a statement of its assets
and liabilities, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied, together with a certificate of the Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer of such Corresponding Series as to the portfolio securities
of such Corresponding Series and the federal income tax basis and holding period
for each such portfolio security as of the Closing Date; and
7.3 Each Corresponding Series of the Current Trust shall have delivered
to the respective Successor Trust on the Closing Date a certificate executed in
the name of such Corresponding Series by its President or Vice President, in
form and substance satisfactory to the respective Successor Trust, dated as of
the Closing Date, to the effect that the representations and warranties of such
Corresponding Series made in this Agreement are true and correct at and as of
the Closing Date, except as they may be affected by the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and as to such other matters as the respective
Successor Trust shall reasonably request.
Each of the foregoing conditions precedent may be waived by each
Successor Trust.
8. FURTHER CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF THE CURRENT TRUST AND
THE SUCCESSOR TRUSTS
The obligations of the Current Trust and the Successor Trusts are
subject to the further conditions that on or before the Closing Date:
8.1 This Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein shall have
been approved by the requisite vote of each of the Corresponding Series
shareholders in accordance with applicable law;
8.2 On the Closing Date, no action, suit or other proceeding shall be
pending before any court or governmental agency in which it is sought to
restrain or prohibit or to obtain damages or other relief in connection with,
the transactions contemplated hereby;
8.3 All consents of other parties and all other consents, orders and
permits of federal, state and local regulatory authorities (including those of
the Commission and of state securities authorities) deemed necessary by the
Successor Trusts or the Current Trust to permit consummation, in all material
respects, of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been obtained,
except where failure to obtain any such consent, order or permit would not
involve a risk of a material adverse effect on the assets or properties of the
Successor Trusts or the Current Trust, provided that either party hereto may for
itself waive any of such conditions;
8.4 The President or Vice President of each of the Successor Trusts
shall have delivered a certificate to the Current Trust on the Closing Date
certifying that such Successor Trust has taken all necessary action so that it
shall be a registered open-end investment company under the 1940 Act.
8.5 The Current Trust and the respective Successor Trust shall have
received on or before the Closing Date an opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP
satisfactory to the Current Trust and the respective Successor Trusts,
substantially to the effect that for federal income tax purposes:
8.5.A. The acquisition of all of the assets of each
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust by the respective Successor
Trusts solely in exchange for the issuance of Successor Trust Shares to
such Corresponding Series and the assumption by the Successor Trusts of
all of the liabilities of respective Corresponding Series, followed by
the distribution in liquidation by such Corresponding Series of
Successor Trust Shares to the shareholders of the such Corresponding
Series in exchange for their shares of such Corresponding Series and
the dissolution of such Corresponding Series, will constitute a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1) of the Code, and
such Corresponding Series and the respective Successor Trust will each
be "a party to a reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(b)
of the Code;
8.5.B. No gain or loss will be recognized by each
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust upon (i) the transfer of all
of its assets to the respective Successor Trust solely in exchange for
the issuance of Successor Trust Shares to such Corresponding Series and
the assumption by the respective Successor Trust of the liabilities of
such Corresponding Series of the Current Trust and (ii) the
distribution by such Corresponding Series of such Successor Trust
Shares to the shareholders of such Corresponding Series;
8.5.C. No gain or loss will be recognized by each Successor
Trust upon receipt of all of the assets of the respective Corresponding
Series of the Current Trust solely in exchange for the issuance of the
Successor Trust Shares to such Corresponding Series and the assumption
by the respective Successor Trust of all of the liabilities of the
respective Corresponding Series;
8.5.D. The tax basis of the assets of each Corresponding
Series of the Current Trust in the hands of the respective Successor
Trust will be, in each instance, the same as the tax basis of those
assets in the hands of such Corresponding Series immediately before the
transfer;
8.5.E. The tax holding period of the assets of each
Corresponding Series of the Current Trust in the hands of the
respective Successor Trust will, in each instance, include the tax
holding period of such Corresponding Series for those assets;
8.5.F. Current Trust Shareholders will not recognize gain or
loss upon the exchange of all of their shares of the Current Trust
solely for Successor Trust Shares as part of the transaction;
8.5.G. The tax basis of the Successor Trust Shares received by
Current Trust Shareholders in the transaction will be the same as the
tax basis of the shares of the Current Trust surrendered in exchange
therefor; and
8.5.H. The tax holding period of the Successor Trust Shares
received by Current Trust Shareholders will include, for each
shareholder, the tax holding period for the Current Trust Shares
surrendered in exchange therefor, provided that such Current Trust
Shares were held as capital assets on the date of the exchange.
Each of the Corresponding Series of the Current Trust and the
respective Successor Trust each agree to make and provide representations with
respect to such Corresponding Series and the respective Successor Trusts which
are reasonably necessary to enable Hale and Dorr LLP to deliver an opinion
substantially as set forth in this paragraph 8.5, which opinion may address such
other federal income tax consequences, if any, that Hale and Dorr LLP believes
to be material to the transaction.
Each of the foregoing conditions precedent to the obligations of a
party, except for the receipt of the opinion of Hale and Dorr LLP set forth in
paragraph 8.5, may be waived by that party.
9. BROKERAGE FEES AND EXPENSES
9.1 Each Successor Trust and the respective Corresponding Series of the
Current Trust each represent and warrant to the other that there are no broker's
or finder's fees payable in connection with the transactions contemplated
hereby.
9.2 Each of the Corresponding Series of the Current Trust and the
respective Successor Trust shall each be liable for its own expenses incurred in
connection with entering into and carrying out the provisions of this Agreement
whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated; if the
transactions are consummated, such expenses of each Corresponding Series of the
Current Trust will be assumed by the respective Successor Trust as part of the
transaction.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
Each of the Successor Trusts and the respective Corresponding Series of
the Current Trust agree that neither party has made any representation, warranty
or covenant not set forth herein and that this Agreement constitutes the entire
agreement between the parties. The representations, warranties and covenants
contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto or in connection
herewith shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereunder.
11. TERMINATION
11.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the
Successor Trust and the Current Trust. In addition, either a Successor Trust or
the Current Trust may at its option terminate this Agreement at or prior to the
Closing Date because:
11.1.A. There exists a material breach by the other party of
any representations, warranties or agreements contained herein to be
performed at or prior to the Closing Date; or
11.1.B. A condition herein expressed to be precedent to the
obligations of the terminating party has not been met and it reasonably
appears that it will not or cannot be met.
11.2 In the event of any such termination, there shall be no liability
for damages on the part of the Successor Trust or the Current Trust, or their
respective trustees or officers, to the other party or its trustees or officers.
12. AMENDMENT
This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented in such manner
as may be mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties; provided, however,
that following the approval of this Agreement by Current Trust Shareholders, no
such amendment may have the effect of changing the provisions for determining
the number of Successor Trust Shares to be paid to Current Trust Shareholders
under this Agreement to the detriment of Current Trust Shareholders without
their further approval.
13. HEADINGS; COUNTERPARTS; GOVERNING LAW; ASSIGNMENT
13.1 The article and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are
for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
13.2 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original.
13.3 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
13.4 This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, but no
assignment or transfer hereof or of any rights or obligations hereunder shall be
made by any party without the written consent of the other party. Nothing herein
expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give
any person, firm or corporation other than the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns any rights or remedies under or by reason of
this Agreement.
13.5 All persons dealing with the Current Trust and the Successor
Trusts must look solely to the property of the Current Trust and the Successor
Trust for the enforcement of any claims against such Trust as neither the
Trustees, officers, agents or shareholders of either Trust assume any personal
liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Current Trust and the
Successor Trusts.
13.6 A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Current
Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this instrument is executed on
behalf of the Trustees of the Current Trust as trustees and not individually and
that the obligations of this instrument are not binding upon any of the
trustees, officers, or shareholders of the current Trust individually, but are
binding only upon the assets and property of the Current Trust.
14. NOTICES
Any notice, report, statement or demand required or permitted by any
provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid
telegraph, telecopy or certified mail addressed to the Current Trust or the
Successor Trusts, each at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,
Attention: Secretary.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this
Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer.
PIONEER GROWTH TRUST,
a Massachusetts business trust,
on behalf of each of Pioneer Capital Growth Fund,
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund and Pioneer Gold Shares
By:_________________________________
Its:_________________________________
PIONEER CAPITAL GROWTH FUND,
a Delaware business trust
By:__________________________________
Its:__________________________________
PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME FUND,
a Delaware business trust
By:________________________________
Its:________________________________
PIONEER GOLD SHARES,
a Delaware business trust
By:________________________________
Its:________________________________
Arthur Andersen LLP
Consent of Independent Public Accountants
To the Shareholders and Trustees of
Pioneer Gold Shares:
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report
dated December 3, 1997 (and to all references to our firm) included in or made
as part this registration statement.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Arthur Andersen LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 13, 1998
CLASS A SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
CLASS A SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN, dated as of _______, 199_, of PIONEER
GOLD SHARES, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to distribute shares of beneficial interest
(the "Class A Shares") of the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and
desires to adopt this Class A distribution plan (the "Class A Plan") as a plan
of distribution pursuant to such Rule;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("PFD"), provide certain distribution services for the
Trust's Class A Shares in connection with the Class A Plan;
WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an underwriting agreement (in a
form approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees in a manner specified in such
Rule 12b-1) with PFD, whereby PFD provides facilities and personnel and renders
services to the Trust in connection with the offering and distribution of Class
A Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Trust also recognizes and agrees that (a) PFD may retain
the services of firms or individuals to act as dealers or wholesalers
(collectively, the "Dealers") of the Class A Shares in connection with the
offering of Class A Shares, (b) PFD may compensate any Dealer that sells Class A
Shares in the manner and at the rate or rates to be set forth in an agreement
between PFD and such Dealer and (c) PFD may make such payments to the Dealers
for distribution services out of the fee paid to PFD hereunder, any deferred
sales charges imposed by PFD in connection with the repurchase of Class A
Shares, its profits or any other source available to it;
WHEREAS, the Trust recognizes and agrees that PFD may impose certain
deferred sales charges in connection with the repurchase of Class A Shares by
the Trust, and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust, as the case may be)
all such deferred sales charges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in considering whether the
Trust should adopt and implement this Class A Plan, has evaluated such
information as it deemed necessary to an informed determination whether this
Class A Plan should be adopted and implemented and has considered such pertinent
factors as it deemed necessary to form the
<PAGE>
basis for a decision to use assets of the Trust for such purposes, and has
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the adoption and
implementation of this Class A Plan will benefit the Trust and its Class A
shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Trust hereby adopts this
Class A Plan for the Trust as a plan of distribution of Class A Shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:
1. The Trust may expend pursuant to this Class A Plan amounts not to
exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares per
annum.
2. Subject to the limit in paragraph 1, the Trust shall reimburse PFD
for amounts expended by PFD to finance any activity which is primarily intended
to result in the sale of Class A Shares of the Trust or the provision of
services to Class A shareholders of the Trust, including but not limited to
commissions or other payments to Dealers and salaries and other expenses of PFD
relating to selling or servicing efforts, provided, that the Board of Trustees
of the Trust shall approve categories of expenses for which reimbursement shall
be made pursuant to this paragraph 2 and, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the initial categories of such expenses shall be (i) a service fee to
be paid to qualified broker-dealers in an amount not to exceed 0.25% per annum
of the Trust's daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares; (ii)
reimbursement to PFD for its expenditures for broker-dealer commissions and
employee compensation on certain sales of the Trust's Class A Shares with no
initial sales charge; and (iii) reimbursement to PFD for expenses incurred in
providing services to Class A shareholders and supporting broker-dealers and
other organizations, such as banks and trust companies, in their efforts to
provide such services (any addition of such categories shall be subject to the
approval of the Qualified Trustees, as defined below, of the Trust). Such
reimbursement shall be paid ten (10) days after the end of the month or quarter,
as the case may be, in which such expenses are incurred. The Trust acknowledges
that PFD will charge an initial sales load or a contingent sales load in
connection with certain sales of Class A Shares of the Trust and that PFD will
reallow to Dealers all or a portion of such sales loads, as described in the
Trust's Prospectus from time to time. Nothing contained herein is intended to
have any effect whatsoever on PFD's ability to charge any such sales loads or to
reallow all or any portion thereof to Dealers.
3. The Trust understands that agreements between PFD and Dealers may
provide for payment of fees to Dealers in connection with the sale of Class A
Shares and the provision of services to Class A shareholders of the Trust.
Nothing in this Class A Plan shall be construed as requiring the Trust to make
any payment to any Dealer or to have any obligations to any Dealer in connection
with services as a dealer of the Class A Shares. PFD shall agree and undertake
that any agreement entered into between PFD and any Dealer shall provide that
such Dealer shall look solely to PFD for compensation for its services
thereunder and that in no event shall such Dealer seek any payment from the
Trust.
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<PAGE>
4. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust to
take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or any
applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by
which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of the
responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.
5. This Class A Plan shall become effective upon approval by (i) a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of Class A of the Trust, (ii) a
vote of the Board of Trustees, and (iii) a vote of a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Class A Plan or in any agreement
related to the Class A Plan (the "Qualified Trustees"), such votes with respect
to (ii) and (iii) above to be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on this Class A Plan.
6. This Class A Plan will remain in effect indefinitely, provided that
such continuance is "specifically approved at least annually" by a vote of both
a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Qualified
Trustees. If such annual approval is not obtained, this Class A Plan shall
expire on _______, 199_. This Class A Plan shall automatically terminate upon
assignment. In the event of termination or non-continuance of this Class A Plan,
the Trust has twelve months to reimburse any expense which it incurs prior to
such termination or non-continuance, provided that payments by the Trust during
such twelve-month period shall not exceed 0.25% of the Trust's average daily net
assets attributable to Class A Shares during such period.
7. This Class A Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of
Trustees, provided that this Class A Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the limitation on the annual percentage of average net assets which
may be expended hereunder without the approval of holders of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of Class A of the Trust and may not be materially
amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the
Qualified Trustees. Any amendment of this Class A Plan to increase or modify the
expense categories initially designated by the Trustees in paragraph 2 above
shall only require approval of a majority of the Trustees and the Qualified
Trustees if such amendment does not include an increase in the expense
limitation set forth in paragraph 1 above. This Class A Plan may be terminated
at any time by a vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by a vote of
the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Trust.
8. In the event of termination or expiration of this Class A Plan, the
Trust may nevertheless, within twelve months of such termination or expiration
reimburse any expense which it incurs prior to such termination or expiration,
provided that payments by the Trust during such twelve-month period shall not
exceed 0.25% of the Trust's average daily net assets attributable to Class A
Shares during such period and provided further that such payments are
specifically approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the
Qualified Trustees.
-3-
<PAGE>
9. The Trust and PFD shall provide to the Trust's Board of Trustees,
and the Board of Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts expended under this Class A Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
10. While this Class A Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination
of Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust.
11. For the purposes of this Class A Plan, the terms "assignment,"
"interested persons," "majority of the outstanding voting securities" and
"specifically approved at least annually" are used as defined in the 1940 Act.
12. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Class A Plan, and each
agreement related hereto and each report referred to in paragraph 9 hereof
(collectively, the "Records"), for a period of not less than six (6) years from
the end of the fiscal year in which such Records were made and, for a period of
two (2) years, each of such Records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.
13. This Class A Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the applicable provisions
of the 1940 Act.
14. If any provision of this Class A Plan shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall
not be affected thereby.
-4-
CLASS B SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
CLASS B SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN, dated as of _______, 199_ of PIONEER
GOLD SHARES, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to distribute shares of beneficial interest
(the "Class B Shares") of the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and
desires to adopt this Class B Shares distribution plan (the "Class B Plan") as a
plan of distribution pursuant to such Rule;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("PFD"), provide certain distribution services for the
Trust's Class B Shares in connection with the Class B Plan;
WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an underwriting agreement (in a
form approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees in a manner specified in such
Rule 12b-1) with PFD, whereby PFD provides facilities and personnel and renders
services to the Trust in connection with the offering and distribution of Class
B Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Trust also recognizes and agrees that (a) PFD may retain
the services of firms or individuals to act as dealers or wholesalers
(collectively, the "Dealers") of the Class B Shares in connection with the
offering of Class B Shares, (b) PFD may compensate any Dealer that sells Class B
Shares in the manner and at the rate or rates to be set forth in an agreement
between PFD and such Dealer and (c) PFD may make such payments to the Dealers
for distribution services out of the fee paid to PFD hereunder, any deferred
sales charges imposed by PFD in connection with the repurchase of Class B
shares, its profits or any other source available to it;
WHEREAS, the Trust recognizes and agrees that PFD may impose certain
deferred sales charges in connection with the repurchase of Class B Shares by
the Trust, and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust, as the case may be)
all such deferred sales charges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in considering whether the
Trust should adopt and implement this Class B Plan, has evaluated such
information as it deemed necessary to an informed determination whether this
Class B Plan should be adopted and implemented and has considered such pertinent
factors as it deemed necessary to form the
<PAGE>
basis for a decision to use assets of the Trust for such purposes, and has
determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the adoption and
implementation of this Class B Plan will benefit the Trust and its Class B
shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Trust hereby adopts this
Class B Plan for the Trust as a plan of distribution of Class B Shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:
1. (a) The Trust is authorized to compensate PFD for (1)
distribution services and (2) personal and account maintenance
services performed and expenses incurred by PFD in connection
with the Trust's Class B Shares. Such compensation shall be
calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other
intervals as the Board of Trustees may determine.
(b) The amount of compensation paid during any one
year for distribution services with respect to Class B Shares
shall be .75% of the Trust's average daily net assets
attributable to Class B Shares for such year.
(c) Distribution services and expenses for which PFD
may be compensated pursuant to this Plan include, without
limitation: compensation to and expenses (including allocable
overhead, travel and telephone expenses) of (i) Dealers,
brokers and other dealers who are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") or their
officers, sales representatives and employees, (ii) PFD and
any of its affiliates and any of their respective officers,
sales representatives and employees, (iii) banks and their
officers, sales representatives and employees, who engage in
or support distribution of the Trust's Class B Shares;
printing of reports and prospectuses for other than existing
shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of
sales literature and advertising materials.
(d) The amount of compensation paid during any one
year for personal and account maintenance services and
expenses shall be .25% of the Trust's average daily net assets
attributable to Class B Shares for such year. As partial
consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance
services provided by PFD to the Class B Shares, PFD shall be
entitled to be paid any fees payable under this clause (d)
with respect to Class B Shares for which no dealer of record
exists, where less than all consideration has been paid to a
dealer of record or where qualification standards have not
been met.
(e) Personal and account maintenance services for
which PFD or any of its affiliates, banks or Dealers may be
compensated pursuant to this Plan include, without limitation:
payments made to or on account of PFD or any of its
affiliates, banks, other brokers and dealers who are members
of the NASD, or their officers, sales representatives and
employees, who respond to inquiries of, and furnish assistance
to, shareholders regarding their ownership of Class B
-2-
<PAGE>
Shares or their accounts or who provide similar services not
otherwise provided by or on behalf of the Trust.
(f) PFD may impose certain deferred sales charges in
connection with the repurchase of Class B Shares by the Trust
and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust as the case may
be) all such deferred sales charges.
(g) Appropriate adjustments to payments made pursuant
to clauses (b) and (d) of this paragraph 1 shall be made
whenever necessary to ensure that no payment is made by the
Trust in excess of the applicable maximum cap imposed on asset
based, front-end and deferred sales charges by subsection (d)
of Section 26 of Article III of the Rules of Fair Practice of
the NASD.
2. The Trust understands that agreements between PFD and Dealers may
provide for payment of fees to Dealers in connection with the sale of Class B
Shares and the provision of services to shareholders of the Trust. Nothing in
this Class B Plan shall be construed as requiring the Trust to make any payment
to any Dealer or to have any obligations to any Dealer in connection with
services as a dealer of the Class B Shares. PFD shall agree and undertake that
any agreement entered into between PFD and any Dealer shall provide that such
Dealer shall look solely to PFD for compensation for its services thereunder and
that in no event shall such Dealer seek any payment from the Trust.
3. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust to
take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust, as it may be amended or
restated from time to time, or By-Laws or any applicable statutory or regulatory
requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or
deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of the responsibility for and control of
the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.
4. This Class B Plan shall become effective upon approval by (i) a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of Class B of the Trust, (ii) a
vote of the Board of Trustees, and (iii) a vote of a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Class B Plan or in any agreements
related to the Class B Plan (the "Qualified Trustees"), such votes with respect
to (ii) and (iii) above to be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on this Class B Plan.
5. This Class B Plan will remain in effect indefinitely, provided that
such continuance is "specifically approved at least annually" by a vote of both
a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Qualified
Trustees. If such annual approval is not obtained, this Class B Plan shall
expire on _______, 199_.
6. This Class B Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of
Trustees, provided that this Class B Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the limitations on the annual percentage of average net assets which
may be expended hereunder without the
-3-
<PAGE>
approval of holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of
Class B of the Trust and may not be materially amended in any case without a
vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the Qualified Trustees. This Class B
Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the Qualified
Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" of Class B of the Trust.
7. The Trust and PFD shall provide to the Trust's Board of Trustees,
and the Board of Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts expended under this Class B Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
8. While this Class B Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination
of Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust.
9. For the purposes of this Class B Plan, the terms "assignment,"
"interested persons," "majority of the outstanding voting securities" and
"specifically approved at least annually" are used as defined in the 1940 Act.
10. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Class B Plan, and each
agreement related hereto and each report referred to in Paragraph 7 hereof
(collectively, the "Records"), for a period of not less than six (6) years from
the end of the fiscal year in which such Records were made and, for a period of
two (2) years, each of such Records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.
11. This Class B Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
12. If any provision of this Class B Plan shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Class B
Plan shall not be affected thereby.
-4-
CLASS C SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
CLASS C SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN, dated as of ___________, 199_ of PIONEER
GOLD SHARES, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to distribute shares of beneficial interest (the
"Class C Shares") of the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and
desires to adopt this Class C Shares distribution plan (the "Class C Plan") as a
plan of distribution pursuant to such Rule;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation ("PFD"), provide certain distribution services for the Trust's Class
C Shares in connection with the Class C Plan;
WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an underwriting agreement (in a form
approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees in a manner specified in such Rule
12b-1) with PFD, whereby PFD provides facilities and personnel and renders
services to the Trust in connection with the offering and distribution of Class
C Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Trust also recognizes and agrees that (a) PFD may retain the
services of firms or individuals to act as dealers or wholesalers (collectively,
the "Dealers") of the Class C Shares in connection with the offering of Class C
Shares, (b) PFD may compensate any Dealer that sells Class C Shares in the
manner and at the rate or rates to be set forth in an agreement between PFD and
such Dealer and (c) PFD may make such payments to the Dealers for distribution
services out of the fee paid to PFD hereunder, any deferred sales charges
imposed by PFD in connection with the repurchase of Class C shares, its profits
or any other source available to it;
<PAGE>
WHEREAS, the Trust recognizes and agrees that PFD may impose certain deferred
sales charges in connection with the repurchase of Class C Shares by the Trust,
and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust, as the case may be) all such
deferred sales charges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in considering whether the Trust
should adopt and implement this Class C Plan, has evaluated such information as
it deemed necessary to an informed determination whether this Class C Plan
should be adopted and implemented and has considered such pertinent factors as
it deemed necessary to form the basis for a decision to use assets of the Trust
for such purposes, and has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that
the adoption and implementation of this Class C Plan will benefit the Trust and
its Class C shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Trust hereby adopts this Class C
Plan for the Trust as a plan of distribution of Class C Shares in accordance
with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:
1. (a)The Trust is authorized to compensate PFD for (1) distribution
services and (2) personal and account maintenance services performed
and expenses incurred by PFD in connection with the Trust's Class C
Shares. Such compensation shall be calculated and accrued daily and
paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Trustees may
determine.
(b)The amount of compensation paid during any one year for
distribution services with respect to Class C Shares shall be .75% of
the Trust's average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares
for such year.
(c)Distribution services and expenses for which PFD may be
compensated pursuant to this Plan include, without limitation:
compensation to and expenses (including allocable overhead, travel and
telephone expenses) of (i) Dealers, brokers and other dealers who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD") or their officers, sales representatives and employees, (ii)
PFD and any of its affiliates and any of their respective officers,
sales representatives and employees, (iii) banks and their officers,
sales representatives and employees, who engage in or support
distribution of the Trust's Class C Shares; printing of reports and
prospectuses for other than existing shareholders; and preparation,
printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising
materials.
-2-
<PAGE>
(d)The amount of compensation paid during any one year for
personal and account maintenance services and expenses shall be .25%
of the Trust's average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares
for such year. As partial consideration for personal services and/or
account maintenance services provided by PFD to the Class C Shares,
PFD shall be entitled to be paid any fees payable under this clause
(d) with respect to Class C shares for which no dealer of record
exists, where less than all consideration has been paid to a dealer of
record or where qualification standards have not been met.
(e)Personal and account maintenance services for which PFD or any
of its affiliates, banks or Dealers may be compensated pursuant to
this Plan include, without limitation: payments made to or on account
of PFD or any of its affiliates, banks, other brokers and dealers who
are members of the NASD, or their officers, sales representatives and
employees, who respond to inquiries of, and furnish assistance to,
shareholders regarding their ownership of Class C Shares or their
accounts or who provide similar services not otherwise provided by or
on behalf of the Trust.
(f)PFD may impose certain deferred sales charges in connection
with the repurchase of Class C Shares by the Trust and PFD may retain
(or receive from the Trust as the case may be) all such deferred sales
charges.
(g)Appropriate adjustments to payments made pursuant to clauses
(b) and (d) of this paragraph 1 shall be made whenever necessary to
ensure that no payment is made by the Trust in excess of the
applicable maximum cap imposed on asset based, front-end and deferred
sales charges by subsection (d) of Section 26 of Article III of the
Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD.
2.The Trust understands that agreements between PFD and Dealers may
provide for payment of fees to Dealers in connection with the sale of Class C
Shares and the provision of services to shareholders of the Trust. Nothing in
this Class C Plan shall be construed as requiring the Trust to make any payment
to any Dealer or to have any obligations to any Dealer in connection with
services as a dealer of the Class C Shares. PFD shall agree and undertake that
any agreement entered into between PFD and any Dealer shall provide that such
Dealer shall look solely to PFD for
-3-
<PAGE>
compensation for its services thereunder and that in no event shall such Dealer
seek any payment from the Trust.
3.Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust to take
any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust, as it may be amended or
restated from time to time, or By-Laws or any applicable statutory or regulatory
requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or
deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of the responsibility for and control of
the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.
4.This Class C Plan shall become effective upon approval by (i) a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of Class C of the Trust, (ii) a
vote of the Board of Trustees, and (iii) a vote of a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Class C Plan or in any agreements
related to the Class C Plan (the "Qualified Trustees"), such votes with respect
to (ii) and (iii) above to be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on this Class C Plan.
5.This Class C Plan will remain in effect indefinitely, provided that
such continuance is "specifically approved at least annually" by a vote of both
a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Qualified
Trustees. If such annual approval is not obtained, this Class C Plan shall
expire on ________, 199_.
6.This Class C Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of
Trustees, provided that this Class C Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the limitations on the annual percentage of average net assets which
may be expended hereunder without the approval of holders of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of Class C of the Trust and may not be materially
amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the
Qualified Trustees. This Class C Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of
a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of Class C of the Trust.
7.The Trust and PFD shall provide to the Trust's Board of Trustees, and
the Board of Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of the
amounts expended under this Class C Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
8.While this Class C Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of
Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are
not "interested persons" of the Trust.
-4-
<PAGE>
9.For the purposes of this Class C Plan, the terms "assignment,"
"interested persons," "majority of the outstanding voting securities" and
"specifically approved at least annually" are used as defined in the 1940 Act.
10.The Trust shall preserve copies of this Class C Plan, and each
agreement related hereto and each report referred to in Paragraph 7 hereof
(collectively, the "Records"), for a period of not less than six (6) years from
the end of the fiscal year in which such Records were made and, for a period of
two (2) years, each of such Records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.
11.This Class C Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
12.If any provision of this Class C Plan shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Class C
Plan shall not be affected thereby.
-5-
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
___, 1998
Each class of shares of Pioneer Gold Shares (the "Trust") will
have the same relative rights and privileges and be subject to the same sales
charges, fees and expenses, except as set forth below. The Board of Trustees may
determine in the future that other distribution arrangements, allocations of
expenses (whether ordinary or extraordinary) or services to be provided to a
class of shares are appropriate and amend this Plan accordingly without the
approval of shareholders of any class. Except as set forth in the Trust's
prospectus, shares may be exchanged only for shares of the same class of another
Pioneer mutual Trust.
Article I. Class A Shares
Class A Shares are sold at net asset value and subject to the initial
sales charge schedule or contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") and minimum
purchase requirements as set forth in the Trust's prospectus. Class A Shares
shall be entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the
Trust's prospectus with respect to Class A Shares. Class A Shares are subject to
fees calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class A
shares under the Trust's Class A Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan as set forth in
such Distribution Plan. The Class A Shareholders have exclusive voting rights,
if any, with respect to the Class A Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. Transfer
agency fees are allocated to Class A Shares on a per account basis except to the
extent, if any, such an allocation would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any
requirement necessary to obtain or rely on a private letter ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") relating to the issuance of multiple classes of
shares. Class A shares shall bear the costs and expenses associated with
conducting a shareholder meeting for matters relating to Class A shares.
<PAGE>
Article II. Class B Shares
Class B Shares are sold at net asset value per share without the
imposition of an initial sales charge. However, Class B shares redeemed within a
specified number of years of purchase will be subject to a CDSC as set forth in
the Trust's prospectus. Class B Shares are sold subject to the minimum purchase
requirements set forth in the Trust's prospectus. Class B Shares shall be
entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the Trust's
prospectus with respect to Class B Shares. Class B Shares are subject to fees
calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class B
shares under the Class B Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan as set forth in such
Distribution Plan. The Class B Shareholders of the Trust have exclusive voting
rights, if any, with respect to the Trust's Class B Rule 12b-1 Distribution
Plan. Transfer agency fees are allocated to Class B Shares on a per account
basis except to the extent, if any, such an allocation would cause the Trust to
fail to satisfy any requirement necessary to obtain or rely on a private letter
ruling from the IRS relating to the issuance of multiple classes of shares.
Class B shares shall bear the costs and expenses associated with conducting a
shareholder meeting for matters relating to Class B shares.
Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the
Trust at the end of a specified number of years after the initial purchase date
of Class B shares, except as provided in the Trust's prospectus. Such conversion
will occur at the relative net asset value per share of each class without the
imposition of any sales charge, fee or other charge. The conversion of Class B
Shares to Class A Shares may be suspended if it is determined that the
conversion constitutes or is likely to constitute a taxable event under federal
income tax law.
The initial purchase date for Class B shares acquired through (i)
reinvestment of dividends on Class B Shares or (ii) exchange from another
Pioneer mutual fund will be deemed to be the date on which the original Class B
shares were purchased.
<PAGE>
Article III. Class C Shares
Class C Shares are sold at net asset value per share without the
imposition of an initial sales charge. However, Class C shares redeemed within
one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC as set forth in the Trust's
prospectus. Class C Shares are sold subject to the minimum purchase requirements
set forth in the Trust's prospectus. Class C Shares shall be entitled to the
shareholder services set forth from time to time in the Trust's prospectus with
respect to Class C Shares. Class C Shares are subject to fees calculated as a
stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class C shares under the
Class C Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan as set forth in such Distribution Plan. The
Class C Shareholders of the Trust have exclusive voting rights, if any, with
respect to the Trust's Class C Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. Transfer agency
fees are allocated to Class C Shares on a per account basis except to the
extent, if any, such an allocation would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any
requirement necessary to obtain or rely on a private letter ruling from the IRS
relating to the issuance of multiple classes of shares. Class C shares shall
bear the costs and expenses associated with conducting a shareholder meeting for
matters relating to Class C shares.
The initial purchase date for Class C shares acquired through (i)
reinvestment of dividends on Class C Shares or (ii) exchange from another
Pioneer mutual fund will be deemed to be the date on which the original Class C
shares were purchased.
Article IV. Approval by Board of Trustees
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by the vote
of a majority (or whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be
required under Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Act")) of (a) all of the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) those of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as such term may be from
time to time defined under the Act.
<PAGE>
Article V. Amendments
No material amendment to the Plan shall be effective unless it is
approved by the Board of Trustees in the same manner as is provided for approval
of this Plan in Article IV.
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
PIONEER CAPITAL GROWTH FUND
PIONEER EQUITY-INCOME FUND
PIONEER GOLD SHARES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Dated January 8, 1998
Each of the undersigned Trustees of each of the above-listed registered
investment companies (each a "Fund"), each a Delaware or a Massachusetts
business trust, do hereby constitute and appoint John F. Cogan, Jr., David D.
Tripple, and Joseph P. Barri, and each of them acting singly, to be my true,
sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them, and each of
them acting singly, to sign for me, in my name and in my capacity as trustee,
any and all amendments to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be filed by
each Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"),
and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), with respect
to the offering of its shares of beneficial interest and any and all other
documents and papers relating thereto, and generally to do all such things in my
name and on my behalf in my capacity as trustee to enable each Fund to comply
with the 1940 Act and the 1933 Act, and all requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Commission thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as
it may be signed by said attorneys or each of them to any and all amendments to
said Registration Statement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunder set my hand on this Instrument as of
the date first written above.
/s/ Mark K. Bush
Mary K. Bush, Trustee
/s/ John F. Cogan, Jr.
John F. Cogan, Jr., Trustee
/s/ Richard H. Egdahl
Richard H. Egdahl, Trustee
/s/ Margaret B. W. Graham
Margaret B. W. Graham, Trustee
/s/ John W. Kendrick
John W. Kendrick, Trustee
/s/ Marguerite A. Piret
Marguerite A. Piret, Trustee
/s/ David D. Tripple
David D. Tripple, Trustee
/s/ Stephen K. West
Stephen K. West, Trustee
/s/ John Winthrop
John Winthrop, Trustee
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM N-SAR DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 FOR PIONEER GROWTH TRUST AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000869352
<NAME> PIONEER GOLD SHARES
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 031
<NAME> PIONEER GOLD SHARES CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 43542600
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 34306974
<RECEIVABLES> 1239314
<ASSETS-OTHER> 5189
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 137637
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 35689114
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 412500
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 211618
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 624118
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 45252734
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 4961874
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 4613273
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (952135)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (9235603)
<NET-ASSETS> 35064996
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 494295
<INTEREST-INCOME> 126302
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (689271)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (68674)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (938822)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (10448723)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (11456219)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (393765)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3510035
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 3207828
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 46394
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (7372924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 445925
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 242889
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 771126
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 31267515
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.81
<PER-SHARE-NII> (0.01)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.94)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.09)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 5.77
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.74
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM N-SAR DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 FOR PIONEER GROWTH TRUST AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000869352
<NAME> PIONEER GOLD SHARES
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 032
<NAME> PIONEER GOLD SHARES CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 43542600
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 34306974
<RECEIVABLES> 1239314
<ASSETS-OTHER> 5189
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 137637
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 35689114
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 412500
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 211618
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 624118
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 45252734
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 961265
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 617041
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (952135)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (9235603)
<NET-ASSETS> 35064996
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 494295
<INTEREST-INCOME> 126302
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (689271)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (68674)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (938822)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (10448723)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (11456219)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (56981)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1071945
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 733569
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 5848
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (7372924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 445925
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 242889
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 771126
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 5171019
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.65
<PER-SHARE-NII> (0.04)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.91)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.09)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 5.61
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.51
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT
ON FORM N-SAR DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 FOR PIONEER GROWTH TRUST AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000869352
<NAME> PIONEER GOLD SHARES
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 033
<NAME> PIONEER GOLD SHARES CLASS C
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 43542600
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 34306974
<RECEIVABLES> 1239314
<ASSETS-OTHER> 5189
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 137637
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 35689114
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 412500
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 211618
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 624118
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 45252734
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 961265
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 617041
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (952135)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (9235603)
<NET-ASSETS> 35064996
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 494295
<INTEREST-INCOME> 126302
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (689271)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> (68674)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (938822)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (10448723)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> (11456219)
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> (7314)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 200519
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 238282
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 967
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (7372924)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 445925
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 242889
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 771126
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 914575
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 7.65
<PER-SHARE-NII> (0.04)
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (1.90)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> (0.09)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 5.62
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.38
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
