Pioneer Real
Estate Shares
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
Prospectus
January 18, 1996
Pioneer Real Estate Shares (the "Fund") is a non-diversified open-end
investment company seeking primarily long-term growth of capital. Current
income is a secondary objective. The Fund will seek to achieve its investment
objectives by investing at least 75% of its total assets in a portfolio
consisting primarily of equity securities of real estate investment trusts
and other real estate industry companies.
The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in debt securities of
real estate industry companies, mortgage-backed securities and short-term
investments. In pursuit of its objectives, the Fund may employ active
management techniques (including futures and options) in an attempt to hedge
risks associated with the Fund's investments in real estate equity
securities. There is, of course, no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
investment objectives.
Fund returns and share prices fluctuate and the value of your account upon
redemption may be more or less than your purchase price. Shares in the Fund
are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or
other depository institution, and the shares are not federally insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any
other government agency. Investments in securities of real estate industry
companies entail risks in addition to those customarily associated with
investing in securities in general. The Fund is intended for investors who
can accept the risks associated with its investments and may not be suitable
for all investors. See "Investment Objectives and Policies and Associated
Risks" for a discussion of these risks.
This Prospectus provides information about the Fund that you should know
before investing in the Fund. Please read and retain it for your future
reference. More information about the Fund is included in the Statement of
Additional Information, also dated January 18, 1996, which is incorporated
into this Prospectus by reference. A copy of the Statement of Additional
Information may be obtained free of charge by calling Shareholder Services at
1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the Fund at 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109. Other information about the Fund has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is available upon request
and without charge.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I. EXPENSE INFORMATION 2
II. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 3
III. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES AND
ASSOCIATED RISKS 4
IV. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 6
V. FUND SHARE ALTERNATIVES 7
VI. SHARE PRICE 7
VII. HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES 7
Class A 8
Class B 9
Class C 9
VIII. HOW TO SELL FUND SHARES 10
IX. HOW TO EXCHANGE FUND SHARES 12
X. DISTRIBUTION PLANS 12
XI. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXATION 13
XII. SHAREHOLDER SERVICES 13
Account and Confirmation Statements 14
Additional Investments 14
Financial Reports and Tax Information 14
Distribution Options 14
Directed Dividends 14
Direct Deposit 14
Voluntary Tax Withholding 14
Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities 14
FactFone(SM) 15
Retirement Plans 15
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 15
Systematic Withdrawal Plans 15
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A only) 15
XIII. THE FUND 15
XIV. INVESTMENT RESULTS 16
APPENDIX A: Certain Investment Practices 16
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
I. EXPENSE INFORMATION
This table is designed to help you understand the charges and expenses that
you, as a shareholder, will bear directly or indirectly when you invest in
the Fund. The table reflects annual operating expenses based on the actual
Class A expenses incurred for the fiscal period ended December 31, 1994.
Other expenses for Class B and Class C shares are based on estimated amounts
for the fiscal period ended December 31, 1994 had such shares been
outstanding.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses: Class A Class B+ Class C+
Maximum Initial Sales Charge on Purchases (as a
percentage of offering price) 5.75%(1) None None
Maximum Sales Charge on
Reinvestment of Dividends None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of original purchase price
or redemption proceeds, as applicable) None(1) 4.00% 1.00%
Redemption Fee(2) None None None
Exchange Fee None None None
Annual Operating Expenses (As a Percentage
of Average Net Assets):
Management Fee
(after fee reduction)(3) 0.42% 0.42% 0.42%
12b-1 Fees 0.25% 1.00% 1.00%
Other Expenses (including accounting and
transfer agent fees, custodian fees and
printing expenses) 1.08% 1.08% 1.08%
Total Operating Expenses (after fee reduction)(3) 1.75% 2.50% 2.50%
+Class B and Class C shares will first be offered on January 31, 1996.
</TABLE>
(1) Purchases of $1 million or more and certain purchases by participants in
a "Group Plan" (as described under "How to Purchase Shares") are not
subject to an initial sales charge. A contingent deferred sales charge of
1.00% may, however, be charged on redemptions by such accounts of shares
held less than 12 months, as further described under "Redemptions and
Repurchases" in this Prospectus.
(2) Separate fees (currently $10 and $20, respectively) apply to domestic and
international bank wire transfers of redemption proceeds.
(3) Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC") has agreed not to impose a
portion of its management fee and to make other arrangements, if
necessary, to the extent necessary to limit the operating expenses of the
Class A shares of the Fund to 1.75% of its average daily net assets; the
portion of fund-wide expenses attributable to Class B or Class C shares
will be reduced only to the extent they are reduced for Class A shares.
This agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or
terminated at any time. In the absence of this agreement, annual
operating expenses would be as follows:
Annual Operating Expenses Absent Fee Reduction
(As a Percentage of Average Net Assets)
Management Fee 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Total Operating Expenses 2.33% 3.08% 3.08%
Example:
You would pay the following fees and expenses on a $1,000 investment,
assuming a 5% annual return and constant expenses, with or without redemption
at the end of each time period:
One Year Three Years Five Years Ten Years
--------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Class A Shares $17 $ 52 $ 90 $195
Class B Shares*
- --Assuming complete
redemption at end of
period $66 $109 $155 $268
- --Assuming no redemption $26 $ 79 $135 $268
Class C Shares**
- --Assuming complete
redemption at end of
period $36 $ 79 $135 $287
- --Assuming no redemption $26 $ 79 $135 $287
* Class B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase;
therefore, Class A expenses are used after year eight.
** Class C shares redeemed during the first year after purchase are subject
to a 1% Contingent Deferred Sales Charge ("CDSC").
The example above assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and
that the percentage amounts listed under "Annual Operating Expenses" remain
the same each year.
The example is designed for information purposes only, and should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses or return. Actual fund
expenses and return vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than
those shown.
For further information regarding management fees, 12b-1 fees and other
expenses of the Fund, including information regarding the basis upon which
fees and expenses are reduced or reallocated, see "Management of the Fund,"
"Distribution Plans" and "How to Buy Fund Shares" in this Prospectus and
"Management of the Fund" and "Underwriting Agreement and Distribution Plans"
in the Statement of Additional Information. The Fund's payment of a 12b-1 fee
may result in long-term shareholders paying more than the economic equivalent
of the maximum initial sales charge permitted under the Rules of Fair
Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
The maximum sales charge is reduced on purchases of specified amounts of
Class A shares and the value of shares owned in other Pioneer mutual funds is
taken into account in determining the applicable initial sales charge. See
"How to Buy Fund Shares." No sales charge is applied to exchanges of shares
of other publicly available Pioneer mutual funds. See "How to Exchange Fund
Shares."
2
<PAGE>
II. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information has been derived from financial statements which
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, in
connection with their examination of the Fund's financial statements. Arthur
Andersen LLP's report on the Fund's financial statements as of December 31,
1994 and June 30, 1995 appear in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports,
which are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional
Information. Class B and Class C shares are new classes of shares; no
financial highlights exist for either Class B or Class C shares. The Annual
and Semi-Annual Reports include more information about the Fund's performance
and are available free of charge by calling Shareholder Services at 1-
800-225-6292.
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
For a Class A Share Outstanding Throughout the Period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
October 25, 1993
July 1, 1994 (commencement
January 1, 1995 through of operations)
through December 31, through
June 30, 1995 1994+ June 30, 1994
--------------- ---------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 11.38 $ 12.02 $ 12.50
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Increase (decrease) from investment operations--
Net investment income $ 0.33 $ 0.21 $ 0.27
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments 0.09 (0.48) (0.45)
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Total increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 0.42 $ (0.27) $ (0.18)
Distribution to shareholders from--
Net investment income (0.33) (0.20) (0.27)
Paid-in capital -- (0.15) (0.03)
Net realized gain -- (0.02) --
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ 0.09 $ (0.64) $ (0.48)
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 11.47 $ 11.38 $ 12.02
-------------- --------------- ---------------
Total return* 3.82% (2.16%) (1.47%)
Ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets 1.75%** 1.75%** 1.71%**
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 5.79%** 3.72%** 3.73%**
Portfolio turnover rate 14.83% 17.40%** 23.98%**
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $26,655 $28,068 $29,584
Ratios assuming no reduction of fees or expenses--
Net operating expenses 2.58%** 2.27%** 2.15%**
Net investment income 4.97%** 3.20%** 3.28%**
</TABLE>
+ Subsequent to December 31, 1994, the Fund's fiscal year end was changed
from June 30 to December 31.
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of period,
reinvestment of all dividends, and the complete redemption of the
investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into
account.
** Annualized
3
<PAGE>
III. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
The Fund's primary investment objective is to seek long-term growth of
capital. Current income is a secondary investment objective. The Fund pursues
these objectives by investing in a non-diversified portfolio consisting
primarily of equity securities of real estate investment trusts and other
real estate industry companies and, to a lesser extent, in debt securities of
such companies and in mortgage-backed securities.
Under normal circumstances, at least 75% of the Fund's total assets are
invested in equity securities of real estate investment trusts ("REITs") and
other real estate industry companies. For purposes of the Fund's investments,
a "real estate industry company" is a company that derives at least 50% of
its gross revenues or net profits from either (a) the ownership, development,
construction, financing, management or sale of commercial, industrial or
residential real estate or (b) products or services related to the real
estate industry like building supplies or mortgage servicing. The equity
securities of real estate industry companies in which the Fund will invest
consist of common stock, shares of beneficial interest of real estate
investment trusts and securities with common stock characteristics, such as
preferred stock and debt securities convertible into common stock ("Real
Estate Equity Securities").
The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in (a) debt securities
of real estate industry companies, (b) mortgage-backed securities, such as
mortgage pass-through certificates, real estate mortgage investment conduit
("REMIC") certificates and collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and
(c) short-term investments (as listed below). See "Other Eligible
Investments."
In pursuit of its objectives, the Fund may employ certain active management
techniques including options on securities indices and futures contracts on
securities and indices and options on such futures contracts. These
techniques may be employed in an attempt to hedge interest rate or other
risks associated with the Fund's portfolio securities. The risks associated
with the Fund's transactions in options, futures, REMICs, CMOs and other
types of mortgage-backed securities, which are considered to be derivative
securities, may include some or all of the following: market risk, leverage
and volatility risk, correlation risk, credit risk and liquidity and
valuation risk. See Appendix A for a description of these investment
practices and securities and associated risks.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total
assets in short-term investments (as listed below). The Fund will assume a
temporary defensive posture only when economic and other factors affect the
real estate industry market to such an extent that PMC believes there to be
extraordinary risks in being substantially invested in Real Estate Equity
Securities.
As to any specific investment in Real Estate Equity Securities, PMC's
analysis will focus on evaluating the fundamental value of an enterprise. The
Fund will purchase securities for its portfolio when, in the judgment of PMC,
their market price appears to be less than their fundamental value and/or
which offer a high level of current income consistent with reasonable
investment risk. In selecting specific investments, PMC will attempt to
identify securities with significant potential for appreciation relative to
their downside exposure and/or which have a timely record and high level of
interest or dividend payments. In making these determinations, PMC will take
into account price-earnings ratios, cash flow, the relationship of asset
value to market price of the securities, interest or dividend payment history
and other factors which it may determine from time to time to be relevant.
PMC will attempt to allocate the Fund's portfolio investments across regional
economies and property types.
Risk Factors Associated with the Real Estate Industry
Although the Fund does not invest directly in real estate, it does invest
primarily in Real Estate Equity Securities and does concentrate its
investments in the real estate industry, and, therefore, an investment in the
Fund may be subject to certain risks associated with the 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; risks
related to general and local economic conditions; possible lack of
availability of mortgage funds; overbuilding; extended vacancies of
properties; 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.
In addition, if the Fund has rental income or income from the disposition of
real property acquired as a result of a default on securities the Fund owns,
the receipt of such income may adversely affect its ability to retain its tax
status as a regulated investment company. See "Tax Status" in the Statement
of Additional Information. Investments by the Fund in securities of companies
providing mortgage servicing will be subject to the risks associated with
refinancings and their impact on servicing rights.
Real Estate Investment Trusts and Associated Risk Factors
The Fund may invest without limitation in shares of REITs. 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 a combination of equity and mortgage 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. Like
investment companies such as the Fund, REITs are not taxed on income
distributed to shareholders provided they comply with several requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Fund will
indirectly bear its proportionate share of any expenses paid by REITs in
which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the Fund.
4
<PAGE>
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks
associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. Equity
REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property
owned by the REITs, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of
any credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, are not
diversified, and are subject to the risks of financing projects. REITs are
subject to heavy cash flow dependency, default by borrowers,
self-liquidation, and the possibilities of failing to qualify for the
exemption from tax for distributed income under the Code and failing to
maintain their exemptions from the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act"). REITs whose underlying assets include long-term health care
properties, such as nursing, retirement and assisted living homes, may be
impacted by federal regulations concerning the health care industry.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks.
When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate
obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise,
the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to
decline. In contrast, as interest rates on adjustable rate mortgage loans are
reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will
gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates,
causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in
response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate
obligations.
Investing in REITs involves risks similar to those associated with investing
in small capitalization companies. REITs may have limited financial
resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be
subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company
securities. Historically, small capitalization stocks, such as REITs, have
been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in
the Standard & Poor's Index of 500 Common Stocks.
Other Eligible Investments
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in any of the investments
described in this section.
Debt Securities of Real Estate Industry Companies and Mortgage-Backed
Securities. The Fund may invest in debt securities (including convertible
debt securities) of real estate industry companies. PMC intends to invest no
more than 5% of the Fund's net assets in debt securities rated, at the time
of investment, below Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or
BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's"), commonly
referred to as junk bonds, or, if unrated, judged by PMC to be of at least
comparable quality. Securities rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by Standard &
Poor's and securities of comparable quality, referred to as "medium grade"
obligations, have speculative characteristics, and changes in economic
conditions and other factors are more likely to lead to weakened capacity to
pay principal and interest than is the case for higher rated investment grade
securities. In the event a debt security purchased by the Fund is
subsequently down graded below investment grade, PMC will consider whether
the Fund should continue to hold the security. See the Statement of
Additional Information for a description of the corporate debt ratings
assigned by Moody's and Standard & Poor's and the risks associated with
lower-rated debt securities.
The Fund may also invest in securities that directly or indirectly represent
participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans
secured by real property ("Mortgage-Backed Securities"). Investing in
Mortgage- Backed Securities involves certain unique risks in addition to
those associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. These
risks include the failure of a counter-party to meet its commitments, adverse
interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on mortgage cash flows.
See Appendix A for a more complete description of the characteristics of
Mortgage-Backed Securities and associated risks.
Short-Term Investments. The Fund may invest in short- term investments
consisting of: corporate commercial paper and other short-term commercial
obligations, in each case rated or issued by companies with similar
securities outstanding that are rated Prime-1, Aa or better by Moody's or
A-1, AA or better by Standard & Poor's; obligations (including certificates
of deposit, time deposits, demand deposits and bankers' acceptances) of banks
with securities outstanding that are rated Prime-1, Aa or better by Moody's,
or A-1, AA or better by Standard & Poor's; obligations issued or guaranteed
by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities with remaining
maturities not exceeding 18 months; and repurchase agreements.
Foreign Investments
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in equity and debt securities
of foreign real estate companies. See "Foreign Real Estate Companies and
Associated Risks" in the Statement of Additional Information for a
description of the risks associated with foreign investments.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in securities exempt from
registration and up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments. See
Appendix A for a description of the risks associated with these securities.
Non-Diversified Status
The Fund is "non-diversified" for purposes of the 1940 Act. As a
non-diversified mutual fund, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks
associated with a single economic, political or regulatory occurrence than a
diversified fund might be. Like most other registered investment companies,
however, the Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company"
under the Code and therefore will be subject to diversification limits, which
generally require that, as of the close of each quarter of its taxable year,
(i) no more than 25% of its assets may be invested in the securities of a
single issuer (except for U.S. Government securities) and (ii) with respect
to 50% of its total assets, no more than 5% of its total assets may be
invested in the securities of a single issuer (except for U.S. Government
securities) or invested in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of a single issuer.
Portfolio Turnover
PMC generally avoids market-timing or speculating on broad market
fluctuations. Therefore, except as described
5
<PAGE>
above, the Fund will be substantially fully invested at all times. Changes in
the portfolio may be made promptly when determined to be advisable by reason
of developments not foreseen at the time of the initial investment decision,
and usually without reference to the length of time a security has been held.
Accordingly, portfolio turnover rates are not considered a limiting factor in
the execution of investment decisions. See "Financial Highlights" for the
Fund's actual turnover rates.
The Fund's investment objectives and certain investment restrictions
designated as fundamental in the Statement of Additional Information may be
changed by the Board of Trustees only with shareholder approval.
IV. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the management
and supervision of the Fund. There are currently nine Trustees, six of whom
are not "interested persons" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. The
Board meets at least quarterly. By virtue of the functions performed by
Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC") as investment adviser, the Fund
requires no employees other than its executive officers, all of whom receive
their compensation from PMC or other sources. The Statement of Additional
Information contains the names and general business and professional
background of each Trustee and executive officer of the Fund.
The Fund is managed under an investment advisory contract with PMC. PMC
serves as investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for the overall
management of the Fund's business affairs, subject only to the authority of
the Board of Trustees. PMC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Pioneer Group,
Inc. ("PGI"), a Delaware corporation. Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
("PFD"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PGI, is the principal
underwriter of shares of the Fund. John F. Cogan, Jr., Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Fund, Chairman and a Director of PMC, Chairman of
PFD, and President and a Director of PGI, beneficially owned approximately
15% of the outstanding capital stock of PGI as of the date of this
Prospectus.
Each domestic equity portfolio managed by PMC, including the Fund, is
overseen by the Domestic Equity Portfolio Management Committee, which
consists of PMC's most senior domestic equity professionals and a Portfolio
Management Committee, which consists of PMC's domestic equity portfolio
managers. Both committees are chaired by David D. Tripple, PMC's President
and Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice President of each Pioneer
mutual fund. Mr. Robert Benson, Senior Vice President of PMC, has been
responsible for day-to-day portfolio decisions since the Fund's inception.
Mr. Benson joined PMC in 1974 and is a Vice President of the Fund.
The executive offices of PMC, PGI and PFD are located at 60 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
Under the terms of its contract with the Fund, PMC serves as the Fund's
manager and investment adviser subject to the supervision of the Fund's
Trustees. PMC pays all the ordinary operating expenses, including executive
salaries and the rental of office space relating to its services for the Fund
with the exception of the following which are to be paid by the Fund: (a)
taxes and other governmental charges, if any; (b) interest on borrowed money,
if any; (c) legal fees and expenses; (d) auditing fees; (e) insurance
premiums; (f) dues and fees for membership in trade associations; (g) fees
and expenses of registering and maintaining registrations by the Fund of its
shares with the SEC, individual states, territories and foreign jurisdictions
and of preparing reports to government agencies; (h) fees and expenses of
Trustees not affiliated with or interested persons of PMC; (i) fees and
expenses of the custodian, dividend disbursing agent, transfer agent and
registrar; (j) issue and transfer taxes chargeable to the Fund in connection
with securities transactions to which the Fund is a party; (k) costs of
reports to shareholders, shareholders' meetings and Trustees' meetings; (l)
the cost of certificates representing shares of the fund; (m) fund
accounting, pricing and appraisal charges and related overhead; and (n)
distribution fees in accordance with Rule 12b-1. The Fund also pays all
brokerage commissions and any taxes or other charges in connection with its
portfolio transactions. In addition, the expense of organizing the Fund and
initially registering and qualifying its shares under federal and state
securities laws are being charged to the Fund's operations, as an expense,
over a period not to exceed 60 months from the Fund's inception date.
Orders for the Fund's portfolio securities transactions are placed by PMC,
which strives to obtain the best price and execution for each transaction. In
circumstances in which two or more broker-dealers are in a position to offer
comparable prices and execution, consideration may be given to whether the
broker-dealer provides investment research or brokerage services or sells
shares of the Fund or other Pioneer mutual funds. See the Statement of
Additional Information for a further description of PMC's brokerage
allocation practices.
As compensation for its management and investment advisory services and
certain expenses which PMC incurs, PMC is entitled to a management fee equal
to 1.00% per annum of the Fund's average daily net assets. The fee is
normally computed daily and paid monthly. The management fee, which is
greater than those paid by most funds, reflects the added complexity and
additional expenses associated with analyzing real estate investments and
related securities.
During the fiscal periods ended June 30, 1994, December 31, 1994 and June 30,
1995, the Fund incurred expenses of $223,842, $320,405 and $335,514,
respectively, including management fees paid or payable to Pioneer Winthrop
Advisors ("PWA") of $103,371, $141,284 and $130,341, respectively. PWA served
as the Fund's investment adviser from October 23, 1993 through July 17, 1995.
PMC has agreed temporarily to limit its management fee as described in
"Expense Information." During the fiscal periods ended June 30, 1994,
December 31, 1994 and June 30, 1995, a similar arrangement by PWA resulted in
a reduction of expenses for the Fund of $45,812, $73,158 and $107,417,
respectively. This agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised or
terminated at any time.
6
<PAGE>
V. FUND SHARE ALTERNATIVES
The Fund continuously offers three Classes of shares designated as Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, as described more fully in "How to Buy Fund
Shares." If you do not specify in your instructions to the Fund which Class
of shares you wish to purchase, exchange or redeem, the Fund will assume that
your instructions apply to Class A shares.
Class A Shares. If you invest less than $1 million in Class A shares, you
will pay an initial sales charge. Certain purchases may qualify for reduced
initial sales charges. If you invest $1 million or more in Class A shares, no
sales charge will be imposed at the time of purchase, however, shares
redeemed within 12 months of purchase may be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge ("CDSC"). Class A shares are subject to distribution and service
fees at a combined annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class A shares.
Class B Shares. If you plan to invest up to $250,000, Class B shares are
available to you. Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge,
but are subject to a CDSC of up to 4% if redeemed within six years. Class B
shares are subject to distribution and service fees at a combined annual rate
of 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B
shares. Your entire investment in Class B shares is available to work for you
from the time you make your investment, but the higher distribution fee paid
by Class B shares will cause your Class B shares (until conversion) to have a
higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent dividends are
paid, than Class A shares. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class
A shares, based on relative net asset value, eight years after the initial
purchase.
Class C Shares. Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but
are subject to a 1% CDSC if they are redeemed within the first year after
purchase. Class C shares are subject to distribution and service fees at a
combined annual rate of up to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Class C shares. Your entire investment in Class C shares is
available to work for you from the time you make your investment, but the
higher distribution fee paid by Class C shares will cause your Class C shares
to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent
dividends are paid, than Class A shares. Class C shares have no conversion
feature.
Selecting a Class of Shares. The decision as to which Class to purchase
depends on the amount you invest, the intended length of the investment and
your personal situation. If you are making an investment that qualifies for
reduced sales charges, you might consider Class A shares. If you prefer not
to pay an initial sales charge on an investment of $250,000 or less and you
plan to hold the investment for at least six years, you might consider Class
B shares. If you prefer not to pay an initial sales charge and you plan to
hold your investment for one to eight years, you may prefer Class C shares.
Investment dealers or their representatives may receive different
compensation depending on which Class of shares they sell. Shares may be
exchanged only for shares of the same Class of another Pioneer mutual fund
and shares acquired in the exchange will continue to be subject to any CDSC
applicable to the shares of the Fund originally purchased. Shares sold
outside the U.S. to persons who are not U.S. citizens may be subject to
different sales charges, CDSCs and dealer compensation arrangements in
accordance with local laws and business practices.
VI. SHARE PRICE
Shares of the Fund are sold at the public offering price, which is the net
asset value per share, plus any applicable sales charge. The net asset value
per share of each Class of the Fund shares is determined by dividing the
value of its assets, less liabilities attributable to that Class, by the
number of shares of that Class outstanding. The net asset value is computed
once daily, on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open,
as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange.
Securities are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange or
market where they are traded. Securities which have not traded on the date of
valuation or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are
valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities
quoted in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign
exchange rates employed by the Fund's independent pricing services.
Generally, trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each day
at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The values of such
securities used in computing the net asset value of the Fund's shares are
determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also
generally determined prior to the close of the Exchange. Occasionally, events
which affect the values of such securities and such exchange rates may occur
between the times at which they are determined and the close of the Exchange
and will therefore not be reflected in the computation of the Fund's net
asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such securities
occur during such period, then these securities are valued at their fair
value as determined in good faith by the Trustees. All assets of the Fund for
which there is no other readily available valuation method are valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees.
VII. HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
You may buy Fund shares from any securities broker- dealer which has a sales
agreement with PFD. If you do not have a securities broker-dealer, please
call 1-800-225-6292. Shares will be purchased at the public offering price,
that is, the net asset value per share plus any applicable sales charge, next
computed after receipt of a purchase order, except as set forth below.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A, B and C shares, except
as specified below. The minimum initial investment is $50 for Class A
accounts being established to utilize monthly bank drafts, government
allotments, payroll deduction and other similar automatic investment plans.
Separate minimum investment requirements apply to retirement plans and to
telephone and wire orders placed by broker-dealers; and no sales charge or
minimum investment requirements apply to the reinvestment of dividends or
capi-
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<PAGE>
tal gains distributions. The minimum subsequent investment is $50 for Class A
shares and $500 for Class B and C shares except that the subsequent minimum
investment amount for Class B and C share accounts may be as little as $50 if
an automatic investment plan (see "Automatic Investment Plans") is
established.
Telephone Purchases. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone purchase privilege unless you indicated otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"). The
telephone purchase option may be used to purchase additional shares for an
existing fund account; it may not be used to establish a new account. Proper
account identification will be required for each telephone purchase. A
maximum of $25,000 per account may be purchased by telephone each day. The
telephone purchase privilege is available to IRA accounts but may not be
available to other types of retirement plan accounts. Call PSC for more
information.
You are strongly urged to consult with your financial representative prior to
requesting a telephone purchase. To purchase shares by telephone, you must
establish your bank account of record by completing the appropriate section
of your Account Application or an Account Options Form. PSC will
electronically debit the amount of each purchase from this predesignated bank
account. Telephone purchases may not be made for 30 days after the
establishment of your bank of record or any change to your bank information.
Telephone purchases will be priced at the net asset value plus any applicable
sales charge next determined after PSC's receipt of a telephone purchase
instruction and receipt of good funds (usually three days after the purchase
instruction). You may always elect to deliver purchases to PSC by mail. See
"Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" for additional information.
Class A Shares
You may buy Class A shares at the public offering price as follows:
Sales Charge as a % of
------------------------
Dealer
Net Allowance
Offering Amount as a % of
Amount of Purchase Price Invested Price
- ---------------------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$50,000 but less than
$100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00
$100,000 but less than
$250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00
$250,000 but less than
$500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.75
$1 million or more -0- -0- See Below
No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1
million or more, or for investments by certain group plans ("Group Plans"),
but for such investments a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.00%
is imposed in the event of a redemption of Class A shares within 12 months of
purchase. See "Redemptions and Repurchases" below. PFD may, in its
discretion, pay a commission to broker-dealers who initiate and are
responsible for such purchases as follows: 1.00% on the first $1 million
invested; 0.50% on the next $4 million invested; and 0.10% on the excess over
$5 million invested. These commissions shall not be payable if the purchaser
is affiliated with the broker-dealer or if the purchase represents the
reinvestment of a redemption made during the previous 12 calendar months.
Broker-dealers who receive a commission in connection with Class A share
purchases at net asset value by 401(a) or 401(k) retirement plans with 1,000
or more eligible participants or with at least $10 million in plan assets
will be required to return any commissions paid or a pro rata portion thereof
if the retirement plan redeems its shares within 12 months of purchase. See
also "How to Sell Fund Shares." In connection with PGI's acquisition of
Mutual of Omaha Fund Management Company and contingent upon the achievement
of certain sales objectives, PFD may pay to Mutual of Omaha Investor
Services, Inc. 50% of PFD's retention of any sales commission on sales of the
Fund's shares through such dealer.
The schedule of sales charges above is applicable to purchases of Class A
shares of the Fund by (i) an individual, (ii) an individual and his or her
spouse and children under the age of 21 and (iii) a trustee or other
fiduciary of a trust estate or fiduciary account or related trusts or
accounts including pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts
qualified under Section 401 or 408 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"), although more than one beneficiary is involved. The
sales charges applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of the Fund
by a person listed above is determined by adding the value of shares to be
purchased to the aggregate value (at the then current offering price) of
shares of any of the other Pioneer mutual funds previously purchased and then
owned, provided PFD is notified by such person or his or her broker-dealer
each time a purchase is made which would qualify. Pioneer mutual funds
include all mutual funds for which PFD serves as principal underwriter. See
the "Letter of Intention" section of the Account Application.
Qualifying for a Reduced Sales Charge. Class A shares of the Fund may be sold
at a reduced or eliminated sales charge to certain group plans with 100 or
more participants or at least $500,000 in plan assets ("Group Plans") under
which a sponsoring organization makes recommendations to, permits group
solicitation of, or otherwise facilitates purchases by, its employees,
members or participants. Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset
value per share without a sales charge to state-sponsored Optional Retirement
Program participants if (i) the employer has authorized a limited number of
investment company providers for the Program, (ii) all authorized investment
company providers offer their shares to Program participants at net asset
value, (iii) the employer has agreed in writing to actively promote the
authorized investment providers to Program participants and (iv) the Program
provides for a matching contribution for each participant contribution.
Information about such arrangements is available from PFD.
8
<PAGE>
Class A shares of the Fund may also be sold at net asset value per share
without a sales charge to: (a) current or former Trustees and officers of the
Fund and partners and employees of its legal counsel; (b) current or former
directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of PGI, its
subsidiaries; (c) current or former directors, officers, employees or sales
representatives of any subadviser or predecessor investment adviser to any
investment company for which PMC serves as an investment adviser, and the
subsidiaries or affiliates of such persons; (d) current or former officers,
partners, employees or registered representatives of broker- dealers which
have entered into sales agreements with PFD; (e) members of the immediate
families of any of the persons above; (f) any trust, custodian, pension,
profit-sharing or other benefit plan of the foregoing persons; (g) insurance
company separate accounts; (h) certain "wrap accounts" for the benefit of
clients of financial planners adhering to standards established by PFD; (i)
other funds and accounts for which PMC or any of its affiliates serves as
investment adviser or manager; and (j) certain unit investment trusts. Shares
so purchased are purchased for investment purposes and may not be resold
except through redemption or repurchase by or on behalf of the Fund. The
availability of this privilege is conditioned on the receipt by PFD of
written notification of eligibility. Class A shares of the Fund may also be
sold at net asset value without a sales charge in connection with certain
reorganization, liquidation or acquisition transactions involving other
investment companies or personal holding companies.
Reduced sales charges for Class A shares are available through an agreement
to purchase a specified quantity of Fund shares over a designated
thirteen-month period by completing the "Letter of Intention" section of the
Account Application. Information about the "Letter of Intention" procedure,
including its terms, is contained on the back of the Account Application as
well as in the Statement of Additional Information. Investors who are clients
of a broker-dealer with a current sales agreement with PFD may purchase Class
A shares of the Fund at net asset value, without a sales charge, to the
extent that the purchase price is paid out of proceeds from one or more
redemptions by the investor of shares of certain other mutual funds. In order
for a purchase to qualify for this privilege, the investor must document to
the broker-dealer that the redemption occurred within 60 days immediately
preceding the purchase of Class A shares; that the client paid a sales charge
on the original purchase of the shares redeemed; and that the mutual fund
whose shares were redeemed also offers net asset value purchases to redeeming
shareholders of any of the Pioneer mutual funds. Further details may be
obtained from PFD.
Class B Shares
You may buy Class B shares at net asset value without the imposition of an
initial sales charge; however, Class B shares redeemed within six years of
purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below. The
charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current
market value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No
CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase
price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital
gains distributions.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years
from the time of purchase until the time of redemption of Class B shares. For
the purpose of determining the number of years from the time of any purchase,
all payments during a quarter will be aggregated and deemed to have been made
on the first day of that quarter. In processing redemptions of Class B
shares, the Fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC, and then
shares held longest during the six-year period. As a result, you will pay the
lowest possible CDSC.
Year Since CDSC as a Percentage of Dollar
Purchase Amount Subject to CDSC
- -------------------------- ---------------------------------
First 4.0%
Second 4.0%
Third 3.0%
Fourth 3.0%
Fifth 2.0%
Sixth 1.0%
Seventh and thereafter none
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to
defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to
the Fund in connection with the sale of Class B shares, including the payment
of compensation to broker-dealers.
Class B shares will automatically convert into Class A shares at the end of
the calendar quarter that is eight years after the purchase date, except as
noted below. Class B shares acquired by exchange from Class B shares of
another Pioneer fund will convert into Class A shares based on the date of
the initial purchase and the applicable CDSC. Class B shares acquired through
reinvestment of distributions will convert into Class A shares based on the
date of the initial purchase to which such shares relate. For this purpose,
Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be
attributed to particular purchases of Class B shares in accordance with such
procedures as the Trustees may determine from time to time. The conversion of
Class B shares to Class A shares is subject to the continuing availability of
a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that such conversions will
not constitute taxable events for federal tax purposes. The conversion of
Class B shares to Class A shares will not occur if such ruling is not
available and, therefore, Class B shares would continue to be subject to
higher expenses than Class A shares for an indeterminate period.
Class C Shares
You may buy Class C shares at net asset value without the imposition of an
initial sales charge; however, Class C shares redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a CDSC of 1.00%. The charge will be assessed on
the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original
purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on
increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares
derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Class C shares do not convert to any other Class of Fund shares.
9
<PAGE>
For the purpose of determining the time of any purchase, all payments during
a quarter will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first day of
that quarter. In processing redemptions of Class C shares, the Fund will
first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC, and then shares held for the
shortest period of time during the one-year period. As a result, you will pay
the lowest possible CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to
defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to
the Fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares, including the payment
of compensation to broker-dealers.
Waiver or Reduction of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. The CDSC on Class B
shares may be waived or reduced for non-retirement accounts if: (a) the
redemption results from the death of all registered owners of an account (in
the case of UGMAs, UTMAs and trust accounts, waiver applies upon the death of
all beneficial owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 72 of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase
of the shares being redeemed or (b) the redemption is made in connection with
limited automatic redemptions as set forth in "Systematic Withdrawal Plans"
(limited in any year to 10% of the value of the account in the Fund at the
time the withdrawal plan is established).
The CDSC on Class B shares may be waived or reduced for retirement plan
accounts if: (a) the redemption results from the death or a total and
permanent disability (as defined in Section 72 of the Code) occurring after
the purchase of the shares being redeemed of a shareowner or participant in
an employer-sponsored retirement plan; (b) the distribution is to a
participant in an Individual Retirement Account ("IRA"), 403(b) or
employer-sponsored retirement plan, is part of a series of substantially
equal payments made over the life expectancy of the participant or the joint
life expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary or as scheduled
periodic payments to a participant (limited in any year to 10% of the value
of the participant's account at the time the distribution amount is
established; a required minimum distribution due to the participant's
attainment of age 70-1/2 may exceed the 10% limit only if the distribution
amount is based on plan assets held by Pioneer); (c) the distribution is from
a 401(a) or 401(k) retirement plan and is a return of excess employee
deferrals or employee contributions or a qualifying hardship distribution as
defined by the Code or results from a termination of employment (limited with
respect to a termination to 10% per year of the value of the plan's assets in
the Fund as of the later of the prior December 31 or the date the account was
established unless the plan's assets are being rolled over to or reinvested
in the same class of shares of a Pioneer mutual fund subject to the CDSC of
the shares originally held); (d) the distribution is from an IRA, 403(b) or
employer-sponsored retirement plan and is to be rolled over to or reinvested
in the same class of shares in a Pioneer mutual fund and which will be
subject to the applicable CDSC upon redemption; (e) the distribution is in
the form of a loan to a participant in a plan which permits loans (each
repayment of the loan will constitute a new sale which will be subject to the
applicable CDSC upon redemption); or (f) the distribution is from a qualified
defined contribution plan and represents a participant's directed transfer
(provided that this privilege has been pre-authorized through a prior
agreement with PFD regarding participant directed transfers).
The CDSC on Class C shares and on any Class A shares subject to a CDSC may be
waived or reduced as follows: (a) for automatic redemptions as described in
"Systematic Withdrawal Plans" (limited to 10% of the value of the account
subject to the CDSC); (b) if the redemption results from the death or a total
and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72 of the Code) occurring
after the purchase of the shares being redeemed of a shareowner or
participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan; (c) if the distribution
is part of a series of substantially equal payments made over the life
expectancy of the participant or the joint life expectancy of the participant
and his or her beneficiary; or (d) if the distribution is to a participant in
an employer-sponsored retirement plan and is (i) a return of excess employee
deferrals or contributions, (ii) a qualifying hardship distribution as
defined by the Code, (iii) from a termination of employment, (iv) in the form
of a loan to a participant in a plan which permits loans, or (v) from a
qualified defined contribution plan and represents a participant's directed
transfer (provided that this privilege has been pre-authorized through a
prior agreement with PFD regarding participant directed transfers).
The CDSC on Class B and Class C shares and on any Class A shares subject to a
CDSC may be waived or reduced for either non-retirement or retirement plan
accounts if: (a) the redemption is made by any state, county, or city, or any
instrumentality, department, authority, or agency thereof, which is
prohibited by applicable laws from paying a CDSC in connection with the
acquisition of shares of any registered investment management company; or (b)
the redemption is made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate or
involuntarily redeem shares in a shareowner's account.
Broker-Dealers. An order for any Class of Fund shares received by PFD from a
broker-dealer prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange is
confirmed at the price appropriate for that Class as determined at the close
of regular trading on the Exchange on the day the order is received, provided
the order is received prior to PFD's close of business (usually, 5:30 p.m.
Eastern Time). It is the responsibility of broker-dealers to transmit orders
so that they will be received by PFD prior to its close of business.
General. The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to withdraw all
or any part of the offering of shares when, in the judgment of the Fund's
management, such withdrawal is in the best interest of the Fund. An order to
purchase shares is not binding on, and may be rejected by, PFD until it has
been confirmed in writing by PFD and payment has been received.
VIII. HOW TO SELL FUND SHARES
You can arrange to sell (redeem) Fund shares on any day the Exchange is open
by selling either some or all of your shares to the Fund.
10
<PAGE>
You may sell your shares either through your broker-dealer or directly to the
Fund. Please note the following:
(bullet) If you are selling shares from a retirement account, you must make
your request in writing (except for exchanges to other Pioneer mutual funds
which can be requested by phone or in writing). Call 1-800-622- 0176 for more
information.
(bullet) If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account, you may use
any of the methods described below.
Your shares will be sold at the share price next calculated after your order
is received in good order less any applicable CDSC. Sale proceeds generally
will be sent to you in cash, normally within seven days after your order is
received in good order. The Fund reserves the right to withhold payment of
the sale proceeds until checks received by the Fund in payment for the shares
being sold have cleared, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the
purchase date.
In Writing. You may sell your shares by delivering a written request, signed
by all registered owners, in good order to PSC, however, you must use a
written request, including a signature guarantee, to sell your shares if any
of the following situations applies:
(bullet) you wish to sell over $50,000 worth of shares,
(bullet) your account registration or address has changed within the last 30
days,
(bullet) the check is not being mailed to the address on your account
(address of record),
(bullet) the check is not being made out to the account owners, or
(bullet) the sale proceeds are being transferred to a Pioneer mutual fund
account with a different registration.
Your request should include your name, the Fund's name, your Fund account
number, the Class of shares to be redeemed, the dollar amount or number of
shares to be redeemed, and any other applicable requirements as described
below. Unless instructed otherwise, PSC will send the proceeds of the sale to
the address of record. Fiduciaries or corporations are required to submit
additional documents. For more information, contact PSC at 1- 800-225-6292.
Written requests will not be processed until they are received in good order
and accepted by PSC. Good order means that there are no outstanding claims or
requests to hold redemptions on the account, any certificates are endorsed by
the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered and the signature(s)
are guaranteed by eligible guarantor. You should be able to obtain a
signature guarantee from a bank, broker, dealer, credit union (if authorized
under state law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency or
savings association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
Signature guarantees are not accepted by facsimile ("fax"). For additional
information about the necessary documentation for redemption by mail, please
contact PSC at 1- 800-225-6292.
By Telephone or Fax. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone redemption privilege unless you indicated otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to PSC. Proper account identification will be
required for each telephone redemption. The telephone redemption option is
not available to retirement plan accounts. A maximum of $50,000 per account
per day may be redeemed by telephone or fax and the proceeds may be received
by check or by bank wire or electronic funds transfer. To receive the
proceeds by check: the check must be made payable exactly as the account is
registered and the check must be sent to the address of record which must not
have changed in the last 30 days. To receive the proceeds by bank wire or
electronic funds transfer: the proceeds must be sent to the bank wire address
of record which must have been properly pre- designated either on your
Account Application or on an Account Options Form and which must not have
changed in the last 30 days. To redeem by fax, send your redemption request
to 1-800-225-4240. You may always elect to deliver redemption instructions to
PSC by mail. See "Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" below.
Telephone redemptions will be priced as described above. You are strongly
urged to consult with your financial representative prior to requesting a
telephone redemption.
Selling Shares Through Your Broker-Dealer. The Fund has authorized PFD to act
as its agent in the repurchase of shares of the Fund from qualified
broker-dealers and reserves the right to terminate this procedure at any
time. Your broker-dealer must receive your request before the close of
business on the Exchange and transmit it to PFD before PFD's close of
business to receive that day's redemption price. Your broker-dealer is
responsible for providing all necessary documentation to PFD and may charge
you for its services.
Small Accounts. The minimum account value is $500. If you hold shares of the
Fund in an account with a net asset value of less than the minimum required
amount due to redemptions or exchanges, the Fund may redeem the shares held
in this account at net asset value if you have not increased the net asset
value of the account to at least the minimum required amount within six
months of notice by the Fund to you of the Fund's intention to redeem the
shares.
CDSC on Class A Shares. Purchases of Class A shares of $1,000,000 or more, or
by participants in a Group Plan which were not subject to an initial sales
charge, may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. A CDSC is payable to PFD on
these investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months
following the share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of
the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain
distributions) or the total cost of such shares. Shares subject to the CDSC
which are exchanged into another Pioneer mutual fund will continue to be
subject to the CDSC until the original 12-month period expires. However, no
CDSC is payable upon redemption with respect to Class A shares purchased by
401(a) or 401(k) retirement plans with 1,000 or more eligible participants or
with at least $10 million in plan assets.
General. Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed during any period
in which any of the following conditions exist: the Exchange is closed or
trading on the Exchange is restricted; an emergency exists as a result of
which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably
practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to
11
<PAGE>
fairly determine the value of the net assets of its portfolio; or the SEC, by
order, so permits.
Redemptions and repurchases are taxable transactions to shareholders. The net
asset value per share received upon redemption or repurchase may be more or
less than the cost of shares to an investor, depending on the market value of
the portfolio at the time of redemption or repurchase.
IX. HOW TO EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
Written Exchanges. You may exchange your shares by sending a letter of
instruction to PSC. Your letter should include your name, the name of the
Fund out of which you wish to exchange and the name of the Pioneer mutual
fund into which you wish to exchange, your fund account number(s), the Class
of shares to be exchanged and the dollar amount or number of shares to be
exchanged. Written exchange requests must be signed by all record owner(s)
exactly as the shares are registered.
Telephone Exchanges. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone exchange privilege unless you indicated otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to PSC. Proper account identification will be
required for each telephone exchange. Telephone exchanges may not exceed
$500,000 per account per day. Each voice-requested or FactFone(SM) telephone
exchange request will be recorded. You are strongly urged to consult with
your financial representative prior to requesting a telephone exchange. See
"Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" below.
Automatic Exchanges. You may automatically exchange shares from one Pioneer
account for shares of the same Class in another Pioneer account on a monthly
or quarterly basis. The accounts must have identical registrations and the
originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000. The exchange will
be effective on the day of the month designated on your Account Application
or Account Options Form.
General. Exchanges must be at least $1,000. You may exchange your investment
from one Class of Fund shares at net asset value, without a sales charge, for
shares of the same Class of any other Pioneer mutual fund. Not all Pioneer
mutual funds offer more than one Class of shares. A new Pioneer account
opened through an exchange must have a registration identical to that on the
original account.
Any Class of shares which would normally be subject to a CDSC upon redemption
will not be charged the applicable CDSC at the time of an exchange. Shares
acquired in an exchange will be subject to the CDSC of the shares originally
held. For purposes of determining the amount of any applicable CDSC, the
length of time you have owned shares acquired by exchange will be measured
from the date you acquired the original shares and will not be affected by
any subsequent exchange.
Exchange requests received by PSC before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be
effective on that day if the requirements above have been met, otherwise,
they will be effective on the next business day. PSC will process exchanges
only after receiving an exchange request in good order. There are currently
no fees or sales charges imposed at the time of an exchange. An exchange of
shares may be made only in states where legally permitted. For federal and
(generally) state income tax purposes, an exchange is considered to be a sale
of the shares of the Fund exchanged and a purchase of shares in another
Pioneer mutual fund. Therefore, an exchange could result in a gain or loss on
the shares sold, depending on the tax basis of these shares and the timing of
the transaction, and special tax rules may apply.
You should consider the differences in objectives and policies of the Pioneer
mutual funds, as described in each fund's current prospectus, before making
any exchange. For the protection of the Fund's performance and shareholders,
the Fund and PFD reserve the right to refuse any exchange request or
restrict, at any time without notice, the number and/or frequency of
exchanges to prevent abuses of the exchange privilege. Such abuses may arise
from frequent trading in response to short-term market fluctuations, a
pattern of trading by an individual or group that appears to be an attempt to
"time the market," or any other exchange request which, in the view of
management, will have a detrimental effect on the Fund's portfolio management
strategy or its operations. In addition, the Fund and PFD reserve the right
to charge a fee for exchanges or to modify, limit, suspend or discontinue the
exchange privilege with notice to shareholders as required by law.
X. DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution for each Class of shares (the
"Class A Plan," "Class B Plan," and "Class C Plan") in accordance with Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which certain distribution fees are paid
to PFD.
Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund reimburses PFD for its actual
expenditures to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale
of Class A shares or to provide services to holders of Class A shares,
provided the categories of expenses for which reimbursement is made are
approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. As of the date of this Prospectus,
the Board of Trustees has approved the following categories of expenses for
Class A shares of the Fund: (i) a service fee to be paid to qualified
broker-dealers in an amount not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's daily
net assets attributable to Class A shares; (ii) reimbursement to PFD for its
expenditures for broker-dealer commissions and employee compensation on
certain sales of the Fund's Class A shares with no initial sales charge (See
"How to Buy Fund Shares"); and (iii) reimbursement to PFD for expenses
incurred in providing services to Class A shareholders and supporting
broker-dealers and other organizations (such as banks and trust companies) in
their efforts to provide such services. Banks are currently prohibited under
the Glass- Steagall Act from providing certain underwriting or distribution
services. If a bank was prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing
any of the described services, management would consider what action, if any,
would be appropriate.
Expenditures of the Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan are accrued daily and
may not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares. Distribu-
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tion expenses of PFD are expected to substantially exceed the distribution
fees paid by the Fund in a given year. The Class A Plan may not be amended to
increase materially the annual percentage limitation of average net assets
which may be spent for the services described therein without approval of the
shareholders of the Fund.
Both the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan provide that the Fund will
compensate PFD by paying a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of
the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the applicable Class of
shares and a service fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average
daily net assets attributable to that Class of shares. The distribution fee
is intended to compensate PFD for its Class B and Class C distribution
services to the Fund. The service fee is intended to be additional
compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services with
respect to Class B or Class C shares. PFD also receives the proceeds of any
CDSC imposed on the redemption of Class B or Class C shares.
Commissions of 4% of the amount invested in Class B shares, equal to 3.75% of
the amount invested and a first year's service fee equal to 0.25% of the
amount invested, are paid to broker-dealers who have selling agreements with
PFD. PFD may advance to dealers the first year service fee at a rate up to
0.25% of the purchase price of such shares and, as compensation therefore,
PFD may retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares
for the first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the
purchase of Class B shares, dealers will become eligible for additional
annual service fees of up to 0.25% of the purchase price with respect to such
shares.
Commissions of up to 1% of the amount invested in Class C shares, consisting
of 0.75% of the amount invested and a first year's service fee of 0.25% of
the amount invested, are paid to broker-dealers who have selling agreements
with PFD. PFD may advance to dealers the first year service fee at a rate up
to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares and, as compensation therefore,
PFD may retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares
for the first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the
purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional
annual distribution fees and services fees of up to 0.75% and 0.25%,
respectively, of the purchase price with respect to such shares.
Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain criteria in order
to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all
service fees payable under the Class B Plan or the Class C Plan for which
there is no dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not
been met as partial consideration for personal services and/or account
maintenance services performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareowner
accounts.
XI. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXATION
The Fund has elected to be treated, has qualified and intends to qualify each
year as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code, so
that it will not pay federal income taxes on income and capital gains
distributed to shareholders at least annually.
Under the Code, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise
tax on a portion of its undistributed income and capital gains if it fails to
meet certain distribution requirements with respect to each calendar year.
The Fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner and accordingly
does not expect to be subject to the excise tax.
The Fund's policy is to pay to shareholders dividends from net investment
income, if any, quarterly during the months of March, June, September and
December and to make distributions from net long-term capital gains, if any,
in December. Distributions from net short-term capital gains, if any, may be
paid with such dividends; distributions from income and/or capital gains may
also be made at such times as may be necessary to avoid federal income or
excise tax. Dividends from the Fund's net investment income, net short-term
capital gains, and certain net foreign exchange gains are taxable as ordinary
income, and dividends from the Fund's net long-term capital gains are taxable
as long-term capital gains.
Unless shareholders specify otherwise, all distributions will be
automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the
Fund. For federal income tax purposes, all dividends are taxable as described
above whether a shareowner takes them in cash or reinvests them in additional
shares of the Fund. Information as to the federal tax status of dividends and
distributions will be provided annually. For further information on the
distribution options available to shareholders, see "Distribution Options"
and "Directed Dividends" below.
Distributions by the Fund of the dividend income it receives from U.S.
domestic corporations, if any, may qualify for the corporate
dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders, subject to minimum
holding- period requirements and debt-financing restrictions under the Code.
Dividends and other distributions and the proceeds of redemptions, exchanges
or repurchases of Fund shares paid to individuals and other non-exempt payees
will be subject to a 31% backup withholding of federal income tax if the Fund
is not provided with the shareowner's correct taxpayer identification number
and certification that the number is correct and the shareowner is not
subject to backup withholding or if the Fund receives notice from the IRS or
a broker that such withholding applies. Please refer to the Account
Application for additional information.
The description above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences
for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens or residents or
U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates and who are subject to
U.S. federal income tax. Non-U.S. shareholders and tax-exempt shareholders
are subject to different tax treatment that is not described above.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers regarding state, local and
other applicable tax laws.
XII. SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
PSC is the shareholder services and transfer agent for shares of the Fund.
PSC, a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI. PSC's
offices are located at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and
inquiries to PSC should be mailed to Pioneering Services Corpora-
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tion, P.O. Box 9014, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9014. Brown Brothers
Harriman & Co. (the "Custodian") serves as the custodian of the Fund's
portfolio securities and other assets. The principal business address of the
Mutual Fund Division of the Custodian is 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109.
Account and Confirmation Statements
PSC maintains an account for each shareholder and all transactions of the
shareholder are recorded in this account. Confirmation statements showing the
details of transactions are sent to shareholders quarterly for dividend
reinvestment and Investomatic transactions and more frequently for other
types of transactions. The Pioneer Combined Account Statement, mailed
quarterly, is available to all shareholders who have more than one Pioneer
account.
Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of an investment broker-dealer
or other party will not normally have an account with the Fund and might not
be able to utilize some of the services available to shareholders of record.
Examples of services that might not be available are investment or redemption
of shares by mail or telephone, automatic reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains distributions, systematic withdrawal plan, Letters of
Intention, Rights of Accumulation, telephone exchanges and redemptions, and
newsletters.
Additional Investments
You may add to your account by sending a check (minimum of $50 for Class A
shares and $500 for Class B and C shares) to PSC (account number and Class of
shares should be clearly indicated). The bottom portion of a confirmation
statement may be used as a remittance slip to make additional investments.
Additions to your account, whether by check or through a Pioneer Investomatic
Plan, are invested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at the
applicable offering price in effect as of the close of the Exchange on the
day of receipt.
Automatic Investment Plans
You may arrange for regular automatic investments of $50 or more through
government/military allotments, payroll deduction or through a Pioneer
Investomatic Plan. A Pioneer Investomatic Plan provides for monthly or
quarterly investments by means of a preauthorized electronic funds transfer
or draft drawn on a checking account. Pioneer Investomatic Plan investments
are voluntary, and you may discontinue the Plan without penalty upon 30 days'
written notice to PSC. PSC acts as agent for the purchasers, the
broker-dealer and PFD in maintaining Pioneer Investomatic Plans.
Financial Reports and Tax Information
As a shareowner, you will receive financial reports at least semiannually. In
January of each year the Fund will mail to you information about the tax
status of dividends and distributions.
Distribution Options
Dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, will automatically be
invested in additional shares of the Fund, at the applicable net asset value
per share, unless you indicate another option on the Account Application.
Two other options available are (a) dividends in cash and capital gains
distributions in additional shares; and (b) all dividends and distributions
in cash. These two options are not available, however, for retirement plans
or an account with a net asset value of less than $500. Changes in the
distribution option may be made by written request to PSC.
Directed Dividends
You may elect (in writing) to have the dividends paid by one Pioneer mutual
fund account invested in a second Pioneer mutual fund. The value of this
second account must be at least $1,000 ($500 for Pioneer Fund or Pioneer II).
Invested dividends may be in any amount. There are no fees or charges for
this service. Retirement plan shareholders may only direct dividends to
accounts with identical registrations; e.g., PGI IRA Cust for John Smith may
only go into another account registered PGI IRA Cust for John Smith.
Direct Deposit
If you have elected to take distributions, whether dividends or dividends and
capital gains, in cash, or have established a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, you
may choose to have those cash payments deposited directly into your savings,
checking, or NOW bank account. You may establish this service by completing
the appropriate section on the Account Application when opening a new account
or the Account Options Form for an existing account.
Voluntary Tax Withholding
You may request (in writing) that PSC withhold 28% of the dividends and
capital gain distributions paid from an account (before any reinvestment) and
forward the amount withheld to the Internal Revenue Service as a credit
against federal income taxes. This option is not available for retirement
plan accounts or for accounts subject to backup withholding.
Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities
Your account is automatically authorized to have telephone transaction
privileges unless you indicated otherwise on your Account Application or by
writing to PSC. You may purchase, sell or exchange your Fund shares by
telephone by calling 1-800- 225-6292 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m. Eastern Time on weekdays. Computer-assisted transactions are available
to shareholders who have pre-recorded certain bank information (see
"FactFone(SM)") You are strongly urged to consult with your financial
representative prior to requesting any telephone transaction. See "Share
Price" for more information.
To confirm that each transaction instruction received by telephone is
genuine, the Fund will record each telephone transaction, require the caller
to provide the personal identification number ("PIN") for the account and
send you a written confirmation of each telephone transaction. Different
procedures may apply to accounts that are registered to non-U.S. citizens or
that are held in the name of an institution or in the name of an investment
broker-dealer or other third-party. If reasonable procedures, such as those
described above, are
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not followed, the Fund may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or
fraudulent instructions. In all other cases, neither the Fund, PSC nor PFD
will be responsible for the authenticity of instructions received by
telephone, therefore, you bear the risk of loss for unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone transactions. The Fund may implement other procedures
from time to time.
During times of economic turmoil or market volatility or as a result of
severe weather or a natural disaster, it may be difficult to contact the Fund
by telephone to institute a redemption or exchange. You should communicate
with the Fund in writing if you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone.
FactFone(SM)
FactFone(SM) is an automated inquiry and telephone transaction system
available to Pioneer shareholders by dialing 1-800-225-4321. FactFone(SM)
allows you to obtain current information on your Pioneer accounts and to
inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual
funds. In addition, you may use FactFone(SM) to make computer-assisted
telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions from your Pioneer accounts if
you have activated your PIN. Telephone purchases and redemptions require the
establishment of a bank account of record. You are strongly urged to consult
with your financial representative prior to requesting any telephone
transaction. Shareholders whose accounts are registered in the name of a
broker-dealer or other third party may not be able to use FactFone(SM). See
"How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Exchange Fund Shares," "How to Sell Fund
Shares" and "Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities." Call PSC for
assistance.
Retirement Plans
Please contact the Retirement Plans Department of PSC at 1-800-622-0176 for
information relating to retirement plans for business, Simplified Employee
Pension Plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Section 401(k) salary
reduction plans and Section 403(b) retirement plans for employees of certain
non-profit organizations and public school systems, all of which are
available in conjunction with investments in the Fund. The Account
Application accompanying this Prospectus should not be used to establish such
plans. Separate applications are required.
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
If you have a hearing disability and your own TDD keyboard equipment, you can
call our TDD number toll-free at 1-800- 225-1997, week days from 8:30 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, to contact our telephone representatives with
questions about your account.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans
If your account has a total value of at least $10,000, you may establish a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") providing for fixed payments at regular
intervals. Withdrawals will be limited to 10% of the value of the account if
a CDSC is applicable. See "Waiver or Reduction of Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge" for more information. Periodic checks of $50 or more will be sent to
you, or any person designated by you, monthly or quarterly, and your periodic
redemptions of shares may be taxable to you. Payments can be made either by
check or by electronic funds transfer to a bank account designated by you. If
you direct that withdrawal checks be paid to another person after you have
opened your account, a signature guarantee must accompany your instructions.
Purchases of Class A shares of the Fund at a time when you have a SWP in
effect may result in the payment of unnecessary sales charges and may
therefore be disadvantageous.
You may obtain additional information by calling PSC at 1-800-225-6292 or by
referring to the Statement of Additional Information.
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A Shares Only)
If you redeem all or part of your Class A shares of the Fund, you may
reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds without a sales commission in
Class A shares of the Fund if you send a written request to PSC not more than
90 days after your shares were redeemed. Your redemption proceeds will be
reinvested at the next determined net asset value of the Class A shares of
the Fund in effect immediately after receipt of the written request for
reinstatement. You may realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes
as a result of the redemption, and special tax rules may apply if a
reinvestment occurs. You may also reinvest in the Class A shares of certain
other Pioneer mutual funds; in this case you must meet the minimum investment
requirement for each fund you enter.
The 90-day reinstatement period may be extended by PFD for periods of up to
one year for shareholders living in areas that have experienced a natural
disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake.
The options and services available to shareholders, including the terms of
the Exchange Privilege and the Pioneer Investomatic Plan, may be revised,
suspended, or terminated at any time by PFD or by the Fund. You may establish
the services described in this section when you open your account. You may
also establish or revise many of them on an existing account by completing an
Account Options Form, which you may obtain by calling 1-800- 225-6292.
XIII. THE FUND
The Fund, a non-diversified open-end management investment company (commonly
referred to as a mutual fund) was established as a Massachusetts business
trust on July 1, 1993 and was reorganized as a Delaware business trust on
April 28, 1995 under an Agreement and Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration
of Trust"). Prior to September 1, 1995, the Fund was named "Pioneer Winthrop
Real Estate Investment Fund." The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest. As an open-end investment company, the Fund
continuously offers its shares to the public and under normal conditions must
redeem its shares upon the demand of any shareowner at the then current net
asset value per share. See "How to Sell Fund Shares." The Fund is not
required, and does not intend, to hold annual shareowner meetings although
special meetings may be called for the
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purpose of electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental investment
restrictions or approving a management contract.
The Fund reserves the right to create and issue additional series of shares.
The Trustees have the authority, without further shareowner approval, to
classify and reclassify the shares of the Fund, or any additional series of
the Fund, into one or more classes. As of the date of this Prospectus, the
Trustees have authorized the issuance of three classes of shares, designated
Class A, Class B and Class C. The shares of each class represent an interest
in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund. Each class has equal rights
as to voting, redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each class
bears different distribution and transfer agent fees and may bear other
expenses properly attributable to the particular class. Class A, Class B and
Class C shareholders have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule
12b-1 distribution plans adopted by holders of those shares in connection
with the distribution of shares.
In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust
provides that a shareholder of the Fund may bring a derivative action on
behalf of the Fund only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders
eligible to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least
10% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or 10% of the outstanding shares
of the series or class to which such action relates, shall join in the
request for the Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must
be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request
and investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to
retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and
shall require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to
reimburse the Fund for the expense of any such advisers in the event that the
Trustees determine not to bring such action.
When issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, shares of the Fund are fully-paid and
non-assessable. Shares will remain on deposit with the Fund's transfer agent
and certificates will not normally be issued. The Fund reserves the right to
charge a fee for the issuance of certificates.
XIV. INVESTMENT RESULTS
The average annual total return (for a designated period of time) on an
investment in the Fund may be included in advertisements, and furnished to
existing or prospective shareholders. The average annual total return for
each Class is computed in accordance with the SEC's standardized formula. The
calculation for all Classes assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of federal
or state income taxes. In addition, for Class A shares the calculation
assumes the deduction of the maximum sales charge of 5.75%; for Class B and
Class C shares the calculation reflects the deduction of any applicable CDSC.
The periods illustrated would normally include one, five and ten years (or
since the commencement of the public offering of the shares of a Class, if
shorter) through the most recent calendar quarter.
One or more additional measures and assumptions, including but not limited to
historical total returns; distribution returns; results of actual or
hypothetical investments; changes in dividends, distributions or share
values; or any graphic illustration of such data may also be used. These data
may cover any period of the Fund's existence and may or may not include the
impact of sales charges, taxes or other factors.
Other investments or savings vehicles and/or unmanaged market indexes,
indicators of economic activity or averages of mutual fund results may be
cited or compared with the investment results of the Fund. Rankings or
listings by magazines, newspapers or independent statistical or rating
services, such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., may also be referenced.
The Fund may also include securities industry, real estate industry or
comparative performance information in advertising or materials marketing the
Fund's shares. Such performance information may include rankings or listings
by magazines, newspapers, or independent statistical or ratings services,
such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. or Ibbotson Associates.
The Fund's investment results will vary from time to time depending on market
conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and operating expenses of
the Fund. All quoted investment results are historical and should not be
considered representative of what an investment in the Fund may earn in any
future period. For further information about the calculation methods and uses
of the Fund's investment results, see the Statement of Additional
Information.
From time to time, the Fund may include in advertisements or other
communications to existing or proposed shareholders its respective "yield"
and "effective yield." Whenever yield information is provided, it includes a
standardized yield calculation computed by dividing the Fund's net investment
income per share for a Class of Fund shares during a base period of 30 days,
or one month, by the maximum offering price per share for that Class of
shares on the last day of such base period. The resulting "30-day yield" is
then annualized as described below. The Fund's net investment income per
share for each Class is determined by dividing the Fund's net investment
income for that Class during the base period by the average number of shares
of that Class entitled to receive dividends during the base period. The
Class's 30-day yield is then "annualized" by a computation that assumes that
the Class's net investment income is earned and reinvested for a six-month
period at the same rate as during the 30-day base period and that the
resulting six-month income will be generated over an additional six months.
For more information about the calculation methods used to compute the Fund's
investment results, see the Statement of Additional Information.
APPENDIX A: Certain Investment Practices
This Appendix provides a brief description of certain securities in which the
Fund may invest and certain transactions it may make. For a more complete
discussion of these and other securities and practices, see "Investment
Objectives and Policies" in this Prospectus and "Investment Policies and
Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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Mortgage-Backed Securities and Associated Risks
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in mortgage pass-through
certificates and multiple-class pass- through securities, such as real estate
mortgage investment conduits ("REMIC") pass-through certificates,
collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and stripped mortgage- backed
securities ("SMBS"), and other types of Mortgage- Backed Securities that may
be available in the future.
Guaranteed Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. The Fund may invest in
guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities which represent participation
interests in pools of residential mortgage loans and are issued by U.S.
Governmental or private lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one
of its agencies or instrumentalities, including but not limited to the
Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae"), the Federal National
Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). Ginnie Mae certificates are guaranteed by the
full faith and credit of the United States government for timely payment of
principal and interest on the certificates. Fannie Mae certificates are
guaranteed by Fannie Mae, a federally chartered and privately-owned
corporation for full and timely payment of principal and interest on the
certificates. Freddie Mac certificates are guaranteed by Freddie Mac, a
corporate instrumentality of the United States government, for timely payment
of interest and the ultimate collection of all principal of the related
mortgage loans.
Multiple-Class Pass-Through Securities and Collateralized Mortgage
Obligations. The Fund may also invest in CMOs and REMIC pass-through or
participation certificates, which may be issued by, among others, U.S.
Government agencies and instrumentalities as well as private lenders. CMOs
and REMIC certificates are issued in multiple classes and the principal of
and interest on the mortgage assets may be allocated among the several
classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates in various ways. Each class of CMOs or
REMIC certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific
adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later than its
final distribution date. Generally, interest is paid or accrues on all
classes of CMOs or REMIC certificates on a monthly basis.
Typically, CMOs are collateralized by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
certificates but also may be collateralized by other mortgage assets such as
whole loans or private mortgage pass-through securities. Debt service on CMOs
is provided from payments of principal and interest on collateral of
mortgaged assets and any reinvestment income thereon.
A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment under the Code and
invests in certain mortgages primarily secured by interests in real property
and other permitted investments. Investors may purchase "regular" and
"residual" interest shares of beneficial interest in REMIC trusts although
the Fund does not intend to invest in residual interests.
Risk Factors Associated with Mortgage-Backed Securities. As discussed above,
investing in Mortgage-Backed Securities involves certain unique risks in
addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry
in general. These risks include the failure of a counter-party to meet its
commitments, adverse interest rate changes and the effects of prepayments on
mortgage cash flows. The Fund will not invest in the lowest tranche of CMOs
and REMIC certificates. When interest rates decline, the value of an
investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely,
when interest rates rise, the value of an investment in fixed rate
obligations can be expected to decline. In contrast, as interest rates on
adjustable rate mortgage loans are reset periodically, yields on investments
in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market
interest rates, causing the value of such investments to fluctuate less
dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments
in fixed rate obligations.
Further, the yield characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities, such as
those in which the Fund may invest, differ from those of traditional fixed
income securities. The major differences typically include more frequent
interest and principal payments (usually monthly), the adjustability of
interest rates, and the possibility that prepayments of principal may be made
substantially earlier than their final distribution dates.
Prepayment rates are influenced by changes in current interest rates and a
variety of economic, geographic, social and other factors and cannot be
predicted with certainty. Both adjustable rate mortgage loans and fixed rate
mortgage loans may be subject to a greater rate of principal prepayments in a
declining interest rate environment and to a lesser rate of principal
prepayments in an increasing interest rate environment. Under certain
interest rate and prepayment rate scenarios, the Fund may fail to recoup
fully its investment in Mortgage- Backed Securities notwithstanding any
direct or indirect governmental or agency guarantee. When the Fund reinvests
amounts representing payments and unscheduled prepayments of principal, it
may receive a rate of interest that is lower than the rate on existing
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities. Thus, Mortgage- Backed
Securities, and adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities in
particular, may be less effective than other types of U.S. Government
securities as a means of "locking in" interest rates.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, generally not exceeding seven
days. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (e.g., the Fund) purchases a
debt security from a seller which undertakes to repurchase the security at a
specified resale price on an agreed future date (ordinarily a week or less).
The resale price generally exceeds the purchase price by an amount which
reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate for the term of the repurchase
agreement. Repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will be fully
collateralized with United States Treasury and/or U.S. Government agency
obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the obligation,
valued daily. Collateral will be held in a segregated, safekeeping account
for the benefit of the Fund. In the event that a repurchase agreement is not
fulfilled, the Fund could suffer a loss to the extent that the value of the
collateral falls below the repurchase price or if
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the Fund is prevented from realizing the value of the collateral by reason of
an order of a court with jurisdiction over an insolvency proceeding with
respect to the other party to the repurchase agreement.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in "restricted securities"
(i.e., securities that would be required to be registered prior to
distribution to the public), excluding restricted securities eligible for
resale to certain institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A of the
Securities Act of 1933 or foreign securities which are offered or sold
outside the United States; provided, however, that no more than 15% of the
Fund's net assets may be invested in restricted securities including
securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A. In addition, the Fund may
invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid investments, which includes
securities that are not readily marketable, repurchase agreements maturing in
more than seven days. The Board of Trustees may adopt guidelines and delegate
to PMC the daily function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of
restricted securities. The Board, however, will retain sufficient oversight
and be ultimately responsible for the determinations.
Since it is not possible to predict with assurance exactly how this market
for restricted securities sold and offered under Rule 144A will develop, the
Board will carefully monitor the Fund's investments in these securities,
focusing on such important factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and
availability of information. This investment practice could have the effect
of increasing the level of illiquidity in the Fund to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become for a time uninterested in purchasing
these restricted securities.
Limitations and Risks Associated with Transactions in Options and Futures
Contracts
The Fund may employ certain active management techniques including options on
securities indices, futures contracts and options on futures contacts. Each
of these active management techniques involves transaction costs as well as
(1) liquidity risk that contractual positions cannot be easily closed out in
the event of market changes or generally in the absence of a liquid secondary
market, (2) correlation risk that changes in the value of hedging positions
may not match the securities market fluctuations intended to be hedged, and
(3) market risk that an incorrect prediction of securities prices by PMC may
cause the Fund to perform less well than if such positions had not been
entered. The ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited
than with exchange traded options and may involve the risk that the
counter-party to the option will not fulfill its obligations. The Fund will
treat over-the-counter options (both purchased and written) as illiquid
securities. The use of options and futures contracts are highly specialized
activities which involve investment techniques and risks that are different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio transactions. The loss that may
be incurred by the Fund in entering into futures contracts and written
options thereon is potentially unlimited. There is no limit on the percentage
of the Fund's assets that may be invested in futures contracts and related
options. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in
purchased options other than protective put options.
The Fund's transactions in options, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts may be limited by the requirements for qualification of the Fund as
a regulated investment company for tax purposes. See "Tax Status" in the
Statement of Additional Information. Options on Securities Indices The Fund may
purchase put and call options on securities indices that are based on
securities in which it may invest in an attempt to hedge against risks of
market-wide price fluctuations.
The Fund may purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against an
anticipated decline in securities prices that might adversely affect the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities. If the Fund purchases a put option
on a securities index, the amount of the payment it would receive upon
exercising the option would depend on the extent of any decline in the level
of the securities index below the exercise price. Such payments would tend to
offset a decline in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. However, if
the level of the securities index increases and remains above the exercise
price while the put option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to
profitably exercise the option and will lose the amount of the premium and
any transaction costs. Such loss may be partially offset by an increase in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund may purchase call options on securities indices in an attempt to
lock in a favorable price on securities that it intends to buy in the future.
If the Fund purchases a call option on a securities index, the amount of the
payment it receives upon exercising the option depends on the extent of an
increase in the level of other securities indices above the exercise price.
Such payments would in effect allow the Fund to benefit from securities
market appreciation even though it may not have had sufficient cash to
purchase the underlying securities. Such payments may also offset increases
in the price of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If, however,
the level of the securities index declines and remains below the exercise
price while the call option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to
exercise the option profitably and will lose the amount of the premium and
transaction costs. Such loss may be partially offset by a reduction in the
price the Fund pays to buy additional securities for its portfolio.
The Fund may sell an option it has purchased or a similar option prior to the
expiration of the purchased option in order to close out its position in an
option which it has purchased. The Fund may also allow options to expire
unexercised, which would result in the loss of the premium paid.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
To hedge against changes in securities prices or interest rates, the Fund may
purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write
call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The Fund may also
enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such
contracts and options. The futures
18
<PAGE>
contracts may be based on various securities and other financial instruments
and indices. The Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions
for bona fide hedging purposes as are permitted by regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
The Fund may not purchase or sell non-hedging futures contracts or purchase
or sell related non-hedging options, except for closing purchase or sale
transactions. These transactions involve brokerage costs, require margin
deposits and, in the case of contracts and options obligating the Fund to
purchase securities, require the Fund to segregate assets to cover such
contracts and options. Perfect correlation between the Fund's futures
positions and portfolio positions will be difficult to achieve because no
futures contracts based on corporate fixed-income securities are currently
available.
19
<PAGE>
[Pioneer logo]
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
OFFICERS
JOHN F. COGAN, JR., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
DAVID D. TRIPPLE, Executive Vice President
ROBERT W. BENSON, Vice President
STEPHEN G. KASNET, Vice President
WILLIAM H. KEOUGH, Treasurer
JOSEPH P. BARRI, Secretary
INVESTMENT ADVISER
PIONEERING MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
CUSTODIAN
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
LEGAL COUNSEL
HALE AND DORR
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND TRANSFER AGENT
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Telephone: 1-800-225-6292
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you would like information on the following, please call:
Existing and new accounts, prospectuses,
applications, service forms
and telephone transactions 1-800-225-6292
FactFone(SM)
Automated fund yields, automated prices and
account information 1-800-225-4321
Retirement plans 1-800-622-0176
Toll-free fax 1-800-225-4240
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-225-1997
0196-2856
(C)Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
<PAGE>
PIONEER REAL ESTATE SHARES
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 18, 1996
This Statement of Additional Information (Part B of the Registration
Statement) is not a Prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the
Prospectus dated January 18, 1996, as amended and/or supplemented from time to
time (the "Prospectus"), of Pioneer Real Estate Shares (the "Fund"). A copy of
the Prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling 1-800-225-6292 or by
written request to the Fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. General Fund Information and History................................... B-2
2. Investment Policies and Restrictions................................... B-2
3. Management of the Fund.................................................B-10
4. Advisory Services......................................................B-14
5. Underwriting Agreement and Distribution Plan...........................B-15
6. Shareholder Servicing/Transfer Agent...................................B-18
7. Custodian..............................................................B-19
8. Principal Underwriter..................................................B-19
9. Independent Public Accountant..........................................B-20
10. Portfolio Transactions.................................................B-20
11. Tax Status.............................................................B-21
12. Description of Shares..................................................B-24
13. Certain Liabilities....................................................B-25
14. Determination of Net Asset Value.......................................B-26
15. Systematic Withdrawal Plan.............................................B-26
16. Letter of Intention....................................................B-27
17. Investment Results.....................................................B-27
18. Financial Statements...................................................B-30
APPENDIX A - Description of Bond Ratings...............................1-A
APPENDIX B - Additional Pioneer Information............................1-B
APPENDIX C - Securities Indices .......................................1-C
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN
EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
1. GENERAL FUND INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Effective September 1, 1995, the Fund changed its name from Pioneer
Winthrop Real Estate Investment Fund to Pioneer Real Estate Shares. On April 28,
1995, the Fund, a Delaware business trust, acquired all the assets and
liabilities of Pioneer Winthrop Real Estate Investment Fund, a Massachusetts
business trust (the "Massachusetts Trust"), in a tax-free reorganization
effected for the sole purpose of changing the Fund's domicile from a
Massachusetts business trust to a Delaware business trust. In connection with
the reorganization, the Fund adopted the Massachusetts Trust's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A.
2. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The Prospectus of the Fund, identifies the investment objectives and
the principal investment policies of the Fund. Other investment policies of the
Fund are set forth below. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have
the meaning given to them in the Prospectus.
Lower-Rated Debt Securities and Associated Risks
As described in the Prospectus, the Fund may make a variety of
investments, including corporate debt obligations of real estate industry
companies which may be unrated or rated in the lowest rating categories by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or by Moody's Investor
Services, Inc. ("Moody's") (i.e., ratings of BB or lower by Standard & Poor's or
Ba or lower by Moody's). Bonds rated BB or Ba or below (or comparable unrated
securities) are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered
speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments. In
some cases, such bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for
reaching investment standing and be in default. As a result, investment in such
bonds will entail greater speculative risks than those associated with
investment in investment-grade bonds (i.e., bonds rated BBB or better by
Standard & Poor's or Baa or better by Moody's). The Fund will limit its
investment in non-investment grade corporate debt obligations, and comparable
unrated debt obligations, to less than 5% of its net assets. See Appendix A for
a description of the ratings issued by investment rating services.
The amount of junk bond securities outstanding has proliferated in
conjunction with the increase in merger and acquisition and leveraged buyout
activity. An economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly
leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their
obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value
of lower rated securities will have an adverse effect on the Fund's net asset
value to the extent it invests in such securities. In addition, the Fund may
incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a
default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.
The secondary market for junk bond securities, which is concentrated in
relatively few market makers, may not be as liquid as the secondary market for
more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the
Fund's ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet its
liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary
market for junk bond securities could contract further, independent of any
specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. As a result,
Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC"), the Fund's investment adviser, could
find it more difficult to sell these
B-2
<PAGE>
securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if
such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such lower
rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the
prices used in calculating the Fund's net asset value.
Certain proposed and recently enacted federal laws including the
required divestiture by federally insured savings and loan associates of their
investments in junk bonds and proposals designed to limit the use, or tax and
other advantages, of junk bond securities could adversely affect the Fund's net
asset value and investment practices. Such proposals could also adversely affect
the secondary market for junk bond securities, the financial condition of
issuers of these securities and the value of outstanding junk bond securities.
The form of such proposed legislation and the probability of such legislation
being passed are uncertain.
Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks
associated with the medium to lower rated securities of the type in which the
Fund may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate
more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of
the fixed-income securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers'
creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner
than do changes in higher quality segments of the fixed-income securities market
resulting in greater yield and price volatility.
Another factor which causes fluctuations in the prices of fixed-income
securities is the supply and demand for similarly rated securities. In addition,
the prices of fixed-income securities fluctuate in response to the general level
of interest rates. Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities subsequent
to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such securities but will
be reflected in the Fund's net asset value.
Medium to lower rated and comparable unrated securities tend to offer
higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the
historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have
been as strong as that of other issuers. Since medium to lower rated securities
generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher
rated securities, investors should consider carefully the relative risks
associated with investment in securities which carry medium to lower ratings and
in comparable unrated securities. In addition to the risk of default, there are
the related costs of recovery on defaulted issues. PMC will attempt to reduce
these risks through diversification of the Fund's portfolio and by analysis of
each issuer and its ability to make timely payments of income and principal, as
well as broad economic trends in corporate developments.
Foreign Real Estate Companies and Associated Risks
The Fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in securities of foreign
real estate companies. Such investments involve certain risks which are not
typically associated with investing in securities of domestic real estate
companies. Foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to United
States companies. There may also be less government supervision and regulation
of foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the
United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other foreign taxes which will decrease the net return on such
investments as compared to interest and dividends paid to the Fund by the U.S.
Government or by domestic companies. In addition, there
B-3
<PAGE>
may be the possibility of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political,
economic or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect
assets of the Fund invested in foreign securities.
In addition, the value of foreign securities may also be adversely
affected by fluctuations in the relative rates of exchange between the
currencies of different nations and exchange control regulations. There may be
less publicly available information about foreign companies compared to reports
and ratings published about United States companies. Foreign securities markets
have substantially less trading volume than domestic markets and securities of
some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than securities of
comparable United States companies. Transaction costs on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than in the U.S.
The Fund's investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies
are also subject to currency risk, as the U.S. dollar value of these securities
may be favorably or unfavorably affected by changes in foreign currency exchange
rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate
significantly over short periods of time causing, among other factors, the
Fund's net asset value to fluctuate as well. Currency exchange rates are
generally determined by forces of supply and demand and the perceived relative
merits of investments in various countries, but can be affected unpredictable by
intervention from U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, political
events and currency control measures. PMC will take these and other factors into
consideration in managing the Fund's investments.
Securities Index Options
The Fund may purchase call and put options on securities indices for
the purpose of hedging against the risk of unfavorable price movements adversely
affecting the value of the Fund's securities or securities the Fund intends to
buy. Securities index options will not be used for speculative purposes.
Options on stock indices are traded on national securities exchanges
and over-the-counter, both in the United States and in foreign countries. A
securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the securities
included in the index. For example, some stock index options are based on a
broad market index such as the S&P 500 or the Value Line Composite Index. Index
options may also be based on a narrower market index such as the S&P 100 or on
an industry or market segment such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer
and Business Equipment Index.
The Fund may purchase put options in order to hedge against an
anticipated decline in securities prices that might adversely affect the value
of the Fund's portfolio securities. If the Fund purchases a put option on a
securities index, the amount of the payment it would receive upon exercising the
option would depend on the extent of any decline in the level of the securities
index below the exercise price. Such payments would tend to offset a decline in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. However, if the level of the
securities index increases and remains above the exercise price while the put
option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to profitably exercise the
option and will lose the amount of the premium and any transaction costs. Such
loss may be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities.
B-4
<PAGE>
The Fund may purchase call options on securities indices in an attempt
to lock in a favorable price on securities that it intends to buy in the future.
If the Fund purchases a call option on a securities index, the amount of the
payment it receives upon exercising the option depends on the extent of an
increase in the level of other securities indices above the exercise price. Such
payments would in effect allow the Fund to benefit from securities market
appreciation even though it may not have had sufficient cash to purchase the
underlying securities. Such payments may also offset increases in the price of
securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If, however, the level of the
securities index declines and remains below the exercise price while the call
option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to exercise the option
profitably and will lose the amount of the premium and transaction costs. Such
loss may be partially offset by a reduction in the price the Fund pays to buy
additional securities for its portfolio.
The Fund may sell the securities index option it has purchased or write
a similar offsetting securities index option in order to close out a position in
a securities index option which it has purchased. These closing sale
transactions enable the Fund to immediately realize gains or minimize losses on
its options positions. However, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary
market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any
particular time, and for some options no secondary market may exist. In
addition, securities index prices may be distorted by interruptions in the
trading of securities of certain companies or of issuers in certain industries,
or by restrictions that may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing
transactions, or both, which would disrupt trading in options on such indices
and preclude the Fund from closing out its options positions. If the Fund is
unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options that it has
purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options
markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant
price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that can not
be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions.
In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between the Fund's
portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index
options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the
Fund in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of
unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the securities
index on which the option is based.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
To hedge against changes in securities prices, the Fund may purchase
and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write (sell) call
and put options on any of such futures contracts. The Fund may also enter into
closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and
options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S.
Government securities), securities indices and other financial instruments and
indices. The Fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for
bona fide
B-5
<PAGE>
hedging and, although the Fund has no current intention of doing so, for
non-hedging purposes as described below. All futures contracts entered into by
the Fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and
regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") or on foreign
exchanges.
Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an
agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments
for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash
settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise
not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).
When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the
Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio
securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are
falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of
futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later
be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases.
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to
maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may
result in a profit or a loss. A clearing corporation associated with the
exchange on which futures on securities are traded guarantees that, if still
open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging Strategies. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to
establish with more certainty the effective price and rate of return on
portfolio securities and securities that the Fund owns or proposes to acquire.
The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by
selling futures contracts in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in
interest rates that would adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery
of securities held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to
those of the Fund's portfolio securities. If, in the opinion of PMC, there is a
sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for the Fund's portfolio
securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments,
securities indices or other indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures
contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances
prices of securities in the Fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than
prices of such futures contracts, PMC will attempt to estimate the extent of
this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any
such differential by having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of
futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price
changes affecting the Fund's securities portfolio. When hedging of this
character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities
will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures
position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the
Fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the
value of the futures position.
On other occasions, the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing
futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates
the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash,
but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the
applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently
available.
B-6
<PAGE>
Options on Futures Contracts. The acquisition of put and call options
on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a
specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures
contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on
a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if
prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of
an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium
which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets. By
writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium,
to sell a futures contract, which may have a value higher than the exercise
price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a
premium which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that
the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund becomes obligated to purchase a
futures contract which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the
loss incurred by the Fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited
and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The Fund will incur
transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate
its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series.
There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Other Considerations. The Fund may engage in futures and related
options transactions only for bona fide hedging and, although the Fund has no
current intention of doing so, for non-hedging purposes in accordance with CFTC
regulations which permit principals of an investment company registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), to engage in
such transactions without registering as commodity pool operators. The Fund is
not permitted to engage in speculative futures trading. The Fund will determine
that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on futures used
for hedging purposes are substantially related to price fluctuations in
securities held by the Fund or which it expects to purchase. The Fund's futures
transactions will be entered into for traditional hedging purposes -- i.e.,
futures contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of
securities that the Fund owns, or futures contracts will be purchased to protect
the Fund against an increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase.
As evidence of this hedging intent, the Fund expects that on 75% or more of the
occasions on which it takes a long futures or option position (involving the
purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will have purchased, or will be in the
process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of related securities or assets in the
cash market at the time when the futures or option position is closed out.
However, in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for the Fund
to do so, a long futures position may be terminated or an option may expire
without the corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.
As an alternative to literal compliance with the bona fide hedging
definition, a CFTC regulation permits the Fund to elect to comply with a
different test, under which the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on
the Fund's existing non-hedging futures contracts and premiums paid for
non-hedging options on futures (net of the amount the positions are "in the
money") would not exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's total assets. As
noted above, the Fund has no current intention of entering into non-hedging
futures contracts and non-hedging options on futures. The Fund will engage in
transactions in futures contracts and related options
B-7
<PAGE>
only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for maintaining its
qualification as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.
Transaction costs associated with futures contracts and related options
involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts
and options obligating the Fund to purchase securities, require the Fund to
segregate assets to cover such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may
reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks.
Thus, while the Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures,
unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices may result in a
poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into any
futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an imperfect
correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is
intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the
Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. The only futures contracts available to
hedge the Fund's portfolio are various futures on U.S. Government securities,
futures on a municipal securities index and stock index futures.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with "primary dealers" in
U.S. Government securities and member banks of the Federal Reserve System which
furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of
their repurchase obligation. The Fund may also enter into repurchase agreements
involving certain foreign government securities. The primary risk is that, if
the seller defaults, the Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the
proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by
the Fund in connection with the related repurchase agreement are less than the
agreed-upon repurchase price. Another risk is that, in the event of bankruptcy
of the seller, the Fund could be delayed in or prohibited from disposing of the
underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund in connection with
the related repurchase agreement pending court proceedings. In evaluating
whether to enter a repurchase agreement, the Manager will carefully consider the
creditworthiness of the seller pursuant to procedures reviewed and approved by
the Trustees.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain additional investment restrictions which
may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities. The Fund may not:
(1)......Issue senior securities, except as permitted by paragraphs
(2), (6) and (7) below. For purposes of this restriction, the issuance of shares
of beneficial interest in multiple classes or series, the purchase or sale of
options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, forward
commitments, forward foreign exchange contracts, repurchase agreements and
reverse repurchase agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's
investment policy, and the pledge, mortgage or hypothecation of the Fund's
assets within the meaning of paragraph (3) below are not deemed to be senior
securities.
B-8
<PAGE>
(2)......Borrow money, except from banks as a temporary measure for
extraordinary emergency purposes and except pursuant to reverse repurchase
agreements and then only in amounts not to exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total
assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value. The Fund will not
use leverage to attempt to increase income. The Fund will not purchase
securities while outstanding borrowings (including reverse repurchase
agreements) exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
(3)......Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
indebtedness permitted by paragraph (2) above and then only if such pledging,
mortgaging or hypothecating does not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value.
(4)......Act as an underwriter, except to the extent that, in
connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed
to be an underwriter for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5)......Purchase or sell real estate, including limited partnership
interests, except that the Fund may invest in securities that are secured by
real estate or interests therein and may purchase and sell mortgage-related
securities and may hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of
the ownership of securities.
(6)......Make loans, except that the Fund may lend portfolio securities
in accordance with the Fund's investment policies and may purchase or invest in
repurchase agreements, bank certificates of deposit, all or a portion of an
issue of publicly distributed bonds, bank loan participation agreements,
bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the
purchase is made upon the original issuance of the securities.
(7)......Invest in commodities or commodity contracts or in puts,
calls, or combinations of both, except interest rate futures contracts, options
on securities, securities indices, currency and other financial instruments,
futures contracts on securities, securities indices, currency and other
financial instruments and options on such futures contracts, forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, forward commitments, securities index put or call
warrants and repurchase agreements entered into in accordance with the Fund's
investment policies.
The Fund will invest 25% or more of its total assets in securities
issued by companies in the real estate industry. Except as noted in the previous
sentence, it is the fundamental policy of the Fund not to concentrate its
investments in securities of companies in any particular industry. In the
opinion of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, investments are
concentrated in a particular industry if such investments (but not investments
in U.S. Government securities) aggregate 25% or more of the Fund's total assets.
The Fund does not intend to invest in or to enter into any forward
commitments, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, reverse repurchase
agreements, options on securities or currency or securities index put and call
warrants or to lend portfolio securities as described in fundamental investment
restrictions (1), (2), (6) and (7) above, during the current fiscal year.
In addition, as a matter of nonfundamental investment policy and in
connection with the offering of its shares in various states and foreign
countries, the Fund has agreed not to:
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<PAGE>
(a)......Participate on a joint-and-several basis in any securities
trading account. The "bunching" of orders for the sale or purchase of marketable
portfolio securities with other accounts under the management of PMC to save
commissions or to average prices among them is not deemed to result in a
securities trading account.
(b)......Purchase securities on margin or make short sales unless by
virtue of its ownership of other securities, the Fund has the right to obtain,
without payment of additional consideration, securities equivalent in kind and
amount to the securities sold and, if the right is conditional, the sale is made
upon the same conditions, except that a Fund may obtain such short-term credits
as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities and
in connection with transactions involving forward foreign currency exchange
transactions.
(c)......Purchase a security if, as a result, (i) more than 10% of the
Fund's assets would be invested in securities of closed-end investment
companies, (ii) such purchase would result in more than 3% of the total
outstanding voting securities of any one such closed-end investment company
being held by the Fund, or (iii) more than 5% of the Fund's assets would be
invested in any one such closed-end investment company; provided, however, the
Fund can exceed such limitations in connection with a plan of merger or
consolidation with or acquisition of substantially all the assets of such other
closed-end investment company. The Fund will not invest in the securities of any
open-end investment company, except in connection with a plan of merger or
consolidation with or acquisition of substantially all the assets of such other
open-end investment company.
(d)......Purchase securities of any issuer which, together with any
predecessor, has a record of less than three years' continuous operations prior
to the purchase if such purchase would cause investments of the Fund in all such
issuers to exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund.
(e)......Invest for the purpose of exercising control over or
management of any company.
(f)......Purchase warrants of any issuer, if, as a result of such
purchases, more than 2% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be
invested in warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange or the
American Stock Exchange or more than 5% of the value of the total assets of the
Fund would be invested in warrants generally, whether or not so listed. For
these purposes, warrants are to be valued at the lesser of cost or market, but
warrants acquired by the Fund in units with or attached to debt securities shall
be deemed to be without value.
(g)......Knowingly purchase or retain securities of an issuer if one or
more of the Trustees or officers of the Fund or directors or officers of PMC or
any investment management subsidiary of PMC individually owns beneficially more
than 0.5% and together own beneficially more than 5% of the securities of such
issuer.
(h)......Purchase interests in oil, gas or other mineral leases or
exploration programs; however, this policy will not prohibit the acquisition of
securities of companies engaged in the production or transmission of oil, gas or
other minerals. These restrictions may not be changed without the approval of
the regulatory agencies in such states or foreign countries.
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<PAGE>
(i)......Purchase any security, including stripped mortgage-backed
securities and any repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven days, which
is illiquid, if more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market
value, would be invested in such securities; provided, however, that the Fund
may invest up to 10% of its total assets in shares of real estate investment
trusts that are illiquid.
(j)......Invest more than 10% of its total assets in restricted
securities, excluding restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A under the Securities Act of 1933; provided, however, that no more than 15%
of the Fund's total assets may be invested in restricted securities including
restricted securities eligible for resale under Rule 144A.
(k)......Write covered calls or put options with respect to more than
25% of the value of its total assets or invest more than 5% of its total assets
in puts, calls, spreads, or straddles, other than protective put options.
3. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the
affairs of the Fund. The officers of the Fund are responsible for the Fund's
operations. The Trustees and executive officers of the Fund are listed below,
together with their principal occupations during the past five years. An
asterisk indicates those Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within
the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
JOHN F. COGAN, JR.*, Chairman of the Board, President and Trustee, DOB: June
1926
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of The Pioneer Group,
Inc. ("PGI"); Chairman and a Director of Pioneering Management Corporation
("PMC") and Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"); Director of Pioneering
Services Corporation ("PSC"), Pioneer Capital Corporation ("PCC") and
Forest-Starma (a Russian corporation); President and Director of Pioneer Plans
Corporation ("PPC"), Pioneer Investment Corp. ("PIC"), Pioneer Metals &
Technology, Inc. ("PMT"), Pioneer International Corp. ("PIntl"), Luscinia, Inc.,
Pioneer First Russia, Inc. ("First Russia"), Pioneer Omega, Inc. ("Omega") and
Theta Enterprises, Inc.; Chairman of the Board and Director of Pioneer
Goldfields Limited ("PGL") and Teberebie Goldfields Limited; Chairman of the
Supervisory Board of Pioneer Fonds Marketing GmbH ("Pioneer GmbH"); Member of
the Supervisory Board of Pioneer First Polish Trust Fund Joint Stock Company
("PFPT"); Chairman, President and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds;
and Partner, Hale and Dorr (counsel to the Fund).
RICHARD H. EGDAHL, M.D., Trustee, DOB: December 1926
Boston University Health Policy Institute, 53 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA 02115
Professor of Management, Boston University School of Management, since
1988; Professor of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health;
Professor of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine; Director, Boston
University Health Policy Institute and Boston University Medical Center;
Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of the Board, University Hospital;
Academic Vice President for Health Affairs, Boston University; Director, Essex
Investment Management Company, Inc. (investment adviser), Health Payment Review,
Inc. (health care containment software firm), Mediplex Group, Inc. (nursing care
facilities firm), Peer Review Analysis, Inc. (health care facilities firm) and
Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.
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<PAGE>
(publisher); Honorary Trustee, Franciscan Children's Hospital and Trustee of all
of the Pioneer mutual funds.
MARGARET B.W. GRAHAM, Trustee, DOB: May 1947
The Keep, P.O. Box 110, Little Deer Isle, ME 04650
Founding Director, Winthrop Group Inc., consulting firm since 1982;
Manager of Research Operations, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, between 1991
and 1994; Professor of Operations Management and Management of Technology,
Boston University School of Management ("BUSM"), between 1989 and 1993 and
Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds except Pioneer Variable Contracts
Trust.
JOHN W. KENDRICK, Trustee, DOB: July 1917
6363 Waterway Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044
Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Scholar, George Washington University;
Economic Consultant and Director, American Productivity and Quality Center;
American Enterprise Institute and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds
except Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
MARGUERITE A. PIRET, Trustee, DOB: May 1948
One Boston Place, Suite 2635, Boston, MA 02108
President, Newbury, Piret & Company, Inc. (merchant banking firm) and
Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
DAVID D. TRIPPLE*, Trustee and Executive Vice President, DOB: February 1944
Executive Vice President and a Director of PGI; Director of PFD, PCC,
PIC, PIntl and Pioneer SBIC Corporation; President, Chief Investment Officer and
a Director of PMC, Executive Vice President and Trustee of all of the Pioneer
mutual funds.
STEPHEN K. WEST, Trustee, DOB: September 1928
125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell (law firm); Trustee, The Winthrop Focus
Funds (mutual funds) and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds except
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
JOHN WINTHROP, Trustee, DOB: June 1936
One North Adgers Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
President, John Winthrop & Co., Inc. (a private investment firm);
Director of NUI Corp.; Trustee of Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Government
Reserves and Alliance Tax Exempt Reserves and Trustee of all of the Pioneer
mutual funds.
STEPHEN G. KASNET, Vice President, DOB: May 1945
Managing Director, Winthrop Financial Associates since 1991; Director
and Vice President of Pioneer Winthrop Advisers since 1993; Vice President of
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust; Executive Vice President, Cabot, Cabot &
Forbes, 1989 to 1991.
WILLIAM H. KEOUGH, Treasurer, DOB: April 1937
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of PGI and
Treasurer of PFD, PMC, PSC, PCC, PIC, PIntl, PMT, PGL and Pioneer SBIC
Corporation and Treasurer and Director of PPC and Treasurer of all of the
Pioneer mutual funds.
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<PAGE>
JOSEPH P. BARRI, Secretary, DOB: August 1946
Secretary of PGI, PMC, PPC, PIC, PIntl, PMT and PCC; Clerk of PFD and
PSC; Partner, Hale and Dorr (counsel to the Fund) and Secretary of all of the
Pioneer mutual funds.
ERIC W. RECKARD, Assistant Treasurer, DOB: June 1956
Manager of Fund Accounting and Compliance of PMC since May 1994,
Manager of Auditing and Business Analysis for PGI prior to May 1994 and
Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
ROBERT P. NAULT, Assistant Secretary, DOB: March 1964
General Counsel of PGI since 1995; formerly of Hale and Dorr (counsel
to the Fund) where he most recently served as junior partner and Assistant
Secretary of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
The Fund's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration
of Trust") provides that the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares may
vote to remove a Trustee of the Fund at any meeting of shareholders. See
"Description of Shares" below. The business address of all officers is 60 State
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
All of the outstanding capital stock of PFD, PMC and PSC is owned,
directly or indirectly, by PGI, a publicly-owned Delaware corporation. PMC, the
Fund's investment adviser, serves as the investment adviser for the Pioneer
mutual funds listed below and manages the investments of certain institutional
private accounts.
The table below lists all the Pioneer mutual funds currently offered to
the public and the investment adviser and principal underwriter for each fund.
<PAGE>
Investment Principal
Fund Name Adviser Underwriter
Pioneer International Growth Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Europe Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer India Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Growth Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Small Company Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Gold Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer II PMC PFD
Pioneer Real Estate Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust PMC PFD
Pioneer America Income Trust PMC PFD
Pioneer Bond Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Income Fund PMC PFD
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<PAGE>
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer New York Triple Tax-Free Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Massachusetts Double Tax-Free Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer California Double Tax-Free Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer U.S. Government Money Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Cash Reserve Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Interest Shares, Inc. PMC Note 1
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust PMC Note 2
Note 1 This fund is a closed-end fund.
Note 2 This is a series of eight separate portfolios designed to provide
investment vehicles for the variable annuity and variable life
insurance contracts of various insurance companies or for certain
qualified pension plans.
PMC also manages the investments of certain institutional private
accounts. As of October 31, 1995, to the knowledge of the Fund, no officer or
Trustee of the Fund owned 5% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of
PGI, except Mr. Cogan who then owned approximately 15% of such shares. As of a
date no earlier than 30 days prior to the date of this Statement of Additional
Information ("SAI"), the Trustees and officers of the Fund owned in the
aggregate 2.11% of the outstanding securities of the Fund and there were no
shareholders of record who owned 5% or more of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities, except Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc., Mutual Fund
Operations, 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Third Floor, Jacksonville, Florida
32246-6484 owned 179,850 (7.86%) shares of the Fund.
Remuneration of Trustees
The following table provides information regarding the compensation
paid by the Fund and the other Pioneer Funds to the Trustees for their services
for the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year. The Fund pays no salaries or
compensation to any of its officers. The Fund pays an annual trustees' fee of
$500 to each Trustee who is not affiliated with PMC, PFD or PSC as well as an
annual fee of $200 to each of the Trustees who is a member of the Fund's Audit
Committee, except for the Chairman of such Committee, who receives an annual fee
of $250. The Fund also pays an annual trustees' fee of $500 plus expenses to
each Trustee affiliated with PMC, PSC or PFD. Any such fees and expenses paid to
affiliates or interested persons of PMC, PFD or PSC are reimbursed to the Fund
under its Management Contract.
Total Compensa-
tion from the
Pension or Fund and other
Aggregate Retirement funds in the
Compensation Benefits Pioneer Family
TrusteeFrom the Fund* Accrued of Mutual Funds**
John F. Cogan, Jr.*** $250 0 $11,750
David D. Tripple*** 250 0 11,750
Arthur J. Halleran, Jr._,*** 250 0 250
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Stephen G. Kasnet*** 250 0 250
Richard H. Egdahl, M.D. 250 0 55,650
Margaret B.W. Graham 250 0 55,650
John W. Kendrick 250 0 55,650
Marguerite A. Piret 375 0 66,650
Stephen K. West 350 0 63,650
John Winthrop 350 0 63,650
- --------
* As of the Fund's most recent completed fiscal year.
** For the calendar year ended December 31, 1994.
*** Pioneer Winthrop Advisers ("PWA"), which served as the Fund's investment
manager prior to July 17, 1995, fully reimbursed the Fund and PMC fully
reimbursed the other funds in the Pioneer Family of Mutual Funds for
compensation paid to Messrs. Cogan and Tripple. In addition, PWA fully
reimbursed the Fund for compensation paid to Messrs. Halleran and Kasnet.
_ Mr. Halleran resigned as of July 17, 1995.
4. ADVISORY SERVICES
As stated in the Prospectus, Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC"), 60
State Street, Boston, Massachusetts, serves as the Fund's investment adviser.
The management contract expires on May 31, 1997 but it is renewable annually
after such date by the vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund
(including a majority of the Board of Trustees who are not parties to the
contract or interested persons of any such parties) cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such renewal. This contract terminates if
assigned and may be terminated without penalty by either party by vote of its
Board of Directors or Trustees or a majority of its outstanding voting
securities and the giving of sixty days' written notice.
As compensation for its investment advisory and management services and
expenses incurred, PMC is entitled to a management fee at the rate of 1.00% per
annum of the Fund's average daily net assets. The fee is normally computed daily
and paid monthly. PMC has voluntarily agreed not to impose a portion of its
management fee and to make other arrangements to the extent necessary to limit
operating expenses of the Class A shares of the Fund to 1.75% of the Fund's
average daily net assets; the portion of the Fund-wide expenses attributable to
Class B or Class C shares will be reduced only to the extent they are reduced
for Class A shares. This agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be revised
or terminated at any time. From the Fund's inception through July 17, 1995, PWA
served as investment adviser to the Fund and PMC and Winthrop Advisers Limited
Partnership ("WALP") served as subadvisers to the Fund. During the period that
PWA served as adviser, PWA voluntarily agreed not to impose a portion of its
management fee and to make other arrangements to the extent necessary to limit
the Fund's total expenses to 1.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
For the periods October 25, 1993 through June 30, 1994, July 1, 1994 through
December 31, 1994 and January 1, 1995 through June 30, 1995, the Fund would have
paid or accrued total management fees to PWA of $103,371, $141,284 and $130,341,
respectively, but $45,812 and
B-15
<PAGE>
$73,158, and $107,417 respectively, of such fee was not imposed pursuant to
PWA's voluntary agreement described above.
For the periods July 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994 and January 1, 1995
through June 30, 1995, PWA paid or accrued total subadvisory fees to PMC and
WALP approximately $26,010 and $26,010, respectively.
PMC has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the Fund
exceed the expense limitation established by any state having jurisdiction over
the Fund, PWA will reduce its management fee to the extent required by state
law. The most restrictive state expense limit currently applicable to the Fund
provides that the Fund's expenses in any fiscal year may not exceed 2.5% of the
first $30 million of average daily net assets, 2.0% of the next $70 million of
such assets and 1.5% of such assets in excess of $100 million. In the past, the
relevant state has granted relief for real estate investment funds, such as the
Fund, because of their higher operations costs, and the Fund expects to seek
such relief to the extent it becomes necessary to do so.
In an attempt to avoid any potential conflict with portfolio transactions for
the Fund, PMC and the Fund have adopted extensive restrictions on personal
securities trading by personnel of PMC and its affiliates. These restrictions
include: pre-clearance of all personal securities transactions and a prohibition
of purchasing initial public offerings of securities. These restrictions are a
continuation of the basic principle that the interests of the Fund and its
shareholders come before those of PMC and its employees.
5. UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund and Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. are parties to an Underwriting
Agreement. See "Principal Underwriter" below. The Trustees who were not at the
time they voted interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act,
approved the Underwriting Agreement. The Underwriting Agreement will continue
from year to year if annually approved by the Trustees. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that PFD will bear certain distribution expenses not borne by
the Fund.
PFD bears all expenses it incurs in providing services under the Underwriting
Agreement. Such expenses include compensation to its employees and
representatives and to securities dealers for distribution related services
performed for the Fund. PFD also pays certain expenses in connection with the
distribution of the Fund's shares, including the cost of preparing, printing and
distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the cost of printing and
distributing prospectuses and supplements to prospective shareholders. The Fund
bears the cost of registering its shares under federal and state securities law.
The Fund and PFD have agreed to indemnify each other against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Under the Underwriting Agreement, PFD will use its best efforts in rendering
services to the Fund.
Class A Plan
Pursuant to the Class A Plan the Fund may reimburse PFD for its expenditures
in financing any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of Fund
shares. Certain categories
B-16
<PAGE>
of such expenditures have been approved by the Board of Trustees and are set
forth in the Prospectus. See "Distribution Plans" in the Prospectus. The
expenses of the Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan are accrued on a fiscal year
basis and may not exceed, the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily
net assets attributable to Class A.
Class B Plan
The Class B Plan provides that the Fund will pay PFD, as the Fund's
distributor for its Class B shares, a distribution fee accrued daily and paid
quarterly, equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class B shares and will pay PFD a service fee equal to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares
(which PFD will in turn pay to securities dealers which enter into a sales
agreement with PFD at a rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class B shares owned by investors for whom that
securities dealer is the holder or dealer of record). This service fee is
intended to be in consideration of personal services and/or account maintenance
services rendered by the dealer with respect to Class B shares. PFD will advance
to dealers the first-year service fee at a rate equal to 0.25% of the amount
invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the
Fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase. Commencing
in the thirteenth month following a purchase of Class B shares, dealers will
become eligible for additional service fees or other compensation with respect
to such shares. Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other
criteria in order to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to
retain all service fees payable under the Class B Plan for which there is no
dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not been met as
partial consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class B Plan is to
compensate PFD for its distribution services with respect to the Class B shares
of the Fund. PFD pays commissions to dealers as well as expenses of printing
prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses with respect to the
preparation and printing of sales literature and other distribution-related
expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary to provide
distribution-related services, or personnel, travel office expenses and
equipment. The Class B Plan also provides that PFD will receive all CDSCs
attributable to Class B shares. (See "Distributions Plans" in the Prospectus.)
Class C Plan
The Class C Plan provides that the Fund will pay PFD, as the Fund's
distributor for its Class C shares, a distribution fee accrued daily and paid
quarterly, equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class C shares and will pay PFD a service fee equal to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. PFD
will in turn pay to securities dealers which enter into a sales agreement with
PFD a distribution fee and a service fee at rates of up to 0.75% and 0.25%,
respectively, of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C
shares owned by investors for whom that securities dealer is the holder or
dealer of record. The service fee is intended to be in consideration of personal
services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the dealer with respect
to Class C shares. PFD will advance to dealers the first-year service fee at a
rate equal to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may
retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the
first year after purchase. Commencing in
B-17
<PAGE>
the thirteenth month following a purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become
eligible for additional service fees at a rate of up to 0.25% of the amount
invested and additional compensation at a rate of up to 0.75% of the amount
invested with respect to such shares. Dealers may from time to time be required
to meet certain other criteria in order to receive service fees. PFD or its
affiliates are entitled to retain all service fees payable under the Class C
Plan for which there is no dealer of record or for which qualification standards
have not been met as partial consideration for personal services and/or account
maintenance services performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder
accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class C Plan is to
compensate PFD for its distribution services with respect to the Class C shares
of the Fund. PFD pays commissions to dealers as well as expenses of printing
prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses with respect to the
preparation and printing of sales literature and other distribution-related
expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary to provide
distribution-related services, or personnel, travel office expenses and
equipment. The Class C Plan also provides that PFD will receive all CDSCs
attributable to Class C shares. (See "Distributions Plans" in the Prospectus.)
General
In accordance with the terms of the Plans, PFD provides to the Fund for
review by the Trustees a quarterly written report of the amounts expended under
the respective Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. In
the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plans, they will consider the continued
appropriateness and the level of reimbursement or compensation the Plans
provide.
No interested person of the Fund, nor any Trustee of the Fund who is not an
interested person of the Fund, has any direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plans except to the extent that PFD and certain of its
employees may be deemed to have such an interest as a result of receiving a
portion of the amounts expended under the Plans by the Fund and except to the
extent certain officers may have an interest in PFD's ultimate parent, PGI.
The Plans were adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees, including
all of the Trustees who are not, and were not at the time they voted, interested
persons of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (none of whom had or have any
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans), cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Plans. In approving
the Plans, the Trustees identified and considered a number of potential benefits
which the Plans may provide. The Board of Trustees believes that there is a
reasonable likelihood that the Plans will benefit the Fund and their current and
future shareholders. Under their terms, the Plans remain in effect from year to
year provided such continuance is approved annually by vote of the Trustees in
the manner described above. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially
the annual percentage limitation of average net assets which may be spent for
the services described therein without approval of the shareholders of the Class
or Classes affected thereby, and material amendments of the Plans must also be
approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. A Plan may be terminated
at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of the majority of the
Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund and have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operations of the Plan, or by a vote of "a
majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the respective Class of the
Fund (as defined in
B-18
<PAGE>
the 1940 Act). A Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its
"assignment" (as defined in the 1940 Act).
During the period October 25, 1993 through June 30, 1994, the Fund did not
incur any distribution fees pursuant to the Class A Plan. The Fund commenced
accruing distribution and service fees under the Class A Plan on July 1, 1994.
For the periods July 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994 and January 1, 1995
through June 30, 1995, the Fund incurred total Class A distribution fees of
$35,321 and $ 32,585, respectively. Such fees will be paid to PFD in
reimbursement of expenses related to servicing of Class A shareholder accounts
and to compensating dealers and sales personnel. The Fund has not incurred any
distribution fees pursuant to the Class B and Class C Plans. Class B and Class C
shares will first be offered in 1996.
6. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING/TRANSFER AGENT
The Fund has contracted with Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"), 60
State Street, Boston, Massachusetts, to act as shareholder servicing agent and
transfer agent for the Fund. This contract terminates if assigned and may be
terminated without penalty by either party by vote of its Board of Directors or
Trustees or a majority of its outstanding voting securities and the giving of
ninety days' written notice.
Under the terms of its contract with the Fund, PSC will service shareholder
accounts, and its duties will include: (i) processing sales, redemptions and
exchanges of shares of the Fund; (ii) distributing dividends and capital gains
associated with Fund portfolio accounts; and (iii) maintaining account records
and responding to routine shareholder inquiries.
PSC receives from the Fund an annual fee of $22.00 for each Class A, Class B
and Class C shareholder account as compensation for the services described
above. This fee is set at an amount determined by vote of a majority of the
Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the
contract with PSC or interested persons of any such parties) to be comparable to
fees for such services being paid by other investment companies.
7. CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the "Custodian") is the custodian of the
Fund's assets. The Custodian's responsibilities include safekeeping and
controlling the Fund's cash and securities in the United States as well as in
foreign countries, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and
collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. The Custodian
fulfills its function in foreign countries through a network of subcustodian
banks located in the foreign countries (the "Subcustodians").
The Custodian does not determine the investment policies of the Fund or
decide which securities it will buy or sell. The Fund may invest in securities
issued by the Custodian, deposit cash in the Custodian and deal with the
Custodian as a principal in securities transactions. Portfolio securities may be
deposited into the Federal Reserve-Treasury Department Book Entry System or the
Depository Trust Company in the United States or in recognized central
depositories in foreign countries.
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8. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts,
serves as the principal underwriter for the Fund in connection with the
continuous offering of its shares. The Fund will not generally issue Fund shares
for consideration other than cash. At the Fund's sole discretion, however, it
may issue Fund shares for consideration other than cash in connection with an
acquisition of portfolio securities pursuant to a bona fide purchase of assets,
merger or reorganization provided (i) securities meet the investment objectives
and policies of the Fund; (ii) the securities are acquired by the Fund for
investment and not for resale; (iii) the securities are not restricted as to
transfer either by law or liquidity of market; and (iv) the securities have a
value which is readily ascertainable (and not established only by evaluation
procedures) as evidenced by a listing on the American Stock Exchange or the New
York Stock Exchange, or by quotation under the NASD Automated Quotation System.
An exchange of securities for Fund shares will generally be a taxable
transaction to the shareholder.
The redemption price of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund may, at
PMC's discretion, be paid in cash or portfolio securities. The Fund has,
however, elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to
which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net asset value during any 90-day period for any
one shareholder. Should the amount of redemptions by any shareholder exceed such
limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or
portfolio securities. In the latter case, the securities are taken at their
value employed in determining the Fund's net asset value. A shareholder whose
shares are redeemed in-kind may incur brokerage charges in selling the
securities received in-kind. The selection of such securities will be made in
such manner as the Board deems fair and reasonable.
During the periods from October 25, 1993 through June 30, 1994, July 1, 1994
through December 31, 1994 and January 1, 1995 through June 30, 1995, net
underwriting commissions earned by PFD in connection with its offering of Fund
shares were approximately $66,304, $27,497 and $15,000. For the same periods,
commissions reallowed to dealers by PFD were approximately $1,124,000, $186,213
and $103,000, respectively.
9. INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP is the Fund's independent public accountant, providing
audit services, tax return review, and assistance and consultation with respect
to the preparation of filings with the Commission.
10. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on
behalf of the Fund by PMC pursuant to authority contained in the Investment
Advisory Contract with PMC. In selecting brokers or dealers, PMC considers other
factors relating to best execution, including, but not limited to, the size and
type of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets of the security
to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and
financial condition of the dealer; the dealer's execution services rendered on a
continuing basis; and the reasonableness of any dealer spreads. Most
transactions in foreign equity securities are executed by broker-dealers in
foreign countries in which commission rates are fixed and, therefore, are not
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negotiable (as such rates are in the United States) and are generally higher
than in the United States.
PMC may select dealers which provide brokerage and/or research services to
the Fund and/or other investment companies or accounts managed by PMC. Such
services may include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability
of investing in, purchasing or selling securities; the availability of
securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and
reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends,
portfolio strategy and performance of accounts; and effecting securities
transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and
settlement). PMC maintains a listing of dealers who provide such services on a
regular basis. However, because many transactions on behalf of the Fund and
other investment companies or accounts managed by PMC are placed with dealers
(including dealers on the listing) without regard to the furnishing of such
services, it is not possible to estimate the proportion of such transactions
directed to such dealers solely because such services were provided. Management
believes that no exact dollar value can be calculated for such services.
The research received from dealers may be useful to PMC in rendering
investment management services to the Fund as well as to other investment
companies or accounts managed by PMC, although not all of such research may be
useful to the Fund. Conversely, such information provided by brokers or dealers
who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other accounts may be
useful to PMC in carrying out their obligations to the Fund. The receipt of such
research has not reduced PMC's normal independent research activities; however,
it enables PMC to avoid the additional expenses which might otherwise be
incurred if they were to attempt to develop comparable information through their
own staffs.
In circumstances where two or more broker-dealers offer comparable prices and
executions, preference may be given to a broker-dealer which has sold shares of
the Fund as well as shares of other investment companies or accounts managed by
PMC. This policy does not imply a commitment to execute all portfolio
transactions through all broker-dealers that sell shares of the Fund. In
addition, if PMC determines in good faith that the amount of commissions charged
by a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by such broker, the Fund may pay commissions to such broker in
an amount greater than the amount another firm may charge.
The Trustees periodically review PMC's performance of its responsibilities in
connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund.
In addition to serving as investment subadviser to the Fund, PMC acts as
investment adviser to other mutual funds in the Pioneer group and private
accounts with investment objectives similar to those of the Fund. As such,
securities may meet investment objectives of the Fund, such other funds and such
private accounts. In such cases, the decision to recommend to purchase for one
fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors. The
determining factors in most cases are the amount of securities of the issuer
then outstanding, the value of those securities and the market for them. Other
factors considered in the investment recommendations include other investments
which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry or country and
the availability of investment funds in each fund or account.
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It is possible that, at times, identical securities will be held by more than
one fund and/or account. However, the position of any fund or account in the
same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose
to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that
the Fund, another fund in the Pioneer group or a private account managed by PMC
seeks to acquire the same security at about the same time, the Fund may not be
able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may
have to pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, the Fund may not be able
to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any
particular portfolio security if PMC decides to sell on behalf of another
account the same portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the
same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one account,
the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better
executions for the Fund or other account. In the event that more than one
account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchases and
sales will normally be made as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis in
proportion to the amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each.
During the periods from October 25, 1993 through June 30, 1994, July 1, 1994
through December 31, 1994 and January 1, 1995 through June 30, 1995, the Fund
paid or accrued aggregate brokerage and underwriting commissions of
approximately $170,534, $213,710 and $118,000, respectively.
11. TAX STATUS
It is the Fund's policy to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Code
for qualification as a regulated investment company. If the Fund meets all such
requirements and distributes to its shareholders at least annually all
investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, which it
receives, the Fund will be relieved of the necessity of paying federal income
tax.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M, the
Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its annual gross income
from dividends, interest, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock,
securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options,
futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing
in such stock, securities or currencies (the "90% income test"), limit its gains
from the sale of certain investments held for less than three months to less
than 30% of its annual gross income (the "30% test") and satisfy certain annual
distribution and quarterly diversification requirements.
Dividends from net investment income, net short-term capital gains, and
certain net foreign exchange gains are taxable as ordinary income, whether
received in cash or in additional shares. Dividends from net long-term capital
gains, if any, whether received in cash or additional shares, are taxable to the
Fund's shareholders as long-term capital gains for Federal income tax purposes
without regard to the length of time shares of the Fund have been held. The
federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders
annually.
Any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December as of a
record date in such a month and paid during the following January will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December
31 of the calendar year in which it is declared.
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For purposes of the 70% dividends-received deduction available to
corporations, dividends received by the Fund, if any, from U.S. domestic
corporations in respect of any share of stock with a tax holding period of at
least 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) in an unleveraged
position and distributed and designated by the Fund may be treated as qualifying
dividends. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding
the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for federal
income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with
respect to the shares. Corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding
period requirement stated above (46 or 91 days), taking into account any
holding-period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions that
diminish risk of loss, with respect to their Fund shares in order to qualify for
the deduction and, if they borrow to acquire Fund shares, may be denied a
portion of the dividends-received deduction. The entire qualifying dividend,
including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining the
excess (if any) of a corporation's adjusted current earnings over its
alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase a corporation's
alternative minimum tax liability.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign
countries with respect to investments in those countries. Tax conventions
between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes. The
Fund will not satisfy the requirements for passing through to shareholders their
pro rata shares of foreign taxes paid by the Fund, with the result that its
shareholders will not include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be
entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own tax returns.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection with
certain transactions involving foreign currency- denominated debt securities,
foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency
are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and
losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount,
timing and character of distributions to shareholders.
If the Fund acquires the stock of certain non-U.S. corporations that receive
at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as sources
that produce interest, dividend, rental, royalty or capital gain income) or hold
at least 50% of their assets in such passive sources ("passive foreign
investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to Federal income tax and
additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or
deduction for such a tax. In certain cases, an election may be available that
would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences. The Fund may limit its
investments in passive foreign investment companies and will undertake
appropriate actions, including consideration of any available elections, to
limit its tax liability, if any, or take other defensive action with respect to
such investments.
Investment in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default presents
special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues
such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or
market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts
or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should
be allocated between principal and income, and whether exchanges of debt
obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be
addressed by the Fund, in the event it invests in such securities, in order to
ensure that it distributes sufficient
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income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and to avoid
becoming subject to federal income or excise tax.
Since, at the time of an investor's purchase of Fund shares, a portion of the
per share net asset value by which the purchase price is determined may be
represented by realized or unrealized appreciation in the Fund's portfolio or
undistributed taxable income of the Fund, subsequent distributions (or portions
thereof) on such shares may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset
value of his shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below his cost
for such shares and the distributions (or portions thereof) in reality represent
a return of a portion of his investment.
Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares with a tax holding period of
six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to
such shares.
In addition, if shares redeemed or exchanged have been held for less than 91
days, (a) in the case of a reinvestment at net asset value the sales charge paid
on such shares is not included in their tax basis under the Code if a
reinvestment occurs, and (2) in a case of an exchange, all or a portion of the
sales charge paid on such shares is not included in their tax basis under the
Code, to the extent a sales charge that would otherwise apply to the shares
received is reduced pursuant to the exchange privilege. In either case, the
portion of the sales charge not included in the tax basis of the shares redeemed
or surrendered in an exchange is included in the tax basis of the shares
acquired in the reinvestment or exchange. Losses on certain redemptions may be
disallowed under "wash sale" rules in the event of other investments in the Fund
within 30 days before or after a redemption or other sale of shares.
For Federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward a net
realized capital loss in any year to offset realized capital gains, if any,
during the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent
net realized capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in
Federal income tax liability to the Fund and are not expected to be distributed
as such to shareholders.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions
and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions, and
certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified
retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more
information.
Provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company ("RIC")
under the Code, it will not be required to pay any Massachusetts income,
corporate excise or franchise taxes. Provided that the Fund qualifies as a RIC
and meets certain income source requirements under Delaware Law, the Fund should
also not be required to pay Delaware corporation income tax.
Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by the Fund
on certain securities and securities indices may cause the Fund to recognize
gains or losses from marking-to-market at the end of its taxable year even
though such options may not have lapsed, been closed out, or exercised or such
futures contracts may not have been closed out or disposed of and may affect the
characterization as long-term or short-term of some capital gains and losses
realized by the Fund. Losses on certain options or futures contracts and/or
offsetting positions
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(portfolio securities or other positions with respect to which the Fund's risk
of loss is substantially diminished by one or more options or futures contracts)
may also be deferred under the tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also
affect the characterization of capital gains or losses from straddle positions
and certain successor positions as long-term or short-term. The tax rules
applicable to options, futures and straddles may affect the amount, timing and
character of the Fund's income and loss and hence of its distributions to
shareholders.
Federal law requires that the Fund withhold (as "backup withholding") 31% of
reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain dividends, and the
proceeds of redemptions (including exchanges) and repurchases, to shareholders
who have not complied with IRS regulations. In order to avoid this withholding
requirement, shareholders must certify on their Account Applications, or on
separate W-9 Forms, that the Social Security or other Taxpayer Identification
Number they provide is their correct number and that they are not currently
subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding.
The Fund may nevertheless be required to withhold if it receives notice from the
IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is
applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend
income.
The description above relates only to U.S. federal income tax
consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens or
residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and
who are subject to U.S. federal income tax. The description does not address
special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt
entities, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Shareholders should
consult their own tax advisers on these matters and on state, local and other
applicable tax laws. Investors other than U.S. persons may be subject to
different U.S. tax treatment, including a possible 30% U.S. withholding tax (or
withholding tax at a lower treaty rate) on dividends treated as ordinary income.
12. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to
authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of
beneficial interest which may be divided into such separate series as the
Trustees may establish. Currently, the Fund consists of only one series. The
Trustees may, however, establish additional series of shares in the future, and
may divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares
without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests in the Fund. The
Declaration of Trust further authorizes the Trustees to classify or reclassify
any series of the shares into one or more classes. Pursuant thereto, the
Trustees have authorized the issuance of three classes of shares of the Fund,
designated as Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Each share of a class of the
Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund
allocable to that class. Upon liquidation of the Fund, shareholders of each
class of the Fund are entitled to share pro rata in the Fund's net assets
allocable to such class available for distribution to shareholders. The Fund
reserves the right to create and issue additional series or classes of shares,
in which case the shares of each class of a series would participate equally in
the earnings, dividends and assets allocable to that class of the particular
series.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and may vote
in the election of Trustees and on other matters submitted to a meeting of
shareholders. Although Trustees are not
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elected annually by the shareholders, shareholders have, under certain
circumstances, the right to remove one or more Trustees.
The series of the Fund are entitled to vote separately to approve
investment advisory agreements or changes in investment restrictions, but
shareholders of all series vote together in the election and selection of
Trustees and accountants. Shares of all series or classes of the Fund vote
together as a class on matters that affect all series or classes of the Fund in
substantially the same manner. As to matters affecting a single series or class,
shares of such series or class will vote separately. No amendment adversely
affecting the rights of shareholders may be made to the Fund's Declaration of
Trust without the affirmative vote of a majority of its shares. Shares have no
preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and non-assessable by the
Fund, except as stated below.
13. CERTAIN LIABILITIES
As a Delaware business trust, the Fund's operations are governed by its
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 10, 1995, a copy of which has
been filed with the Fund's registration statement.
Generally, Delaware business trust shareholders are not personally
liable for obligations of the Delaware business trust under Delaware law. The
Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that a shareholder of
a Delaware business trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of liability
extended to shareholders of private for-profit corporations. The Fund's
Agreement and Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Fund has been
organized under the Delaware Act and that the Agreement and Declaration of Trust
is to be governed by Delaware law. It is nevertheless possible that a Delaware
business trust, such as the Fund, might become a party to an action in another
state whose courts refused to apply Delaware law, in which case the trust's
shareholders could be subject to personal liability.
To guard against this risk, the Agreement and Declaration of Trust (i)
contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations
of the Fund and provides that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each
agreement, obligation and instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or its
Trustees, (ii) provides for the indemnification out of Fund property of any
shareholders held personally liable for any obligations of the Fund or any
series of the Fund and (iii) provides that the Fund shall, upon request, assume
the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation
of the Fund and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a Fund
shareholder incurring financial loss beyond his or her investment because of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which all of the following
factors are present: (1) a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the
liability arose under tort law or, if not, no contractual limitation of
liability was in effect; and (3) the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. In light of Delaware law, the nature of the Fund's business and the
nature of its assets, the risk of personal liability to a Fund shareholder is
remote.
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust further provides that the Fund
shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers against liabilities and
expenses reasonably incurred by them, in connection with, or arising out of, any
action, suit or proceeding, threatened against or otherwise involving such
Trustee or officer, directly or indirectly, by reason of being or having been a
Trustee or officer of the Fund. The Agreement and Declaration of Trust does not
authorize the Fund to indemnify any Trustee or officer against any liability to
which he or she would otherwise
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be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of such person's duties.
14. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Class of the Fund is determined
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each
day on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for regular
trading. As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the
Exchange is open for trading every weekday except for the following holidays:
New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset value per share of
each Class of the Fund is also determined on any other day in which the level of
trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high so that the current net
asset value per share might be materially affected by changes in the value of
its portfolio securities. The Fund is not required to determine its net asset
value per share on any day in which no purchase orders for the shares of the
Fund are received and no shares are tendered for redemption.
The net asset value per share of each Class of the Fund is computed by
taking the value of all of the Class's assets, less its liabilities, and
dividing it by the number of outstanding shares for that Class. Expenses of the
Fund are accrued daily. Securities which have not traded on the date of
valuation or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are
valued at the mean between the last bid and asked prices. Securities for which
no market quotations are readily available (including those the trading of which
has been suspended) will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by
the Board of Trustees, although the actual computations may be made by persons
acting pursuant to the direction of the Board. The maximum offering price per
Class A share is the net asset value per Class A share, plus the maximum sales
charge. Class B and Class C are offered at net asset value without the
imposition of an initial sales charge, but are subject to a CDSC. See "Fund
Share Alternatives" in the Prospectus.
15. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") is designed to provide a
convenient method of receiving fixed payments at regular intervals from shares
of the Fund deposited by the applicant under this Plan. The applicant must
deposit or purchase for deposit with PSC shares of the Fund having a total value
of not less than $10,000. Periodic checks of $50 or more will be sent to the
applicant, or any person designated by him, monthly or quarterly. Withdrawals
from Class B share accounts are limited to 10% of the value of the account at
the time the SWP is implemented. A designation of a third party to receive
checks requires an acceptable signature guarantee.
Any income dividends or capital gains distributions on shares under the
Systematic Withdrawal Plan will be credited to the Plan account on the payment
date in full and fractional shares at the net asset value per share in effect on
the record date.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments are made from the proceeds of the
redemption of shares deposited under the Plan in a Plan account. To the extent
that such redemptions for periodic withdrawals exceed dividend income reinvested
in the Plan account, such redemptions will reduce and may ultimately exhaust the
number of shares deposited in the Plan account. Redemptions are taxable
transactions to shareholders. In addition, the amounts received by a
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shareholder cannot be considered as an actual yield or income on his or her
investment because part of such payments may be a return of his or her
investment.
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time (1) by
written notice to PSC or from PSC to the shareholder; (2) upon receipt by PSC of
appropriate evidence of the shareholder's death; or (3) when all shares under
the Plan have been redeemed.
16. LETTER OF INTENTION
Purchases in the Fund of $50,000 or more of Class A shares (excluding
any reinvestments of dividends and capital gains distributions) made within a
13-month period pursuant to a Letter of Intention provided by PFD will qualify
for a reduced sales charge. Such reduced sales charge will be the charge that
would be applicable to the purchase of all Class A shares purchased during such
13-month period pursuant to a Letter of Intention had such shares been purchased
all at once. See "How to Buy Fund Shares" in the Prospectus. For example, a
person who signs a Letter of Intention providing for a total investment in Fund
Class A shares of $50,000 over a 13-month period would be charged at the 4.50%
sales charge rate with respect to all purchases during that period. Should the
amount actually purchased during the 13-month period be more or less than that
indicated in the Letter, an adjustment in the sales charge will be made. A
purchase not made pursuant to a Letter of Intention may be included thereafter
if the Letter is filed within 90 days of such purchase. Any shareholder may also
obtain the reduced sales charge by including the value (at current offering
price) of all his shares in the Fund and all other Pioneer open-end mutual
funds, except direct purchases of the Class A shares of Pioneer Money Market
Trust, held of record as of the date of his Letter of Intention as a credit
toward determining the applicable scale of sales charge for the Class A shares
to be purchased under the Letter of Intention.
The Letter of Intention authorizes PSC to escrow Class A shares having
a purchase price equal to 5% of the stated investment in the Letter of
Intention. A Letter of Intention is not a binding obligation upon the investor
to purchase, or the Fund to sell, the full amount indicated and the investor
should read the provisions of the Letter of Intention contained in the Account
Application carefully before signing.
17. INVESTMENT RESULTS
One of the primary methods used to measure the Fund's performance is
"total return." "Total return" will normally represent the percentage change in
value of an account, or of a hypothetical investment in the Fund, over any
period up to the lifetime of the Fund. Total return calculations will usually
assume the reinvestment of all dividends and capital gains distributions and
will be expressed as a percentage increase or decrease from an initial value,
for the entire period or for one or more specified periods within the entire
period. Total return percentages for periods of less than one year will usually
be annualized; total return percentages for periods longer than one year will
usually be accompanied by total return percentages for each year within the
period and/or by the average annual compounded total return for the period. The
income and capital components of a given return may be separated and portrayed
in a variety of ways in order to illustrate their relative significance.
Performance may also be portrayed in terms of cash or investment values, without
percentages. Past performance cannot guarantee any particular future result.
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The Fund's yield quotations and average annual total return quotations
as they may appear in the Prospectus, this Statement of Additional Information
or in advertising are calculated by standard methods prescribed by the
Commission.
With respect to the treatment of discount and premium on mortgage or
other receivables-backed obligations which are expected to be subject to monthly
payments of principal and interest ("pay downs"), the Fund accounts for gain or
loss attributable to actual monthly pay downs as an increase or decrease to
interest income during the period. In addition, the Fund may elect (i) to
amortize the discount or premium remaining on a security, based on the cost of
the security, to the weighted average maturity date, if such information is
available, or to the remaining term of the security, if the weighted average
maturity date is not available, or (ii) not to amortize the remaining discount
or premium on a security.
Standardized Average Annual Total Return Quotations. Average annual
total return quotations for each Class of Fund shares are computed by finding
the average annual compounded rates of return that would cause a hypothetical
investment made on the first day of a designated period (assuming all dividends
and distributions are reinvested) to equal the ending redeemable value of such
hypothetical investment on the last day of the designated period in accordance
with the following formula:
P(1+T)n = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1000, less the
maximum sales load of $5.75 for Class A shares or the
deduction of any CDSC applicable to Class B or C
shares as of the end of the period.
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of the hypothetical $1000
initial payment made at the beginning of the
designated period (or fractional portion thereof)
For purposes of the above computation, that all dividends and
distributions made by the Fund are reinvested at net asset value during the
designated period. The average annual total return quotation is determined to
the nearest 1/100 of 1%.
In determining the average annual total return (calculated as provided
above), recurring fees, if any, that are charged to all shareholder accounts are
taken into consideration. For any account fees that vary with the size of the
account, the account fee used for purposes of the above computation is assumed
to be the fee that would be charged to the Fund's mean account size.
The average annual total return for the Class A shares of the Fund for
the periods October 25, 1993 to June 30, 1994, July 1, 1994 to December 31, 1994
and January 1, 1995 to June 30, 1995 were -1.47%, -2.16% and -2.11%,
respectively. The Fund's one-year and life-of-Fund annual total returns as of
June 30, 1995 were -4.23% and -3.40%, respectively. Assuming no fee reductions
or expense limitations, the Fund's annual total return for the same periods
would have been lower. No Class B or Class C shares were outstanding prior to
January, 1996.
B-29
<PAGE>
Other Quotations, Comparisons, and General Information. From time to
time, in advertisements, in sales literature, or in reports to shareholders, the
past performance of the Fund may be illustrated and/or compared with that of
other mutual funds with similar investment objectives, and to stock or other
relevant indices. For example, the Fund's total return may be compared to
averages or rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., a widely
recognized independent service which monitors mutual fund performance; the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index ("S&P 500"), an unmanaged index of common
stocks; or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a recognized unmanaged index of
common stocks of 30 industrial companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
In addition, the performance of the Fund may be compared to alternative
investment or savings vehicles and/or to indexes or indicators of economic
activity, e.g., inflation or interest rates. Performance rankings and listings
reported in newspapers or national business and financial publications, such as
Barron's, Business Week, Consumer's Digest, Consumer's Report, Financial World,
Forbes, Fortune, Investors Business Daily, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Magazine, Lipper Real Estate Funds Average, Money Magazine, NAREIT All Reit
Index, NAREIT Equity Reit Index, the New York Times, RUSSELL-NACRIEF Index,
Smart Money, USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, The Wall Street Journal,
Wilshire Real Estate Securities Trust and Worth may also be cited (if the Fund
is listed in any such publication) or used for comparison, as well as
performance listings and rankings from various other sources including Bloomberg
Financial Systems, CDA/Wiesenberger Investment Companies Service, Donoghue's
Mutual Fund Almanac, Investment Company Data, Inc., Johnson's Charts, Kanon
Bloch Carre & Co., Micropal, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., Schabacker Investment
Management, Towers Data Systems and Weisenberger Investment Companies Service.
In addition, from time to time, quotations from articles from financial
publications, such as those listed above, may be used in advertisements, in
sales literature or in reports to shareholders of the Fund.
Automated Information Line
FactFoneSM, Pioneer's 24-hour automated information line, allows
shareholders to dial toll-free 1-800-225-4321 and hear recorded fund
information, including:
o net asset value prices for all Pioneer mutual funds;
o annualized 30-day yields on Pioneer's bond funds;
o annualized 7-day yields and 7-day effective (compound) yields
for Pioneer's money market funds; and
o dividends and capital gains distributions on all Pioneer
mutual funds.
Yields are calculated in accordance with standard formulas mandated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
B-30
<PAGE>
In addition, by using a personal identification number ("PIN"),
shareholders may enter purchases, exchanges and redemptions, access their
account balance and last three transactions and may order a duplicate statement.
See "FactFoneSM" in the Prospectus for more information
All performance numbers communicated through FactFoneSM represent past
performance; figures for all quoted bond funds include the maximum applicable
sales charge. A shareholder's actual yield and total return will vary with
changing market conditions. The value of Class A, Class B and Class C shares
(except for Pioneer money market funds, which seek a stable $1.00 share price)
will also vary, and they may be worth more or less at redemption than their
original cost.
18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Fund's financial statements for the period from July 1, 1994
through December 31, 1994, which are included in the Fund's Annual Report to
Shareholders which is incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information, are included in reliance upon the report of Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as experts in accounting and
auditing.
The Fund's financial statements for the period from January 1, 1995
through June 30, 1995, which are included in the Fund's Semi-Annual Report to
Shareholders which is incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information, are attached to this Statement of Additional Information
included in reliance upon the report of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as experts in accounting and auditing.
B-31
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS
The rating systems described herein are believed to be the most recent ratings
systems available from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group at the date of this Statement of Additional Information for the
securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of
issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings,
they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not
necessarily represent ratings which will be given to these securities on the
date of the Fund's fiscal year end.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry
the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt
edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely
to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection
may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements
may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make
the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e.,
they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
1-A
<PAGE>
Caa: Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca: Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Unrated: Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been suspended
or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies
that are not rated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or
issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
published in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available
reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is
called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's believe
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1, Baa1 and B1.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group1
AAA: Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
A: Bonds rated A have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
BBB: Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than in higher rated categories.
- --------
1 Rates all governmental bodies having $1,000,000 or more of debt outstanding,
unless adequate information is not available.
2-A
<PAGE>
BB, B, CCC, CC, C: Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and the highest degree of speculation. While such
bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties of major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
D: Bonds rated D are in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that
such payments will be made during such grace period.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from "AA" to "B" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
Unrated: Indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's
does not rate a particular type of obligations as a matter of policy.
3-A
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
ADDITIONAL PIONEER INFORMATION
The Pioneer family of mutual funds was established in 1928 with the creation of
Pioneer Fund. Pioneer is one of the oldest, most respected and successful money
managers in the United States.
As of December 31, 1994, PMC employed a professional investment staff of 46,
with a combined average of 14 years' experience in the financial services
industry.
At December 31, 1994, there were 591,192 non-retirement shareholder accounts and
337,577 retirement shareholder accounts in the Pioneer's funds. Total assets for
all Pioneer Funds as of December 31, 1994 were $10,038,000,000 representing
928,769 shareholder accounts.
1-B
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Date Initial Investment Offering Price Sales Charge Shares Purchased Net Asset Value Initial Net Asset
Included Per Share Value
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
10/25/93 $10,000 $13.26 5.75% 754.148 $12.50 $9,425
Dividends and Capital Gains Reinvested
Value of Shares
Date From From Cap. Gains From Dividends Total Value
Investment Reinvested Reinvested
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
12/31/93 $9,012 $0 $55 $9,067
12/31/94 $8,583 $20 $485 $9,088
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C - SECURITIES INDICES
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
S&P 500 *
This index is a readily available, carefully constructed, market value weighted
benchmark of common stock performance. Currently, the S&P Composite Index
includes 500 of the largest stocks (in terms of stock market value) in the
United States; prior to March 1957 it consisted of 90 of the largest stocks.
DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE *
This is a total return index based on the performance of 30 blue chip stocks.
SMALL CAPITALIZATION STOCKS *
This index is a market value weighted index of the ninth and tenth deciles of
the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), plus stocks listed on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX) and over-the-counter (OTC) with the same or less capitalization
as the upper bound of the NYSE ninth decile.
INFLATION *
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), not seasonally
adjusted, is used to measure inflation, which is the rate of change of consumer
goods prices. Unfortunately, the inflation rate as derived by the CPI is not
measured over the same period as the other asset returns. All of the security
returns are measured from one month-end to the next month-end. CPI commodity
prices are collected during the month. Thus, measured inflation rates lag the
other series by about one-half month. Prior to January 1978, the CPI (as
compared with CPI-U) was used. Both inflation measures are constructed by the
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.
S&P/BARRA INDEXES *
"The S&P/BARRA Growth and Value Indexes are constructed by dividing the stocks
in the S&P 500 Index according to price-to-book ratios. The Growth Index
contains stocks with higher price-to-book ratios, and the Value Index contains
stocks with lower price-to-book ratios. Both indexes are market capitalization
weighted."
LONG-TERM MUNICIPAL BOND PORTFOLIO *
For 1926-1984, returns are calculated form yields on 20-year prime issues from
Solomon Brothers' Analytical Record of Yields and Yields Spreads, assuming
coupon equals previous year-end yield and a 20-year maturity. For 1985-present,
returns are calculated using Moody's Bond Record, using the December average
municipal yield as the beginning-of-following year coupon (average of Aaa, Aa,
A, Baa grades).
LONG-TERM CORPORATE BONDS *
For 1969-1991, corporate bond total returns are represented by the Salomon
Brothers Long-Term High-Grade Corporate Bond Index. Since most large corporate
bond transactions take place over the counter, a major dealer is the natural
source of these data. The index includes nearly all Aaa- and Aa-rated bonds.
1-C
<PAGE>
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
If a bond is downgraded during a particular month, its return for the month is
included in the index before removing the bond from future portfolios.
Over 1926-1968 the total returns were calculated by summing the capital
appreciation returns and the income returns. For the period 1946-1968, Ibbotson
and Sinquefield backdated the Salomon Brothers' index, using Salomon Brothers'
monthly yield data with a methodology similar to that used by Salomon for
1969-1991. Capital appreciation returns were calculated from yields assuming (at
the beginning of each monthly holding period) a 20-year maturity, a bond price
equal to par, and a coupon equal to the beginning-of-period yield. For the
period 1926-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly High-Grade Corporate Composite
yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent coupon and a 20-year maturity. The
conventional present-value formula for bond price for the beginning and
end-of-month prices was used. (This formula is presented in Ross, Stephen A.,
and Randolph W. Westerfield, Corporate Finance, Times Mirror/Mosby, St. Louis,
1990, p. 97 ["Level-Coupon Bonds"].) The monthly income return was assumed to be
one-twelfth the coupon.
LONG-TERM GOVERNMENT BOND TOTAL RETURN *
The total returns on long-term government bonds from 1977 to 1991 are
constructed with data from The Wall Street Journal. Over 1926-1976, data are
obtained from the Government bond file at the Center for Research in Security
Prices (CRSP), Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago. Each year, a
one-bond portfolio with a term of approximately 20 years and a reasonably
current coupon was used, and whose returns did not reflect potential tax
benefits, impaired negotiability, or special redemption or call privileges.
Where callable bonds had to be used, the term of the bond was assumed to be a
simple average of the maturity and first call dates minus the current date. The
bond was "held" for the calendar year and returns were computed. Total returns
for 1977-1991 are calculated as the change in the flat price or and-interest
price.
INTERMEDIATE-TERM GOVERNMENT BONDS TOTAL RETURN *
Total returns of the intermediate-term government bonds for 1977-1991 are
calculated from The Wall Street Journal prices, using the change in flat price.
Returns from 1934-1986 are obtained from the CRSP Government Bond File.
Each year, one-bond portfolios are formed, the bond chosen is the shortest
noncallable bond with a maturity not less than 5 years, and this bond is "held"
for the calendar year. Monthly returns are computed. (Bonds with impaired
negotiability or special redemption privileges are omitted, as are partially or
fully tax-exempt bonds starting with 1943.) From 1934-1942, almost all bonds
with maturities near 5 years were partially or full tax-exempt and were selected
using the rules described above. Personal tax rates were generally low in that
period, so that yields on tax-exempt bonds were similar to yields on taxable
bonds. From 1926-1933, there are few bonds suitable for construction of a series
with a 5-year maturity. For this period, five year bond yield estimates are
used.
<PAGE>
INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
U.S. (30 DAY) TREASURY BILL TOTAL RETURNS *
For the U.S. Treasury bill index, data from The Wall Street Journal are used for
1977-1991; the CRSP U.S. Government Bond File is the source until 1976. Each
month a one-bill portfolio containing the shortest-term bill having not less
than one month to maturity is constructed. (The bill's original term to maturity
is not relevant.) To measure holding period returns for the one-bill portfolio,
the bill is priced as of the last trading day of the previous month-end and as
of the last trading day of the current month.
BANK SAVINGS ACCOUNT **
Data sources include the U.S. League of Savings Institutions Sourcebook; average
annual yield on savings deposits in FSLIC [FDIC] insured savings institutions
for the years 1963-1987 and The Wall Street Journal for the years 1988-1994.
6 MONTH CD **
Data sources include the Federal Reserve Bulletin and The Wall Street Journal.
MSCI
Morgan Stanley Capital International Indices, developed by the Capital
International S.A., are based on share prices of some 1470 companies listed on
the stock exchanges around the world.
Countries in the MSCI EAFE Portfolio *are: Australia; Austria; Belgium; Denmark;
Finland; France; Germany; Hong Kong; Italy; Japan; Netherlands; N. Zealand;
Norway; Singapore/Malaysia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom.
Countries in the MSCI EUROPE 14 Portfolio *** are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom
Countries in the MSCI WORLD Portfolio *** are: Australia; Austria; Belgium;
Canada; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Hong Kong; Italy; Japan; Netherlands;
N. Zealand; Norway; Singapore/Malaysia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United
Kingdom; United States.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION COMPOSITE *
An index representing the performance of a composite of Latin America
(Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela), East Asia (China,
Korea, Philippines, Taiwan), South Asia (India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, Thailand), Europe/Mideast/Africa (Greece, Hungary, Jordan, Nigeria,
Poland, Portugal, Turkey, Zimbabwe).
Sources: * Ibbotson Associates
** Towers Data Systems
*** Lipper Analytical Services
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE STATISTICS
Dow Jones U.S. Small S&P/BARRA S&P/BARRA
S&P500 Ind'l Avg Stock Index U.S. Inflation Growth Value
%TR %TR %TR %TR %TR %TR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1928 43.61 55.38 39.69 -0.97 N/A N/A
Dec 1929 -8.42 -13.64 -51.36 0.20 N/A N/A
Dec 1930 -24.90 -30.22 -38.15 -6.03 N/A N/A
Dec 1931 -43.34 -49.03 -49.75 -9.52 N/A N/A
Dec 1932 -8.19 -16.88 -5.39 -10.30 N/A N/A
Dec 1933 53.99 73.71 142.87 0.51 N/A N/A
Dec 1934 -1.44 8.07 24.22 2.03 N/A N/A
Dec 1935 47.67 43.77 40.19 2.99 N/A N/A
Dec 1936 33.92 30.23 64.80 1.21 N/A N/A
Dec 1937 -35.03 -28.88 -58.01 3.10 N/A N/A
Dec 1938 31.12 33.16 32.80 -2.78 N/A N/A
Dec 1939 -0.41 1.31 0.35 -0.48 N/A N/A
Dec 1940 -9.78 -7.96 -5.16 0.96 N/A N/A
Dec 1941 -11.59 -9.88 -9.00 9.72 N/A N/A
Dec 1942 20.34 14.12 44.51 9.29 N/A N/A
Dec 1943 25.90 19.06 88.37 3.16 N/A N/A
Dec 1944 19.75 17.19 53.72 2.11 N/A N/A
Dec 1945 36.44 31.60 73.61 2.25 N/A N/A
Dec 1946 -8.07 -4.40 -11.63 18.16 N/A N/A
Dec 1947 5.71 7.61 0.92 9.01 N/A N/A
Dec 1948 5.50 4.27 -2.11 2.71 N/A N/A
Dec 1949 18.79 20.92 19.75 -1.80 N/A N/A
Dec 1950 31.71 26.40 38.75 5.79 N/A N/A
Dec 1951 24.02 21.77 7.80 5.87 N/A N/A
Dec 1952 18.37 14.58 3.03 0.88 N/A N/A
Dec 1953 -0.99 2.02 -6.49 0.62 N/A N/A
Dec 1954 52.62 51.25 60.58 -0.50 N/A N/A
Dec 1955 31.56 26.58 20.44 0.37 N/A N/A
Dec 1956 6.56 7.10 4.28 2.86 N/A N/A
Dec 1957 -10.78 -8.63 -14.57 3.02 N/A N/A
Dec 1958 43.36 39.31 64.89 1.76 N/A N/A
Dec 1959 11.96 20.21 16.40 1.50 N/A N/A
Dec 1960 0.47 -6.14 -3.29 1.48 N/A N/A
Dec 1961 26.89 22.60 32.09 0.67 N/A N/A
Dec 1962 -8.73 -7.43 -11.90 1.22 N/A N/A
Dec 1963 22.80 20.83 23.57 1.65 N/A N/A
Dec 1964 16.48 18.85 23.52 1.19 N/A N/A
Dec 1965 12.45 14.39 41.75 1.92 N/A N/A
Dec 1966 -10.06 -15.78 -7.01 3.35 N/A N/A
Dec 1967 23.98 19.16 83.57 3.04 N/A N/A
Dec 1968 11.06 7.93 35.97 4.72 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EQUITY COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE STATISTICS
Dow Jones U.S. Small S&P/BARRA S&P/BARRA
S&P500 Ind'l Avg Stock Index U.S. Inflation Growth Value
%TR %TR %TR %TR %TR %TR
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dec 1969 -8.50 -11.78 -25.05 6.11 N/A N/A
Dec 1970 4.01 9.21 -17.43 5.49 N/A N/A
Dec 1971 14.31 9.83 16.50 3.36 N/A N/A
Dec 1972 18.98 18.48 4.43 3.41 N/A N/A
Dec 1973 -14.66 -13.28 -30.90 8.80 N/A N/A
Dec 1974 -26.47 -23.58 -19.95 12.20 N/A N/A
Dec 1975 37.20 44.75 52.82 7.01 31.72 43.38
Dec 1976 23.84 22.82 57.38 4.81 13.84 34.93
Dec 1977 -7.18 -12.84 25.38 6.77 -11.82 -2.57
Dec 1978 6.56 2.79 23.46 9.03 6.78 6.16
Dec 1979 18.44 10.55 43.46 13.31 15.72 21.16
Dec 1980 32.42 22.17 39.88 12.40 39.40 23.59
Dec 1981 -4.91 -3.57 13.88 8.94 -9.81 0.02
Dec 1982 21.41 27.11 28.01 3.87 22.03 21.04
Dec 1983 22.51 25.97 39.67 3.80 16.24 28.89
Dec 1984 6.27 1.31 -6.67 3.95 2.33 10.52
Dec 1985 32.16 33.55 24.66 3.77 33.31 29.68
Dec 1986 18.47 27.10 6.85 1.13 14.50 21.67
Dec 1987 5.23 5.48 -9.30 4.41 6.50 3.68
Dec 1988 16.81 16.14 22.87 4.42 11.95 21.67
Dec 1989 31.49 32.19 10.18 4.65 36.40 26.13
Dec 1990 -3.17 -0.56 -21.56 6.11 0.20 -6.85
Dec 1991 30.55 24.19 44.63 3.06 38.37 22.56
Dec 1992 7.67 7.41 23.35 2.90 5.07 10.53
Dec 1993 9.99 16.94 20.98 2.75 1.68 18.60
Dec 1994 1.31 5.06 3.11 2.78 3.13 -0.64
</TABLE>
Source: Ibbotson Associates
