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SECURITY INCOME FUND
o DIVERSIFIED INCOME SERIES
(formerly U.S. Government Series)
o HIGH YIELD SERIES
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
SECURITY CASH FUND
Members of The Security Benefit Group of Companies
700 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
(785) 431-3127
(800) 888-2461
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It should be read
in conjunction with the Prospectus dated May 1, 2000, as it may be supplemented
from time to time. A Prospectus may be obtained by writing Security
Distributors, Inc., 700 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001, or by calling
(785) 431-3127 or (800) 888-2461, ext. 3127. The Fund's December 31, 1999 Annual
Report is incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 1, 2000, AS SUPPLEMENTED JUNE 5, 2000
RELATING TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2000,
AS IT MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME
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INVESTMENT MANAGER
Security Management Company, LLC
700 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
DISTRIBUTOR
Security Distributors, Inc.
700 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
CUSTODIAN
UMB Bank, N.A.
928 Grand Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
One Kansas City Place
1200 Main Street
Kansas City Missouri, 64105-2143
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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GENERAL INFORMATION......................................................... 3
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS............................. 4
Security Income Fund..................................................... 4
Security Municipal Bond Fund............................................. 7
Security Cash Fund....................................................... 11
INVESTMENT METHODS AND RISK FACTORS......................................... 13
General Risk Factors..................................................... 13
Repurchase Agreements, Reverse Repurchase Agreements
and Roll Transactions................................................. 13
Borrowing................................................................ 14
Lending of Portfolio Securities.......................................... 14
Guaranteed Investment Contracts ("GICs")................................. 14
Restricted Securities (Rule 144A Securities)............................. 14
Risks Associated With Lower-Rated Debt Securities (Junk Bonds)........... 15
Convertible Securities and Warrants...................................... 16
Mortgage Backed Securities and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations....... 16
Asset Backed Securities.................................................. 17
Real Estate Securities................................................... 17
When Issued and Forward Commitment Securities............................ 18
Options and Futures Strategies........................................... 18
Interest Rate Swaps...................................................... 22
Emerging Countries....................................................... 23
Foreign Investment Restrictions.......................................... 23
Political and Economic Risks............................................. 23
Religious and Ethnic Instability......................................... 23
Non-Uniform Corporate Disclosure Standards and Governmental Regulation... 24
Adverse Market Characteristics........................................... 24
Non-U.S. Withholding Taxes............................................... 24
Costs.................................................................... 24
Eastern Europe........................................................... 24
American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)...................................... 24
INVESTMENT POLICY LIMITATIONS............................................... 24
Fundamental Policies..................................................... 25
Operating Policies....................................................... 25
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS...................................................... 26
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHERS........................................ 27
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES............................................. 28
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES...................................................... 29
Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds.................. 29
Alternative Purchase Options............................................. 29
Class A Shares........................................................... 29
Security Income and Municipal Bond Funds' Class A Distribution Plans..... 30
Class B Shares........................................................... 31
Class B Distribution Plan................................................ 31
Class C Shares........................................................... 32
Class C Distribution Plan................................................ 32
Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges.............. 32
Arrangements With Broker/Dealers and Others.............................. 33
Cash Fund................................................................ 33
PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE................................................ 34
ACCUMULATION PLAN........................................................... 34
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM............................................... 35
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT....................................................... 35
Portfolio Management..................................................... 37
Code of Ethics........................................................... 38
DISTRIBUTOR................................................................. 38
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE........................................... 39
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE............................................ 40
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES........................................................ 41
Telephone Redemptions.................................................... 42
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES...................................................... 43
Exchange by Telephone.................................................... 44
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES......................................................... 44
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts and Swap Agreements............... 47
Market Discount.......................................................... 48
Original Issue Discount.................................................. 48
Constructive Sales....................................................... 48
Foreign Taxation......................................................... 48
Other Taxes.............................................................. 48
ORGANIZATION................................................................ 49
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT......................... 49
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS........................................................ 49
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................................... 49
RETIREMENT PLANS............................................................ 51
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS)....................................... 51
ROTH IRAS................................................................... 52
EDUCATION IRAS.............................................................. 52
SIMPLE IRAS................................................................. 52
PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS............................................ 53
403(B) RETIREMENT PLANS..................................................... 53
SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEPPS)................................... 53
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........................................................ 53
TAX-EXEMPT VS. TAXABLE INCOME............................................... 53
APPENDIX A.................................................................. 54
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Security Income Fund, Security Municipal Bond Fund and Security Cash Fund, which
were organized as Kansas corporations on April 20, 1965, July 14, 1981 and March
21, 1980, respectively, are registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as investment companies. The name of Security Municipal Bond Fund
(formerly "Security Tax-Exempt Fund") was changed effective May 1, 1998 that of
Diversified Income Series (formerly "U.S. Government Series") was changed
effective February 4, 2000. Such registration does not involve supervision by
the Securities and Exchange Commission of the management or policies of the
Funds. The Funds are diversified, open-end management investment companies that,
upon the demand of the investor, must redeem their shares and pay the investor
the current net asset value thereof. (See "How to Redeem Shares," page 46.)
Each of the Diversified Income Series ("Diversified Income Fund") and High Yield
Series ("High Yield Fund") of Security Income Fund, Security Municipal Bond Fund
("Municipal Bond Fund"), and Security Cash Fund ("Cash Fund") (the "Funds") has
its own investment objective and policies which are described below. While there
is no present intention to do so, the investment objective and policies of each
Fund, unless otherwise noted, may be changed by its Board of Directors without
the approval of stockholders. Each of the Funds is also required to operate
within limitations imposed by its fundamental investment policies which may not
be changed without stockholder approval. These limitations are set forth below
under "Investment Policy Limitations," page 27. An investment in one of the
Funds does not constitute a complete investment program.
The value of the shares of each Fund fluctuates with the value of the portfolio
securities. Each Fund may realize losses or gains when it sells portfolio
securities and will earn income to the extent that it receives dividends or
interest from its investments. (See "Dividends and Taxes," page 49.)
The shares of Diversified Income Fund and High Yield Fund are sold to the public
at net asset value, plus a sales commission which is divided between the
principal distributor and dealers who sell the shares ("Class A shares"), or at
net asset value with a contingent deferred sales charge ("Class B shares" or
"Class C shares"). The shares of Municipal Bond Fund are sold to the public at
net asset value, plus a sales commission which is divided between the principal
distributor and dealers who sell the shares ("Class A shares"), or at net asset
value with a contingent deferred sales charge ("Class B shares"). The shares of
Cash Fund are sold to the public at net asset value. There is no sales charge or
load when purchasing shares of Cash Fund. (See "How to Purchase Shares," page
32.)
The Funds receive investment advisory, administrative, accounting, and transfer
agency services from Security Management Company, LLC (the "Investment Manager")
for a fee. The Investment Manager has agreed that the aggregate annual expenses
(including the management compensation but excluding brokerage commissions,
interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and Class B distribution fees) shall not
for Diversified Income and High Yield Funds exceed any expense limitation
imposed by any state and shall not for Cash Fund exceed 1% of the average net
assets of the Fund for the year. The Investment Manager has also agreed that the
aggregate annual expenses (including the management compensation but excluding
interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and Class A and Class B distribution
fees) shall not for Municipal Bond Fund exceed 1% of the average net assets of
the Fund for the year. (See page 39 for a discussion of the Investment Manager
and the Investment Advisory Contract.)
Each Fund will pay all of its expenses not assumed by the Investment Manager or
Security Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor") including organization expenses;
directors' fees; fees of custodian; taxes and governmental fees; interest
charges; any membership dues; brokerage commissions; expenses of preparing and
distributing reports to stockholders; costs of stockholder and other meetings;
and legal, auditing and accounting expenses. Each Fund will also pay for the
preparation and distribution of the prospectus to its stockholders and all
expenses in connection with its registration under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and the registration of its capital stock under federal and state
securities laws. Each Fund will pay nonrecurring expenses as may arise,
including litigation expenses affecting it.
Under Distribution Plans adopted with respect to the Class A shares of
Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), these Funds are
authorized to pay to the Distributor, an annual fee of .25% of the average daily
net assets of the Class A shares of the Diversified Income, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds to finance various distribution-related activities. (See
"Security Income and Municipal Bond Funds' Class A Distribution Plans," page
33.)
Under Distribution Plans adopted with respect to the Class B shares of
Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the 1940 Act, each Fund is authorized to pay to the Distributor, an annual
fee of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class B shares of the
respective Funds to finance various distribution-related activities.
Under a Distribution Plan adopted with respect to the Class C shares of
Diversified Income and High Yield Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act, each Fund is authorized to pay to the Distributor, an annual fee of 1.00%
of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares of the respective Funds to
finance various distribution-related activities. (See "Class B Distribution
Plan," page 35, "Class C Distribution Plan, page 35.)
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
SECURITY INCOME FUND -- Security Income Fund ("Income Fund") offers its shares
in multiple Series, each of which represents a different investment objective
and which has its own identified assets and net asset values. The investment
objectives of the Diversified Income and High Yield Series of Income Fund are
each described below. There are risks inherent in the ownership of any security
and there can be no assurance that such investment objectives will be achieved.
Some of the risks are described below.
Short-term obligations may be purchased in any amount as the Investment Manager
deems appropriate for defensive or liquidity purposes. Each Fund's portfolio may
include a significant amount of debt securities that sell at discounts from
their face amount as a result of current market conditions. For example, debt
securities with fixed-rate coupons are generally sold at a discount from their
face amount during periods of rising interest rates.
Income Fund makes no representation that the stated investment objective of any
Series will be achieved. Although there is no present intention to do so, the
investment objective of any Series of the Fund may be altered by the Board of
Directors without the approval of stockholders of the Series.
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUND. The investment objective of the Diversified Income Fund
is to provide a high level of interest income with security of principal. In
pursuing its investment objective, the Fund will invest in a broad range of debt
securities, including (i) securities issued by U.S. and Canadian corporations;
(ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its
agencies or instrumentalities, including Treasury bills, certificates of
indebtedness, notes and bonds; (iii) securities issued or guaranteed by the
Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; (iv) securities issued by foreign
governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign corporations,
provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; (v) higher
yielding, high risk debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"); (vi)
certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank ("Yankee
CDs"); (vii) investment grade mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs"); (viii)
investment grade asset-backed securities; (ix) zero coupon securities; and (x)
interest rate and total return swap agreements. High yield debt securities,
Yankee CDs, MBSs, asset-backed securities and swap agreements are described in
further detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." It is anticipated
that the Fund will maintain a dollar weighted average duration of 4 to 10 years.
Diversified Income Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in options and
futures contracts. These instruments may be used to hedge the Fund's portfolio,
enhance income, or as a substitute for purchasing or selling securities.
Diversified Income Fund will invest primarily in debt securities rated Baa or
higher by Moody's or BBB or higher by S&P at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. Baa
securities are considered to be "medium grade" obligations by Moody's and BBB is
the lowest classification which is still considered an "investment grade" rating
by S&P. Included in such securities may be convertible bonds or bonds with
warrants attached which are rated at least Baa or BBB at the time of purchase,
or if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. A
"convertible bond" is a bond, debenture or preferred share which may be
exchanged by the owner for common stock or another security, usually of the same
company, in accordance with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers upon its
holder the right to purchase an amount of securities at a particular time and
price. Bonds rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P have speculative characteristics
and may be more susceptible than higher grade bonds to adverse economic
conditions or other adverse circumstances which may result in a weakened
capacity to make principal and interest payments. See Appendix A to the
Prospectus for a description of corporate bond ratings.
The Fund may invest in higher yielding debt securities in the lower rating
(higher risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to
as "junk bonds"); however, the Fund will never hold more than 25% of its net
assets in junk bonds, which includes securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's or
BB or lower by S&P. Such bonds are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the ability of the issuer to meet principal and interest payments.
The Fund will not invest in junk bonds which are in default at the time of
purchase. However, the Investment Manager will not rely principally on the
ratings assigned by the rating services. Because the Fund may invest in lower
rated or unrated securities of comparable quality, the achievement of the Fund's
investment objective may be more dependent on the Investment Manager's own
credit analysis than would be true if investing in higher rated securities.
The Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed by, the
Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by Canadian
corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to the
foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. currency.
The Fund may invest in Yankee CDs which are Certificates of Deposit issued by a
U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated in U.S. dollars and held in the United
States. Yankee CDs are subject to somewhat different risks than are the
obligations of domestic banks. The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its net
assets in debt securities issued by foreign governments, their agencies and
instrumentalities, and foreign corporations, provided that such securities are
denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund's investment in foreign securities,
including Canadian securities, will not exceed 25% of the Fund's net assets.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers presents certain risks, including
future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of
foreign governmental laws and restrictions, reduced availability of public
information concerning issuers, and the fact that foreign issuers are not
generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to domestic issuers.
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. Some U.S. Government
securities, such as Treasury bills and bonds, are supported by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National
Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others such as those of
the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. U.S. Government securities include bills, certificates of
indebtedness, notes and bonds issued by the Treasury or by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. The Fund may also invest in zero
coupon securities which are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold
at substantial discounts from their face value. Certain zero coupon securities
also provide for the commencement of regular interest payments at a deferred
date.
Diversified Income Fund may invest not more than 10% of its total assets in
securities which are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities
laws. The Fund may purchase without regard to this limitation restricted
securities which are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933 ("Rule 144A Securities"), subject to the Fund's policy
that not more than 15% of its net assets may be invested in illiquid securities.
See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of Rule 144A
Securities.
The Fund may invest without limit in MBSs, including mortgage pass-through
securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). The Fund may invest
up to 10% of its net assets in securities known as "inverse floating
obligations," "residual interest bonds," or "interest-only" (IO) and
"principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of which will generally be more
volatile than the market values of most MBSs.
The Fund may also invest without limit in investment grade "asset-backed
securities." These include secured debt instruments backed by automobile loans,
credit card loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing loans and other types
of secured loans providing the source of both principal and interest.
The Fund may enter into interest rate and total return swap agreements.
Diversified Income Fund may purchase securities on a "when issued" or "delayed
delivery" basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of
security involved. Securities purchased on a when issued basis are subject to
market fluctuations and no interest or dividends accrue to the Fund prior to the
settlement date. The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian
bank in which it will maintain cash or liquid securities equal in value to
commitments for such when issued securities.
Diversified Income Fund may invest in repurchase agreements on an overnight
basis. See the discussion of repurchase agreements under "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors." The Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed
in more detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment
in securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in
certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market
instruments.
From time to time, Diversified Income Fund may invest part or all of its assets
in commercial notes or money market instruments.
HIGH YIELD FUND. The investment objective of High Yield Fund is to seek high
current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will seek its investment objective by investing
primarily in a broad range of income producing securities, including (i) higher
yielding, higher risk, debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds");
(ii) preferred stock; (iii) securities issued by foreign governments, their
agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign corporations, provided that such
securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; (iv) mortgage-backed securities
("MBSs"); (v) asset-backed securities; (vi) securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including
Treasury bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds; (vii) securities
issued or guaranteed by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; (viii)
real estate investment trusts; and (ix) zero coupon securities. The Fund may
also invest up to 35% of its assets in common stock (which may include ADRs),
warrants and rights. Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in high-yielding, high risk debt securities.
High Yield Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in debt securities that, at
the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade ("high yield securities"
or "junk bonds"), which involve a high degree of risk and are predominantly
speculative. For a description of debt ratings and a discussion of the risks
associated with investing in junk bonds, see "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors." Included in the debt securities which the Fund may purchase are
convertible bonds, or bonds with warrants attached. A "convertible bond" is a
bond, debenture, or preferred share which may be exchanged by the owner for
common stock or another security, usually of the same company, in accordance
with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers upon the holder the right to
purchase an amount of securities at a particular time and price. See "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with such
securities.
High Yield Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by
Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to
the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. dollars. The
Fund may also invest in debt securities issued by foreign governments (including
Brady Bonds), their agencies and instrumentalities and foreign corporations
(including those in emerging markets), provided such securities are denominated
in U.S. dollars. The Fund's investment in foreign securities, excluding Canadian
securities, will not exceed 25% of the Fund's net assets. See "Investment Method
and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with investing in
foreign securities and emerging markets.
High Yield Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in MBSs, including
mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs).
The Fund may invest in securities known as "inverse floating obligations,"
"residual interest bonds," and "interest only" (IO) and "principal only" (PO)
bonds, the market values of which generally will be more volatile than the
market values of most MBSs. This is due to the fact that such instruments are
more sensitive to interest rate changes and to the rate of principal prepayments
than are most other MBSs. For a discussion of MBSs and the risks associated with
such securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may also invest up to 15% of its net assets in "asset-backed
securities." These include secured debt instruments backed by automobile loans,
credit card loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing loans and other types
of secured loans providing the source of both principal and interest.
Asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those discussed with
respect to MBSs. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government securities
include bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds issued by the
Treasury or by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. High Yield
Fund may also invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities that
pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face value.
Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of regular
interest payments at a deferred date.
High Yield Fund may invest not more than 10% of its total assets in securities
which are restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws. The
Fund may purchase without regard to this limitation restricted securities which
are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933
("Rule 144A Securities"), subject to the Fund's policy that not more than 15% of
its total assets may be invested in illiquid securities. See "Investment Methods
and Risk Factors" for a discussion of restricted securities.
The Fund may purchase securities on "when issued" or "delayed delivery" basis in
excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. The
Fund may also purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis and
may enter into "repurchase agreements", "reverse repurchase agreements" and
"roll transactions." The Fund may lend securities to broker-dealers, other
institutions or other persons to earn additional income. The value of loaned
securities may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets. In addition, the
Fund may purchase loans, loan participations and other types of direct
indebtedness.
High Yield Fund may invest in real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and other
real estate industry investments. See the discussion of real estate securities
under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
High Yield Fund may enter into futures contracts (a type of derivative) (or
options thereon) to hedge all or a portion of its portfolio, as a hedge against
changes in prevailing levels of interest rates or as an efficient means of
adjusting its exposure to the bond market. The Fund will not use futures
contracts for leveraging purposes. The Fund will limit its use of futures
contracts so that initial margin deposits or premiums on such contracts used for
non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the Fund's net asset value.
The Fund may purchase call and put options and write such options on a "covered"
basis. The Fund may also enter into interest rate and index swaps and purchase
or sell related caps, floors and collars. The aggregate market value of the
Fund's portfolio securities covering call or put options will not exceed 25% of
the Fund's net assets. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of the risks associated with these types of investments.
As an operating policy, the Fund will not purchase securities on margin. The
Fund may, however, obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of securities. In addition, the Fund may enter
into certain derivative transactions, consistent with its investment program,
which require the deposit of "margin" or a premium to initiate such a
transaction. As an operating policy, the Fund will not loan its assets to any
person or individual, except by the purchase of bonds or other debt obligations
customarily sold to institutional investors. The Fund may, however, lend
portfolio securities as described in the Prospectus and this statement of
additional information. In addition, the Fund does not interpret this
restriction as prohibiting investment in loan participations and assignments as
described in the Prospectus. As an operating policy, the Fund will not engage in
short sales.
The Fund's investment in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, will
not exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. Included within this amount, but not to
exceed 2% of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants which are not listed on the
New York or American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the Fund in units or
attached to securities may be deemed to be without value.
From time to time, High Yield Fund may invest part or all of its assets in U.S.
Government securities, commercial notes or money market instruments. It is
anticipated that the dollar weighted average maturity of the Fund will range
from 5 to 15 years under normal circumstances.
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- The investment objective of Municipal Bond Fund
is to obtain as high a level of interest income exempt from regular federal
income taxes as is consistent with preservation of stockholders' capital.
Municipal Bond Fund attempts to achieve its objective by investing primarily in
debt securities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal income
taxes under the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund may invest in securities which
generate income that is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. There is
no assurance that Municipal Bond Fund's objective will be achieved.
The tax-exempt securities in which Municipal Bond Fund invests include debt
obligations issued by or on behalf of the states, territories and possessions of
the United States, the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions,
agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, including multi-state agencies or
authorities. These securities are referred to as "municipal securities" and are
described in more detail below.
Municipal Bond Fund's investments in municipal securities are limited to
securities of "investment grade" quality, that is securities rated within the
four highest rating categories of Moody's (Aaa, Aa, A, Baa), S&P (AAA, AA, A,
BBB) or Fitch (AAA, AA, A, BBB), except that the Fund may purchase unrated
municipal securities (i) where the securities are guaranteed as to principal and
interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or are short-term
municipal securities (those having a maturity of less than one year) of issuers
having outstanding at the time of purchase an issue of municipal bonds having
one of the four highest ratings, or (ii) where, in the opinion of the
Sub-Adviser, Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc, the unrated municipal
securities are comparable in quality to those within the four highest ratings.
However, Municipal Bond Fund will not purchase an unrated municipal security
(other than a security described in (i) above) if, after such purchase, more
than 20% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in such unrated municipal
securities.
With respect to rated securities, there is no percentage limitation on the
amount of Municipal Bond Fund's assets which may be invested in securities
within any particular rating classification. A description of the ratings is
contained in Appendix B to the Prospectus. Baa securities are considered "medium
grade" obligations by Moody's, and BBB is the lowest classification which is
still considered an "investment grade" rating by S&P and Fitch. Baa securities
are described by Moody's as obligations on which "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." According to Moody's, "such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well." According
to Fitch, "adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances are more
likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely
payment." The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch represent their respective
opinions of the quality of the securities they undertake to rate and such
ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Although Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds with
maturities greater than one year, it also will invest for various purposes in
short-term (maturity equal to or less than one year) securities which, to the
extent practicable, will be short-term municipal securities. (See "Municipal
Securities," below.) Short-term investments may be made, pending investment of
funds in municipal bonds, in order to maintain liquidity to meet redemption
requests, or to maintain a temporary "defensive" investment position when, in
the opinion of the Investment Manager, it is advisable to do so on account of
current or anticipated market conditions. Except when in a temporary "defensive"
position, investments in short-term municipal securities will represent less
than 20% of the Fund's total assets.
From time to time, on a temporary basis, Municipal Bond Fund may invest in
fixed-income obligations on which the interest is subject to federal income tax.
Except when the Fund is in a temporary "defensive" investment position, it will
not purchase a taxable security if, as a result, more than 20% of its total
assets would be invested in taxable securities. This limitation is a fundamental
policy of Municipal Bond Fund, and may not be changed without a majority vote of
the Fund's outstanding securities. Temporary taxable investments of the Fund may
consist of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its
agencies or instrumentalities, commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P, Prime-1 by
Moody's or F-1 by Fitch, corporate obligations rated AAA or AA by S&P and Fitch
or Aaa or Aa by Moody's, certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances of
domestic banks or thrifts with at least $2 billion in assets, or repurchase
agreements with such banks or with broker/dealers. Municipal Bond Fund may
invest its assets in bank demand accounts, pending investment in other
securities or to meet potential redemptions or expenses. Repurchase agreements
may be entered into with respect to any securities eligible for investment by
the Fund, including municipal securities. The Fund may also invest in zero
coupon securities which are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold
at substantial discounts from their face value. Certain zero coupon securities
also provide for the commencement of regular interest payments at a deferred
date.
Municipal Bond Fund may invest in repurchase agreements which are agreements by
which a purchaser (e.g., Municipal Bond Fund) acquires a security and
simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (a bank or
broker/dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date within a number of
days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. Income earned by
the Fund on repurchase agreements is not exempt from federal income tax even if
the transaction involves municipal securities. Municipal Bond Fund may not enter
into a repurchase agreement having more than seven days remaining to maturity
if, as a result, such agreements, together with any other securities which are
illiquid or not readily marketable, would exceed 10% of the total assets of the
Fund. See the discussion of repurchase agreements under "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors."
Municipal Bond Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed
in more detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment
in securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in
certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market
instruments.
Municipal Bond Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts on (a) debt
securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government,
such as long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Treasury Notes and (b) municipal bond
indices. Currently at least one exchange trades futures contracts on an index of
long-term municipal bonds, and the Fund reserves to right to conduct futures
transactions based on an index which may be developed in the future to correlate
with price movements in municipal obligations. It is not presently anticipated
that any of these strategies will be used to a significant degree by the Fund.
For further information regarding futures contracts, see "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors."
See Appendix B to the Prospectus for a further description of Moody's, S&P and
Fitch ratings relating to municipal securities. As noted earlier, when Municipal
Bond Fund is in a temporary "defensive" position, there is no limit on its
investments in short-term municipal securities and taxable securities.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.
MUNICIPAL BONDS. Municipal bonds are debt obligations which generally have a
maturity at the time of issue in excess of one year. They are issued to obtain
funds for various public purposes, including construction of a wide range of
public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass
transportation, schools, streets, and water and sewer works. Other public
purposes for which municipal bonds may be issued include the refunding of
outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses and
obtaining funds to loan to other public institutions and facilities. In
addition, certain types of industrial development bonds and other private
activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds
to provide for privately-operated housing facilities, and certain facilities for
water supply, gas, electricity or sewage or solid waste disposal.
The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general obligation"
and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge
of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and
interest. Revenue bonds are payable only from the revenues derived from a
particular facility or class of facilities, or, in some cases, from the proceeds
of a special excise or specific revenue source. Revenue securities may include
private activity bonds. Such bonds may be issued by or on behalf of public
authorities to finance various privately operated facilities and are not payable
from the unrestricted revenues of the issuer. As a result, the credit quality of
private activity bonds is frequently related directly to the credit standing of
private corporations or other entities. In addition, the interest on private
activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986 is subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax. The Fund will not be restricted with respect to the proportion of
its assets that may be invested in such obligations. Accordingly, the Fund may
not be a suitable investment vehicle for individuals or corporations that are
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Municipal Bond Fund will not
invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities where the principal and
interest are the responsibility of a private corporation or other entity which
has, including predecessors, less than three years' operational history.
There are, depending on numerous factors, variations in the risks involved in
holding municipal securities, both within a particular rating classification and
between classifications. The market values of outstanding municipal bonds will
vary as a result of the rating of the issue and changing evaluations of the
ability of the issuer to meet interest and principal payments. Such market
values will also change in response to changes in the interest rates payable on
new issues of municipal bonds. Should such interest rates rise, the values of
outstanding bonds, including those held in Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio,
would decline; should such interest rates decline, the values of outstanding
bonds would increase.
As a result of litigation or other factors, the power or ability of issuers of
municipal securities to pay principal and/or interest might be adversely
affected. Municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such
as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by
Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or
interest or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such
obligations or upon the power of municipalities to levy taxes.
Municipal Bond Fund may invest without percentage limitations in issues of
municipal securities which have similar characteristics, such as the location of
their issuers in the same geographic region or the derivation of interest
payments from revenues on similar projects (for example, electric utility
systems, hospitals, or housing finance agencies). Thus, Municipal Bond Fund may
invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities issued in a single state.
However, it may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in one industry.
(See "Investment Policy Limitations," page 27.) Consequently, the Fund's
portfolio of municipal securities may be more susceptible to the risks of
adverse economic, political, or regulatory developments than would be the case
with a portfolio of securities required to be more diversified as to geographic
region and/or source of revenue.
Interest on certain types of private activity bonds (for example, obligations to
finance certain exempt facilities which may be leased to or used by persons
other than the issuer) will not be exempt from federal income tax when received
by "substantial users" or persons related to "substantial users" as defined in
the Internal Revenue Code. The term "substantial user" generally includes any
"non-exempt person" who regularly uses in trade or business a part of a facility
financed from the proceeds of private activity bonds. Municipal Bond Fund may
invest periodically in private activity bonds and, therefore, may not be an
appropriate investment for entities which are substantial users of facilities
financed by those bonds or "related persons" of substantial users. Generally, an
individual will not be a related person of a substantial user under the Code
unless the person or his immediate family (spouse, brothers, sisters and lineal
descendants) directly or indirectly owns in the aggregate more than 50% in value
of the equity of the substantial user.
From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the
purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for
interest on future issues of municipal securities. It can be expected that
similar proposals may be introduced in the future. If such a proposal were
enacted, the availability of municipal securities for investment by Municipal
Bond Fund and the value of the Fund's portfolio would be affected. In that
event, the Directors would reevaluate the Fund's investment objective and
policies.
WHEN-ISSUED PURCHASES. From time to time, in the ordinary course of business,
Municipal Bond Fund may purchase municipal securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis--i.e., delivery and payment can take place a month or
more after the date of the transactions. Securities so purchased are subject to
market fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period.
At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a municipal security on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, it will record the transaction and
thereafter reflect the value, each day, of the security in determining its net
asset value. Municipal Bond Fund will also establish a segregated account with
its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash or liquid securities equal in
value to commitments for such when-issued or delayed delivery securities.
Municipal Bond Fund does not believe that its net asset value or income will be
adversely affected by its purchase of municipal securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis. Upon the settlement date of the when-issued securities,
the Fund ordinarily will meet its obligation to purchase the securities from
available cash flow, use of the cash (or liquidation of securities) held in the
segregated account or sale of other securities. Although it would not normally
expect to do so, the Fund also may meet its obligation from the sale of the
when-issued securities themselves (which may have a current market value greater
or less than the Fund's payment obligation). Sale of securities to meet such
obligations carries with it a greater potential for the realization of net
capital gains, which are not exempt from federal income tax.
PUTS OR STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. Municipal Bond Fund may purchase, from banks or
broker/dealers, municipal securities together with the right to resell the
securities to the seller at an agreed-upon price or yield within a specified
period prior to the maturity date of the securities. Such a right to resell is
commonly known as a "put" and is also referred to as a "stand-by commitment" on
the part of the seller. The price which the Fund pays for the municipal
securities with puts generally is higher than the price which otherwise would be
paid for the municipal securities alone. Municipal Bond Fund uses puts for
liquidity purposes in order to permit it to remain more fully invested in
municipal securities than would otherwise be the case by providing a ready
market for certain municipal securities in its portfolio at an acceptable price.
The put generally is for a shorter term than the maturity of the municipal
security and does not restrict in any way the Fund's ability to dispose of (or
retain) the municipal security.
In order to ensure that the interest on municipal securities subject to puts is
tax-exempt to the Fund, it will limit its use of puts in accordance with current
interpretations or rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS has
issued a ruling (Rev. Rul. 82-144) in which it determined that a regulated
investment company was the owner, for tax purposes, of municipal securities
subject to puts (with the result that interest on those securities would not
lose its tax-exempt status when paid to the company). The IRS position in Rev.
Rul. 82-144 relates to a particular factual situation, in which (i) the price
paid for the puts was in addition to the price of the municipal securities
subject to the puts, (ii) the puts established the price at which the seller
must repurchase the securities, (iii) the puts were nonassignable and terminated
upon disposal of the underlying securities by the Fund, (iv) the puts were for
periods substantially less than the terms of the underlying securities, (v) the
puts did not include call arrangements or restrict the disposal of the
underlying securities by the Fund and gave the seller no rights in the
underlying securities, and (vi) the securities were acquired by the Fund for its
own account and not as security for a loan from the seller.
Because it is difficult to evaluate the likelihood of exercise or the potential
benefit of a put, puts will be determined to have a "value" of zero, regardless
of whether any direct or indirect consideration was paid. Amounts paid by
Municipal Bond Fund for a put will be reflected as unrealized depreciation in
the underlying security for the period during which the commitment is held, and
therefore will reduce any potential gains on the sale of the underlying security
by the cost of the put. There is a risk that the seller of the put may not be
able to repurchase the security upon exercise of the put by the Fund.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Although Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio
generally will consist primarily of municipal bonds, for liquidity purposes, and
from time to time for defensive purposes, a portion of its assets may be
invested in short-term municipal securities (i.e., those with less than one year
remaining to maturity).
Short-term municipal securities consist of short-term municipal notes and
short-term municipal loans and obligations, including municipal paper, master
demand notes and variable-rate demand notes. Short-term municipal notes include
tax anticipation notes (notes issued in anticipation of the receipt of tax
funds), bond anticipation notes (notes issued in anticipation of receipt of the
proceeds of bond placements), revenue anticipation notes (notes issued in
anticipation of the receipt of revenues other than taxes or bond placements),
and project notes (obligations of municipal housing agencies on which the
payment of principal and interest ordinarily is backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. government). Municipal paper typically consists of the very
short-term unsecured negotiable promissory notes of municipal issuers.
The Fund may invest in tax-exempt master demand notes. A municipal master demand
note is an arrangement under which the Fund participates in a note agreement
between a bank acting on behalf of its clients and a municipal borrower, whereby
amounts maintained by the Fund in an account with the bank are provided to the
municipal borrower and payments of interest and principal on the note are
credited to the Fund's account. Interest rates on master demand notes typically
are tied to market interest rates, and therefore may fluctuate daily. The
amounts borrowed under these notes may be repaid at any time by the borrower
without penalty, and must be repaid upon the demand of Municipal Bond Fund.
Municipal Bond Fund may also invest in variable-rate demand notes. Variable-rate
demand notes are tax-exempt obligations which are payable by the municipal
issuer at par value plus accrued interest on demand by the Fund (generally with
three to ten days' notice). If no demand is made, the note will mature on a
specified date from one to thirty years from its issuance. Payment on the note
may be backed by a stand-by letter of credit. The yield on a variable rate
demand note is adjusted automatically to reflect a particular market rate (which
may not be the same market rate as that applicable to a master demand note).
Variable-rate demand notes typically are callable by the issuer prior to
maturity.
Where short-term municipal securities are rated, the Municipal Bond Fund will
limit its investments to "high quality" short-term securities. For short-term
municipal notes this includes ratings of SP-2 or better by S&P, MIG 2 or better
(or VMIG-2 or better, in the case of variable rate demand notes) by Moody's or
F-2 or better by Fitch; for municipal paper this includes A-2 or better by S&P,
Prime-2 or better by Moody's or F-2 or better by Fitch. Unrated short-term
municipal securities will be included within the Fund's overall limitation on
investments in unrated municipal securities. This limitation provides that not
more than 20% of Municipal Bond Fund's total assets may be invested in unrated
municipal securities, exclusive of unrated securities which are guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or
are issued by an issuer having outstanding an issue of municipal bonds within
one of the four highest ratings classifications.
Municipal Bond Fund also may engage to a limited extent in portfolio trading
consistent with its investment objective. Securities may be sold in anticipation
of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in anticipation of a
market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold. In addition, a
security may be sold and another of comparable quality purchased at
approximately the same time to take advantage of what the Fund believes to be a
temporary disparity in the normal yield relationship between the two securities.
These yield disparities may occur for reasons not directly related to the
investment quality of a particular issue or the general movement of interest
rates, such as changes in the overall demand for, or supply of, various types of
municipal securities.
SECURITY CASH FUND -- The investment objective of Cash Fund is to seek as high a
level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital and
liquidity. No assurances can be given that Cash Fund will achieve its objective.
The Fund will attempt to achieve its objective by investing at least 95% of its
total assets, measured at the time of investment, in a diversified portfolio of
highest quality money market instruments. Cash Fund may also invest up to 5% of
its total assets, measured at the time of investment, in money market
instruments that are in the second-highest rating category for short-term debt
obligations. Money market instruments in which Cash Fund may invest consist of
the following:
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Obligations issued or guaranteed (as to principal or
interest) by the United States Government or its agencies (such as the Small
Business Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and Government
National Mortgage Association) or instrumentalities (such as Federal Home Loan
Banks and Federal Land Banks) and instruments fully collateralized with such
obligations.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. Obligations of banks or savings and loan associations that are
members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and instruments fully
collateralized with such obligations.
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS. Commercial paper issued by corporations and rated Prime-1
or Prime-2 by Moody's, or A-1 or A-2 by S&P, or other corporate debt instruments
rated Aaa or Aa or better by Moody's or AAA or AA or better by S&P, subject to
the limitations on investment in instruments in the second-highest rating
category, discussed below.
Cash Fund may invest in certificates of deposit issued by banks or other bank
demand accounts, pending investment in other securities or to meet potential
redemptions or expenses.
Cash Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar denominated money market instruments
that present minimal credit risk and, with respect to 95% of its total assets,
measured at the time of investment, that are of the highest quality. The
Investment Manager will determine whether a security presents minimal credit
risk under procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors. A security will
be considered to be highest quality (1) if rated in the highest rating category,
(e.g., Aaa or Prime-1 by Moody's or AAA or A-1 by S&P) by (i) any two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSRO's") or, (ii) if rated by
only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; (2) if issued by an issuer that has short-term
debt obligations of comparable maturity, priority, and security and that are
rated in the highest rating category by (i) any two NRSRO's or, (ii) if rated by
only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; or (3) an unrated security that is of comparable
quality to a security in the highest rating category as determined by the
Investment Manager. With respect to 5% of its total assets, measured at the time
of investment, Cash Fund may also invest in money market instruments that are in
the second-highest rating category for short-term debt obligations (e.g., rated
Aa or Prime-2 by Moody's or AA or A-2 by S&P). A money market instrument will be
considered to be in the second-highest rating category under the criteria
described above with respect to instruments considered highest quality, as
applied to instruments in the second-highest rating category. See Appendix A to
the Prospectus for a description of the principal types of securities and
instruments in which the Fund will invest as well as a description of the above
mentioned ratings.
Cash Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, measured at the time
of investment, in the securities of any one issuer that are of the highest
quality or more than the greater of 1% of its total assets or $1,000,000,
measured at the time of investment, in securities of any one issuer that are in
the second-highest rating category, except that these limitations shall not
apply to U.S. Government securities. The Fund may exceed the 5% limitation for
up to three business days after the purchase of the securities of any one issuer
that are of the highest quality, provided that the Fund does not have
outstanding at any time more than one such investment. In the event that an
instrument acquired by Cash Fund is downgraded, the Investment Manager, under
procedures approved by the Board of Directors, shall promptly reassess whether
such security presents minimal credit risk and determine whether or not to
retain the instrument, or Investment Manager may forego the reassessment of
credit risk if the security is disposed of or matures within five business days
of downgrade and the Board is subsequently notified of the Investment Manager's
actions. In the event that an instrument acquired by Cash Fund ceases to be of
the quality that is eligible for the Fund, the Fund shall promptly dispose of
the instrument in an orderly manner unless the Board of Directors determines
that this would not be in the best interests of the Fund.
Cash Fund may acquire one or more of the above types of securities subject to
repurchase agreements. A repurchase transaction involves a purchase by the Fund
of a security from a selling financial institution, such as a bank, savings and
loan association or broker/dealer, which agrees to repurchase such security at a
specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven
days from the date of purchase. Not more than 10% of Cash Fund's net assets will
be invested in illiquid assets, which include repurchase agreements with
maturities of more than seven days. See the discussion of repurchase agreements
under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
Cash Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for emergency
purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed in more
detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment in
securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in certificates
of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market instruments.
Cash Fund may also invest in guaranteed investment contracts ("GICs") issued by
insurance companies, subject to the Fund's policy that not more than 10% of the
Fund's total assets will be invested in illiquid assets. See the discussion of
GICs under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
RULE 144A SECURITIES. Certain of the securities acquired by Cash Fund may be
restricted as to disposition under federal securities laws, provided that such
restricted securities are eligible for resale to qualified institutional
investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act"). Rule 144A provides a nonexclusive safe harbor exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the resale of certain
securities to certain qualified buyers. One of the primary purposes of the Rule
is to create some resale liquidity for certain securities that would otherwise
be treated as illiquid investments. In accordance with Cash Fund's policies, the
Fund is not permitted to invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid
securities. See the discussion of Rule 144A Securities under "Investment Methods
and Risk Factors."
VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS. Cash Fund may invest in instruments having rates of
interest that are adjusted periodically according to a specified market rate for
such investments ("Variable Rate Instruments"). The interest rate on a Variable
Rate Instrument is ordinarily determined by reference to, or is a percentage of,
an objective standard such as a bank's prime rate or the 91-day U.S. Treasury
Bill rate. Cash Fund does not purchase certain Variable Rate Instruments that
have a preset cap above which the rate of interest may not rise. Generally, the
changes in the interest rate on Variable Rate Instruments reduce the fluctuation
in the market value of such securities. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease
or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less than
for fixed-rate obligations. Cash Fund determines the maturity of Variable Rate
Instruments in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 which allows the Fund generally to consider the maturity date of such
instruments to be the period remaining until the next readjustment of the
interest rate rather than the maturity date on the face of the instrument.
While Cash Fund does not intend to engage in short-term trading, portfolio
securities may be sold without regard to the length of time that they have been
held. A portfolio security could be sold prior to maturity to take advantage of
new investment opportunities or yield differentials, or to preserve gains or
limit losses due to changing economic conditions or the financial condition of
the issuer, or for other reasons. While Cash Fund is expected to have a high
portfolio turnover due to the short maturities of its portfolio securities, this
should not affect the Fund's income or net asset value since brokerage
commissions are not normally paid in connection with the purchase or sale of
money market instruments.
Cash Fund will invest in money market instruments of varying maturities (but no
longer than 13 months) in an effort to earn as high a level of current income as
is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. The Fund intends to
maintain a weighted average maturity in its portfolio of not more than 90 days.
In addition to general market risks, Fund investments in nongovernment
obligations are subject to the ability of the issuer to satisfy its obligations.
Cash Fund also intends to maintain a net asset value per share of $1.00,
although there can be no assurance it will be able to do so. It is the Fund's
policy to declare dividends on a daily basis of an amount equal to the net
income plus or minus any realized capital gains or losses. (See "Dividends and
Taxes," page 49.)
INVESTMENT METHODS AND RISK FACTORS
Some of the risk factors related to certain securities, instruments and
techniques that may be used by one or more of the Funds are described in the
sections of the Prospectus entitled "Funds' Principal Investment Strategies,"
"Main Risks" and "Investment Policies and Management Practices." The following
is a description of certain additional risk factors related to various
securities, instruments and techniques. The risks so described only apply to
those Funds which may invest in such securities and instruments or which use
such techniques. Also included is a general description of some of the
investment instruments, techniques and methods which may be used by one or more
of the Funds. The methods described only apply to those Funds which may use such
methods. Although a Fund may employ the techniques, instruments and methods
described below, consistent with its investment objective and policies and any
applicable law, no Fund will be required to do so.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS -- Each Fund's net asset value will fluctuate, reflecting
fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio positions. The value of fixed
income securities held by the Funds generally fluctuates inversely with interest
rate movements. In other words, bond prices generally fall as interest rates
rise and generally rise as interest rates fall. Longer term bonds held by the
Funds are subject to greater interest rate risk. There is no assurance that any
Fund will achieve its investment objective.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND ROLL TRANSACTIONS --
Each of the Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements
are transactions in which the purchaser buys a debt security from a bank or
recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell that security
to the bank or dealer at an agreed upon price, date and market rate of interest
unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. Repurchase
agreements are considered to be loans which must be fully collateralized
including interest earned thereon during the entire term of the agreement. If
the institution defaults on the repurchase agreement, the Fund will retain
possession of the underlying securities. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced
with respect to the seller, realization on the collateral by the Fund may be
delayed or limited and the Fund may incur additional costs. In such case, the
Fund will be subject to risks associated with changes in market value of the
collateral securities. The Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only
with banks and broker/dealers believed to present minimal credit risks.
Accordingly, the Funds will enter into repurchase agreements only with (a)
brokers having total capitalization of at least $40 million and a ratio of
aggregate indebtedness to net capital of no more than 4 to 1, or, alternatively,
net capital equal to 6% of aggregate debit balances, or (b) banks having at
least $1 billion in assets and a net worth of at least $100 million as of its
most recent annual report. In addition, the aggregate repurchase price of all
repurchase agreements held by the Fund with any broker shall not exceed 15% of
the total assets of the Fund or $5 million, whichever is greater.
The High Yield Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements with the
same parties with whom it may enter into repurchase agreements. Under a reverse
repurchase agreement, the Fund would sell securities and agree to repurchase
them at a particular price at a future date. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained in lieu of
sale by a Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold
but is obligated to repurchase. In the event the buyer of securities under a
reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, such
buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to determine
whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities, and the
Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may effectively
be restricted pending such decision.
The High Yield Fund also may enter into "dollar rolls," in which the Fund sells
fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and simultaneously
contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity)
securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund would
forego principal and interest paid on such securities. The Fund would be
compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward
price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash
proceeds of the initial sale.
BORROWING -- Each of the Funds may borrow money from banks as a temporary
measure for emergency purposes, or to facilitate redemption requests.
From time to time, it may be advantageous for the Funds to borrow money rather
than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests. Accordingly,
the Funds may borrow from banks and High Yield Fund may borrow through reverse
repurchase agreements and "roll" transactions, in connection with meeting
requests for the redemption of Fund shares. As an operating policy, each Fund
may borrow up to 10% of total Fund assets. In addition to this operating policy,
Cash Fund may not purchase securities while borrowings equal to 5% of its total
assets are outstanding. To the extent that a Fund purchases securities while it
has outstanding borrowings, it is using leverage, i.e. using borrowed funds for
investment. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any
increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's portfolio. Money borrowed
for leveraging will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be
recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in certain cases,
interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities purchased. A
Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection
with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of
credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over
the stated interest rate. It is not expected that Cash Fund would purchase
securities while it had borrowings outstanding.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES -- For the purpose of generating income, certain
of the Funds may make secured loans of Fund securities amounting to not more
than 33 1/3% of its total assets. Securities loans are made to broker/dealers,
institutional investors, or other persons pursuant to agreements requiring that
the loans be continuously secured by collateral at least equal at all times to
the value of the securities loaned marked to market on a daily basis. The
collateral received will consist of cash, U.S. Government securities, letters of
credit or such other collateral as may be permitted under its investment
program. While the securities are being loaned, the Fund will continue to
receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the
securities, as well as interest on the investment of the collateral or a fee
from the borrower. The Fund has a right to call each loan and obtain the
securities on five business days' notice or, in connection with securities
trading on foreign markets, within such longer period of time which coincides
with the normal settlement period for purchases and sales of such securities in
such foreign markets. The Fund will not have the right to vote securities while
they are being loaned, but it will call a loan in anticipation of any important
vote. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other extensions of
secured credit, consist of possible delay in receiving additional collateral or
in the recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower fail financially. Loans will only be made to persons deemed
by the Investment Manager to be of good standing and will not be made unless, in
the judgment of the Investment Manager, the consideration to be earned from such
loans would justify the risk.
GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CONTRACTS ("GICS") -- Certain of the Funds may invest in
GICs. When investing in GICs, the Fund makes cash contributions to a deposit
fund of an insurance company's general account. The insurance company then
credits guaranteed interest to the deposit fund on a monthly basis. The GICs
provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum
rate. The insurance company may assess periodic charges against a GIC for
expenses and service costs allocable to it, and the charges will be deducted
from the value of the deposit fund. Cash Fund may invest only in GICs that have
received the requisite ratings by one or more NRSROs. Because a Fund may not
receive the principal amount of a GIC from the insurance company on 7 days'
notice or less, the GIC is considered an illiquid investment. In determining
average portfolio maturity, GICs generally will be deemed to have a maturity
equal to the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of the
guaranteed interest rate.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES (RULE 144A SECURITIES) --The Funds may invest in
restricted securities which are securities that are restricted as to disposition
under the federal securities laws, provided that such securities are eligible
for resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A permits the resale to "qualified institutional
buyers" of "restricted securities" that, when issued, were not of the same class
as securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange or quoted in the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (the "Rule 144A
Securities"). A "qualified institutional buyer" is defined by Rule 144A
generally as an institution, acting for its own account or for the accounts of
other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests on
a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers not
affiliated with the institution. A dealer registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), acting for its own account or the
accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and
invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million in securities of issuers
not affiliated with the dealer may also qualify as a qualified institutional
buyer, as well as an Exchange Act registered dealer acting in a riskless
principal transaction on behalf of a qualified institutional buyer.
The Funds' Board of Directors is responsible for developing and establishing
guidelines and procedures for determining the liquidity of Rule 144A Securities.
As permitted by Rule 144A, the Board of Directors has delegated this
responsibility to the Investment Manager. In making the determination regarding
the liquidity of Rule 144A Securities, the Investment Manager will consider
trading markets for the specific security taking into account the unregistered
nature of a Rule 144A security. In addition, the Investment Manager may
consider: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes; (2) the number of dealers and
potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (4) the
nature of the security and of the market place trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
transfer). Investing in Rule 144A Securities could have the effect of increasing
the amount of a Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become uninterested, for a time, in purchasing
these securities.
Certain of the Funds also may purchase restricted securities that are not
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A. The Funds may acquire such securities
through private placement transactions, directly from the issuer or from
security holders, generally at higher yields or on terms more favorable to
investors than comparable publicly traded securities. However, the restrictions
on resale of such securities may make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of
such securities at the time considered most advantageous, and/or may involve
expenses that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely
marketable. Risks associated with restricted securities include the potential
obligation to pay all or part of the registration expenses in order to sell
certain restricted securities. A considerable period of time may elapse between
the time of the decision to sell a security and the time the Fund may be
permitted to sell it under an effective registration statement. If, during a
period, adverse conditions were to develop, a Fund might obtain a less favorable
price than prevailing when it decided to sell.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER-RATED DEBT SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) -- Certain of the
Funds may invest in higher yielding debt securities in the lower rating (higher
risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to as
"junk bonds"). Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C by S&P and rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca
and C by Moody's, is regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligation. For S&P, BB indicates the lowest
degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. For Moody's, Ba
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions. Similarly, debt rated Ba or BB and below is
regarded by the relevant rating agency as speculative. Debt rated C by Moody's
or S&P is the lowest quality debt that is not in default as to principal or
interest and such issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. Such securities are
also generally considered to be subject to greater risk than higher quality
securities with regard to a deterioration of general economic conditions.
Ratings of debt securities represent the rating agency's opinion regarding their
quality and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating agencies attempt to evaluate
the safety of principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of
fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely
changes in credit quality in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer's
current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.
The market value of lower quality debt securities tend to reflect individual
developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. In addition, lower quality debt securities tend to be more
sensitive to economic conditions and generally have more volatile prices than
higher quality securities. Issuers of lower quality securities are often highly
leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of
financing. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower quality securities may
experience financial stress. During such periods, such issuers may not have
sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's
ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by
specific developments affecting the issuer, such as the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional
financing. Similarly, certain emerging market governments that issue lower
quality debt securities are among the largest debtors to commercial banks,
foreign governments and supranational organizations such as the World Bank and
may not be able or willing to make principal and/or interest repayments as they
come due. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater
for the holders of lower quality securities because such securities are
generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
Lower quality debt securities of corporate issuers frequently have call or
buy-back features which would permit an issuer to call or repurchase the
security from the Fund. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining
interest rate market, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower
yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. In addition,
the Fund may have difficulty disposing of lower quality securities because there
may be a thin trading market for such securities. There may be no established
retail secondary market for many of these securities, and the Fund anticipates
that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may have an
adverse impact on market prices of such instruments and may make it more
difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of
valuing the securities in the portfolio of the Fund.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower quality
securities, especially in a thinly traded market. The High Yield Fund may
acquire lower quality debt securities during an initial underwriting or may
acquire lower quality debt securities which are sold without registration under
applicable securities laws. Such securities involve special considerations and
risks.
Factors having an adverse effect on the market value of lower rated securities
or their equivalents purchased by a Fund will adversely impact net asset value
of the Fund. In addition to the foregoing, such factors may include: (i)
potential adverse publicity; (ii) heightened sensitivity to general economic or
political conditions; and (iii) the likely adverse impact of a major economic
recession. The Fund also may incur additional expenses to the extent it is
required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest
on its portfolio holdings, and the Fund may have limited legal recourse in the
event of a default. Debt securities issued by governments in emerging markets
can differ from debt obligations issued by private entities in that remedies
from defaults generally must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting
government, and legal recourse is therefore somewhat diminished. Political
conditions, in terms of a government's willingness to meet the terms of its debt
obligations, also are of considerable significance. There can be no assurance
that the holders of commercial bank debt would not contest payments to the
holders of debt securities issued by governments in emerging markets in the
event of default by the governments under commercial bank loan agreements.
The Investment Manager will attempt to minimize the speculative risks associated
with investments in lower quality securities through credit analyses and by
carefully monitoring current trends in interest rates, political developments
and other factors. Nonetheless, investors should carefully review the investment
objectives and policies of the Funds and consider their ability to assume the
investment risks involved before making an investment in the Funds.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES AND WARRANTS -- Certain of the Funds may invest in debt
or preferred equity securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities. Traditionally, convertible securities have paid dividends or
interest at rates higher than common stocks but lower than nonconvertible
securities. They generally participate in the appreciation or depreciation of
the underlying stock into which they are convertible, but to a lesser degree. In
recent years, convertibles have been developed which combine higher or lower
current income with options and other features. Warrants are options to buy a
stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the
life of the warrants (generally two or more years).
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS -- Certain of
the Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities (MBSs), including mortgage
pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). MBSs
include certain securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government
or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Government National
Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), or
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC); securities issued by private
issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by mortgage-backed
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities; and securities issued by private issuers that represent an
interest in or are collateralized by mortgage loans. A mortgage pass-through
security is a pro rata interest in a pool of mortgages where the cash flow
generated from the mortgage collateral is passed through to the security holder.
CMOs are obligations fully collateralized by a portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-related securities. Certain of the Funds may invest in securities known
as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds," or "interest-only"
(IO) and "principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of which will generally
be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. An inverse floating
obligation is a derivative adjustable rate security with interest rates that
adjust or vary inversely to changes in market interest rates. The term "residual
interest" bond is used generally to describe those instruments in collateral
pools, such as CMOs, which receive any excess cash flow generated by the pool
once all other bondholders and expenses have been paid. IOs and POs are created
by separating the interest and principal payments generated by a pool of
mortgage-backed bonds to create two classes of securities. Generally, one class
receives interest only payments (IOs) and the other class principal only
payments (POs). MBSs have been referred to as "derivatives" because the
performance of MBSs is dependent upon and derived from underlying securities.
CMOs may be issued in a variety of classes and the Funds may invest in several
CMO classes, including, but not limited to Floaters, Planned Amortization
Classes (PACs), Scheduled Classes (SCHs), Sequential Pay Classes (SEQs), Support
Classes (SUPs), Target Amortization Classes (TACs) and Accrual Classes (Z
Classes). CMO classes vary in the rate and time at which they receive principal
and interest payments. SEQs, also called plain vanilla, clean pay, or current
pay classes, sequentially receive principal payments from underlying mortgage
securities when the principal on a previous class has been completely paid off.
During the months prior to their receipt of principal payments, SEQs receive
interest payments at the coupon rate on their principal. PACs are designed to
produce a stable cash flow of principal payments over a predetermined period of
time. PACs guard against a certain level of prepayment risk by distributing
prepayments to SUPs, also called companion classes. TACs pay a targeted
principal payment schedule, as long as prepayments are not made at a rate slower
than an expected constant prepayment speed. If prepayments increase, the excess
over the target is paid to SUPs. SEQs may have a less stable cash flow than PACs
and TACs and, consequently, have a greater potential yield. PACs generally pay a
lower yield than TACs because of PACs' lower risk. Because SUPs are directly
affected by the rate of prepayment of underlying mortgages, SUPs may experience
volatile cash flow behavior. When prepayment speeds fluctuate, the average life
of a SUP will vary. SUPs, therefore, are priced at a higher yield than less
volatile classes of CMOs. Z Classes do not receive payments, including interest
payments, until certain other classes are paid off. At that time, the Z Class
begins to receive the accumulated interest and principal payments. A Floater has
a coupon rate that adjusts periodically (usually monthly) by adding a spread to
a benchmark index subject to a lifetime maximum cap. The yield of a Floater is
sensitive to prepayment rates and the level of the benchmark index.
Investment in MBSs poses several risks, including prepayment, market and credit
risks. Prepayment risk reflects the chance that borrowers may prepay their
mortgages faster than expected, thereby affecting the investment's average life
and perhaps its yield. Borrowers are most likely to exercise their prepayment
options at a time when it is least advantageous to investors, generally
prepaying mortgages as interest rates fall, and slowing payments as interest
rates rise. Certain classes of CMOs may have priority over others with respect
to the receipt of prepayments on the mortgages and the Fund may invest in CMOs
which are subject to greater risk of prepayment as discussed above. Market risk
reflects the chance that the price of the security may fluctuate over time. The
price of MBSs may be particularly sensitive to prevailing interest rates, the
length of time the security is expected to be outstanding and the liquidity of
the issue. In a period of unstable interest rates, there may be decreased demand
for certain types of MBSs, and a Fund invested in such securities wishing to
sell them may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may in turn decrease the
price at which they may be sold. Credit risk reflects the chance that the Fund
may not receive all or part of its principal because the issuer or credit
enhancer has defaulted on its obligations. Obligations issued by U.S.
Government-related entities are guaranteed by the agency or instrumentality, and
some, such as GNMA certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow
from the Treasury; others, such as those of the FNMA, are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's
obligations; still others, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. Although securities issued by U.S. Government-related agencies
are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, shares
of the Fund are not so guaranteed in any way. The performance of private label
MBSs, issued by private institutions, is based on the financial health of those
institutions.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES -- Certain of the Funds may also invest in "asset-backed
securities." These include secured debt instruments backed by automobile loans,
credit card loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing loans and other types
of secured loans providing the source of both principal and interest.
Asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those discussed above
with respect to MBSs.
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES -- High Yield Fund may invest in equity securities of
real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and other real estate industry companies
or companies with substantial real estate investments and therefore, such Fund
may be subject to certain risks associated with direct ownership of real estate
and with the real estate industry in general. These risks include, among others:
possible declines in the value of real estate; possible lack of availability of
mortgage funds; extended vacancies of properties; risks related to general and
local economic conditions; overbuilding; increases in competition, property
taxes and operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; costs resulting from the
clean-up of, and liability to third parties for damages resulting from,
environmental problems; casualty or condemnation losses; uninsured damages from
floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters; limitations on and variations in
rents; and changes in interest rates.
REITs are pooled investment vehicles which invest primarily in income producing
real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally
classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest
the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income
primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital
gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs
invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income
from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income
distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the "Code"). Certain REITs may be
self-liquidating in that a specific term of existence is provided for in the
trust document. Such trusts run the risk of liquidating at an economically
inopportune time.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES -- Certain of the Funds may
purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis in order to hedge against anticipated changes in
interest rates and prices. The price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. When-issued securities and forward
commitments may be sold prior to the settlement date, but the Funds will enter
into when-issued and forward commitments only with the intention of actually
receiving or delivering the securities, as the case may be. No income accrues on
securities which have been purchased pursuant to a forward commitment or on a
when-issued basis prior to delivery of the securities. If a Fund disposes of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or disposes of
its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a
gain or loss. At the time a Fund enters into a transaction on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis, a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid
securities equal to the value of the when-issued or forward commitment
securities will be established and maintained with its custodian and will be
marked to market daily. There is a risk that the securities may not be delivered
and that the Fund may incur a loss.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES--
WRITING COVERED CALL OPTIONS. Certain of the Funds may write (sell) covered call
options. Covered call options generally will be written on securities and
currencies which, in the opinion of the Investment Manager are not expected to
make any major price moves in the near future but which, over the long term, are
deemed to be attractive investments.
A call option gives the holder (buyer) the right to purchase a security or
currency at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until a certain
date (the expiration date). So long as the obligation of the writer of a call
option continues, the writer may be assigned an exercise notice by the
broker/dealer through whom such option was sold, requiring it to deliver the
underlying security or currency against payment of the exercise price. This
obligation terminates upon the expiration of the call option, or such earlier
time at which the writer effects a closing purchase transaction by purchasing an
option identical to that previously sold. Writing covered call options is less
risky than writing uncovered or "naked" options, which the Funds will not do.
Portfolio securities on which call options may be written will be purchased
solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with that Fund's
investment objectives. When writing a covered call option, the Fund in return
for the premium gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the
underlying security above the exercise price, and retains the risk of loss
should the price of the security decline. Unlike one who owns securities not
subject to an option, a Fund has no control over when it may be required to sell
the underlying securities, since the option may be exercised at any time prior
to the option's expiration. If a call option which a Fund has written expires,
the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, such gain
may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during
the option period. If the call option is exercised, a Fund will realize a gain
or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
The premium which a Fund receives for writing a call option is deemed to
constitute the market value of an option. The premium the Fund will receive from
writing a call option will reflect, among other things, the current market price
of the underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to such
market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying security, and
the length of the option period. In determining whether a particular call option
should be written on a particular security, the Investment Manager will consider
the reasonableness of the anticipated premium and the likelihood that a liquid
secondary market will exist for those options. The premium received by a Fund
for writing covered call options will be recorded as a liability in the Fund's
statement of assets and liabilities. This liability will be adjusted daily to
the option's current market value, which will be the latest sales price at the
time which the net asset value per share of the Fund is computed at the close of
regular trading on the NYSE (currently, 3:00 p.m. Central time, unless weather,
equipment failure or other factors contribute to an earlier closing time), or,
in the absence of such sale, the latest asked price. The liability will be
extinguished upon expiration of the option, the purchase of an identical option
in a closing transaction, or delivery of the underlying security upon the
exercise of the option.
Closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, or
to permit the sale of the underlying security. Furthermore, effecting a closing
transaction will permit a Fund to write another call option on the underlying
security with either a different exercise price, expiration date or both. If the
Fund desires to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has
written a call option, or purchased a put option, it will seek to effect a
closing transaction prior to, or concurrently with, the sale of the security.
There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect such closing
transactions at favorable prices. If the Fund cannot enter into such a
transaction, it may be required to hold a security that it might otherwise have
sold, in which case it would continue to be at market risk with respect to the
security.
The Fund will pay transaction costs in connection with the writing of options
and in entering into closing purchase contracts. Transaction costs relating to
options activity normally are higher than those applicable to purchases and
sales of portfolio securities.
Call options written by the Fund normally will have expiration dates of less
than nine months from the date written. The exercise price of the options may be
below, equal to or above the current market values of the underlying securities
at the time the options are written. From time to time, the Fund may purchase an
underlying security for delivery in accordance with the exercise of an option,
rather than delivering such security from its portfolio. In such cases,
additional costs will be incurred.
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction if
the cost of the transaction is less or more, respectively, than the premium
received from the writing of the option. Because increases in the market price
of a call option generally will reflect increases in the market price of the
underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is
likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund.
PURCHASING CALL OPTIONS. Certain Funds may purchase call options. As the holder
of a call option, the Fund would have the right to purchase the underlying
security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. The Fund
may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to such options, exercise
them or permit them to expire. Call options may be purchased by the Fund for the
purpose of acquiring the underlying security for its portfolio. Utilized in this
fashion, the purchase of call options would enable the Fund to acquire the
security at the exercise price of the call option plus the premium paid. At
times, the net cost of acquiring the security in this manner may be less than
the cost of acquiring the security directly. This technique also may be useful
to a Fund in purchasing a large block of securities that would be more difficult
to acquire by direct market purchases. So long as it holds such a call option
rather than the underlying security itself, the Fund is partially protected from
any unexpected decline in the market price of the underlying security and in
such event could allow the call option to expire, incurring a loss only to the
extent of the premium paid for the option.
The Fund also may purchase call options on underlying securities it owns in
order to protect unrealized gains on call options previously written by it. A
call option would be purchased for this purpose where tax considerations make it
inadvisable to realize such gains through a closing purchase transaction. Call
options also may be purchased at times to avoid realizing losses that would
result in a reduction of the Fund's current return. For example, the Fund has
written a call option on an underlying security having a current market value
below the price at which such security was purchased by the Fund, an increase in
the market price could result in the exercise of the call option written by the
Fund and the realization of a loss on the underlying security with the same
exercise price and expiration date as the option previously written.
Aggregate premiums paid for put and call options will not exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets at the time of purchase.
WRITING COVERED PUT OPTIONS. Certain of the Funds may write covered put options.
A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and the writer
(seller) the obligation to buy, the underlying security at the exercise price
during the option period. The option may be exercised at any time prior to its
expiration date. The operation of put options in other respects, including their
related risks and rewards, is substantially identical to that of call options.
The Fund would write put options only on a covered basis, which means that the
Fund would either (i) set aside cash or liquid securities in an amount not less
than the exercise price at all times while the put option is outstanding (the
rules of the Options Clearing Corporation currently require that such assets be
deposited in escrow to secure payment of the exercise price), (ii) sell short
the security underlying the put option at the same or higher price than the
exercise price of the put option, or (iii) purchase a put option, if the
exercise price of the purchased put option is the same or higher than the
exercise price of the put option sold by the Fund. The Fund generally would
write covered put options in circumstances where the Investment Manager wishes
to purchase the underlying security for the Fund's portfolio at a price lower
than the current market price of the security. In such event, the Fund would
write a put option at an exercise price which, reduced by the premium received
on the option, reflects the lower price it is willing to pay. Since the Fund
also would receive interest on debt securities maintained to cover the exercise
price of the option, this technique could be used to enhance current return
during periods of market uncertainty. The risk in such a transaction would be
that the market price of the underlying security would decline below the
exercise price less the premiums received.
PURCHASING PUT OPTIONS. Certain of the Funds may purchase put options. As the
holder of a put option, the Fund would have the right to sell the underlying
security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. The Fund
may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to such options, exercise
them or permit them to expire.
The Fund may purchase a put option on an underlying security ("protective put")
owned by the Fund as a hedging technique in order to protect against an
anticipated decline in the value of the security. Such hedge protection is
provided only during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the holder of
the put option, is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise
price regardless of any decline in the underlying security's market price. For
example, a put option may be purchased in order to protect unrealized
appreciation of a security when the Investment Manager deems it desirable to
continue to hold the security because of tax considerations. The premium paid
for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any capital gain
otherwise available for distribution when the security eventually is sold.
Certain Funds also may purchase put options at a time when the Fund does not own
the underlying security. By purchasing put options on a security it does not
own, the Fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the market price of the
underlying security. If the put option is not sold when it has remaining value,
and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater
than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the Fund will lose
its entire investment in the put option. In order for the purchase of a put
option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must
decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and
transaction cost, unless the put option is sold in a closing sale transaction.
The premium paid by the Fund when purchasing a put option will be recorded as an
asset in the Fund's statement of assets and liabilities. This asset will be
adjusted daily to the option's current market value, which will be the latest
sale price at the time at which the net asset value per share of the Fund is
computed (at the close of regular trading on the NYSE), or, in the absence of
such sale, the latest bid price. The asset will be extinguished upon expiration
of the option, the writing of an identical option in a closing transaction, or
the delivery of the underlying security upon the exercise of the option.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS. Certain Funds may enter into interest rate
futures contracts ("Futures" or "Futures Contracts") as a hedge against changes
in prevailing levels of interest rates. A Fund's hedging may include sales of
Futures as an offset against the effect of expected increases in interest rates,
and purchases of Futures as an offset against the effect of expected declines in
interest rates.
The Funds will not enter into Futures Contracts for speculation and will only
enter into Futures Contracts which are traded on national futures exchanges and
are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument. The
principal interest rate exchanges in the United States are the Board of Trade of
the City of Chicago and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Futures exchanges and
trading are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Futures are exchanged in London at the London
International Financial Futures Exchange.
Although techniques other than sales and purchases of Futures Contracts could be
used to reduce a Fund's exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Fund may be
able to hedge exposure more effectively and at a lower cost through using
Futures Contracts.
The Fund will not enter into a Futures Contract if, as a result thereof, more
than 5% of the Fund's total assets (taken at market value at the time of
entering into the contract) would be committed to "margin" (down payment)
deposits on such Futures Contracts.
A Futures Contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by
another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (debt
security) for a specified price at a designated date, time and place. Brokerage
fees are incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold, and margin deposits
must be maintained at all times the Futures Contract is outstanding.
Although Futures Contracts typically require future delivery of and payment for
financial instruments, Futures Contracts usually are closed out before the
delivery date. Closing out an open Futures Contract sale or purchase is effected
by entering into an offsetting Futures Contract purchase or sale, respectively,
for the same aggregate amount of the identical financial instrument and the same
delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale
price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss.
Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase
price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The
transaction costs also must be included in these calculations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular Futures Contract at a particular time.
If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the Futures Contract.
Persons who trade in Futures Contracts may be broadly classified as "hedgers"
and "speculators." Hedgers, such as the Funds, whose business activity involves
investment or other commitment in securities or other obligations, use the
Futures markets primarily to offset unfavorable changes in value that may occur
because of fluctuations in the value of the securities and obligations held or
expected to be acquired by them. Debtors and other obligors also may hedge the
interest cost of their obligations. The speculator, like the hedger, generally
expects neither to deliver nor to receive the financial instrument underlying
the Futures Contract, but, unlike the hedger, hopes to profit from fluctuations
in prevailing interest rates.
The Fund's Futures transactions will be entered into for traditional hedging
purposes; that is, Futures Contracts will be sold to protect against a decline
in the price of securities that the Fund owns, or Futures Contracts will be
purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities it
has committed to purchase or expects to purchase.
"Margin" with respect to Futures Contracts is the amount of funds that must be
deposited by the Fund, in a segregated account with the Fund's broker, in order
to initiate Futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in Futures
Contracts. A margin deposit made when the Futures Contract is entered into
("initial margin") is intended to assure the Fund's performance of the Futures
Contract. The margin required for a particular Futures Contract is set by the
exchange on which the Futures Contract is traded, and may be modified
significantly from time to time by the exchange during the term of the Futures
Contract. Futures Contracts customarily are purchased and sold on margins that
may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the Futures Contract being
traded.
If the price of an open Futures Contract changes (by increase in the case of a
sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the Futures
Contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy margin
requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin deposit ("margin
variation"). If the value of a position increases because of favorable price
changes in the Futures Contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the required
margin, however, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund. In computing daily
net asset values, the Fund will mark to market the current value of its open
Futures Contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its margin
deposits.
MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Municipal Bond Fund may enter into
municipal bond index futures contracts. A municipal bond index futures contract
is an agreement to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the
difference between the value of the index at the beginning and at the end of the
contract period. In a substantial majority of these transactions, the Fund will
purchase such securities upon termination of the futures position but, under
unusual market conditions, a futures position may be terminated without the
corresponding purchase of securities.
RISKS OF USING FUTURES CONTRACTS. The prices of Futures Contracts are volatile
and are influenced, among other things, by actual and anticipated changes in
interest rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and
national and international political and economic events.
There is a risk of imperfect correlation between changes in prices of Futures
Contracts and prices of the securities in the Fund's portfolio being hedged. The
degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon circumstances such as:
variations in speculative market demand for Futures and for debt securities,
including technical influences in Futures trading; and differences between the
financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying the standard
Futures Contracts available for trading, with respect to interest rate levels,
maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision of whether, when, and
how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be
unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected market behavior or interest
rate trends.
Because of the low margin deposits required, Futures trading involves an
extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a Futures Contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as
well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of
the value of the Futures Contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10%
decrease in the value of the Futures Contract would result in a total loss of
the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the
account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss of 150% of
the original margin deposit, if the Contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase
or sale of a Futures Contract may result in losses in excess of the amount
invested in the Futures Contract. However, the Fund presumably would have
sustained comparable losses if, instead of the Futures Contract, it had invested
in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline.
Furthermore, in the case of a Futures Contract purchase, in order to be certain
that the Fund has sufficient assets to satisfy its obligations under a Futures
Contract, the Fund sets aside and commits to back the Futures Contract an amount
of cash and liquid securities equal in value to the current value of the
underlying instrument less margin deposit.
In the case of a Futures contract sale, the Fund either will set aside amounts,
as in the case of a Futures Contract purchase, own the security underlying the
contract or hold a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same Futures
Contract at a price no higher than the contract price. Assets used as cover
cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding Futures Contract is open,
unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the commitment of a
significant portion of the Fund's assets to cover could impede portfolio
management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other current
obligations.
Most U.S. Futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in Futures
Contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes the
maximum amount that the price of a Futures Contract may vary either up or down
from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once
the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of Futures Contract, no
trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit
governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does
not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of
unfavorable positions. Futures Contract prices occasionally have moved to the
daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading,
thereby preventing prompt liquidation of Futures positions and subjecting some
Futures traders to substantial losses.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Options on Futures Contracts are similar to
options on securities except that options on Futures Contracts give the
purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a
Futures Contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position
if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the Futures Contract,
at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the Futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's Futures margin account which represents the
amount by which the market price of the Futures Contract, at exercise, exceeds
(in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise
price of the option on the Futures Contract. If an option is exercised on the
last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will
be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of
the option and the closing level of the securities or index upon which the
Futures Contracts are based on the expiration date. Purchasers of options who
fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the
premium paid.
As an alternative to purchasing call and put options on Futures, the Fund may
purchase call and put options on the underlying securities themselves. Such
options would be used in a manner identical to the use of options on Futures
Contracts.
To reduce or eliminate the leverage then employed by the Fund, or to reduce or
eliminate the hedge position then currently held by the Fund, the Fund may seek
to close out an option position by selling an option covering the same
securities or contract and having the same exercise price and expiration date.
Trading in options on Futures Contracts began relatively recently. The ability
to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market. It is not certain that
this market will develop.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS -- The Diversified Income Fund and the High Yield Fund may
enter into interest rate, total return and index swaps. The High Yield Fund may
also enter into the purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. A Fund
usually will enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis if the contract so
provides, that is, the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement
on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund
receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments. Inasmuch as swaps, caps, floors and collars are entered into for good
faith hedging purposes, the Funds and the Investment Manager believe that they
do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act if appropriately covered
and, thus, will not treat them as being subject to a Fund's borrowing
restrictions. A Fund will not enter into any swap, cap, floor, collar or other
derivative transaction unless, at the time of entering into the transaction, the
unsecured long-term debt rating of the counterparty combined with any credit
enhancements is rated at least A by Moody's or S&P or has an equivalent rating
from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or is determined to
be of equivalent credit quality by the Investment Manager. If a counterparty
defaults, a Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements
related to the transactions. The swap market has grown substantially in recent
years, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result,
the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more
recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully
developed and, for that reason, they are less liquid than swaps.
EMERGING COUNTRIES -- Certain of the Funds may invest in debt securities in
emerging markets. Investing in securities in emerging countries may entail
greater risks than investing in debt securities in developed countries. These
risks include (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the small
current size of the markets for such securities and the currently low or
nonexistent volume of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity and in
greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies which may restrict the
Fund's investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers
or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; and
(v) the absence of developed structures governing private or foreign investment
or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS -- Certain countries prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly
their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Funds. As illustrations,
certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign
persons, or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular
company, or limit the investments by foreign persons to only a specific class of
securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of
the company available for purchase by nationals. Moreover, the national policies
of certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or
industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some countries
require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital
or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. A Fund could be
adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of
other restrictions on investments.
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS -- Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies
may entail additional risks due to the potential political and economic
instability of certain countries and the risks of expropriation,
nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investment and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such
expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, a Fund
could lose its entire investment in any such country.
An investment in a Fund which invests in non-U.S. companies is subject to the
political and economic risks associated with investments in foreign markets.
Even though opportunities for investment may exist in emerging markets, any
change in the leadership or policies of the governments of those countries or in
the leadership or policies of any other government which exercises a significant
influence over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the
liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and thereby
eliminate any investment opportunities which may currently exist.
Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian regimes,
the governments of a number of emerging market countries previously expropriated
large quantities of real and personal property similar to the property which
will be represented by the securities purchased by a Fund. The claims of
property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can
be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by a Fund
will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated. If such
confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion of its
investments in such countries. The Fund's investments would similarly be
adversely affected by exchange control regulation in any of those countries.
RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC INSTABILITY -- Certain countries in which a Fund may invest
may have vocal minorities that advocate radical religious or revolutionary
philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on the part of such
individuals could carry the potential for widespread destruction or confiscation
of property owned by individuals and entities foreign to such country and could
cause the loss of the Fund's investment in those countries.
NON-UNIFORM CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STANDARDS AND GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION --
Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial standards
and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable
to U.S. companies. In particular, the assets, liabilities and profits appearing
on the financial statements of such a company may not reflect its financial
position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had such
financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Most of the foreign securities held by a Fund will not be
registered with the SEC or regulators of any foreign country, nor will the
issuers thereof be subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Thus, there will
be less available information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by
the Fund than is available concerning U.S. issuers. In instances where the
financial statements of an issuer are not deemed to reflect accurately the
financial situation of the issuer, the Investment Manager will take appropriate
steps to evaluate the proposed investment, which may include on-site inspection
of the issuer, interviews with its management and consultations with
accountants, bankers and other specialists. There is substantially less publicly
available information about foreign companies than there are reports and ratings
published about U.S. companies and the U.S. Government. In addition, where
public information is available, it may be less reliable than such information
regarding U.S. issuers.
ADVERSE MARKET CHARACTERISTICS -- Securities of many foreign issuers may be less
liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S.
issuers. In addition, foreign securities exchanges and brokers generally are
subject to less governmental supervision and regulation than in the U.S., and
foreign securities exchange transactions usually are subject to fixed
commissions, which generally are higher than negotiated commissions on U.S.
transactions. In addition, foreign securities exchange transactions may be
subject to difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions.
Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund
are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause it to
miss attractive opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due
to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund due to
subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has
entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability
to the purchaser. The Investment Manager will consider such difficulties when
determining the allocation of the Fund's assets.
NON-U.S. WITHHOLDING TAXES -- A Fund's investment income and gains from foreign
issuers may be subject to non-U.S. withholding and other taxes, thereby reducing
the Fund's investment income and gains.
COSTS -- Investors should understand that the expense ratio of the Funds that
invest in foreign securities can be expected to be higher than investment
companies investing in domestic securities since the cost of maintaining the
custody of foreign securities and the rate of advisory fees paid by the Funds
are higher.
EASTERN EUROPE -- Changes occurring in Eastern Europe and Russia today could
have long-term potential consequences. As restrictions fall, this could result
in rising standards of living, lower manufacturing costs, growing consumer
spending, and substantial economic growth. However, investment in the countries
of Eastern Europe and Russia is highly speculative at this time. Political and
economic reforms are too recent to establish a definite trend away from
centrally-planned economies and state owned industries. In many of the countries
of Eastern Europe and Russia, there is no stock exchange or formal market for
securities. Such countries may also have government exchange controls,
currencies with no recognizable market value relative to the established
currencies of western market economies, little or no experience in trading in
securities, no financial reporting standards, a lack of a banking and securities
infrastructure to handle such trading, and a legal tradition which does not
recognize rights in private property. In addition, these countries may have
national policies which restrict investments in companies deemed sensitive to
the country's national interest.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRS) -- The High Yield Fund may invest in ADRs.
ADRs are dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by U.S. banks and which
represent the deposit with the bank of a foreign company's securities. ADRs are
publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States. Investors
should consider carefully the substantial risks involved in investing in
securities issued by companies of foreign nations, which are in addition to the
usual risks inherent in domestic investments. See "Foreign Investment
Restrictions," above.
INVESTMENT POLICY LIMITATIONS
Each of the Funds operate within certain fundamental policies. These fundamental
policies may not be changed without the approval of the lesser of (i) 67% or
more of the Fund's shares present at a meeting of shareholders if the holders of
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented
by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of a Fund's outstanding shares. Other
restrictions in the form of operating policies are subject to change by the
Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder approval. Any investment
restrictions that involve a maximum percentage of securities or assets shall not
be considered to be violated unless an excess over the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition of securities or assets of,
or borrowings by, the Fund. Calculation of the Fund's total assets for
compliance with any of the following fundamental or operating policies or any
other investment restrictions set forth in the Fund's Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information will not include cash collateral held in connection with
a Fund's securities lending activities.
FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES -- The fundamental policies of the Funds are:
1. PERCENT LIMIT ON ASSETS INVESTED IN ANY ONE ISSUER. Not to invest more than
5% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (other than
obligations of, or guaranteed by, the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities); provided, that this limitation applies only with respect
to 75% of a Fund's total assets.
2. PERCENT LIMIT ON SHARE OWNERSHIP OF ANY ONE ISSUER. Not to purchase a
security if, as a result, with respect to 75% of the value of the Fund's
total assets, more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer would be held by the Fund (other than obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
3. UNDERWRITING. Not to act as underwriter of securities issued by others,
except to the extent that a Fund may be considered an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 in the disposition of restricted
securities.
4. INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION. Not to invest in an amount equal to, or in excess
of, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets in a particular industry (other
than securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
5. REAL ESTATE. Not to purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result
of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent
a Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real
estate or securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).
6. COMMODITIES. Not to purchase or sell physical commodities, except that a
Fund may enter into futures contracts and options thereon.
7. LOANS. Not to lend any security or make any other loan if, as a result, more
than 33 1/3% of a Fund's total assets would be lent to other parties, except
(i) through the purchase of a portion of an issue of debt securities in
accordance with its investment objective and policies, or (ii) by engaging
in repurchase agreements with respect to portfolio securities.
8. BORROWING. Not to borrow in excess of 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets.
9. SENIOR SECURITIES. Not to issue senior securities, except as permitted under
the Investment Company Act of 1940.
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. The following fundamental policy applies only to Municipal
Bond Fund:
10. TAX-EXEMPT SECURITIES. Not to invest less than 80% of its assets in
securities which are exempt from regular federal income tax but which may be
subject to alternative minimum tax, except for temporary defensive purposes.
The Diversified Income and High Yield Funds interpret Fundamental Policy (5) to
prohibit the purchase of real estate limited partnerships.
For purposes of Fundamental Policies (2) and (4) above, each governmental
subdivision, i.e., state, territory, possession of the United States or any
political subdivision of any of the foregoing, including agencies, authorities,
instrumentalities, or similar entities, or of the District of Columbia shall be
considered a separate issuer if its assets and revenues are separate from those
of the governmental body creating it and the security is backed only by its own
assets and revenues. Further, in the case of an industrial development bond, if
the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental
user, then such non-governmental user will be deemed to be the sole issuer. If
an industrial development bond or government issued security is guaranteed by a
governmental or other entity, such guarantee would be considered a separate
security issued by the guarantor.
For Cash Fund, Fundamental Policy (4) does not apply to investment in bank
obligations.
OPERATING POLICIES -- The operating policies of the Funds are:
1. LOANS. The Funds may not lend assets other than securities to other parties.
(This limitation does not apply to purchases of debt securities or to
repurchase agreements.)
2. BORROWING. The Funds may not borrow money or securities for any purposes
except that borrowing up to 10% of the Fund's total assets from commercial
banks is permitted for emergency or temporary purposes. Cash Fund may not
purchase securities while borrowings equal to 5% or more of its total assets
are outstanding.
3. OPTIONS. The Funds, other than Cash Fund, may buy and sell exchange-traded
and over-the-counter put and call options, including index options,
securities options, currency options and options on futures, provided that a
call or put may be purchased only if after such purchase, the value of all
call and put options held by the Fund will not exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets. The Funds may write only covered put and call options. Cash Fund
will not invest in puts, calls, or any combination thereof.
4. OIL AND GAS PROGRAMS. The Funds may not invest in oil, gas, mineral leases
or other mineral exploration or development programs.
5. INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Except in connection with a merger, consolidation,
acquisition, or reorganization, the Funds may not invest in securities of
other investment companies, except in compliance with the Investment Company
Act of 1940.
DIVERSIFIED INCOME, HIGH YIELD AND CASH FUNDS. The following operating policies
apply only to the foregoing Funds:
6. OPERATING HISTORY. The Funds may not invest in securities of an issuer that,
together with any predecessor, has been in operation for less than three
years if, as a result, more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund would
then be invested in such securities; provided that this operating policy
does not apply to High Yield Fund.
7. CONTROL OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES. The Funds may not invest in companies for
the purpose of exercising management or control.
MUNICIPAL BOND AND CASH FUNDS. The following operating policies apply only to
Municipal Bond and Cash Funds:
8. SHORT SALES. The Funds may not sell securities short, unless it owns or has
the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the
securities sold short, and provided that transactions in futures contracts
and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
9. MARGIN. The Funds do not intend to purchase securities on margin, except
that the Funds may obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the
clearance of transactions, and provided that margin payments in connection
with futures contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute
purchasing securities on margin.
CASH FUND. The following operating policies apply only to Cash Fund:
10. PERMISSIBLE SECURITIES. Cash Fund may not purchase securities other than
U.S. Government securities, bank obligations and corporate obligations.
11. FUTURES. Cash Fund may not purchase futures contracts or options thereon.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The officers and directors of the Funds and their principal occupations for at
least the last five years are as follows. Unless otherwise noted, the address of
each officer and director is 700 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME, ADDRESS, AND AGE POSITION(S) HELD WITH FUND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
John D. Cleland,* 64 Chairman of the Board Senior Vice President and Managing Member
(Birth date: May 1, 1936) and Director Representative, Security Management Company, LLC;
Senior Vice President, Security Benefit Group, Inc.
and Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald A. Chubb, Jr.,** 53 Director Business broker, Griffith & Blair Realtors. Prior to
(Birth date: December 14, 1946) 1997, President, Neon Tube Light Company, Inc
2222 SW 29th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66611
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penny A. Lumpkin,** 60 Director Owner, Vivian's Gift Shop (Corporate Retail); Vice
(Birth date: August 20, 1939) President, Palmer Companies, Inc. (Small Business and
3616 Canterbury Town Road Shopping Center Development) and Bellairre Shopping
Topeka, Kansas 66610 Center LLC (Managing and Leasing); Partner, Goodwin
Enterprises (Retail). Prior to 1999, Vice President and
Treasurer, Palmer News, Inc.; Vice President, M/S News,
Ind. and Secretary, Kansas City Periodicals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark L. Morris, Jr.,** 66 Director Veterinary Nutrition Consultant; Independent Investor,
(Birth date: February 3, 1934) Morris Co. (Personal Investments). Former General Partner,
5500 SW 7th Street Mark Morris Associates (Veterinary Research and Education)
Topeka, Kansas 66606 Research and Education)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maynard Oliverius, 56 Director President and Chief Executive Officer,
(Birth date: December 18, 1943) Stormont-Vail HealthCare
1500 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66604
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James R. Schmank,* 47 Director and President President and Managing Member Representative, Security
(Birth date: February 21, 1953) Management Company, LLC; Senior Vice President, Security
Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance
Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, 38 Secretary Secretary, Security Management Company, LLC; Vice
(Birth date: June 5, 1961) President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary, Security Benefit Group, Inc. and
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brenda M. Harwood, 36 Treasurer Assistant Vice President and Treasurer, Security
(Birth date: November 3, 1963) Management Company, LLC; Assistant Vice President,
Security Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit
Life Insurance Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven M. Bowser, 40 Vice President Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Security
(Birth date: February 11, 1960) (Income Fund) Management Company, LLC; Vice President, Security Benefit
Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas A. Swank, 40 Vice President Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Security
(Birth date: January 10, 1960) (Income Fund) Management Company, LLC; Senior Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer, Security Benefit Group, Inc. and
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christopher D. Swickard, 34 Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary, Security Management Company, LLC;
(Birth date: October 9, 1965) Assistant Vice President and Assistant Counsel, Security
Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance
Company
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
*These directors are deemed to be "interested persons" of the Fund.
**These directors serve on the Fund's audit committee, the purpose of which (among other things) is to meet with independent
auditors, to review the work of the auditors, and to oversee the handling by Security Management Company, LLC of the accounting
function for the Fund.
</FN>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The officers of the Funds hold identical offices with each of the other Funds
managed by the Investment Manager, except Messrs. Bowser and Swank, who are also
Vice Presidents of SBL Fund. The directors of the Funds also serve as directors
of each of the other Funds managed by the Investment Manager. See the table
under "Investment Management," page 39, for positions held by such persons with
the Investment Manager. Ms. Lee holds identical offices for the Distributor
(Security Distributors, Inc.). Messrs. Cleland, Schmank and Young are also
directors. Mr. Cleland is Vice President, and Ms. Harwood is Treasurer of the
Distributor.
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHERS
The Funds' directors, except those directors who are "interested persons" of the
Funds, receive from each Fund an annual retainer of $2,000 and a fee of $2,500
per meeting, plus reasonable travel costs, for each meeting of the board
attended. In addition, certain directors who are members of the Funds' joint
audit committee receive a fee of $1,500 per meeting and reasonable travel costs
for each meeting of the Funds' audit committee attended. The meeting fee
(including the audit committee meeting) and travel costs are paid
proportionately by each of the seven registered investment companies to which
the Adviser provides investment advisory services (collectively, the "Security
Fund Complex") based on the Fund's net assets.
The Funds do not pay any fees to, or reimburse expenses of, their directors who
are considered "interested persons" of the Fund. The aggregate compensation paid
by the Fund to each of the directors during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999, and the aggregate compensation paid to each of the directors during
calendar year 1999 by the Security Fund Complex, are set forth in the
accompanying chart. Each of the directors is a director of each of the other
registered investment companies in the Security Fund Complex.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENSION OR RETIREMENT
NAME OF DIRECTOR BENEFITS ACCRUED AS
OF THE FUND AGGREGATE COMPENSATION PART OF FUND EXPENSES ESTIMATED TOTAL COMPENSATION
-------------------------------- -------------------------------- ANNUAL FROM THE SECURITY
INCOME MUNICIPAL INCOME MUNICIPAL BENEFITS UPON FUND COMPLEX,
FUND BOND FUND CASH FUND FUND BOND FUND CASH FUND RETIREMENT INCLUDING THE FUNDS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. $2,542 $2,542 $2,542 $0 $0 $0 $0 $30,500
John D. Cleland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Penny A. Lumpkin 2,458 2,458 2,458 0 0 0 0 29,500
Mark L. Morris, Jr. 2,542 2,542 2,542 0 0 0 0 30,500
Maynard Oliverius 2,542 2,542 2,542 0 0 0 0 30,500
James R. Schmank 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Harold G. Worswick* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Mr. Worswick, formerly a director of the Security Funds, received deferred compensation in the amount of $8,386 during the year
ended December 31, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
As of March 31, 2000, the Funds' officers and directors (as a group)
beneficially owned less than 1% of the total outstanding Class A shares of
Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds. Cash Fund's officers
and directors (as a group) beneficially owned less than 1% of the total
outstanding shares as of March 31, 2000. None of the Funds' officers or
directors owned Class B shares of the Funds.
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
As of March 31, 2000, Security Benefit Group, Inc. ("SBG"), 700 SW Harrison
Street, Topeka, Kansas, 66636-0001, owned, of record and beneficially, 27% of
the voting securities of High Yield Fund (46% of the total outstanding Class A
shares and 71% of the total outstanding Class B shares). SBG's percentage
ownership of High Yield Fund may permit SBG to effectively control the outcome
of any matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of these two funds. SBG is an
insurance and financial services holding company wholly-owned by Security
Benefit Life Insurance Company ("SBL"), 700 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas
66636-0001. SBG and SBL are incorporated under the laws of Kansas. SBG is
ultimately controlled by Security Benefit Mutual Holding Company, 700 SW
Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001, a mutual holding company organized
under the laws of Kansas.
As of March 31, 2000, the following entities owned, of record and beneficially,
5% or more of a class of a Fund's outstanding securities:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND CLASS PERCENTAGE
NAME OF STOCKHOLDER OWNED OWNED OWNED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBL Diversified Income Class A 11.1
High Yield Class A 16.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBG High Yield Class A 45.5
High Yield Class B 70.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma Co. Employee Diversified Income Class A 20.8
Retirement Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitol Federal Diversified Income Class A 17.9
Foundation
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sisters of St. Francis High Yield Class A 11.1
Ministry Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William R. McDonough,
Ttee, David N. Fletcher, High Yield Class B 7.1
Rev. Trust B/U/A 5/29/98
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Margaret C. Lyddon and
Nancy Lyddon Sutherland Municipal Bond Class B 13.4
Trste, Margaret C. Lyddon
Trust dtd 11/24/97
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eugene Vernon Speakes
Trste and Mary Rebecca Municipal Bond Class B 9.9
Speakes Trste, Speakes
Living Trust dtd 2/26/86
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas A. Irvine and Municipal Bond Class B 13.1
Regina A. Irvine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nelva Jo Davis, Trste, NJT Municipal Bond Class B 5.9
Trust Number 1 dtd 3/24/97
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ollie M. Boyer Municipal Bond Class B 7.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dorothy Kalomiris Ttee,
Dorothy Kalomiris Rev. Municipal Bond Class B 5.0
Trust U/A 10/23/93
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bernice B. Schickling Municipal Bond Class B 29.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
As discussed below, shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond
Funds may be purchased with either a front-end or contingent deferred sales
charge. Shares of Cash Fund are offered by the Fund without a sales charge. Each
of the Funds reserves the right to withdraw all or any part of the offering made
by this Prospectus and to reject purchase orders.
As a convenience to investors and to save operating expenses, the Funds do not
issue certificates for Fund shares except upon written request by the
stockholder.
DIVERSIFIED INCOME, HIGH YIELD AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS -- Security
Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), 700 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Security Benefit Group, Inc., is principal
underwriter for Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds.
Investors may purchase shares of these Funds through authorized dealers who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. In addition,
banks and other financial institutions may make shares of the Funds available to
their customers. (Banks and other financial institutions that make shares of the
Funds available to their customers in Texas must be registered with that state
as securities dealers.) The minimum initial purchase must be $100 and subsequent
purchases must be $100 unless made through an Accumulation Plan which allows a
minimum initial purchase of $100 and subsequent purchases of $20. (See
"Accumulation Plan," page 38.) An application may be obtained from the
Distributor.
Orders for the purchase of shares of the Funds will be confirmed at an offering
price equal to the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of
the order in proper form by the Distributor (generally as of the close of the
Exchange on that day) plus the sales charge in the case of Class A shares of the
Funds. Orders received by dealers or other firms prior to the close of the
Exchange and received by the Distributor prior to the close of its business day
will be confirmed at the offering price effective as of the close of the
Exchange on that day. Dealers and other financial services firms are obligated
to transmit orders promptly.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE OPTIONS -- Diversified Income Fund and High Yield Fund
offer three classes of shares, Class A, Class B and Class C. Municipal Bond Fund
offers two classes of shares, Class A and Class B.
CLASS A SHARES -- FRONT-END LOAD OPTION. Class A shares are sold with a sales
charge at the time of purchase. Class A shares are not subject to a sales charge
when they are redeemed (except that shares sold in an amount of $1,000,000 or
more without a front-end sales charge will be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge of 1% for one year). See Appendix A for a discussion of "Rights of
Accumulation" and "Statement of Intention," which options may serve to reduce
the front-end sales charge.
CLASS B SHARES -- BACK-END LOAD OPTION. Class B shares are sold without a sales
charge at the time of purchase, but are subject to a deferred sales charge if
they are redeemed within five years of the date of purchase. Class B shares will
automatically convert tax-free to Class A shares at the end of eight years after
purchase.
CLASS C SHARES -- LEVEL LOAD OPTION. Class C shares are sold without a sales
charge at the time of purchase, but are subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge if they are redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
The decision as to which class is more beneficial to an investor depends on the
amount and intended length of the investment. Investors who would rather pay the
entire cost of distribution at the time of investment, rather than spreading
such cost over time, might consider Class A shares. Other investors might
consider Class B or Class C shares, in which case 100% of the purchase price is
invested immediately, depending on the amount of the purchase and the intended
length of investment.
Dealers or others receive different levels of compensation depending on which
class of shares they sell.
CLASS A SHARES -- Class A shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds are offered at net asset value plus an initial sales charge as
follows:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES CHARGE
---------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE
AMOUNT OF PERCENTAGE PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE
PURCHASE AT OF OFFERING NET AMOUNT REALLOWABLE
OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED TO DEALERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000 ............ 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$50,000 but less
than $100,000 ............. 3.75 3.90 3.00
$100,000 but less
than $250,000 ............. 2.75 2.83 2.20
$250,000 but less
than $1,000,000 ........... 1.75 1.78 1.40
$1,000,000 or more ........... None None (See below)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchases of Class A shares of these Funds in amounts of $1,000,000 or more are
at net asset value (without a sales charge), but are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% in the event of redemption within one year following
purchase. For a discussion of the contingent deferred sales charge, see
"Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" page 36. The
Distributor will pay a commission to dealers on purchases of $1,000,000 or more
as follows: 1.00% on sales up to $5,000,000, plus .50% on sales of $5,000,000 or
more up to $10,000,000, and .10% on any amount of $10,000,000 or more. The
Underwriter may also pay a commission of up to 1% to dealers who initiate or are
responsible for purchases of $500,000 or more by certain retirement plans as
described under "Purchases at Net Asset Value" in the prospectus. Such purchases
may be subject to a deferred sales charge of up to 1% in the event of a
redemption within one year of the purchase.
SECURITY INCOME AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS' CLASS A DISTRIBUTION PLANS -- As
discussed in the Prospectus, each of Diversified Income, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds has a Distribution Plan for its Class A shares pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Each Plan authorizes these
Funds to pay an annual fee to the Distributor of .25% of the average daily net
asset value of the Class A shares of each Fund to finance various activities
relating to the distribution of such shares of the Funds to investors. These
expenses include, but are not limited to, the payment of compensation (including
compensation to securities dealers and other financial institutions and
organizations) to obtain various administrative services for each Fund. These
services include, among other things, processing new shareholder account
applications and serving as the primary source of information to customers in
answering questions concerning each Fund and their transactions with the Fund.
The Distributor is also authorized to engage in advertising, the preparation and
distribution of sales literature and other promotional activities on behalf of
each Fund. The Distributor is required to report in writing to the Board of
Directors of Income Fund and the board will review at least quarterly the
amounts and purpose of any payments made under the Plan. The Distributor is also
required to furnish the board with such other information as may reasonably be
requested in order to enable the board to make an informed determination of
whether the Plan should be continued.
For Income Fund, the Plan became effective on August 15, 1985, as to Diversified
Income Fund and was adopted with respect to the High Yield Fund on May 3, 1996.
For Municipal Bond Fund, the Plan became effective on May 1, 1998. Each Plan
will continue from year to year, provided that such continuance is approved at
least annually by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of each Fund,
including a majority of the independent directors cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. The Plan can also be
terminated at any time on 60 days' written notice, without penalty, if a
majority of the disinterested directors or the Class A shareholders vote to
terminate the Plan. Any agreement relating to the implementation of the Plan
terminates automatically if it is assigned. The Plans may not be amended to
increase materially the amount of payments thereunder without approval of the
Class A shareholders of the Funds.
Because all amounts paid pursuant to the Distribution Plan are paid to the
Distributor, the Investment Manager and its officers, directors and employees,
including Messrs. Cleland and Schmank (directors of the Fund) and Ms. Lee and
Ms. Harwood (officers of the Fund), all may be deemed to have a direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan. None of
the independent directors has a direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Distribution Plan.
Benefits from the Distribution Plan may accrue to the Funds and their
stockholders from the growth in assets due to sales of shares to the public
pursuant to the Distribution Agreement with the Distributor. Increases in the
Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds' net assets from sales
pursuant to its Distribution Plan and Agreement may benefit shareholders by
reducing per share expenses, permitting increased investment flexibility and
diversification of the Fund's assets, and facilitating economies of scale (E.G.,
block purchases) in the Fund's securities transactions.
Distribution fees paid by Class A stockholders of Diversified Income and High
Yield Funds to the Distributor under the Plan for the year ended December 31,
1999 totaled $190,939. In addition, $118,632 was carried forward from the
previous plan year. Approximately $102,939 of this amount was paid as a service
fee to broker/dealers and $118,487 was spent on promotions, resulting in a carry
forward amount of $88,145 going into the 2000 plan year. The amount spent on
promotions consists primarily of amounts reimbursed to dealers for expenses
(primarily travel, meals and lodging) incurred in connection with attendance by
their representatives at educational meetings concerning Diversified Income and
High Yield Funds. The Distributor may engage the services of an affiliated
advertising agency for advertising, preparation of sales literature and other
distribution-related activities.
CLASS B SHARES -- Class B shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds are offered at net asset value, without an initial sales charge. With
certain exceptions, these Funds may impose a deferred sales charge on shares
redeemed within five years of the date of purchase. No deferred sales charge is
imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter. If imposed, the deferred sales charge is
deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to the stockholder. The
deferred sales charge is retained by the Distributor.
Whether a contingent deferred sales charge is imposed and the amount of the
charge will depend on the number of years since the stockholder made a purchase
payment from which an amount is being redeemed, according to the following
schedule:
--------------------------------------------------
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE CONTINGENT DEFERRED
PAYMENT WAS MADE SALES CHARGE
--------------------------------------------------
First 5%
Second 4%
Third 3%
Fourth 3%
Fifth 2%
Sixth and Following 0%
--------------------------------------------------
Class B shares (except shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends
and other distributions with respect to Class B shares) will automatically
convert on the eighth anniversary of the date such shares were purchased to
Class A shares which are subject to a lower distribution fee. This automatic
conversion of Class B shares will take place without imposition of a front-end
sales charge or exchange fee. (Conversion of Class B shares represented by stock
certificates will require the return of the stock certificates to the Investment
Manager.) All shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends and other
distributions with respect to Class B shares ("reinvestment shares") will be
considered to be held in a separate subaccount. Each time any Class B shares
(other than those held in the subaccount) convert to Class A shares, a pro rata
portion of the reinvestment shares held in the subaccount will also convert to
Class A shares. Class B shares so converted will no longer be subject to the
higher expenses borne by Class B shares. Because the net asset value per share
of the Class A shares may be higher or lower than that of the Class B shares at
the time of conversion, although the dollar value will be the same, a
shareholder may receive more or less Class A shares than the number of Class B
shares converted. Under current law, it is the Funds' opinion that such a
conversion will not constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law. In
the event that this ceases to be the case, the Board of Directors will consider
what action, if any, is appropriate and in the best interests of the Class B
stockholders.
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION PLAN -- Each of Diversified Income, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds bear some of the costs of selling its Class B shares under
a Distribution Plan adopted with respect to its Class B shares ("Class B
Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). This Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of
Diversified Income and Municipal Bond Funds on July 23, 1993. The Plan was
adopted with respect to the High Yield Fund on May 3, 1996. The Plan provides
for payments at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net asset value of
Class B shares. Amounts paid by the Funds are currently used to pay dealers and
other firms that make Class B shares available to their customers (1) a
commission at the time of purchase normally equal to 4.00% of the value of each
share sold and (2) a service fee payable for the first year, initially, and for
each year thereafter, quarterly, in an amount equal to .25% annually of the
average daily net asset value of Class B shares sold by such dealers and other
firms and remaining outstanding on the books of the Funds.
Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") limit the
aggregate amount that each Fund may pay annually in distribution costs for the
sale of its Class B shares to 6.25% of gross sales of Class B shares since the
inception of the Distribution Plan, plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% on
such amount (less any contingent deferred sales charges paid by Class B
shareholders to the Distributor). The Distributor intends, but is not obligated,
to continue to pay or accrue distribution charges incurred in connection with
the Class B Distribution Plan which exceed current annual payments permitted to
be received by the Distributor from the Funds. The Distributor intends to seek
full payment of such charges from the Fund (together with annual interest
thereon at the prime rate plus 1%) at such time in the future as, and to the
extent that, payment thereof by the Funds would be within permitted limits.
Each Fund's Class B Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of
its directors who are not interested persons of the Fund as defined in the 1940
Act or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class B shares. In the event the
Class B Distribution Plan is terminated by the Class B stockholders or the
Funds' Board of Directors, the payments made to the Distributor pursuant to the
Plan up to that time would be retained by the Distributor. Any expenses incurred
by the Distributor in excess of those payments would be absorbed by the
Distributor. Distribution fees paid by Class B stockholders of Diversified
Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds to the Distributor under the Plan
for the year ended December 31, 1999, totaled $205,030. The Funds make no
payments in connection with the sales of their Class B shares other than the
distribution fee paid to the Distributor.
CLASS C SHARES -- Class C shares are offered at net asset value, without an
initial sales charge. With certain exceptions, the Funds may impose a deferred
sales charge on shares redeemed within one year of the date of purchase. No
deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter. If imposed, the
deferred sales charge is deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable
to you. The deferred sales charge is retained by the Distributor.
CLASS C DISTRIBUTION PLAN -- Diversified Income Fund and High Yield Fund bear
some of the costs of selling its Class C shares under a Distribution Plan
adopted with respect to its Class C shares ("Class C Distribution Plan")
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. This Plan provides for payments at an
annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net asset value of Class C shares.
Amounts paid by the Fund are currently used to pay dealers and other firms that
make Class C shares available to their customers (1) a commission at the time of
purchase normally equal to .75% of the value of each share sold, and for each
year thereafter, quarterly, in an amount equal to .75% annually of the average
daily net asset value of Class C shares sold by such dealers and other firms and
remaining outstanding on the books of the Fund and (2) a service fee payable for
the first year initially, and for each year thereafter, quarterly, in an amount
equal to .25% annually of the average daily net asset value of Class C shares
sold by such dealers and other firms and remaining outstanding on the books of
the Fund.
Rules of the NASD limit the aggregate amount that a Fund may pay annually in
distribution costs for the sale of its Class C shares to 6.25% of gross sales of
Class C shares since the inception of the Distribution Plan, plus interest at
the prime rate plus 1% on such amount (less any contingent deferred sales
charges paid by Class C shareholders to the Distributor). The Distributor
intends, but is not obligated, to continue to pay or accrue distribution charges
incurred in connection with the Class C Distribution Plan which exceed current
annual payments permitted to be received by the Distributor from the Funds. The
Distributor intends to seek full payment of such charges from the Fund (together
with annual interest thereon at the prime rate plus 1%) at such time in the
future as, and to the extent that, payment thereof by the Funds would be within
permitted limits.
The Fund's Class C Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote of
its directors who are not interested persons of the Fund as defined in the 1940
Act or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class C shares. In the event the
Class C Distribution Plan is terminated by the Class C stockholders or the
Fund's Board of Directors, the payments made to the Distributor pursuant to the
Plan up to that time would be retained by the Distributor. Any expenses incurred
by the Distributor in excess of those payments would be absorbed by the
Distributor. The Fund makes no payments in connection with the sales of their
shares other than the distribution fee paid to the Distributor.
CALCULATION AND WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES -- Any contingent
deferred sales charge imposed upon redemption of Class A shares (purchased in an
amount of $1,000,000 or more) and Class B shares and Class C shares is a
percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset value of the shares redeemed or
(2) the net cost of such shares. No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed
upon redemption of amounts derived from (1) increases in the value above the net
cost of such shares due to increases in the net asset value per share of the
Fund; (2) shares acquired through reinvestment of income dividends and capital
gain distributions; or (3) Class A shares (purchased in an amount of $1,000,000
or more) or Class C shares held for more than one year or Class B shares held
for more than five years. Upon request for redemption, shares not subject to the
contingent deferred sales charge will be redeemed first. Thereafter, shares held
the longest will be the first to be redeemed.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived: (1) following the death of a
stockholder if redemption is made within one year after death, (2) upon the
disability (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code) of a
stockholder prior to age 65 if redemption is made within one year after the
disability, provided such disability occurred after the stockholder opened the
account; (3) in connection with required minimum distributions in the case of an
IRA, SAR-SEP or Keogh or any other retirement plan qualified under Section
401(a), 401(k) or 403(b) of the Code; and (4) in the case of distributions from
retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code due to (i) returns of excess contributions to the plan, (ii)
retirement of a participant in the plan, (iii) a loan from the plan (repayment
of loans, however, will constitute new sales for purposes of assessing the
CDSC), (iv) "financial hardship" of a participant in the plan, as that term is
defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(2), as amended from time to
time, (v) termination of employment of a participant in the plan, (vi) any other
permissible withdrawal under the terms of the plan. The contingent deferred
sales charge will also be waived in the case of certain redemptions of Class B
shares of the Funds pursuant to a systematic withdrawal program (See "Systematic
Withdrawal Program," page 39).
ARRANGEMENTS WITH BROKER/DEALERS AND OTHERS -- The Investment Manager or
Distributor, from time to time, will pay a bonus to certain dealers whose
representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of the
Funds and/or certain other Funds managed by the Investment Manager. Bonus
compensation may include reallowance of the entire sales charge and may also
include, with respect to Class A shares, an amount which exceeds the entire
sales charge and, with respect to Class B shares or Class C shares, an amount
which exceeds the maximum commission. The Distributor, or the Investment
Manager, may also provide financial assistance to certain dealers in connection
with conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for
the public, advertising, sales campaigns, and/or shareholder services and
programs regarding one or more of the funds managed by the Investment Manager.
Certain of the bonuses may be financed by payments to the Distributor under a
Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. The payment of bonuses will not change the price
an investor will pay for shares or the amount that the Funds will receive from
such sale. No compensation will be offered to the extent it is prohibited by the
laws of any state or self-regulatory agency, such as the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). A Dealer to whom substantially the entire
sales charge of Class A shares is reallowed may be deemed to be an "underwriter"
under federal securities laws. The Distributor also may pay banks and other
financial services firms that facilitate transactions in shares of the funds for
their clients a transaction fee up to the level of the payments made allowable
to dealers for the sale of such shares as described above. Banks and financial
institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
The Investment Manager or Distributor also may pay a marketing allowance to
dealers who meet certain eligibility criteria. This allowance is paid with
reference to new sales of Fund shares (except shares of Cash Fund) in a calendar
year and may be discontinued at any time. To be eligible for this allowance in
any given year, the dealer must sell a minimum of $2,000,000 of Class A, Class B
and Class C shares during that year. The applicable marketing allowance factors
are set forth below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE MARKETING
AGGREGATE NEW SALES ALLOWANCE FACTOR*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $2 million ......................................... .00%
$2 million but less than $5 million .......................... .15%
$5 million but less than $10 million ......................... .25%
$10 million but less than $15 million ........................ .35%
$15 million but less than $20 million ........................ .50%
$20 million or more .......................................... .75%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The maximum marketing allowance factor applicable per this schedule will be
applied to all new sales in the calendar year to determine the marketing
allowance payable for such year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the calendar year ended December 31, 1999, the following dealers received a
marketing allowance:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEALER AMOUNT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legend Equities Corp............................................. $167,065
Investment Advisors & Consultants, Inc........................... $39,609
VSR Financial Services, Inc...................................... $15,654
OFG Financial Services, Inc...................................... $20,352
KMS Financial Services........................................... $3,998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FUND-- Cash Fund offers a single class of shares at net asset value next
determined after an order is accepted. There is no sales charge or load. The
minimum initial investment in Cash Fund is $100 for each account. Subsequent
investments may be made in any amount of $20 or more. Cash Fund purchases may be
made in any of the following ways:
1. BY MAIL.
(a) A check or negotiable bank draft should be sent to:
Security Cash Fund
P.O. Box 2548
Topeka, Kansas 66601-2548
(b) Make check or draft payable to "Security Cash Fund."
(c) For initial investment include a completed investment application found
at the back of the Prospectus.
2. BY WIRE.
(a) Call the Fund to advise of the investment. The Fund will supply an
account number at the time of the initial investment and provide
instructions for having your bank wire federal funds.
(b) For an initial investment, you must also send a completed investment
application to the Fund.
3. THROUGH BROKER/DEALERS. Investors may, if they wish, invest in Cash Fund by
purchasing shares through registered broker/dealers. Such broker/dealers who
process orders on behalf of their customers may charge a fee for their
services. Investments made directly without the assistance of a
broker/dealer are without charge.
Since Cash Fund invests in money market securities which require immediate
payment in federal funds, monies received from the sales of its shares must be
monies held by a commercial bank and be on deposit at one of the Federal Reserve
Banks. A record date for each stockholder's investment is established each
business day and used to distribute the following day's dividend. If federal
funds are received prior to 2:00 p.m. (Central time) the investment will be made
on that day and the investor will receive the following day's dividend. Federal
funds received after 2:00 p.m. on any business day will not be invested until
the following business day. Cash Fund will not be responsible for any delays in
the wire transfer system. All checks are accepted subject to collection at full
face value in United States funds and must be drawn in United States dollars on
a United States bank.
PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE
Class A shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may be
purchased at net asset value by (1) directors, officers and employees of the
Funds, the Funds' Investment Manager or Distributor; directors, officers and
employees of Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries;
agents licensed with Security Benefit Life Insurance Company; spouses or minor
children of any such agents; as well as the following relatives of any such
directors, officers and employees (and their spouses): spouses, grandparents,
parents, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews; (2) any trust,
pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan established by any of the
foregoing corporations for persons described above; (3) retirement plans where
third party administrators of such plans have entered into certain arrangements
with the Distributor or its affiliates provided that no commission is paid to
dealers; and (4) officers, directors, partners or registered representatives
(and their spouses and minor children) of broker/dealers who have a selling
agreement with the Distributor. Such sales are made upon the written assurance
of the purchaser that the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the
securities will not be transferred or resold except through redemption or
repurchase by or on behalf of the Funds.
Life agents and associated personnel of broker/dealers must obtain a special
application from their employer or from the Distributor, in order to qualify for
such purchases.
Class A shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may be
purchased at net asset value when the purchase is made on the recommendation of
(i) a registered investment adviser, trustee or financial intermediary who has
authority to make investment decisions on behalf of the investor; or (ii) a
certified financial planner or registered broker-dealer who either charges
periodic fees to its customers for financial planning, investment advisory or
asset management services, or provides such services in connection with the
establishment of an investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" is
imposed. Class A shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond
Funds may also be purchased at net asset value when the purchase is made by
retirement plans that (i) buy shares of the Security Funds worth $500,000 or
more; (ii) have 100 or more eligible employees at the time of purchase; (iii)
certify it expects to have annual plan purchases of shares of Security Funds of
$200,000 or more; (iv) are provided administrative services by certain
third-party administrators that have entered into a special service arrangement
with the Security Funds relating to such plans or (v) have at the time of
purchase, aggregate assets of at least $1,000,000. Purchases made pursuant to
this provision may be subject to a deferred sales charge of up to 1% in the
event of a redemption within one year of the purchase.
The Distributor must be notified when a purchase is made that qualifies under
any of the above provisions.
ACCUMULATION PLAN
Investors in Diversified Income, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund may purchase
shares on a periodic basis under an Accumulation Plan which provides for an
initial investment of $100 minimum, and subsequent investments of $20 minimum at
any time. An Accumulation Plan is a voluntary program, involving no obligation
to make periodic investments, and is terminable at will. Payments are made by
sending a check to the Distributor who (acting as an agent for the dealer) will
purchase whole and fractional shares of the Funds as of the close of business on
the day such payment is received. A confirmation and statement of account will
be sent to the investor following each investment. Certificates for whole shares
will be issued upon request. No certificates will be issued for fractional
shares which may be withdrawn only by redemption for cash.
Investors may choose to use "Secur-O-Matic" (automatic bank draft) to make their
Fund purchases. There is no additional charge for using Secur-O-Matic. An
application may be obtained from the Funds.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
A Systematic Withdrawal Program may be established by stockholders who wish to
receive regular monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual payments of $25 or
more. A Program may also be based upon the liquidation of a fixed or variable
number of shares provided that the minimum amount is withdrawn. However, the
Funds do not recommend this (or any other amount) as an appropriate withdrawal.
Shares with a current offering price of $5,000 or more must be deposited with
the Investment Manager acting as agent for the stockholder under the Program.
There is no service charge on the Program as the Investment Manager pays the
costs involved.
Sufficient shares will be liquidated at net asset value to meet the specified
withdrawals. Liquidation of shares may deplete or possibly use up the
investment, particularly in the event of a market decline. Payments cannot be
considered as actual yield or income since part of such payments is a return of
capital and may constitute a taxable event to the stockholder. The maintenance
of a Withdrawal Program concurrently with purchases of additional shares of
Diversified Income, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund would be disadvantageous
because of the sales commission payable in respect to such purchases. During the
withdrawal period, no payments will be accepted under an Accumulation Plan.
Income dividends and capital gains distributions are automatically reinvested at
net asset value. If an investor has an Accumulation Plan in effect, it must be
terminated before a Systematic Withdrawal Program may be initiated.
The stockholder receives confirmation of each transaction showing the source of
the payment and the share balance remaining in the Program. A Program may be
terminated on written notice by the stockholder or the Funds, and it will
terminate automatically if all shares are liquidated or withdrawn from the
account.
A stockholder may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Program with respect to
Class B or Class C shares without the imposition of any applicable contingent
deferred sales charge, provided that such withdrawals do not in any 12-month
period, beginning on the date the Program is established, exceed 10% of the
value of the account on that date ("Free Systematic Withdrawals"). Free
Systematic Withdrawals are not available if a Program established with respect
to Class B or Class C shares provides for withdrawals in excess of 10% of the
value of the account in any Program year and, as a result, all withdrawals under
such a Program would be subject to any applicable contingent deferred sales
charge. Free Systematic Withdrawals will be made first by redeeming those shares
that are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge and then by
redeeming shares held the longest. The contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class B and Class C shares requested while Free
Systematic Withdrawals are being made will be calculated as described under
"Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges," page 36. A
Systematic Withdrawal form may be obtained from the Funds.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Security Management Company, LLC (the "Investment Manager"), 700 SW Harrison
Street, Topeka, Kansas, has served as investment adviser to Income Fund,
Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund, respectively, since September 14, 1970,
October 7, 1983 and June 23, 1980. The current Investment Advisory Contract for
each of Income Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund is dated November 1,
1999. The Investment Manager also acts as investment adviser to Security Equity
Fund, Security Growth and Income Fund, Security Ultra Fund and SBL Fund. The
Investment Manager is a limited liability company controlled by its members,
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit Group, Inc.
("SBG"). SBG is an insurance and financial services holding company wholly-owned
by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, 700 SW Harrison Street, Topeka,
Kansas 66636-0001. Security Benefit Life, a stock life insurance company
incorporated under the laws of Kansas, is controlled by Security Benefit Corp.
("SBC"). SBC is wholly-owned by Security Benefit Mutual Holding Company, which
is in turn controlled by Security Benefit Life policyholders. Security Benefit
Life together with its subsidiaries, has approximately $9.9 billion of assets
under management.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Contracts, the Investment Manager furnishes
investment advisory, statistical and research services to the Funds, supervises
and arranges for the purchase and sale of securities on behalf of the Funds,
provides for the maintenance and compilation of records pertaining to the
investment advisory functions, and also makes certain guarantees with respect to
the Funds' annual expenses. The Investment Manager guarantees that the aggregate
annual expenses of the respective Funds (including for any fiscal year, the
management fee, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
extraordinary expenses and Class B and Class C distribution fees) shall not for
Diversified Income and High Yield Funds exceed the level of expenses which the
Fund is permitted to bear under the most restrictive expense limitation imposed
by any state in which shares of the Fund are then qualified for sale and shall
not for Cash Fund exceed 1% of the Fund's average net assets for the year. (The
Investment Manager is not aware of any state that currently imposes limits on
the level of mutual fund expenses.) For Municipal Bond Fund, the Investment
Manager guarantees that the aggregate annual expenses of the Fund (including for
any fiscal year, the management fee, but excluding interest, taxes,
extraordinary expenses, and Class A and Class B distribution fees) shall not
exceed 1% of the Fund's average net assets for the year. The Investment Manager
will contribute such funds or waive such portion of its management fee as may be
necessary to insure that the aggregate expenses of the Funds will not exceed the
guaranteed maximum.
The Investment Manager has engaged Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc
("Salomon Brothers"), 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048, to provide
investment advisory services to the Municipal Bond Fund pursuant to a
Sub-Advisory Agreement dated May 1, 1998. Pursuant to this agreement, Salomon
Brothers furnishes investment advisory, statistical and research facilities,
supervises and arranges for the purchase and sale of securities on behalf of
Municipal Bond Fund and provides for the compilation and maintenance of records
pertaining to such investment advisory services, subject to the control and
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors and the Investment Manager. For
such services, the Investment Manager pays Salomon Brothers an amount equal to
.22% of the average net assets of Municipal Bond Fund, computed on a daily basis
and payable monthly. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be terminated without
penalty at any time by either party on 60 days' written notice and is
automatically terminated in the event of its assignment or in the event that the
Investment Advisory Contract between the Investment Manager and the Fund is
terminated, assigned or not renewed.
Salomon Brothers is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Salomon Brothers Holding
Company, Inc., which is wholly-owned by Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc.,
which is, in turn, wholly-owned by Citigroup, Inc. Salomon Brothers was
incorporated in 1987 and together with Salomon Brothers affiliates in London,
Frankfurt, Tokyo and Hong Kong, provides a broad range of investment advisory
services to various individuals and institutional clients located throughout the
world and serves as investment adviser to various investment companies.
Currently Salomon Brothers and its affiliates manage approximately $29 billion
in assets.
For services provided to the Funds, the Investment Manager is entitled to
receive compensation on an annual basis equal to .35% of the average daily
closing value of the Diversified Income Fund's net assets, .50% of the average
daily closing value of the Municipal Bond and Cash Fund's net assets and .60% of
the average daily closing value of the High Yield Fund's net assets, each
computed on a daily basis and payable monthly. For the years ended December 31,
1999, 1998 and 1997, the Investment Manager agreed to limit the total expenses
(including its compensation, but excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary
expenses and Class B distribution fees) to 1.1% of the average daily net assets
of the Class A shares and 1.85% of the average daily net assets of the Class B
shares of the Diversified Income Fund. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and
1998, the Investment Manager also agreed to limit the total expenses (including
its compensation, but excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and
Class B distribution fees) of High Yield Fund to 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of Class A shares and 2.75% of Class B shares of the Fund. For the years
ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, expenses incurred by Municipal Bond Fund
exceeded 1% of its average net assets. In addition, the Investment Manager
waived the investment advisory fees of Diversified Income and High Yield Funds
for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
Each Fund will pay all of its expenses not assumed by the Investment Manager or
the Distributor including organization expenses; directors' fees; fees and
expenses of custodian; taxes and governmental fees; interest charges; membership
dues; brokerage commissions; reports; proxy statements; costs of stockholder and
other meetings; any distribution fees; and legal, auditing and accounting
expenses. Each Fund will also pay for the preparation and distribution of the
Prospectus to its stockholders and all expenses in connection with its
registration under federal and state securities laws. Each Fund will pay
nonrecurring expenses as may arise, including litigation affecting it.
The Investment Advisory Contracts between Security Management Company, LLC and
Income Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund, each dated November 1, 1999,
will expire on November 1, 2001. The contracts are renewable annually by the
Funds' Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of a Fund's outstanding
securities and, in either event, by a majority of the board who are not parties
to the contract or interested persons of any such party. The contracts provide
that they may be terminated without penalty at any time by either party on 60
days' notice and are automatically terminated in the event of assignment.
Pursuant to Administrative Services Agreements with the Funds dated April 1,
1987, the Investment Manager also acts as the administrative agent for the Funds
and as such performs administrative functions and the bookkeeping, accounting
and pricing functions for the Funds. For these services the Investment Manager
receives, on an annual basis, a fee of .09% of the average net assets of
Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds and .045% of the average
net assets of Cash Fund, calculated daily and payable monthly.
Under the Administrative Services Agreements discussed above, the Investment
Manager also acts as the transfer agent for the Funds. As such, the Investment
Manager performs all shareholder servicing functions, including transferring
record ownership, processing purchase and redemption transactions, answering
inquiries, mailing stockholder communications and acting as the dividend
disbursing agent. For these services, the Investment Manager receives an annual
maintenance fee of $8.00 per account, a fee of $1.00 per shareholder
transaction, and a fee of $1.00 ($.50 for Cash Fund) per dividend transaction.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Funds paid
the following amounts to the Investment Manager for its services.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSFER
ADVISORY REIMBURSEMENT ADVISORY FEES SERVICE FEES AGENCY SERVICE
FEES PAID TO OF EXPENSES WAIVED BY PAID TO FEES PAID TO EXPENSE RATIO
INVESTMENT BY INVESTMENT INVESTMENT INVESTMENT INVESTMENT -----------------
FUND YEAR MANAGER MANAGER MANAGER MANAGER MANAGER CLASS A CLASS B
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 95,618 827 95,618 17,211 74,590 .87% 1.85%
Diversified Income Fund 1998 60,492 14,770 60,492 10,889 44,220 .93% 1.85%
1997 42,687 0 42,687 7,684 18,944 .60% 1.68%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 65,106 0 65,106 9,766 14,182 .72% 1.53%
High Yield Fund 1998 55,715 0 55,715 8,357 15,743 .76% 1.53%
1997 41,748 0 41,748 6,557 8,425 .87% 1.80%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 99,435 30,293 0 17,898 11,214 1.01% 1.76%
Municipal Bond Fund 1998 113,719 2,927 0 20,469 13,726 .82% 2.01%
1997 115,812 0 0 20,846 15,105 .82% 2.00%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999 334,020 0 0 30,062 121,225 .86% ---
Cash Fund 1998 326,960 0 0 29,803 125,374 .89% ---
1997 238,616 0 0 21,990 119,258 .90% ---
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The following persons are affiliated with the Funds and also with the Investment
Manager in these capacities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME POSITIONS WITH THE FUNDS POSITIONS WITH SECURITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James R. Schmank President and Director President and Managing Member Representative
John D. Cleland Chairman of the Board and Director Senior Vice President and Managing Member Representative
Amy J. Lee Secretary Secretary
Brenda M. Harwood Treasurer Assistant Vice President and Treasurer
Steven M. Bowser Vice President (Income Fund and SBL Fund only) Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Thomas A. Swank Vice President (Income Fund and SBL Fund only) Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Christopher D. Swickard Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT -- The Diversified Income, High Yield, Municipal Bond and
Cash Funds are managed by the Investment Manager's Fixed Income Team with
portfolio managers being responsible for the day-to-day management of each
particular Fund. Steve Bowser, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the
Investment Manager, has had day-to-day responsibility for managing Diversified
Income Fund since 1995. Chris Phalen, Research Analyst of the Investment
Manager, has served as co-manager of Diversified Income Fund since May 2000.
David G. Toussaint, Portfolio Manager of the Investment Manager, has had
day-to-day responsibility for managing High Yield Fund since April 2000. Robert
Amodeo, Portfolio Manager of Salomon Brothers, has had day-to-day responsibility
for managing Municipal Bond Fund since September 1998.
Mr. Bowser joined the Investment Manager in 1992. Prior to joining the
Investment Manager, he was Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager with
the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka from 1989 to 1992. He was employed at the
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in 1988 and began his career with the Farm
Credit System from 1982 to 1987, serving as a Senior Financial Analyst and
Assistant Controller. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas
State University in 1982.
Mr. Phalen joined the Investment Manager in 1997. Prior to 1997, he was with
Sprint PCS as a pricing analyst. Prior to joining Sprint PCS in 1997, Mr. Phalen
was employed by Security Benefit Group, Inc. Mr. Phalen graduated from the
University of Kansas with a bachelor of business administration and accounting
degree.
Mr. Toussaint joined the Investment Manager in 2000. Prior to joining the
Investment Manager, he was with Allstate Insurance Company as an investment
analyst and in various managerial positions in their investment operations
group. Mr. Toussaint has nine years of investment experience and is a Chartered
Financial Analyst. In addition, Mr. Toussaint holds a CPA certificate. Mr.
Toussaint earned a bachelor of arts degree in Economics from the University of
Illinois, a master of science degree in Accountancy from DePaul University and
an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.
Mr. Amodeo joined Salomon Brothers Asset Management in 1992. Prior to that, Mr.
Amodeo was a member of Salomon Brothers, Inc. Partnership Investment Group where
he was responsible for analyzing and managing various partnership investments.
Mr. Amodeo pioneered adaptation and the use of the Yield Book for municipal bond
portfolio management, analysis, performance attribution and optimization. He
received a B.S. in Business Management from Long Island University and he is a
Chartered Financial Analyst.
CODE OF ETHICS -- The Funds, the Investment Manager and the Distributor each has
adopted a written code of ethics (the "Code of Ethics") which governs the
personal securities transactions of "access persons" of the Funds. Access
persons may invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or
held by the Funds; provided that they obtain prior clearance before engaging in
securities transactions, subject to certain exceptions, including an exception
for small transactions in large capitalization companies. Access persons include
officers and directors of the Funds and Investment Manager and employees that
participate in, or obtain information regarding, the purchase or sale of
securities by the Funds or whose job relates to the making of any
recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales. All access persons must
report their personal securities transactions within ten days of the end of each
calendar quarter. Access persons will not be permitted to effect transactions in
a security if it: (a) is being considered for purchase or sale by the Funds; (b)
is being purchased or sold by the Funds; or (c) is being offered in an initial
public offering. Portfolio managers are also prohibited from purchasing or
selling a security within seven calendar days before or after a Fund that he or
she manages trades in that security. Any material violation of the Code of
Ethics is reported to the Board of the Funds. The Board also reviews the
administration of the Code of Ethics on an annual basis. In addition, each
Sub-Adviser has adopted its own code of ethics to which the personal securities
transactions of its portfolio managers and other access persons are subject. The
Code of Ethics is on public file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
is available from the Commission.
DISTRIBUTOR
Security Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), a Kansas corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of Security Benefit Group, Inc., serves as the principal
underwriter for shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond
Funds pursuant to Distribution Agreements dated March 27, 1984, as amended, for
Diversified Income and High Yield Funds and October 7, 1983, for Municipal Bond
Fund.
The Distributor receives a maximum commission on Class A Shares of 4.75% and
allows a maximum discount of 4.0% from the offering price to authorized dealers
on Fund shares sold. The discount is alike for all dealers, but the Distributor
may increase it for specific periods at its discretion. Salespersons employed by
dealers may also be licensed to sell insurance with Security Benefit Life.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998, the
Distributor (i) received gross underwriting commissions on Class A shares, (ii)
retained net underwriting commissions on Class A shares, and (iii) received
contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions of Class B shares in the
amounts set forth in the table below.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS UNDERWRITING NET UNDERWRITING COMPENSATION
COMMISSIONS COMMISSIONS ON REDEMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 1998 1999 1998 1999
Diversified Income Fund $34,498 $10,939 $3,676 $1,643 $2,208 $10,847
High Yield Fund 12,912 10,997 578 1,889 127 4,770
Municipal Bond Fund 18,315 10,552 3,709 2,115 5,887 2,024
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Distributor received gross underwriting commissions on sales of Class A
shares and contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions for Class B shares
of $96,838 for Income Fund and $12,576 for Municipal Bond Fund and retained net
underwriting commissions of $7,191 for Income Fund and $2,115 for Municipal Bond
Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
The Distributor, on behalf of the Funds, may act as a broker in the purchase and
sale of securities not effected on a securities exchange, provided that any such
transactions and any commissions shall comply with requirements of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and all rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The Distributor has not acted as a broker.
Each Fund's Distribution Agreement is renewable annually either by the Funds'
Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
securities, and, in either event, by a majority of the board who are not parties
to the agreement or interested persons of any such party. The agreements may be
terminated by either party upon 60 days' written notice.
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE
Transactions in portfolio securities shall be effected in such manner as deemed
to be in the best interest of each respective Fund. In reaching a judgment
relative to the qualifications of a broker or dealer to obtain the best
execution of a particular transaction, all relevant factors and circumstances
will be taken into account by the Investment Manager, including consideration of
the overall reasonableness of commissions paid to a broker, the firm's general
execution and operational capabilities, and its reliability and financial
condition. The Funds do not anticipate that they will incur a significant amount
of brokerage commissions because fixed income securities are generally traded on
a "net" basis--that is, in principal amount without the addition or deduction of
a stated brokerage commission, although the net price usually includes a profit
to the dealer. The Funds will deal directly with the selling or purchasing
principal without incurring charges for the services of a broker on its behalf
unless it is determined that a better price or execution may be obtained by
utilizing the services of a broker. The Funds also may purchase portfolio
securities in underwritings where the price includes a fixed underwriter's
concession or discount. Money market instruments may be purchased directly from
the issuer at no commission or discount.
Portfolio transactions that require a broker may be directed to brokers who
furnish investment information or research services to the Investment Manager.
Such investment information and research services include advice as to the value
of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities and the availability of securities and purchasers or sellers of
securities, and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and performance of
accounts. Such investment information and research services may be furnished by
brokers in many ways, including: (1) on-line data base systems, the equipment
for which is provided by the broker, that enable registrant to have real-time
access to market information, including quotations; (2) economic research
services, such as publications, chart services and advice from economists
concerning macroeconomic information; and (3) analytical investment information
concerning particular corporations. If a transaction is directed to a broker
supplying such information or services, the commission paid for such transaction
may be in excess of the commission another broker would have charged for
effecting that transaction, provided that the Investment Manager shall have
determined in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the
value of the investment information or the research services provided, viewed in
terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of
the Investment Manager with respect to all accounts as to which it exercises
investment discretion. The Investment Manager may use all, none, or some of such
information and services in providing investment advisory services to each of
the mutual funds under its management, including the Funds.
In addition, brokerage transactions may be placed with broker/dealers who sell
shares of the Funds managed by the Investment Manager who may or may not also
provide investment information and research services. The Investment Manager
may, consistent with the NASD Conduct Rules, consider sales of Fund shares in
the selection of a broker/dealer.
Securities held by the Funds may also be held by other investment advisory
clients of the Investment Manager, including other investment companies. In
addition, the Investment Manager's parent company, Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company ("SBL"), may also hold some of the same securities as the
Funds. When selecting securities for purchase or sale for a Fund, the Investment
Manager may at the same time be purchasing or selling the same securities for
one or more of such other accounts. Subject to the Investment Manager's
obligation to seek best execution, such purchases or sales may be executed
simultaneously or "bunched." It is the policy of the Investment Manager not to
favor one account over the other. Any purchase or sale orders executed
simultaneously (which may also include orders from SBL) are allocated at the
average price and as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis (transaction
costs will also generally be shared on a pro rata basis) in proportion to the
amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each account. In those instances
where it is not practical to allocate purchase or sale orders on a pro rata
basis, then the allocation will be made on a rotating or other equitable basis.
While it is conceivable that in certain instances this procedure could adversely
affect the price or number of shares involved in the Fund's transaction, it is
believed that the procedure generally contributes to better overall execution of
the Funds' portfolio transactions. The Board of Directors of the Funds has
adopted guidelines governing this procedure and will monitor the procedure to
determine that the guidelines are being followed and that the procedure
continues to be in the best interest of the Fund and its stockholders. With
respect to the allocation of initial public offerings ("IPOs"), the Investment
Manager may determine not to purchase such offerings for certain of its clients
(including investment company clients) due to the limited number of shares
typically available to the Investment Manager in an IPO. No brokerage
commissions were paid by the Funds for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998,
and 1997.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined as of the close of
regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 3:00 p.m. Central
time) on each day that the Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through
Friday except for the following dates when the Exchange is closed in observance
of Federal 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 determination is made by dividing the total value of the
portfolio securities of each Fund, plus any cash or other assets (including
dividends accrued but not collected), less all liabilities, by the number of
shares outstanding of the Fund.
Securities listed or traded on a national securities exchange are valued at the
last sale price. If there are no sales on a particular day, then the securities
are valued at the last bid price. All other securities, held by Diversified
Income and High Yield Funds, for which market quotations are readily available,
are valued on the basis of the last current bid price. If there is no bid price,
or if the bid price is deemed to be unsatisfactory by the Board of Directors,
then the securities shall be valued in good faith by such method as the Board of
Directors determines will reflect fair market value. Valuations of the Funds'
securities are supplied by a pricing service approved by the Board of Directors.
Valuations furnished by the pricing service with respect to Municipal Bond
Fund's municipal securities are based upon appraisals from recognized municipal
securities dealers derived from information concerning market transactions and
quotations. Securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at the last reported sale price, or, if no sales are reported on that
day, at the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices. Securities
for which market quotations are not readily available (which are expected to
constitute the majority of Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio securities) are
valued at the best available current bid price by the pricing service,
considering such factors as yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable
quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, indications as to value
from dealers, and general market conditions. The Fund's officers, under the
general supervision of the Board of Directors, will regularly review procedures
used by, and valuations provided by, the pricing service. Municipal Bond Fund's
taxable short-term securities for which market quotations are readily available
will be valued at market value, which is the last reported sale price or, if no
sales are reported on that day, at the mean between the latest available bid and
asked prices except that securities having 60 days or less remaining to maturity
may be valued at their amortized cost as discussed below.
Cash Fund's securities are valued by the amortized cost valuation technique
which does not take into consideration unrealized gains or losses. The amortized
cost valuation technique involves valuing an instrument at its cost and
thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or
premium regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market
value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it
may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is
higher or lower than the price Cash Fund would receive if it sold the
instrument.
During periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield on shares of Cash
Fund computed as described above may tend to be higher than a like computation
made by a fund with identical investments utilizing a method of valuation based
upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of its portfolio
instruments. Thus, if the use of amortized cost by Cash Fund resulted in lower
aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective investor in the
Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield than would result from
investment in a fund utilizing solely market values and existing investors in
Cash Fund would receive less investment income. The converse would apply in a
period of rising interest rates.
The use of amortized cost and the maintenance of Cash Fund's per share net asset
value at $1.00 is based on its election to operate under the provisions of Rule
2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. As a condition of operating under
that rule, the Fund must maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity
of 90 days or less, purchase only instruments having remaining maturities of
thirteen months or less, and invest only in securities which are determined by
the Board of Directors to present minimal credit risks and which are of high
quality as determined by any major rating service, or in the case of any
instrument not so rated, considered by the Board of Directors to be of
comparable quality.
The Board of Directors has established procedures designed to maintain Cash
Fund's price per share, as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions, at
$1.00. These procedures include a review of the Fund's holdings by the Board of
Directors at such intervals as they deem appropriate to determine whether the
Fund's net asset value calculated using available market quotations deviates
from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost. If any deviation exceeds 1/2 of
1%, the Board of Directors will promptly consider what action, if any, will be
initiated. In the event the Board of Directors determines that a deviation
exists which may result in material dilution or other unfair results to
investors or existing shareholders, they have agreed to take such corrective
action as they regard as necessary and appropriate, including the sale of some
instruments in Cash Fund's portfolio prior to maturity to shorten average Fund
maturity or withholding dividends. Cash Fund will use its best efforts to
maintain a constant net asset value per share of $1.00. See "Security Cash
Fund," page 14, and "Dividends and Taxes," page 49. Since dividends from net
investment income will be accrued daily and paid monthly, the net asset value
per share of Cash Fund will ordinarily remain at $1.00, but the Fund's daily
dividends will vary in amount.
Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund and Municipal Bond Fund may use the
amortized cost valuation technique utilized by Cash Fund for securities with
maturities of 60 days or less. In addition, Diversified Income, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds may use a similar procedure for securities having 60 days
or less remaining to maturity with the value of the security on the 61st day
being used rather than the cost.
The Funds will accept orders from dealers on each business day up to 4:30 p.m.
(Central time).
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
A stockholder may redeem shares at the net asset value next determined after
such shares are tendered for redemption. The amount received may be more or less
than the investor's cost, depending upon the market value of the portfolio
securities at the time of redemption.
Shares will be redeemed on request of the stockholder in proper order to the
Investment Manager, which serves as the Funds' transfer agent. A request is made
in proper order by submitting the following items to the Investment Manager: (1)
a written request for redemption signed by all registered owners exactly as the
account is registered, including fiduciary titles, if any, and specifying the
account number and the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed; (2) a
guarantee of all signatures on the written request or on the share certificate
or accompanying stock power; (3) any share certificates issued for any of the
shares to be redeemed; and (4) any additional documents which may be required by
the Investment Manager for redemption by corporations or other organizations,
executors, administrators, trustees, custodians or the like. Transfers of share
ownership are subject to the same requirements. A signature guarantee is not
required for redemptions of $10,000 or less, requested by and payable to all
stockholders of record for an account, to be sent to the address of record. The
signature guarantee must be provided by an eligible guarantor institution, such
as a bank, broker, credit union, national securities exchange or savings
association. The Investment Manager reserves the right to reject any signature
guarantee pursuant to its written procedures which may be revised in the future.
To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, stockholders having questions should
contact the Investment Manager.
The amount due on redemption, will be the net asset value of the shares next
computed after the redemption request in proper order is received by the
Investment Manager less any applicable deferred sales charge. In addition,
stockholders of Cash Fund will receive any undistributed dividends, including
any dividend declared on the day of the redemption. Payment of the redemption
price will be made by check (or by wire at the sole discretion of the Investment
Manager if wire transfer is requested, including name and address of the bank
and the stockholder's account number to which payment is to be wired) within
seven days after receipt of the redemption request in proper order. The check
will be mailed to the stockholder's registered address (or as otherwise
directed). Remittance by wire (to a commercial bank account in the same name(s)
as the shares are registered) or by express mail, if requested, will be at a
charge of $15, which will be deducted from the redemption proceeds.
Cash Fund offers redemption by check. If blank checks are requested on the Check
Writing Request form, the Fund will make a supply available. Checks for the Cash
Fund may be drawn payable to the order of any payee (not to cash) in any amount
of $100 or more. Checks may be cashed or deposited like any other check drawn on
a bank. When a check is presented to the Fund for payment, it will redeem
sufficient full and fractional shares to cover the check. Such shares will be
redeemed at the price next calculated following receipt of any check which does
not exceed the value of the account. The price of Cash Fund shares may fluctuate
from day-to-day and the price at the time of redemption, by check or otherwise,
may be less than the amount invested. Any check presented for payment which is
more than the value of the account will be returned without payment, marked
"Insufficient Funds." Each new stockholder will initially receive twelve checks
free of charge and such additional checks as may be required. Since the amount
available for withdrawal fluctuates daily, it is not practical for a stockholder
to attempt to withdraw the entire investment by check. The Fund reserves the
right to terminate this service at any time with respect to existing as well as
future stockholders. Redemption by check is not available if any shares are held
in certificate form or if shares being redeemed have not been on the Fund's
books for at least 15 days.
When investing in the Funds, stockholders are required to furnish their tax
identification number and to state whether or not they are subject to
withholding for prior underreporting, certified under penalties of perjury as
prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent permitted by law, the
redemption proceeds of stockholders who fail to furnish this information will be
reduced by $50 to reimburse for the IRS penalty imposed for failure to report
the tax identification number on information reports.
Payment in cash of the amount due on redemption, less any applicable deferred
sales charge, for shares redeemed will be made within seven days after tender,
except that the Funds may suspend the right of redemption during any period when
trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or such Exchange is closed
for other than weekends or holidays, or any emergency is deemed to exist by the
Securities and Exchange Commission. When a redemption request is received, the
redemption proceeds are deposited into a redemption account established by the
Distributor and the Distributor sends a check in the amount of redemption
proceeds to the stockholder. The Distributor earns interest on the amounts
maintained in the redemption account. Conversely, the Distributor may cause
payments to be made to the Funds in the case of orders for purchase of Fund
shares before it actually receives federal funds.
In addition to the foregoing redemption procedure, the Funds repurchase shares
from broker/dealers at the price determined as of the close of business on the
day such offer is confirmed. Dealers may charge a commission on the repurchase
of shares.
The repurchase or redemption of shares held in a tax-qualified retirement plan
must be effected through the trustee of the plan and may result in adverse tax
consequences. (See "Retirement Plans," page 56.)
At various times the Funds may be requested to redeem shares for which they have
not yet received good payment. Accordingly, the Funds may delay the mailing of a
redemption check until such time as they have assured themselves that good
payment (E.G., cash or certified check on a U.S. bank) has been collected for
the purchase of such shares, which may take up to 15 days from the purchase
date.
Municipal Bond Fund's Articles of Incorporation provide that, in order to
minimize expenses, the Fund may, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of
Directors, adopt a procedure whereby it would redeem stockholder accounts in
which there are fewer than 50 shares (or such lesser amount as the board
determines) after having given the stockholders at least 60 days' written notice
and an opportunity to increase the account to at least 50 shares. This procedure
can be implemented only after six months' prior notice to all stockholders that
the procedure will be put into effect. The Board of Directors has no present
plan to implement an involuntary redemption procedure.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS -- Stockholders of the Funds may redeem uncertificated
shares in amounts up to $10,000 by telephone request, provided that the
stockholder has completed the Telephone Redemption section of the application or
a Telephone Redemption form which may be obtained from the Investment Manager.
The proceeds of a telephone redemption will be sent to the stockholder at his or
her address as set forth in the application or in a subsequent written
authorization. Once authorization has been received by the Investment Manager, a
stockholder may redeem shares by calling the Funds at (800) 888-2461, extension
3127, on weekdays (except holidays) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Central time. Redemption requests received by telephone after the close of the
New York Stock Exchange (normally 3:00 p.m. Central time) will be treated as if
received on the next business day. Telephone redemptions are not accepted for
IRA and 403(b)(7) accounts. A stockholder who authorizes telephone redemptions
authorizes the Investment Manager to act upon the instructions of any person
identifying themselves as the owner of the account or the owner's broker. The
Investment Manager has established procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine and will be liable for any losses due to
fraudulent or unauthorized instructions if it fails to comply with its
procedures. The Investment Manager's procedures require that any person
requesting a redemption by telephone provide the account registration and
number, the owner's tax identification number, and the dollar amount or number
of shares to be redeemed, and such instructions must be received on a recorded
line. Neither the Fund, the Investment Manager, nor the Distributor will be
liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense arising out of any redemption
request provided that the Investment Manager complied with its procedures. Thus,
a stockholder who authorizes telephone redemptions may bear the risk of loss
from a fraudulent or unauthorized request. The telephone redemption privilege
may be changed or discontinued at any time by the Investment Manager or the
Funds.
During periods of severe market or economic conditions, telephone redemptions
may be difficult to implement and stockholders should make redemptions by mail
as described under "How to Redeem Shares," page 46.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
Pursuant to arrangements with the Distributor, stockholders of the Funds may
exchange their shares for shares of another of the Funds, or for shares of the
other mutual funds distributed by the Distributor, which currently include
Security Equity, Growth and Income, Global, Ultra, Total Return, Social
Awareness, International, Enhanced Index, Select 25, Large Cap Growth and
Technology Funds. Such transactions generally have the same tax consequences as
ordinary sales and purchases and are not tax-free exchanges.
Shares of the Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund and Municipal Bond Fund
may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another of the funds
distributed by the Distributor or for shares of Cash Fund, which offers a single
class of shares. Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be
calculated from the date of the initial purchase without regard to the period of
time during which shares were held in Cash Fund.
Because Cash Fund does not impose a sales charge in connection with sales of its
shares, any exchange of Cash Fund shares acquired through direct purchase or
reinvestment of dividends will be based upon the respective net asset values of
the shares involved next determined after the exchange is accepted, and a sales
charge will be imposed equal to the sales charge that would be applicable if the
stockholder were purchasing shares of the other Fund involved for cash. The
amount of such sales charge will be paid by Cash Fund on behalf of the
exchanging stockholder directly to the Distributor and the net asset value of
the shares being exchanged will be reduced by a like amount.
Stockholders making such exchanges must provide the Investment Manager with
sufficient information to permit verification of their prior ownership of shares
of one of the other Security Funds. Shares of Cash Fund begin earning dividends
on the day after the date an exchange into such shares is effected. Any such
exchange is subject to the minimum investment and eligibility requirements of
each Fund. No service fee is presently imposed on such an exchange.
Exchanges may be accomplished by submitting a written request to the Investment
Manager, 700 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001. Broker/dealers who
process exchange orders on behalf of their customers may charge a fee for their
services. Such fee would be in addition to any of the sales or other charges
referred to above but may be avoided by making exchange requests directly to the
Investment Manager. Due to the high cost of exchange activity and the
maintenance of accounts having a net value of less than $100, Cash Fund reserves
the right to totally convert the account if at any time an exchange request
results in an account being lowered below the $100 minimum.
An exchange of shares, as described above, may result in the realization of a
capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, depending on the cost or
other value of the shares exchanged. No representation is made as to whether
gain or loss would result from any particular exchange or as to the manner of
determining the amount of gain or loss. (See "Dividends and Taxes," page 49.)
Before effecting any exchange described herein, the investor may wish to seek
the advice of a financial or tax adviser.
Exchanges of shares of the Funds may be made only in jurisdictions where shares
of the fund being acquired may lawfully be sold. More complete information about
the other Security Funds, including charges and expenses, are contained in the
current prospectus describing each fund. Stockholders are advised to obtain and
review carefully, the applicable prospectus prior to effecting any exchange. A
copy of such prospectus will be given by the Distributor to any requesting
stockholder.
The exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued any time at the discretion
of the management of the Funds upon 60 days' notice to stockholders. It is
contemplated, however, that this privilege will be extended in the absence of
objection by regulatory authorities and provided that shares of the various
funds are available and may be lawfully sold in the jurisdiction in which the
stockholder resides.
EXCHANGE BY TELEPHONE -- To exchange shares by telephone, a stockholder must
have completed either the Telephone Exchange section of the application or a
Telephone Transfer Authorization form which may be obtained from the Investment
Manager. Authorization must be on file with the Investment Manager before
exchanges may be made by telephone. Once authorization has been received by the
Investment Manager, a stockholder may exchange shares by telephone by calling
the Funds at (800) 888-2461, extension 3127, on weekdays (except holidays)
between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central time. Exchange requests
received by telephone after the close of the New York Stock Exchange (normally
3:00 p.m. Central time) will be treated as if received on the next business day.
Shares which are held in certificate form may not be exchanged by telephone. The
telephone exchange privilege is only permitted between accounts with identical
registration. The Investment Manager has established procedures to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine and will be liable for any
losses due to fraudulent or unauthorized instructions, if it fails to comply
with its procedures. The Investment Manager's procedures require that any person
requesting an exchange by telephone provide the account registration and number,
the tax identification number, the dollar amount or number of shares to be
exchanged, and the names of the Security Funds from which and into which the
exchange is to be made, and such instructions must be received on a recorded
line. Neither the Funds, the Investment Manager, nor the Distributor will be
liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense arising out of any request,
including any fraudulent request provided the Investment Manager complied with
its procedures. Thus, a stockholder who authorizes telephone exchanges may bear
the risk of loss from a fraudulent or unauthorized request. This telephone
exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued at any time at the discretion
of the management of the Funds. In particular, the Funds may set limits on the
amount and frequency of such exchanges, in general or as to any individual who
abuses such privilege.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
The following summarizes certain federal income tax considerations generally
affecting the Funds and their stockholders. No attempt is made to present a
detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their stockholders,
and the discussion here is not intended as a substitute for careful tax
planning. The discussion is based upon present provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the regulations promulgated
thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are
subject to change, which change may be retroactive. Prospective investors should
consult their own tax advisors with regard to the federal tax consequences of
the purchase, ownership, and disposition of Fund shares, as well as the tax
consequences arising under the laws of any state, foreign country, or other
taxing jurisdiction.
Each Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). To qualify as a regulated investment company, each Fund must, among
other things: (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income
from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, and
gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of investing in
such stock, securities, or currencies ("Qualifying Income Test"); (ii) diversify
its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (a) at
least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, cash
items, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other regulated investment
companies, and other securities, with such other securities of any one issuer
limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not greater than 5% of
the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total
assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S.
Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment
companies), or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls (as that term is
defined in the relevant provisions of the Code) and which are determined to be
engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or
businesses; and (iii) distribute at least 90% of the sum of its investment
company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest,
and net short-term capital gains in excess of any net long-term capital losses)
and its net tax-exempt interest each taxable year. The Treasury Department is
authorized to promulgate regulations under which foreign currency gains would
constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test only if
such gains are directly related to investing in securities (or options and
futures with respect to securities). To date, no such regulations have been
issued.
A Fund qualifying as a regulated investment company generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and
net capital gains (any net long-term capital gains in excess of the net
short-term capital losses), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. Each
Fund intends to distribute to its stockholders, at least annually, substantially
all of its investment company taxable income and any net capital gains.
Generally, regulated investment companies, like the Funds, must distribute
amounts on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution
requirement in order to avoid a nondeductible 4% excise tax. Generally, to avoid
the tax, a regulated investment company must distribute during each calendar
year, (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (ii) at least 98% of its capital
gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for
the 12-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (iii) all
ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed
during such years. To avoid application of the excise tax, each Fund intends to
make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution
requirement. A distribution, including an "exempt-interest dividend," will be
treated as paid on December 31 of the calendar year if it is declared by a Fund
in October, November or December of that year to shareholders of record on a
date in such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following
calendar year. Such distributions are taxable to shareholders in the calendar
year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in
which the distributions are received.
If, as a result of exchange controls or other foreign laws or restrictions
regarding repatriation of capital, a Fund were unable to distribute an amount
equal to substantially all of its investment company taxable income (as
determined for U.S. tax purposes) within applicable time periods, the Fund would
not qualify for the favorable federal income tax treatment afforded regulated
investment companies, or, even if it did so qualify, it might become liable for
federal taxes on undistributed income. In addition, the ability of a Fund to
obtain timely and accurate information relating to its investments is a
significant factor in complying with the requirements applicable to regulated
investment companies in making tax-related computations. Thus, if a Fund were
unable to obtain accurate information on a timely basis, it might be unable to
qualify as a regulated investment company, or its tax computations might be
subject to revisions (which could result in the imposition of taxes, interest
and penalties).
It is the policy of Diversified Income, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds to
pay dividends from net investment income monthly. It is the policy of the Funds
to make distributions of realized capital gains (if any) in excess of any
capital losses and capital loss carryovers at least once a year. Because Class A
shares of the Funds bear most of the costs of distribution of such shares
through payment of a front-end sales charge, while Class B and Class C shares of
the Funds bear such costs through a higher distribution fee, expenses
attributable to Class B and Class C shares, generally will be higher and as a
result, income distributions paid by the Funds with respect to Class B and Class
C shares generally will be lower than those paid with respect to Class A shares.
All dividends and distributions are automatically reinvested on the payable date
in shares of the Fund at net asset value, as of the record date (reduced by an
amount equal to the amount of the dividend or distribution), unless the
Investment Manager is previously notified in writing by the stockholder that
such dividends or distributions are to be received in cash. A stockholder may
request that such dividends or distributions be directly deposited to the
stockholder's bank account. A stockholder who elected not to reinvest dividends
or distributions paid with respect to Class A shares may, at any time within
thirty days after the payment date, reinvest the dividend check without
imposition of a sales charge.
Cash Fund's policy is to declare daily dividends of all of its net investment
income each day the Fund is open for business, increased or decreased by any
realized capital gains or losses. Such dividends are automatically credited to
stockholder accounts. Unless stockholders elect to receive cash, they will
receive such dividends in additional shares on the first business day of each
month at the net asset value on that date. If cash is desired, investors may
indicate so in the appropriate section of the application and checks will be
mailed within five business days after the beginning of the month. The amount of
dividend may fluctuate from day to day. If on any day net realized or unrealized
losses on portfolio securities exceed Cash Fund's income for that day and
results in a decline of net asset value per share below $1.00, the dividend for
that day will be omitted until the net asset value per share subsequently
returns to $1.00 per share.
The Funds will not pay dividends or distributions of less than $25 in cash but
will automatically reinvest them. Distributions of net investment income and any
short-term capital gains by Income Fund or Cash Fund are taxable as ordinary
income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the
extent that Municipal Bond Fund's dividends are derived from interest on its
temporary taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital gain
over net long-term capital loss, its dividends are taxable as ordinary income
whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such dividends do
not qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
The excess of net long-term capital gains over short-term capital losses
realized and distributed by the Funds or reinvested in Fund shares will
generally be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain. Net capital
gains from assets held for one year or less will be taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions will be subject to these capital gains rates regardless of how
long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Because Cash Fund normally will not
invest in securities having a maturity of more than one year, it should not
realize any long-term capital gains or losses. Advice as to the tax status of
each year's dividends and distributions will be mailed annually.
Municipal Bond Fund intends to qualify to pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its
stockholders. The Fund will be so qualified if, at the close of each quarter of
its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of
securities on which the interest payments are exempt from federal tax. To the
extent that Municipal Bond Fund's dividends distributed to stockholders are
derived from earnings on interest income exempt from federal tax and are
designated as "exempt-interest dividends" by the Fund, they will be excludable
from a stockholder's gross income for federal income tax purposes. Municipal
Bond Fund will inform stockholders annually as to the portion of that year's
distributions from the Fund which constituted "exempt-interest dividends."
Federal tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to both
corporations and individuals based on certain items of tax preference. Interest
on certain municipal obligations, such as bonds issued to make loans for housing
purposes or to private entities (but not to certain tax-exempt organizations
such as universities and non-profit hospitals) is included as an item of tax
preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable
income. To the extent that the Fund receives income from municipal obligations
treated as a tax preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, a
portion of the dividends paid by it, although otherwise exempt from federal
income tax, will be taxable to shareholders to the extent that their tax
liability will be determined under the alternative minimum tax. The Fund will
annually supply shareholders with a report indicating the percentage of Fund
income attributable to municipal obligations subject to the alternative minimum
tax. Additionally, taxpayers must disclose to the Internal Revenue Service on
their tax returns the entire amount of tax-exempt interest (including
exempt-interest dividends on shares of the Fund) received or accrued during the
year.
In addition, for corporations, the alternative minimum taxable income is
increased by a percentage of the amount by which an alternative measure of
income ("adjusted current earnings," referred to as "ACE") exceeds the amount
otherwise determined to be the alternative minimum taxable income. Interest on
all municipal obligations, and therefore all exempt-interest dividends paid by
the Fund, is included in calculating ACE. Taxpayers that may be subject to the
alternative minimum tax should consult their tax advisers before investing in
the Municipal Bond Fund.
To the extent that Municipal Bond Fund's interest income is attributable to
private activity bonds, dividends allocable to such income, while exempt from
the regular federal income tax, may constitute an item of tax preference for
purposes of the alternative minimum tax. In addition, for corporate stockholders
of Municipal Bond Fund, exempt interest may comprise part or all of an
adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income.
Stockholders of the Funds who redeem their shares generally will realize gain or
loss upon the sale or redemption (including the exchange of shares for shares of
another fund) which will be capital gain or loss if the shares are capital
assets in the stockholder's hands, and will be taxable to stockholders as
long-term capital gains if the shares had been held for more than one year at
the time of sale or redemption. Net capital gains on shares held for less than
one year will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Investors should be
aware that any loss realized upon the sale or redemption of shares held for six
months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any
distribution of long-term capital gain to the stockholder with respect to such
shares. In addition, any loss realized on a sale or exchange of shares will be
disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced within a period of
61 days, beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date the shares
are disposed of, such as pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends. In such
case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the
disallowed loss.
Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring Class A
shares of a Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss
on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies in circumstances when
shares of the Fund are exchanged within 90 days after the date they were
purchased and new shares in a regulated investment company are acquired without
a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss
recognized on the exchange will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of
the shares exchanged all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring
those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable
sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of
having incurred the sales charge initially. Instead, the portion of the sales
charge affected by this rule will be treated as an amount paid for the new
shares.
Up to 85% of an individual's Social Security benefits and certain railroad
retirement benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Along with other
factors, total tax-exempt income, including any exempt-interest dividends
received from Municipal Bond Fund, is used to calculate the portion of Social
Security benefits that is taxed.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, a stockholder may not deduct all or a portion
of interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of
an investment company paying exempt-interest dividends. In addition, under rules
issued by the Internal Revenue Service for determining when borrowed funds are
considered used for the purposes of purchasing or carrying particular assets,
the purchase of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed funds
even though the borrowed funds are not directly traceable to the purchase of
shares.
A deductible "environmental tax" of 0.12% is imposed on a corporation's modified
alternative minimum taxable income in excess of $2 million. The environmental
tax will be imposed even if the corporation is not required to pay an
alternative minimum tax because the corporation's regular income tax liability
exceeds its minimum tax liability. To the extent that exempt-interest dividends
paid by Municipal Bond Fund are included in alternative minimum taxable income,
corporate stockholders may be subject to the environmental tax.
Opinions relating to the validity of municipal securities and the exemption of
interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by bond counsel to the
issuer. Neither the Investment Manager nor Municipal Bond Fund's counsel makes
any review of proceedings relating to the issuance of municipal securities or
the bases of such opinions.
The Funds are required by law to withhold 31% of taxable dividends and
distributions to stockholders who do not furnish their correct taxpayer
identification numbers, or are otherwise subject to the backup withholding
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Each of Diversified Income Fund and High Yield Fund (the Series of Income Fund)
will be treated separately in determining the amounts of income and capital
gains distributions. For this purpose, each Fund will reflect only the income
and gains, net of losses of that Fund.
A purchase of shares shortly before payment of a dividend or distribution would
be disadvantageous because the dividend or distribution to the purchaser would
have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of his or her shares
by the amount of the dividends or distributions. In addition all or a portion of
such dividends or distributions, although in effect a return of capital, are
subject to taxes, which may be at ordinary income tax rates.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD CONTRACTS AND SWAP AGREEMENTS -- Certain options,
futures contracts, and forward contracts in which a Fund may invest may be
"Section 1256 contracts." Gains or losses on Section 1256 contracts generally
are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses;
however, foreign currency gains or losses arising from certain Section 1256
contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also, Section 1256
contracts held by a Fund at the end of each taxable year (and at certain other
times as prescribed pursuant to the Code) are "marked to market" with the result
that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized.
Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by a Fund may result in
"straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect
the character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund. In addition, losses
realized by a Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred
under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating
the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized.
Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been
promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures, forward
contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts to a Fund are not
entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital
gain realized by a Fund which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to
shareholders.
A Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which are
applicable to straddles. If a Fund makes any of the elections, the amount,
character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the
election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may
operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains or
losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from
the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to
shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or
long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that
did not engage in such hedging transactions.
Because only a few regulations regarding the treatment of swap agreements, and
related caps, floors and collars, have been implemented, the tax consequences of
such transactions are not entirely clear. The Funds intend to account for such
transactions in a manner deemed by them to be appropriate, but the Internal
Revenue Service might not necessarily accept such treatment. If it did not, the
status of a Fund as a regulated investment company might be affected.
The requirements applicable to a Fund's qualification as a regulated investment
company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in
transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap agreements
and other financial contracts.
MARKET DISCOUNT -- If a Fund purchases a debt security at a price lower than the
stated redemption price of such debt security, the excess of the stated
redemption price over the purchase price is "market discount." If the amount of
market discount is more than a DE MINIMUS amount, a portion of such market
discount must be included as ordinary income (not capital gain) by the Fund in
each taxable year in which the Fund owns an interest in such debt security and
receives a principal payment on it. In particular, the Fund will be required to
allocate that principal payment first to the portion of the market discount on
the debt security that has accrued but has not previously been includable in
income. In general, the amount of market discount that must be included for each
period is equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of market discount accruing
during such period (plus any accrued market discount for prior periods not
previously taken into account) or (ii) the amount of the principal payment with
respect to such period. Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for
each day the debt security is held by a Fund at a constant rate over the time
remaining to the debt security's maturity or, at the election of the Fund, at a
constant yield to maturity which takes into account the semi-annual compounding
of interest. Gain realized on the disposition of a market discount obligation
must be recognized as ordinary interest income (not capital gain) to the extent
of the "accrued market discount."
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT -- Certain debt securities acquired by the Funds may be
treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Very
generally, original issue discount is defined as the difference between the
price at which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at
maturity. Although no cash income on account of such discount is actually
received by a Fund, original issue discount that accrues on a debt security in a
given year generally is treated for federal income tax purposes as interest and,
therefore, such income would be subject to the distribution requirements
applicable to regulated investment companies.
Some debt securities may be purchased by the Funds at a discount that exceeds
the original issue discount on such debt securities, if any. This additional
discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes (see above).
CONSTRUCTIVE SALES -- Recently enacted rules may affect the timing and character
of gain if a Fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its risk of
loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If the Fund enters into
certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical property,
the Fund would be treated as if it had sold and immediately repurchased the
property and would be taxed on any gain (but no loss) from the constructive
sale. The character of gain from a constructive sale would depend upon the
Fund's holding period in the property. Loss from a constructive sale would be
recognized when the property was subsequently disposed of, and its character
would depend on the Fund's holding period and the application of various loss
deferral provisions of the Code.
FOREIGN TAXATION -- Income received by a Fund from sources within a foreign
country may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by that country.
Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate
such taxes.
The payment of such taxes will reduce the amount of dividends and distributions
paid to the Funds' stockholders. So long as a Fund qualifies as a regulated
investment company, certain distribution requirements are satisfied, and more
than 50% of such Fund's assets at the close of the taxable year consists of
securities of foreign corporation, the fund may elect, subject to limitation, to
pass through its foreign tax credits to its stockholders.
OTHER TAXES -- The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended
to provide an exhaustive presentation of the tax consequences of investing in a
Fund. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign
taxes, depending on each shareholder's particular situation. Depending upon the
nature and extent of a Fund's contacts with a state or local jurisdiction, the
Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such jurisdiction if it is regarded under
applicable law as doing business in, or as having income derived from, the
jurisdiction. Persons who may be "substantial users" (or "related persons" of
substantial users) of facilities financed by private activity bonds should
consult their tax adviser before purchasing Municipal Bond Fund shares. (See
"Municipal Securities," page 11.) Shareholders are advised to consult their own
tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences to them of an
investment in a Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The Articles of Incorporation of Income and Municipal Bond Funds provide for the
issuance of shares of common stock in one or more classes or series and the
Articles of Cash Fund provide for the issuance of stock in one or more series.
Income Fund has authorized the issuance of an indefinite number of shares of
capital stock of $1.00 par value and currently issues its shares in three
series, Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund and Capital Preservation Fund.
The shares of each Series of Income Fund represent a pro rata beneficial
interest in that Series' net assets and in the earnings and profits or losses
derived from the investment of such assets. Municipal Bond and Cash Funds have
not issued shares in any additional series at the present time. Municipal Bond
and Cash Funds have authorized the issuance of an indefinite number of shares of
capital stock of $0.10 par value.
Municipal Bond Fund currently issues two classes of shares. Diversified Income
Fund and High Yield Fund currently issue three classes of shares. Each class
participate proportionately based on its relative net asset values in dividends
and distributions and has equal voting, liquidation and other rights except that
(i) expenses related to the distribution of each class of shares or other
expenses that the Board of Directors may designate as class expenses from time
to time, are borne solely by each class; (ii) each class of shares has exclusive
voting rights with respect to any Distribution Plan adopted for that class;
(iii) each class has different exchange privileges; and (iv) each class has a
different designation. When issued and paid for, the shares of Diversified
Income, High Yield, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds will be fully paid and
nonassessable by the Funds. Shares may be exchanged as described under "How to
Exchange Shares," page 47, but will have no other preference, conversion,
exchange or preemptive rights. Shares are transferable, redeemable and
assignable and have cumulative voting privileges for the election of directors.
On certain matters, such as the election of directors, all shares of the Series
of Income Fund vote together with each share having one vote. On other matters
affecting a particular Series, such as the investment advisory contract or the
fundamental policies, only shares of that Series are entitled to vote, and a
majority vote of the shares of that Series is required for approval of the
proposal.
The Funds do not generally hold annual meetings of stockholders and will do so
only when required by law. Stockholders may remove directors from office by vote
cast in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders. Such a meeting will be
called at the written request of 10% of a Fund's outstanding shares.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT
UMB Bank, N.A., 928 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 acts as the
custodian for the portfolio securities of Diversified Income Fund, High Yield
Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund. Security Management Company, LLC acts
as the Funds' transfer and dividend-paying agent.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of Ernst & Young LLP, One Kansas City Place, 1200 Main Street, Kansas
City, Missouri, has been selected by the Funds to serve as the Funds'
independent auditors, and as such, will perform the annual audit of each Fund's
financial statements.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Funds may, from time to time, include performance information in
advertisements, sales literature or reports to stockholders or prospective
investors. Performance information in advertisements or sales literature may be
expressed as yield for each of the Funds, effective yield for Cash Fund, taxable
equivalent yield for Municipal Bond Fund and average annual total return and
aggregate total return for Municipal Bond and Income Funds.
For Cash Fund, the current yield will be based upon the seven calendar days
ending on the date of calculation ("the base period"). The total net investment
income earned, exclusive of realized capital gains and losses or unrealized
appreciation and depreciation, during the base period, on a hypothetical
pre-existing account having a balance of one share will be divided by the value
of the account at the beginning of that period. The resulting figure ("the base
period return") will then be multiplied by 365/7 to obtain the current yield.
Cash Fund's current yield for the seven-day period ended December 31, 1999 was
5.28%.
Cash Fund's effective (or compound) yield for the same period was 5.42%. The
effective yield reflects the compounding of the current yield by reinvesting all
dividends and will be computed by compounding the base period return by adding 1
to the base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7,
and subtracting 1 from the result. The yield of the Fund may be obtained by
calling the Fund.
Investors should recognize that investment in Cash Fund is not guaranteed or
insured by any state, federal or government agency or by any other person.
With respect to Income Fund and Municipal Bond Fund, quotations of yield will be
based on the investment income per share earned during a particular 30-day
period, less expenses per share accrued during the period ("net investment
income") and will be computed by dividing net investment income by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of the period, according to the
following formula:
A - B
YIELD = 2[( ----- + 1)^6 - 1]
CD
where A = dividends and interest earned during the period, B = expenses accrued
for the period (net of any reimbursements), C = the average daily number of
shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends,
and D = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
Municipal Bond Fund's tax-equivalent yield, like yield, is based on a 30-day
period and is computed by dividing that portion of the Fund's yield (computed as
described above) which is tax-exempt by one minus a stated income tax rate and
adding the resulting figure to that portion of the Fund's yield, if any, that is
not tax-exempt.
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1999, the yield for each Fund was the
following:
----------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
----------------------------------------------------
Diversified Income Fund 5.77% 5.22%
High Yield Fund 9.43% 8.90%
Municipal Bond Fund 4.31% 3.83%
----------------------------------------------------
For the same period, the tax equivalent yield for the Class A shares of
Municipal Bond Fund assuming a 15% income tax rate and a 28% income tax rate,
respectively, was 5.07% and 5.99%.
For the same period, the tax equivalent yield for the Class B shares of
Municipal Bond Fund assuming a 15% income tax rate and a 28% income tax rate,
respectively, was 4.51% and 5.32%.
There is no assurance that a yield quoted will remain in effect for any period
of time. Inasmuch as certain estimates must be made in computing average daily
yield, actual yields may vary and will depend upon such factors as the type of
instruments in the Fund's portfolio, the portfolio quality and average maturity
of such instruments, changes in interest rates and the actual Fund expenses.
Yield computations will reflect the expense limitations described in this
Prospectus under "Investment Manager."
Quotations of average annual total return will be expressed in terms of the
average annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical investment in
Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund or Municipal Bond Fund over periods of
1, 5 and 10 years (up to the life of the Fund), calculated pursuant to the
following formula:
P(1 + T)^n = ERV
(where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual
total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of
a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All average
annual total return figures will reflect the deduction of the maximum initial
sales load in the case of quotations of performance of Class A shares or the
applicable contingent deferred sales charge in the case of quotations of
performance of Class B shares and a proportional share of Fund expenses on an
annual basis, and assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
when paid.
For the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 1999, the average annual
total return for each Fund was the following:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
---------------- ----------------- -----------------
CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS CLASS
A B A B A B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diversified Income Fund (8.23)% (9.36)% 6.17% 5.79% 6.35% 3.20%(1)
High Yield Fund (5.23)% (6.28)% 4.93%(2) 4.77%(2) --- ---
Municipal Bond Fund (8.03)% (8.96)% 4.57% 4.11% 5.07% .89%(1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 From October 19, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1999
2 From August 5, 1996 (date of inception) to December 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The aggregate total return for Income and Municipal Bond Funds is calculated for
any specified period of time pursuant to the following formula:
P(1 + T)^n = ERV
(where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the total return, and
ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the period). All aggregate total return figures will assume that
all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid. The Funds may, from
time to time, include quotations of total return that do not reflect deduction
of the sales load which, if reflected, would reduce the total return data
quoted.
For the periods ended December 31, 1999, the aggregate total return on an
investment for each Fund calculated as described above was the following:
-----------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A CLASS B
-----------------------------------------------------------
Diversified Income Fund 94.1%(1) 21.6%(2)
High Yield Fund 23.7%(3) 20.2%(3)
Municipal Bond Fund 72.1%(1) 12.3%(2)
-----------------------------------------------------------
1 From December 31, 1989
2 From October 19, 1993
3 From August 5, 1996 (date of inception)
-----------------------------------------------------------
These figures reflect deduction of the maximum initial sales load and deduction
of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge. Fee waivers and/or expense
reimbursements were in effect for each of the Funds in the year ended December
31, 1999. In the absence of the waivers and/or reimbursements, the yield and
performance quoted above would be reduced.
Quotations of yield, tax-equivalent yield, average annual total return and
aggregate total return will reflect only the performance of a hypothetical
investment during the particular time period shown. Such quotations will vary
based on changes in market conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses, and
no reported performance figure should be considered an indication of performance
which may be expected in the future.
In connection with communicating its yield, tax-equivalent yield, average annual
total return or aggregate total return to current or prospective stockholders,
each Fund also may compare these figures to the performance of other mutual
funds tracked by mutual fund rating services or to other unmanaged indexes which
may assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for
administrative and management costs. Each Fund will include performance data for
each class of shares of the Fund in any advertisement or report including
performance data of the Fund. Such mutual fund rating services include the
following: Lipper Analytical Services; Morningstar, Inc.; Investment Company
Data; Schabacker Investment Management; Wiesenberger Investment Companies
Service; Computer Directions Advisory (CDA); and Johnson Charts.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Diversified Income, High Yield and Cash Funds offer tax-qualified retirement
plans for individuals (Individual Retirement Accounts, known as IRAs), Roth
IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, several prototype retirement plans for the self-employed
(Keogh plans), pension and profit-sharing plans for corporations, and custodial
account plans for employees of public school systems and organizations meeting
the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Actual
documents and detailed materials about the plans will be provided upon request
to the Distributor.
Purchases of Diversified Income, High Yield and Cash Fund shares under any of
these plans are made at the public offering price next determined after
contributions are received by the Distributor. Shares owned under any of the
plans have full dividend, voting and redemption privileges. Depending upon the
terms of the particular plan, retirement benefits may be paid in a lump sum or
in installment payments over a specified period. There are possible penalties
for premature distributions from such plans.
Security Management Company, LLC is available to act as custodian for the plans
on a fee basis. For IRAs, Roth IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Section 403(b) Retirement
Plans, and Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPPs), service fees for such
custodial services currently are: (1) $10 for annual maintenance of the account,
and (2) benefit distribution fee of $5 per distribution. Service fees for other
types of plans will vary. These fees will be deducted from the plan assets.
Optional supplemental services are available from Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company for additional charges.
Retirement investment programs involve commitments covering future years. It is
important that the investment objective and structure of Diversified Income,
High Yield and Cash Funds be considered by the investors for such plans.
Investments in insurance and annuity contracts also may be purchased in addition
to shares of the Funds.
A brief description of the available tax-qualified retirement plans is provided
below. However, the tax rules applicable to such qualified plans vary according
to the type of plan and the terms and conditions of the plan itself. Therefore,
no attempt is made to provide more than general information about the various
types of qualified plans. Because Municipal Bond Fund's investment objective is
to obtain a high level of interest income exempt from federal taxes, Municipal
Bond Fund is not an appropriate investment for retirement plans.
Investors are urged to consult their own attorneys or tax advisers when
considering the establishment and maintenance of any such plans.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS)
Individual Retirement Account Custodial Agreements are available to provide
investment in shares of Diversified Income, High Yield and/or Cash Funds, or in
other funds in the Security Group. An individual may initiate an IRA through the
Distributor by executing the custodial agreement and making a minimum initial
investment of at least $100. A $10 annual fee is charged for maintaining the
account.
An individual may make a contribution to a traditional IRA each year of up to
the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of earned income under current tax law. The IRAs
described in this paragraph are called "traditional IRAs" to distinguish them
from the "Roth IRAs" which are described below. Spousal IRAs allow an individual
and his or her spouse to contribute up to $2,000 to their respective IRAs so
long as a joint tax return is filed and joint income is $4,000 or more. The
maximum amount the higher compensated spouse may contribute for the year is the
lesser of $2,000 or 100% of that spouse's compensation. The maximum the lower
compensated spouse may contribute is the lesser of (i) $2,000 or (ii) 100% of
that spouse's compensation plus the amount by which the higher compensated
spouse's compensation exceeds the amount the higher compensated spouse
contributes to his or her IRA.
An individual may make a contribution to a traditional IRA which is deductible
for federal income tax purposes. A contribution is deductible if (i) neither the
individual nor his or her spouse is an active participant in an employer's
retirement plan, or (ii) the individual (and his or her spouse, if applicable)
has an adjusted gross income below a specified level. The income limits began
gradually increasing starting with tax years beginning in 1998, eventually
reaching $50,000-$60,000 for single filers in 2005 and thereafter (and reaching
$80,000-$100,000 if married filing jointly in 2007 and thereafter). In addition,
for tax years beginning after 1997, a married individual may make a deductible
IRA contribution even though the individual's spouse is an active participant in
a qualified employer's retirement plan, subject to a phase-out for adjusted
gross income between $150,000-$160,000. However, an individual not permitted to
make a deductible contribution to an IRA may nevertheless make nondeductible
contributions up to the maximum contribution limit for that year. The
deductibility of IRA contributions under state law varies from state to state.
Contributions must be made in cash no later than April 15 following the close of
the tax year. No annual contribution is permitted for the year in which the
investor reaches age 70 1/2 or any year thereafter.
In addition to annual contributions, total distributions and certain partial
distributions from certain employer-sponsored retirement plans may be eligible
to be reinvested into a traditional IRA if the reinvestment is made within 60
days of receipt of the distribution by the taxpayer. Such rollover contributions
are not subject to the limitations on annual IRA contributions described above.
ROTH IRAS
Section 408A of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish a Roth IRA
for tax years beginning in 1998. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible,
but withdrawals that meet certain requirements are not subject to federal income
tax. The maximum annual contribution amount of $2,000 is phased out if the
individual is single and has an adjusted gross income between $95,000 and
$110,000, or if the individual is married and the couple has a combined adjusted
gross income between $150,000 and $160,000. In general, Roth IRAs are subject to
certain required distribution requirements. Unlike a traditional IRA, Roth IRAs
are not subject to minimum required distribution rules during the owner's
lifetime. Generally, however, the amount remaining in a Roth IRA must be
distributed by the end of the fifth year after the death of the owner.
The owner of a traditional IRA may convert the traditional IRA into a Roth IRA
under certain circumstances. The conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA
will subject the amount of the converted traditional IRA to federal income tax.
If a traditional IRA is converted to a Roth IRA, the taxable amount in the
owner's traditional IRA will be considered taxable income for federal income tax
purposes for the year of the conversion. Generally, all amounts in a traditional
IRA are taxable except for the owner's prior non-deductible contributions to the
traditional IRA.
EDUCATION IRAS
Section 530 of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish an Education
IRA on behalf of a beneficiary for tax years beginning in 1998. Contributions to
an Education IRA are not deductible, but qualified distributions to the
beneficiary are not subject to federal income tax. The maximum annual
contribution amount of $500 is phased out if the individual is single and has an
adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000, or if the individual is
married and the couple has a combined adjusted gross income between $150,000 and
$160,000. Education IRAs are subject to certain required distribution
requirements. Generally, the amount remaining in an Education IRA must be
distributed by the beneficiary's 30th birthday or rolled into a new Education
IRA for another eligible beneficiary.
SIMPLE IRAS
The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 created a new retirement plan, the
Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers (SIMPLE Plans).
SIMPLE Plan participants must establish a SIMPLE IRA into which plan
contributions will be deposited.
The Investment Manager makes available SIMPLE IRAs to provide investment in
shares of the Funds. Contributions to a SIMPLE IRA may be either salary deferral
contributions or employer contributions. Contributions must be made in cash and
cannot exceed the maximum amount allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. On a
pre-tax basis, up to $6,000 of compensation (through salary deferrals) may be
contributed to a SIMPLE IRA. In addition, employers are required to make either
(1) a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution or (2) a nonelective contribution
to each participant's account each year. In general, matching contributions must
equal up to 3% of compensation, but under certain circumstances, employers may
make lower matching contributions. Instead of the match, employers may make a
nonelective contribution equal to 2% of compensation (compensation for purposes
of any nonelective contribution is limited to $160,000, as indexed).
Distributions from a SIMPLE IRA are (1) taxed as ordinary income; (2) includable
in gross income; and (3) subject to applicable state tax laws.
Distributions prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax which
increases to 25% for distributions made before a participant has participated in
the SIMPLE Plan for at least two years. An annual fee of $10 is charged for
maintaining the SIMPLE IRA.
PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS
Prototype corporate pension or profit-sharing prototype plans meeting the
requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a) are available. Information
concerning these plans may be obtained from Security Distributors, Inc.
403(B) RETIREMENT PLANS
Employees of public school systems and tax-exempt organizations meeting the
requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) may purchase custodial
account plans funded by their employers with shares of Diversified Income and/or
High Yield Funds or other funds in the Security Group in accordance with Code
Section 403(b). The minimum initial or subsequent investment in a custodial
account plan is $50. An annual administration fee of $25 is required for each
custodial account with a balance less than $25,000 and a $5 withdrawal fee will
be charged when any custodial account is closed. Employees who purchase
custodial account plans may request loans from their custodial accounts. An
administration fee of $125 will be charged at the time of application for a loan
and a $50 loan maintenance fee will be deducted each year from the account
balance. Section 403(b) plans are subject to numerous restrictions on the amount
that may be contributed, the persons who are eligible to participate, the time
when distributions may commence, and the number and amount of any loans
requested.
SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEPPS)
A prototype SEPP is available for corporations, partnerships or sole proprietors
desiring to adopt such a plan for purchases of IRAs for their employees.
Employers establishing a SEPP may contribute a maximum of $30,000 a year to an
IRA for each employee. This maximum is subject to a number of limitations.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements of the Funds, which are contained in the Funds'
Annual Report dated December 31, 1999, are incorporated herein by reference.
Copies of the Annual Report are provided to every person requesting the
Statement of Additional Information.
TAX-EXEMPT VS. TAXABLE INCOME
The following table shows the approximate taxable yields for individuals that
are equivalent to tax-exempt yields using the 1999 tax rates contained in the
Code. The table illustrates what you would have to earn on taxable investments
to equal a given tax-exempt yield in your federal income tax bracket. Locate
your income (after deductions and exemptions), then locate your tax bracket
based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to the equivalent taxable yield
you would need to match a given tax-free yield. There is, of course, no
assurance that an investment in Municipal Bond Fund will result in the
realization of any particular return.
<TABLE>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
IF YOUR TAXABLE INCOME IS: YOUR AND A TAX-FREE YIELD OF:
---------------------------------------------- INCOME TAX ------------------------------------------------------------------------
JOINT RETURN SINGLE RETURN BRACKET IS 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% 11% 12%
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999
0 - 43,050 0 - 25,750 15.0% 5.88 7.06 8.24 9.41 10.59 11.76 12.94 14.12
43,051 - 104,050 25,751 - 62,450 28.0 6.94 8.33 9.72 11.11 12.50 13.89 15.28 16.67
104,051 - 158,550 62,451 - 130,250 31.0 7.25 8.70 10.14 11.59 13.04 14.49 15.94 17.39
158,551 - 283,150 130,251 - 283,150 36.0 7.81 9.38 10.94 12.50 14.06 15.63 17.19 18.75
283,151 and over 283,151 and over 39.6 8.28 9.93 11.59 13.25 14.90 16.56 18.21 19.87
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES OF DIVERSIFIED INCOME, HIGH YIELD AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS
REDUCED SALES CHARGES -- Initial sales charges may be reduced or eliminated for
persons or organizations purchasing Class A shares of Diversified Income, High
Yield and Municipal Bond Funds alone or in combination with Class A shares of
other Security Funds.
For purposes of qualifying for reduced sales charges on purchases made pursuant
to Rights of Accumulation, a Statement of Intention or Letters of Intent, the
term "Purchaser" includes the following persons: an individual; his or her
spouse and children under the age 21; a trustee or other fiduciary of a single
trust estate or single fiduciary account established for their benefit; an
organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) or (13) of
the Internal Revenue Code; or a pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit plan whether or not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue
Code.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION -- To reduce sales charges on purchases of Diversified
Income Fund, High Yield Fund or Municipal Bond Fund, a Purchaser may combine all
previous purchases with a contemplated current purchase of Class A shares of a
Fund for the purpose of determining the sales charge applicable to the current
purchase. For example, an investor who already owns Class A shares of a Fund
either worth $30,000 at the applicable current offering price or purchased for
$30,000 and who invests an additional $25,000, is entitled to a reduced sales
charge of 3.75% on the latter purchase. The Distributor must be notified when a
sale takes place which would qualify for the reduced charge on the basis of
previous purchases subject to confirmation of the investor's holdings through
the Fund's records. Rights of accumulation apply also to purchases representing
a combination of the Class A shares of Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund,
Municipal Bond Fund, Security Growth and Income, Security Ultra Fund, or
Security Equity Fund in those states where shares of the Funds being purchased
are qualified for sale.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION -- A Purchaser in Diversified Income, High Yield or
Municipal Bond Fund may sign a Statement of Intention, which may be signed
within 90 days after the first purchase to be included thereunder, in the form
provided by the Distributor covering purchases of Diversified Income Fund, High
Yield Fund, Municipal Bond Fund, Security Equity Fund, Security Growth and
Income Fund, or Security Ultra Fund to be made within a period of 13 months (or
a 36-month period for purchases of $1 million or more) and thereby become
eligible for the reduced front-end sales charge applicable to the actual amount
purchased under the Statement. Five percent of the amount specified in the
Statement of Intention will be held in escrow shares until the Statement is
completed or terminated. The shares so held may be redeemed by the Fund if the
investor is required to pay additional sales charge which may be due if the
amount of purchases made by the investor during the period the Statement is
effective is less than the total specified in the Statement of Intention.
A Statement of Intention may be revised during the 13-month period (or, if
applicable, 36-month period). Additional Class A shares received from
reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains distributions (if any are
realized) are included in the total amount used to determine reduced sales
charges. The Statement is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase
or any Fund to sell the full indicated amount. An investor considering signing
such an agreement should read the Statement of Intention carefully. A Statement
of Intention form may be obtained from the Investment Manager.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE -- Stockholders who redeem their Class A shares of
Diversified Income Fund, High Yield Fund or Municipal Bond Fund have a one-time
privilege (1) to reinstate their accounts by purchasing shares of the Fund
without a sales charge up to the dollar amount of the redemption proceeds, or
(2) to the extent the redeemed shares would have been eligible for the exchange
privilege, to purchase Class A shares of another of the Funds, Security Equity
Fund, Security Ultra Fund, or Security Growth and Income Fund up to the dollar
amount of the redemption proceeds at a sales charge equal to the additional
sales charge, if any, which would have been applicable had the redeemed shares
been exchanged pursuant to the exchange privilege. Written notice and a check in
the amount of the reinvestment from eligible stockholders wishing to exercise
this reinstatement privilege must be received by the Fund within thirty days
after the redemption request was received (or such longer period as may be
permitted by rules and regulations promulgated under the Investment Company Act
of 1940). The net asset value used in computing the amount of shares to be
issued upon reinstatement or exchange will be the net asset value on the day
that notice of the exercise of the privilege is received. Stockholders making
use of the reinstatement privilege should note that any gains realized upon the
redemption will be taxable while any losses may be deferred under the "wash
sale" provision of the Internal Revenue Code.
