<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 15, 1999
1933 Act File No. 33-69460
1940 Act File No. 811-8046
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
/ / REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
/ / Pre-Effective Amendment No.
/X/ Post-Effective Amendment No. 23
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
/X/ Amendment No. 25
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
BERGER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUST
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(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, Colorado 80206
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(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (303) 329-0200
---------------------------
Jack R. Thompson, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206
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(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after this
post-effective amendment becomes effective.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective: (check appropriate box)
/ / immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
/X/ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
Title of Securities Being Registered: Shares of Beneficial Interest of the
-------------------------------------------
Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Shares and Institutional Shares
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
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This amendment to the Registration Statement of the Berger Investment
Portfolio Trust contains the following:
Two Prospectuses:
One for the Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Shares class
One for the Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Institutional Shares class
Two Statements of Additional Information:
One for the Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Shares class
One for the Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Institutional Shares class
One Part C
This amendment does not contain a Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information for, nor affect any Prospectus or Statement of Additional
Information covering, these other series of the Berger Investment Portfolio
Trust: Berger Small Company Growth Fund, Berger New Generation Fund, Berger
Balanced Fund, Berger Select Fund, Berger Mid Cap Growth Fund, Berger Mid Cap
Value Fund or Berger Information Technology Fund.
<PAGE>
BERGER FUNDS PROSPECTUS
[Cover design]
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
INVESTOR SHARES
___________________, 2000
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The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved any
shares offered in this prospectus or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
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Like all mutual funds, an investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is
not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. There is
no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment goal, and although you have
the potential to make money, you could also lose money in the Fund.
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<PAGE>
Contents
THE BERGER FUNDS -Registered Trademark- are a no-load family of mutual funds. A
mutual fund pools money from shareholders and invests in a portfolio of
securities. The following section introduces the Berger Large Cap Value Fund,
its goal, principal investment strategies and principal risks. It also contains
expense and performance information.
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND-TM- - INVESTOR SHARES PAGE
The Fund's Goal and Principal Investment Strategies PAGE
Principal risks PAGE
The Fund's Past Performance PAGE
Fund Expenses PAGE
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES, SECURITIES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS PAGE
Risk and Investment Table PAGE
Risk and Investment Glossary PAGE
BUYING SHARES PAGE
SELLING (REDEEMING) SHARES PAGE
Exchanging Shares PAGE
Signature Guarantees/Special Documentation PAGE
Your Share Price PAGE
Other Information About Your Account PAGE
Distributions and Taxes PAGE
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans PAGE
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
Investment Manager PAGE
Past Performance of Similar Accounts PAGE
12b-1 Arrangement PAGE
Special Fund Structure PAGE
THE BERGER FUNDS and THE BERGER MOUNTAIN LOGO are registered trademarks of
Berger LLC; BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND is a trademark of Berger LLC; and other
marks referred to herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the
respective owners thereof.
Page 2
<PAGE>
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
INVESTOR SHARES
Ticker Symbol: Not Available
[icon-profile of head with mountain peak in background]
THE FUND'S GOAL AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund aims for capital appreciation. In pursuing its goal, the Fund invests
primarily in the common stocks of large companies whose stock prices are
believed to be undervalued. The Fund's investment manager uses fundamental
analysis and proprietary valuation models to select a core holding of 25 to 40
stocks for the Fund.
The Fund's investment manager generally looks for companies:
- - That have strong fundamentals and strong management
- - Whose stock is trading at a discount relative to their assets, earnings,
cash flow or business franchise
- - That have a specific catalyst or event driving their appreciation
potential.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in
common stocks of large companies whose market capitalization, at the time of
initial purchase, is greater than the 12-month average of the median market
capitalization for companies included in the Russell 1000-Registered Trademark-
Index. This average is updated monthly.
The Fund's investment manager will generally sell a stock when it has met the
manager's expectation for appreciation or when its price has depreciated by more
the 15% due to factors not related to the market. The investment manager will
also sell a stock when it believes the stock has become excessively overweighted
in the Fund or that the company's management has deviated from its strategy.
[icon-left facing profile of head with lightening bolt; right facing profile of
head with sunshine]
PRINCIPAL RISKS
You may be interested in the Fund if you are comfortable with the risks of
equity investing and intend to make a long-term investment commitment. Like all
managed funds, there is a risk that the investment manager's strategy for
managing the Fund may not achieve the desired results. In addition, the price of
common stock moves up and down in response to corporate earnings and
developments, economic and market conditions and anticipated events. As a
result, the price of the Fund's investments may go down and you could lose money
on your investment.
The Fund's investments may focus in a small number of business sectors. In
addition, the Fund may invest in certain securities with unique risks, such as
special situations.
See "Investment Techniques, Securities and Associated Risks" later in this
prospectus for more information on principal risks and other risks.
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[icon-profile of head with scrolled paper in background]
THE FUND'S PAST PERFORMANCE
The Fund has no performance history since it did not commence operations until
______________, 2000.
[icon-two coins]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND EXPENSES
<S> <C> <C>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
As a shareholder in the (deducted directly from the Fund)
Fund, you do not pay any
sales load, redemption or Management fee .[__]%
exchange fees, but you do Distribution (12b-1) fee .25%
bear indirectly Annual Other expenses(1) .[__]%
Fund Operating Expenses,
which vary from year to TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.[__]%
year. FEE WAIVER(2) (.[__])%
NET EXPENSES 1.[__] %
</TABLE>
1. "Other expenses" are based on estimated expenses for the Investor Shares
class and include transfer agency fees, shareholder report expenses,
registration fees and custodian fees.
2. Under a written contract, the Fund's investment advisor waives its fee to
the extent that, at any time during the life of the Fund, the Fund's annual
operating expenses for the Investor Shares class exceed 1.[__]%. The
contract may not be terminated or amended except by a vote of the Fund's
Board of Trustees.
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Annual Fund operating expenses are paid by the Fund. As a result, they reduce
the Fund's return. Fund expenses include management fees,12b-1 fees and
administrative costs such as shareholder recordkeeping and reports, custodian
and pricing services and registration fees.
EXAMPLE COSTS
The following example helps you compare the cost of investing in the Fund to the
cost of investing in other mutual funds by showing what your costs may be over
time. It uses the same assumptions that other funds use in their prospectuses:
- - $10,000 initial investment
- - 5% total return for each year
- - Fund operating expenses remain the same for each period
- - Redemption after the end of each period
Your actual costs may be higher or lower, so this example should be used for
comparison only. Based on these assumptions your costs at the end of each period
would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS $
<S> <C>
One $[___]
Three $[___]
Five $[___]
</TABLE>
Page 4
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
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INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES, SECURITIES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
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RISK AND INVESTMENT TABLE
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BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
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<S> <C>
DIVERSIFICATION *
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SECTOR FOCUS [Y]
MARKET AND LIQUIDITY RISK
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SPECIAL SITUATIONS [Y]
MARKET AND INFORMATION RISK
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SMALL AND MID-SIZED COMPANY SECURITIES Y
MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND INFORMATION RISK
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FOREIGN SECURITIES Y
MARKET, CURRENCY, TRANSACTION, LIQUIDITY, INFORMATION AND POLITICAL RISK
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CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES(1) Y
MARKET, INTEREST RATE AND CREDIT RISK
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INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS (NONCONVERTIBLE) Y
INTEREST RATE, MARKET AND CREDIT RISK
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COMPANIES WITH LIMITED OPERATING HISTORIES Y
MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND INFORMATION RISK
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ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES 15
MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND TRANSACTION RISK
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INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS (IPOs)
MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND INFORMATION RISK Y
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TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES N
OPPORTUNITY RISK
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LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES 33A
CREDIT RISK
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BORROWING 25A*
LEVERAGE RISK
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HEDGING STRATEGIES
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FINANCIAL FUTURES(2) 5
HEDGING, CORRELATION, OPPORTUNITY AND LEVERAGE RISK
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FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS(2) Y
HEDGING, CREDIT, CORRELATION, OPPORTUNITY AND LEVERAGE RISK
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OPTIONS(2) 5
(EXCHANGE-TRADED AND OVER-THE-COUNTER)
HEDGING, CREDIT, CORRELATION AND LEVERAGE RISK
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WRITING (SELLING) COVERED CALL OPTIONS(2) 25A
(EXCHANGE-TRADED AND OVER-THE-COUNTER)
OPPORTUNITY, CREDIT AND LEVERAGE RISK
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</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
BEFORE YOU INVEST . . .
in the Fund, make sure you understand the risks involved. All investments
involve risk. Generally, the greater the risk, the greater the potential for
return. The reverse is also generally true, the lower the risk, the lower the
potential for return.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL FUNDS, AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS
NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FDIC OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE FUND
IS NOT A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM, BUT MAY SERVE TO DIVERSIFY OTHER TYPES OF
INVESTMENTS IN YOUR PORTFOLIO. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE FUND WILL MEET ITS
INVESTMENT GOAL, AND ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE MONEY, YOU COULD
ALSO LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND.
The table on the opposite page will help you further understand the risks the
Fund takes by investing in certain securities and the investment techniques used
by the Fund. A glossary follows this page. You may get more detailed information
about the risks of investing in the Fund in the Statement of Additional
Information (SAI), including a discussion of debt security ratings in Appendix A
to the SAI.
KEY TO TABLE
Follow down the columns under the name of the Fund. The boxes will tell you:
[Y] Yes, the security or technique is permitted by the Fund and is
emphasized by the Fund.
Y Yes, the security or technique is permitted by the Fund.
N No, the security or technique is not permitted by the Fund.
* The restriction is fundamental to the Fund. (Fundamental restrictions
cannot be changed without a shareholder vote.)
25A Use of a security or technique is permitted, but subject to a restriction
of up to 25% of total assets.
33A Use of a security or technique is permitted, but subject to a restriction
of up to 33 1/3% of total assets.
5 Use of a security or technique is permitted, but subject to a restriction
of up to 5% of net assets.
15 Use of a security or technique is permitted, but subject to a restriction
of up to 15% of net assets.
NOTES TO TABLE
1. The Fund has no minimum quality standards for convertible securities,
although it will not invest in defaulted securities. It also will not
invest 20% or more of its assets in convertible securities rated below
investment grade or in unrated convertible securities that the sub-advisor
considers to be below investment grade.
2. The Fund may use futures, forwards and options only for hedging. Not more
than 5% of the Fund's net assets may be used for initial margins for
futures and premiums for options, although the Fund may have more at risk
under these contracts than the initial margin or premium. However, the
Fund's aggregate obligations under these contracts may not exceed the total
market value of the assets being hedged, such as some or all of the value
of the Fund's equity securities.
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RISK AND INVESTMENT GLOSSARY
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BORROWING refers to a loan of money from a bank or other financial institution
undertaken by the Fund for temporary or emergency reasons only.
COMMON STOCK is a share of ownership (equity) interest in a company.
COMPANIES WITH LIMITED OPERATING HISTORIES are securities issued by companies
that have been in continuous operation for less than three years. Sometimes
called "unseasoned" issuers.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES are debt or equity securities which may be converted on
specified terms into stock of the issuer.
CORRELATION RISK occurs when the Fund "hedges" - uses one investment to offset
the Fund's position in another. If the two investments do not behave in relation
to one another the way Fund managers expect them to, then unexpected results may
occur.
CREDIT RISK means that the issuer of a security or the counterparty to an
investment contract may default or become unable to pay its obligations when
due.
CURRENCY RISK happens when the Fund buys or sells a security denominated in
foreign currency. Foreign currencies "float" in value against the U.S. dollar.
Adverse changes in foreign currency value can cause investment losses when the
Fund's investments are converted to U.S. dollars.
DIVERSIFICATION means a diversified fund may not, with respect to at least 75%
of its assets, invest more than 5% in the securities of one company. A
nondiversified fund may be more volatile than a diversified fund because it
invests more of its assets in a smaller number of companies and the gains or
losses on a single stock will therefore have a greater impact on the fund's
share price. The Fund is a diversified fund.
FINANCIAL FUTURES are exchange-traded contracts on securities, securities
indexes or foreign currencies that obligate the holder to take or make future
delivery of a specified quantity of those underlying securities or currencies on
a predetermined future date.
FOREIGN SECURITIES are issued by companies located outside of the United States.
The Fund considers a company to be located outside the United States if the
principal securities trading market for its equity securities is located outside
the U.S. or it is organized under the laws of, and has a principal office in, a
country other than the U.S.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS are privately negotiated contracts committing
the holder to purchase or sell a specified quantity of a foreign currency on a
predetermined future date.
HEDGING RISK comes into play when the Fund uses a security whose value is based
on an underlying security or index to "offset" the Fund's position in another
security or currency. The objective of hedging is to offset potential losses in
one security with gains in the hedge. But a hedge can eliminate or reduce gains
as well as offset losses. (Also see "Correlation risk.")
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES are securities which, by rules of their issue
or by their nature, cannot be sold readily. These include illiquid Rule 144A
securities.
INFORMATION RISK means that information about a security or issuer might not be
available, complete, accurate or comparable.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) is the sale of a company's securities to the
public for the first time. IPO companies can be small and have limited operating
histories. The price of IPO securities can be highly unstable due to prevailing
market psychology and the small number of shares available. In addition, the
quality and number of IPOs available for purchase may diminish in the future,
and their contribution to Fund performance may be less significant as the Fund
grows in size.
INTEREST RATE RISK is the risk that changes in interest rates will adversely
affect the value of an investor's securities. When interest rates rise, the
value of fixed-income securities will generally fall. Conversely, a drop in
interest rates will generally cause an increase in the value of fixed-income
securities. Longer-term securities are subject to greater interest rate risk.
INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS are rated BBB (STANDARD & POOR'S) or Baa (MOODY'S) or
above. Bonds rated below investment grade are subject to greater credit risk
than investment grade bonds.
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES to qualified financial institutions is undertaken
in order to earn income. The Fund lends securities only on a fully
collateralized basis.
LEVERAGE RISK occurs in some securities or techniques that tend to magnify the
effect of small changes in an
Page 7
<PAGE>
index or a market. This can result in a loss that exceeds the amount that was
invested in the contract.
LIQUIDITY RISK occurs when investments cannot be sold readily. The Fund may have
to accept a less-than-desirable price to complete the sale of an illiquid
security or may not be able to sell it at all.
MARKET RISK exists in all mutual funds and means the risk that the prices of
securities in a market, a sector, or an industry will fluctuate, and that such
movements might reduce an investment's value.
OPPORTUNITY RISK means missing out on an investment opportunity because the
assets necessary to take advantage of it are committed to less advantageous
investments or strategies.
OPTIONS are contracts giving the holder the right but not the obligation to
purchase or sell a security on or before a predetermined future date for a fixed
price. Options on securities indexes are similar, but settle in cash.
POLITICAL RISK comes into play with investments, particularly foreign
investments, which may be adversely affected by nationalization, taxation, war,
government instability or other economic or political actions or factors.
SECTOR FOCUS occurs when a significant portion of the Fund's assets are invested
in a relatively small number of related industries. The Fund will not
concentrate more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry. Sector focus
may increase both market and liquidity risk.
SMALL AND MID-SIZED COMPANY SECURITIES are securities issued by small or
mid-sized companies, as measured by their market capitalization. The market
capitalization range targeted by funds investing in small or mid-sized companies
varies by fund. In general, the smaller the company, the greater its risks.
MARKET CAPITALIZATION is the total current market value of a company's
outstanding common stock.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS are companies about to undergo a structural, financial or
management change which may significantly affect the value of their securities.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES increase a fund's investment in government
securities and other short-term securities when warranted due to market
conditions, without regard to the fund's investment restrictions, policies or
normal investment emphasis. The Fund's investment manager does not intend to use
this technique in the management of the Fund, but rather intends for the Fund to
remain as fully invested as possible at all times.
TRANSACTION RISK means that the Fund may be delayed or unable to settle a
transaction or that commissions and settlement expenses may be higher than
usual.
WRITING (SELLING) COVERED CALL OPTIONS is the selling of a contract to another
party which gives them the right but not the obligation to buy a particular
security from you. The Fund will write call options only if it already owns the
security (if it is "covered").
Page 8
<PAGE>
BUYING SHARES
[SIDEBAR BOX]
SEND NEW ACCOUNT APPLICATIONS TO
Berger Funds
P.O. Box 219958
Kansas City, MO 64121
OR FOR OVERNIGHT, CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL ONLY
Berger Funds
330 West 9th Street, 1st Floor
Kansas City, MO 64105
[SIDEBAR TABLE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENTS:
<S> <C>
- Regular investment $2,000
- Low Minimum Investment Plan $ 100
MINIMUM SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS:
- Regular investment $ 50
- Regular automatic investment $ 50
- Low Minimum Investment Plan
(required monthly automatic investments) $ 100
</TABLE>
BY MAIL
Read this prospectus.
Fill out the application if you are opening a new account.
Make out a check to BERGER FUNDS for the amount you want to invest.
Send the application and a check to the Berger Funds in the envelope
provided.
To add to an existing account, be sure to include your account number on
your check and mail it to the appropriate address above.
BY TELEPHONE
If you already have a Berger Funds account, you may purchase additional
shares by telephone order.
You must pay for them within three business days by wire, electronic funds
transfer or overnight delivery of a check.
Call (800) 551-5849 for current wire or electronic funds transfer
instructions.
Page 9
<PAGE>
BY ONLINE ACCESS
If you have established a Berger Funds account with electronic funds
transfer privileges, you may purchase additional shares via online access.
You will find us online at bergerfunds.com.
BY SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
To automatically purchase more shares on a regular basis for a regular
minimum or Low Minimum Investment Plan account, fill out the Systematic
Investment Plan section of the application. Investments are transferred
automatically from your bank account.
The Low Minimum Investment Plan is designed for investors who would like to
begin a regular investment program but are reluctant to commit to higher
lump sum initial investments. In order to qualify for the Low Minimum
Investment Plan, an investor MUST commit to automatic monthly investments
totaling no less than $100 per month per account. Automatic monthly
investments must be made until the value of each account opened under the
Plan is at least $2,000 or the account will be assessed a $10 charge each
December.
ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE AUTOMATICALLY GRANTED TELEPHONE AND ONLINE TRANSACTION
PRIVILEGES UNLESS THEY DECLINE THEM EXPLICITLY IN WRITING, EITHER ON THE
ACCOUNT APPLICATION OR BY WRITING TO THE BERGER FUNDS AT THE ADDRESS ABOVE.
YOU MAY GIVE UP SOME LEVEL OF SECURITY BY CHOOSING TO BUY AND SELL SHARES
BY TELEPHONE OR ONLINE RATHER THAN BY MAIL.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT PAYING FOR YOUR SHARES
Your check must be made payable to BERGER FUNDS.
You may NOT purchase shares by cash, credit card, third-party checks or
checks drawn on foreign banks.
Telephone and online purchase orders may not exceed ten times the value of
an account on the date the order is placed. Shares previously bought by
telephone or online access are included in calculating account size only if
payment has been received for those shares.
Orders not paid for on time will be canceled and shares will be redeemed
from your account to compensate for any decline in price of the shares
canceled.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any order and to waive minimums or
increase minimums following notice.
SELLING (REDEEMING) SHARES
BY MAIL
Page 10
<PAGE>
Send a written request indicating your account number and the dollar amount
or number of shares you are redeeming to the appropriate address shown
under "Buying Shares."
Your request must be signed by each registered shareholder, with the
signature(s) appearing exactly as they do on your account registration.
BY TELEPHONE
Call (800) 551-5849.
BY ONLINE ACCESS
You will find us online at bergerfunds.com.
FOR LIMITATIONS ON TELEPHONE AND ONLINE REDEMPTIONS SEE "SIGNATURE
GUARANTEES/SPECIAL DOCUMENTATION" BELOW.
TELEPHONE AND ONLINE REDEMPTIONS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR SHARES HELD IN
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS SPONSORED BY THE FUND.
BY SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
Shares may be redeemed automatically ($50 minimum) monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually.
A systematic withdrawal plan may be established if you own shares in the
Fund worth at least $5,000.
Call (800) 551-5849 for more information and forms.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT PAYMENT FOR YOUR REDEEMED SHARES
IN TIMES OF EXTREME ECONOMIC OR MARKET CONDITIONS, TRANSACTIONS BY
TELEPHONE OR ONLINE MAY BE DIFFICULT.
Generally, payment for your redeemed shares will be sent to you within
three business days after receipt of your redemption request in good
order.
You may receive payment for redeemed shares via wire or electronic
funds transfer. You may elect these services on the account
application or send to the Berger Funds a written request providing
your bank information with your signature guaranteed. (See "Signature
Guarantees/Special Documentation" below.)
Wire and electronic funds transfers are subject to a $1,000 minimum
and $100,000 maximum.
You will be charged $10 if you request a wire transfer. There is no
charge for an electronic funds transfer.
Page 11
<PAGE>
A wire transfer will be sent the next business day after receipt of
your order, and an electronic funds transfer will be sent the second
business day after receipt of your order.
Proceeds from the redemption of shares purchased by check may be
delayed until full payment for the shares has been received and
cleared, which may take up to 15 days from the purchase date.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
EXCHANGING SHARES
Shares of the Fund described in this prospectus may be exchanged for shares of
any other Berger Fund or for shares in the Cash Account Trust Portfolios (the
CAT Portfolios). The CAT Portfolios are three separately managed, unaffiliated
money market funds: the Money Market Portfolio, the Government Securities
Portfolio and the Tax-Exempt Portfolio.
The exchange privilege with the CAT Portfolios does not constitute an offering
or recommendation of the shares of these portfolios by the Berger Funds or
Berger LLC. Berger LLC is compensated for administrative services it performs
with respect to the CAT Portfolios.
When exchanging shares:
- - Each account must be registered identically -- have the same signatures and
addresses.
- - Each Fund or CAT Portfolio must be legally eligible for sale in your state
of residence.
- - You may exchange out of each of the Berger Funds up to four times per
calendar year. At this time, there is no limit on the number of exchanges
permitted out of the CAT Portfolios.
- - You may exchange by telephone, online access or mail.
- - You are responsible for obtaining and reading the prospectus for the Fund
or CAT Portfolio into which you are exchanging.
- - Exchanges result in the sale of one Fund's shares and the purchase of
another, normally resulting in a taxable event for you.
- - Exchanges into any new Fund or CAT Portfolio are subject to that Fund's or
Portfolio's initial and subsequent investment minimums.
The Fund may terminate or modify the exchange privilege in the future.
Page 12
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES/SPECIAL DOCUMENTATION
The Fund uses Signature Guarantees to protect you and the Fund from possible
fraudulent requests for redeemed shares. Your redemption request must be in
writing and accompanied by a Signature Guarantee if:
- - Your request exceeds $100,000.
- - You request that payment be made to a name other than the one on your
account registration.
- - You request that payment be mailed to an address which has been changed
within 30 days of your redemption request or to an address other than the
one of record.
- - You change or add information relating to your designated bank.
The Berger Funds reserve the right to require Signature Guarantees under other
certain circumstances.
You can get a Signature Guarantee from most broker-dealers, national or state
banks, credit unions, federal savings and loan associations or other eligible
institutions. YOU CANNOT OBTAIN A SIGNATURE GUARANTEE FROM A NOTARY PUBLIC.
Make sure the Signature Guarantee appears:
- - Together with the signature(s) of all registered owner(s) of the redeemed
shares on the written redemption request.
- - On any share certificates you hold for the redeemed shares or on a separate
statement of assignment (stock power) which may be obtained from a bank or
broker.
Additional documents are required for redemptions by corporations, executors,
administrators, trustees and guardians. For instructions, call (800) 551-5849 or
write to the Berger Funds, P.O. Box 219958, Kansas City, MO 64121.
YOUR SHARE PRICE
The price at which you buy, sell or exchange Fund shares is the share price or
net asset value (NAV). The share price for the Investor Shares of the Fund is
determined by adding the Investor Shares' pro rata portion of the total value of
the Fund's investments, cash and other assets, deducting the Investor Shares'
pro rata portion of the Fund's liabilities and the liabilities attributable
directly to the Investor Shares, and then dividing that value by the total
number of the Investor Shares outstanding. Share price is calculated separately
for each class of Fund shares.
The Fund's share price is calculated at the close of the regular trading session
of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time) each day that
the Exchange is open. Share price is not calculated on the days that the
Exchange is closed.
Page 13
<PAGE>
FOR A PURCHASE, REDEMPTION OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES, YOUR PRICE IS THE SHARE
PRICE NEXT CALCULATED AFTER YOUR REQUEST IS RECEIVED IN GOOD ORDER AND ACCEPTED
BY THE FUND, ITS AUTHORIZED AGENT OR DESIGNEE. TO RECEIVE A SPECIFIC DAY'S
PRICE, YOUR REQUEST MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE NEW YORK STOCK
EXCHANGE ON THAT DAY.
When the Fund calculates its share price, it values the securities it holds at
market value. Sometimes market quotes for some securities are not available or
are not representative of market value. Examples would be when events occur that
materially affect the value of a security at a time when the security is not
trading or when the securities are illiquid. In that case, securities may be
valued in good faith at fair value, using consistently applied procedures
decided on by the trustees. Money market instruments maturing within 60 days are
valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Assets and
liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at
the prevailing market rates quoted by one or more banks or dealers shortly
before the close of the Exchange.
The Fund's foreign securities may trade on days that the Exchange is closed and
the Fund's daily share price is not calculated. As a result, the Fund's daily
share price may be affected and you will not be able to purchase or redeem
shares.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
You may give up some level of security by choosing to buy or sell shares by
telephone or online, rather than by mail. The Fund uses procedures designed to
give reasonable assurance that telephone and online instructions are genuine,
including recording the transactions, testing the identity of the shareholder
placing the order and sending prompt written confirmation of transactions to the
shareholder of record. The Fund, and its service providers, are not liable for
acting upon instructions communicated by telephone or online that they believe
to be genuine if these procedures are followed.
CONFIRMATION OF YOUR PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
After any transaction, you will receive written confirmation including the share
price and the dollar amount and number of shares bought or redeemed. Exception:
Shares purchased under Automatic Investment Plans or redeemed under Systematic
Withdrawal Plans will be confirmed quarterly. Partial shares will be calculated
to three decimal places.
SHARE CERTIFICATES
To assist in minimizing administrative costs, share certificates will not be
issued. Records of share ownership are maintained by the Fund's transfer agent
in book entry form.
PURCHASES THROUGH BROKER-DEALERS
Page 14
<PAGE>
You may buy Fund shares through certain broker-dealers or other financial
organizations, but these organizations may charge you a fee or may have
different minimums for first-time or additional investments which are not
applicable if you buy shares directly from the Fund.
THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS
Certain brokerage firms and other companies may provide administrative services
(such as sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping or shareholder communications
services) to investors purchasing shares of the Fund through those companies.
The Fund's advisor or the Fund (if approved by its trustees) may pay fees to
these companies for their services. These companies may also be appointed as
agents for or authorized by the Fund to accept on its behalf purchase and
redemption requests that are received in good order. Subject to Fund approval,
certain of these companies may be authorized to designate other entities to
accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund.
YEAR 2000 READINESS
Mutual funds and businesses around the world could be adversely affected if
computers do not properly process date-related information with respect to the
Year 2000. The Fund's investment managers are addressing these issues for their
computers and are getting reasonable assurances from the Fund's other major
service providers that they too are addressing these issues to preserve smooth
functioning of the Fund's trading, pricing, shareholder account, custodial and
other operations. There can be no assurances, however, that all problems will be
avoided.
These computer problems could also adversely affect the Fund's investments.
Improperly functioning computers may disrupt securities markets generally or
result in overall economic uncertainty. Individual companies may also be
adversely affected by the cost of fixing their computers, which could be
substantial. The Fund's investment managers consider these issues when
evaluating investments for the Fund.
REDEMPTIONS IN-KIND
The Fund intends to redeem its shares only for cash, although in order to
protect the interest of remaining shareholders, it retains the right to redeem
its shares in-kind under unusual circumstances. In-kind payment means payment
will be made to you in portfolio securities rather than cash. If this occurs,
you will incur transaction costs if you sell the securities for cash. You may
have difficulty selling the securities and recovering the amount of your
redemption if the securities are illiquid.
ACCOUNT MINIMUMS
The Fund will charge all shareholder accounts with a balance of less than $2,000
that are not making automatic monthly investments an annual fee of $10. This
charge is designed to help offset the proportionately higher costs of
maintaining small accounts.
This charge will apply to accounts that have been over $2,000 at some point in
time only if the balance has dropped below this amount because shares were
redeemed, not because the share value declined.
Page 15
<PAGE>
Shares in accounts that do not meet the minimum balance requirement applicable
to them as described below may also be subject to involuntary redemption by the
Fund.
REDEMPTIONS BY THE FUND OF CERTAIN ACCOUNTS
To reduce its expenses, the Fund may involuntarily redeem the shares in your
account if your balance drops below $2,000 -- but only if it drops below this
amount because you have redeemed shares, not because the share value has
declined. You will be given 60 days' notice before the Fund undertakes any
involuntary redemption. During that time, you may buy more shares to bring your
account above the minimum.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS OF INCOME AND GAINS
Unless you tell us that you want to receive your distributions in cash, they
will be reinvested automatically in Fund shares. The Fund generally makes two
different kinds of distributions:
- - Capital gains from the sale of portfolio securities held by the Fund. The
Fund will distribute any net realized capital gains annually, normally in
December.
- - Net investment income from interest or dividends received on securities
held by the Fund. The Fund will distribute its investment income annually,
normally in December.
YOUR TAXES
You generally will owe tax on amounts distributed to you by the Fund in any
non-retirement account whether you reinvest them in additional shares or receive
them in cash.
Distributions of gains from the sale of assets held by the Fund for more than
one year generally are taxable to you at the applicable long-term capital gains
rate, regardless of how long you have owned your Fund shares.
Distributions from other sources generally are taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions made by the Fund to you will normally be capital gains. A portion
of those gains may be net short-term capital gains, which are taxed as ordinary
income. The Fund generally will not distribute net investment income, although
any net investment income that is generated as a by-product of managing its
portfolio will be distributed to you.
If you redeem Fund shares that have appreciated in value, you will have a
taxable gain upon redemption. Exchanges are treated as a redemption and purchase
for tax purposes. Therefore, you will also have a taxable gain if you exchange
shares redeemed that have appreciated in value.
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
You should consult your own tax advisor about your particular situation. For
more information about other tax matters, including backup withholding for
certain taxpayers and other tax aspects of redemptions, see the SAI.
Page 16
<PAGE>
TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers several tax-qualified retirement plans for individuals,
businesses and nonprofit organizations. For information about establishing an
IRA, Roth IRA, profit-sharing or money purchase pension plan, 403(b) Custodial
Account, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA account or other retirement plans, please call
(800) 551-5849 or write to the Berger Funds, P.O. Box 219958, Kansas City, MO
64121. Trustees for existing 401(k) or other plans interested in using Fund
shares as an investment or investment alternative in their plans are invited to
call the Fund at (800) 259-2820.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT MANAGER
BERGER LLC (210 University Blvd., Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206) is the Fund's
investment advisor. Berger LLC serves as investment advisor, sub-advisor,
administrator or sub-administrator to mutual funds and institutional investors.
Berger LLC has been in the investment advisory business for 25 years. When
acting as investment advisor, Berger LLC is responsible for managing the
investment operations of the Fund. Berger LLC also provides administrative
services to the Fund. For these services, Berger LLC earns a fee at the annual
rate of ____% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Berger LLC also provides
administrative services to the Fund.
WILLIAM F. K. SCHAFF has been the investment manager for the Fund since its
inception. Mr. Schaff joined Berger LLC as Vice President in January 2000.
Previously, Mr. Schaff co-founded and was the co-owner of Bay Isle Financial
Corporation and now serves as its Chief Investment Officer. In January 2000,
Berger LLC purchased Bay Isle which is now a subsidiary of Berger LLC. Mr.
Schaff has been managing accounts of Bay Isle clients since 1987.
PAST PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS
The Fund is newly organized and does not yet have its own performance history.
However, the Fund's portfolio manager has managed other accounts that have the
same investment objective and substantially the same investment strategies and
policies as the Fund. Set out below is composite performance information for
those accounts. This information is provided so you can consider the performance
history of the Fund's portfolio manager with accounts substantially similar to
the Fund.
YOU SHOULD NOT CONSIDER THE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR THESE OTHER ACCOUNTS AS
A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND, NOR AS AN INDICATION OF THE FUTURE
PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND.
Despite their similarity, there are differences between the Fund and the
accounts in the composite and their performance is expected to differ. The
following should be noted in considering the performance information below:
- - The accounts in the composite are not subject to certain investment
limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed by
law on mutual funds like the Fund, which could have adversely affected the
performance of the accounts.
- - The net composite performance information includes the reinvestment of
dividends and has been adjusted to reflect the anticipated annual fund
operating expenses of the Fund (after waiver).
Page 17
<PAGE>
- - The composite information was calculated assuming a 2% cash component in
each account. The Fund's cash holdings may vary.
- - The performance of the accounts in the composite will be less comparable to
the performance of the Fund if the asset size of the composite accounts
varies from that of the Fund.
- - The composite information is a composite of the performance of all accounts
meeting the criteria for inclusion in the composite (more than $30,000 and
managed on a fully discretionary basis for more than 1 year) and is not
necessarily indicative of the performance of any specific account in the
composite.
AVERAGE ANNUAL NET TOTAL RETURNS OF COMPOSITE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Sub-Advisor's Large Cap Value Composite Russell 1000-Registered Trademark- Index (1)
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1-year
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
3-year
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
5-year
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
10-year
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Since inception (__/__/__)
- ------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Russell 1000-Registered Trademark- Index measures the performance of
the 1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000(R) Index. The Russell
3000-Registered Trademark- Index measures the performance of the 3,000
largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization.
ANNUAL NET TOTAL RETURNS
(as of December 31 of each calendar year)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Composite Russell 1000-Registered Trademark- Index
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1998
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1997
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1996
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1995
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1994
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1993
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1992
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1991
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1990
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
1989
- -------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Page 18
<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes are made whenever the Fund's investment manager believes that
the Fund's goal could be better achieved by investment in another security,
regardless of portfolio turnover. At times, portfolio turnover for the Fund may
exceed 100% per year. A turnover rate of 100% means the securities owned by the
Fund were replaced once during the year. Higher turnover rates may result in
higher brokerage costs to the Fund and in higher net taxable gains for you as an
investor.
12B-1 ARRANGEMENTS
The Fund is a "no-load" fund, meaning that you pay no sales charge or
commissions when you buy or sell Fund shares. However, the Fund has adopted a
12b-1 plan for its Investor Shares class, permitting it to pay a fee in
connection with distribution of those shares. Berger LLC is entitled to be paid
a fee under the plan of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to the Investor Shares. Because this fee is paid on an ongoing
basis, this may result in the cost of your investment increasing and over time
may cost you more than other types of sales charges. The fee may be used for
such things as marketing and promotion, compensation to dealers and others who
provide distribution and administrative services, and shareholder support
services (such as routine requests for information).
SPECIAL FUND STRUCTURE
The Fund offers two classes of shares. The Investor Shares offered in this
prospectus are available to the general public. The other class of shares,
Institutional Shares, are offered through a separate prospectus and are designed
for investors who maintain a minimum account balance of $250,000. Each class of
shares has its own expenses so that share price, performance and distributions
will differ between classes. The 12b-1 plan adopted by the Fund applies only to
the Investor Shares. For more information on Institutional Shares, please call
(800) 259-2820.
For more information on the multi-class fund structure, see the SAI.
Page 19
<PAGE>
[BACK COVER]
[LOGO]
BERGER-Registered Trademark-
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Additional information about the Funds' investments is available in the Funds'
semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders. The Funds' annual report
contains a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that
affect the Funds' performance over the past year.
You may wish to read the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) for more
information on the Fund and the securities it invests in. The SAI is
incorporated into this prospectus by reference, which means that it is
considered to be part of the prospectus.
You can get free copies of the annual and semi-annual reports and the SAI,
request other information or get answers to your questions about the Fund by
writing or calling the Fund at:
Berger Funds
P.O. Box 219958
Kansas City, MO 64121
(800) 551-5849
bergerfunds.com
Text-only versions of Fund documents can be viewed online or downloaded from the
EDGAR database on the SEC's web site at sec.gov.
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington DC. For information on the operation of the Public Reference Room,
call 1-202-942-8090. Copies of documents may also be obtained, after paying a
duplicating fee, by sending your request to the following e-mail address:
[email protected], or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-6009.
Page 20
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NUMBER:
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust 811-8046
Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Investor Shares
Page 21
<PAGE>
BERGER FUNDS PROSPECTUS
[Cover Design]
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
___________________, 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved any
shares offered in this prospectus or determined whether this prospectus is
accurate or complete. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Like all mutual funds, an investment in the Fund is not a bank deposit and is
not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. There is
no guarantee that the Fund will meet its investment goal, and although you have
the potential to make money, you could also lose money in the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Contents
THE BERGER FUNDS -REGISTERED TRADEMARK- are a no-load family of mutual funds. A
mutual fund pools money from shareholders and invests in a portfolio of
securities. This prospectus offers the class of shares designated as
Institutional Shares of the Berger Large Cap Value Fund. These shares are
designed for pension and profit-sharing plans, employee benefit trusts,
endowments, foundations and corporations, as well as high net worth individuals
and financial intermediaries, who are willing to maintain a minimum account
balance of $250,000.
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND-TM- - INSTITUTIONAL SHARES PAGE
The Fund's Goal and Principal Investment Strategies PAGE
Principal Risks PAGE
The Fund's Past Performance PAGE
Fund Expenses PAGE
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES, SECURITIES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS PAGE
Risk and Investment Glossary PAGE
BUYING SHARES PAGE
SELLING (REDEEMING) SHARES PAGE
Exchanging Shares PAGE
Signature Guarantees/Special Documentation PAGE
Your Share Price PAGE
Other Information About Your Account PAGE
Distributions and Taxes PAGE
Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans PAGE
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
Investment Managers PAGE
Special Fund Structure PAGE
THE BERGER FUNDS and THE BERGER MOUNTAIN LOGO are registered trademarks of
Berger LLC; BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND is a trademark of Berger LLC; and other
marks referred to herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the
respective owners thereof.
Page 2
<PAGE>
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Ticker Symbol: Not Available
[icon-profile of head with mountain peak in background]
THE FUND'S GOAL AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund aims for capital appreciation. In pursuing its goal, the Fund invests
primarily in the common stocks of large companies whose stock prices are
believed to be undervalued. The Fund's investment manager uses fundamental
analysis and proprietary valuation models to select a core holding of 25 to 40
stocks for the Fund.
The Fund's investment manager generally looks for companies:
- - That have strong fundamentals and strong management
- - Whose stock is trading at a discount relative to their assets, earnings,
cash flow or business franchise
- - That have a specific catalyst or event driving their appreciation
potential.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in
common stocks of large companies whose market capitalization, at the time of
initial purchase, is greater than the 12-month average of the median market
capitalization for companies included in the Russell 1000-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-
Index. This average is updated monthly.
The Fund's investment manager will generally sell a stock when it has met the
manager's expectation for appreciation or when its price has depreciated by more
the 15% due to factors not related to the market. The investment manager will
also sell a stock when it believes the stock has become excessively overweighted
in the Fund or that the company's management has deviated from its strategy.
[icon-left facing profile of head with lightening bolt; right facing profile of
head with sunshine]
PRINCIPAL RISKS
You may be interested in the Fund if you are comfortable with the risks of
equity investing and intend to make a long-term investment commitment. Like all
managed funds, there is a risk that the investment manager's strategy for
managing the Fund may not achieve the desired results. In addition, the price of
common stock moves up and down in response to corporate earnings and
developments, economic and market conditions and anticipated events. As a
result, the price of the Fund's investments may go down and you could lose money
on your investment.
The Fund's investments may focus in a small number of business sectors. In
addition, the Fund may invest in certain securities with unique risks, such as
special situations.
See "Investment Techniques, Securities and Associated Risks" later in this
prospectus for more information on principal risks and other risks.
Page 3
<PAGE>
[icon-profile of head with scrolled paper in background]
THE FUND'S PAST PERFORMANCE
The Fund has no performance history since it did not commence operations until
______________, 2000.
[icon-two coins]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FUND EXPENSES
<S> <C> <C>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
As a shareholder in the (deducted directly from the Fund)
Fund, you do not pay any
sales load, redemption or Management fee .[__]%
exchange fees, but you do Other expenses(1) .[__]%
bear indirectly Annual
Fund Operating Expenses, TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.[__]%
which vary from year to FEE WAIVER(2) (.[__])%
year. --------
NET EXPENSES 1.[__] %
</TABLE>
1. "Other expenses" are based on estimated expenses for the Institutional
Shares class and include transfer agency fees, shareholder report
expenses, registration fees and custodian fees.
2. Under a written contract, the Fund's investment advisor waives its fee to
the extent that, at any time during the life of the Fund, the Fund's annual
operating expenses for the Institutional Shares class exceed 1.[__]%. The
contract may not be terminated or amended except by a vote of the Fund's
Board of Trustees.
UNDERSTANDING EXPENSES
Annual Fund operating expenses are paid by the Fund. As a result, they reduce
the Fund's return. Fund expenses include management fees and administrative
costs such as shareholder recordkeeping and reports, custodian and pricing
services and registration fees.
EXAMPLE COSTS
The following example helps you compare the cost of investing in the Fund to the
cost of investing in other mutual funds by showing what your costs may be over
time. It uses the same assumptions that other funds use in their prospectuses:
- - $10,000 initial investment
- - 5% total return for each year
- - Fund operating expenses remain the same for each period
- - Redemption after the end of each period
Your actual costs may be higher or lower, so this example should be used for
comparison only. Based on these assumptions your costs at the end of each period
would be:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS $
<S> <C>
One $[___]
Three $[___]
</TABLE>
Page 4
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES, SECURITIES AND ASSOCIATED RISKS
BEFORE YOU INVEST . . .
in the Fund, make sure you understand the risks involved. All investments
involve risk. Generally, the greater the risk, the greater the potential for
return. The reverse is also generally true, the lower the risk, the lower the
potential for return.
LIKE ALL MUTUAL FUNDS, AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A BANK DEPOSIT AND IS
NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FDIC OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. THE FUND
IS NOT A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM, BUT MAY SERVE TO DIVERSIFY OTHER TYPES OF
INVESTMENTS IN YOUR PORTFOLIO. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE FUND WILL MEET ITS
INVESTMENT GOAL, AND ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE MONEY, YOU COULD
ALSO LOSE MONEY BY INVESTING IN THE FUND.
The following glossary will help you further understand the risks the Fund takes
by investing in certain securities and the investment techniques used by the
Fund. You may get more detailed information about the risks of investing in the
Fund in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI), including a discussion of
debt security ratings in Appendix A to the SAI.
BORROWING refers to a loan of money from a bank or other financial
institution undertaken by the Fund for temporary or emergency reasons only. The
Fund will not borrow more than 25% of its total assets. LEVERAGE RISK
COMMON STOCK is a share of ownership (equity) interest in a company.
COMPANIES WITH LIMITED OPERATING HISTORIES are securities issued by
companies that have been in continuous operation for less than three years.
Sometimes called "unseasoned" issuers. MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND INFORMATION RISKS
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES(1) are debt or equity securities which may be
converted on specified terms into stock of the issuer. MARKET, INTEREST RATE AND
CREDIT RISKS
CORRELATION RISK occurs when the Fund "hedges" - uses one investment to
offset the Fund's position in another. If the two investments do not behave in
relation to one another the way Fund managers expect them to, then unexpected
results may occur.
CREDIT RISK means that the issuer of a security or the counterparty to an
investment contract may default or become unable to pay its obligations when
due.
CURRENCY RISK happens when the Fund buys or sells a security denominated in
foreign currency. Foreign currencies "float" in value against the U.S. dollar.
Adverse changes in foreign currency value can cause investment losses when the
Fund's investments are converted to U.S. dollars.
DIVERSIFICATION means a diversified fund may not, with respect to at least
75% of its assets, invest more than 5% in the securities of one company. A
nondiversified fund may be more volatile than a diversified fund because it
invests more of its assets in a smaller number of companies and the gains or
losses on a single stock will therefore have a greater impact on the fund's
share price. The Fund is a diversified fund.
Page 5
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL FUTURES(2) are exchange-traded contracts on securities,
securities indexes or foreign currencies that obligate the holder to take or
make future delivery of a specified quantity of those underlying securities or
currencies on a predetermined future date. Not more than 5% of the Fund's net
assets may be used for initial margins for futures and premiums for options.
HEDGING, CORRELATION, OPPORTUNITY AND LEVERAGE RISKS
FOREIGN SECURITIES are issued by companies located outside of the United
States. The Fund considers a company to be located outside the United States if
the principal securities trading market for its equity securities is located
outside the U.S. or it is organized under the laws of, and has a principal
office in, a country other than the U.S. MARKET, CURRENCY, TRANSACTION,
LIQUIDITY, INFORMATION AND POLITICAL RISKS
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS(2) are privately negotiated contracts
committing the holder to purchase or sell a specified quantity of a foreign
currency on a predetermined future date. HEDGING, CREDIT, CORRELATION,
OPPORTUNITY AND LEVERAGE RISKS
HEDGING RISK comes into play when the Fund uses a security whose value is
based on an underlying security or index to "offset" the Fund's position in
another security or currency. The objective of hedging is to offset potential
losses in one security with gains in the hedge. But a hedge can eliminate or
reduce gains as well as offset losses. (Also see "Correlation risk.")
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES are securities which, by rules of their
issue or by their nature, cannot be sold readily. These include illiquid Rule
144A securities. The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid and restricted securities. MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND TRANSACTION RISKS
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) is the sale of a company's securities to the
public for the first time. IPO companies can be small and have limited operating
histories. The price of IPO securities can be highly unstable due to prevailing
market psychology and the small number of shares available. In addition, the
quality and number of IPOs available for purchase may diminish in the future,
and their contribution to Fund performance may be less significant as the Fund
grows in size.
INFORMATION RISK means that information about a security or issuer might
not be available, complete, accurate or comparable.
INTEREST RATE RISK is the risk that changes in interest rates will
adversely affect the value of an investor's securities. When interest rates
rise, the value of fixed-income securities will generally fall. Conversely, a
drop in interest rates will generally cause an increase in the value of
fixed-income securities. Longer-term securities are subject to greater interest
rate risk.
INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS are rated BBB (STANDARD & POOR'S) or Baa (MOODY'S)
or above. Bonds rated below investment grade are subject to greater credit risk
than investment grade bonds. INTEREST RATE, MARKET AND CREDIT RISKS
LENDING PORTFOLIO SECURITIES to qualified financial institutions is
undertaken in order to earn income. The Fund lends securities only on a fully
collateralized basis. The Fund may lend portfolio securities only up to 33 1/3%
of its total assets. CREDIT RISK
Page 6
<PAGE>
LEVERAGE RISK occurs in some securities or techniques that tend to magnify
the effect of small changes in an index or a market. This can result in a loss
that exceeds the amount that was invested in the contract.
LIQUIDITY RISK occurs when investments cannot be sold readily. The Fund may
have to accept a less-than-desirable price to complete the sale of an illiquid
security or may not be able to sell it at all.
MARKET CAPITALIZATION is the total current market value of a company's
outstanding common stock.
MARKET RISK exists in all mutual funds and means the risk that the prices
of securities in a market, a sector, or an industry will fluctuate, and that
such movements might reduce an investment's value.
OPPORTUNITY RISK means missing out on an investment opportunity because the
assets necessary to take advantage of it are committed to less advantageous
investments or strategies.
OPTIONS(2) are contracts giving the holder the right but not the obligation
to purchase or sell a security on or before a predetermined future date for a
fixed price. Options on securities indexes are similar, but settle in cash. Not
more than 5% of the Fund's net assets may be used for initial margins for
futures and premiums for options. HEDGING, CREDIT, CORRELATION AND LEVERAGE
RISKS
POLITICAL RISK comes into play with investments, particularly foreign
investments, which may be adversely affected by nationalization, taxation, war,
government instability or other economic or political actions or factors.
SECTOR FOCUS(t) occurs when a significant portion of the Fund's assets are
invested in a relatively small number of related industries. The Fund will not
concentrate more than 25% of its total assets in any one industry. Sector focus
may increase both market and liquidity risk. MARKET AND LIQUIDITY RISKS
SMALL AND MID-SIZED COMPANY SECURITIES are securities issued by small or
mid-sized companies, as measured by their market capitalization. The market
capitalization range targeted by funds investing in small or mid-sized companies
varies by fund. In general, the smaller the company, the greater its risks.
MARKET, LIQUIDITY AND INFORMATION RISKS
SPECIAL SITUATIONS(t) are companies about to undergo a structural,
financial or management change which may significantly affect the value of
their securities. MARKET AND INFORMATION RISKS
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES increase a fund's investment in government
securities and other short-term securities when warranted due to market
conditions, without regard to the fund's investment restrictions, policies or
normal investment emphasis. The Fund's investment manager does not intend to use
this technique in the management of the Fund, but rather intends for the Fund to
remain as fully invested as possible at all times. OPPORTUNITY RISK
TRANSACTION RISK means that the Fund may be delayed or unable to settle a
transaction or that commissions and settlement expenses may be higher than
usual.
Page 7
<PAGE>
WRITING (SELLING) COVERED CALL OPTIONS(2) is the selling of a contract to
another party which gives them the right but not the obligation to buy a
particular security from you. The Fund will write call options only if it
already owns the security (if it is "covered"). The Fund may only write call
options up to 25% of its total assets. OPPORTUNITY, CREDIT AND LEVERAGE RISKS
1. The Fund has no minimum quality standards for convertible securities,
although it will not invest in defaulted securities. It also will not
invest 20% or more of its assets in convertible securities rated below
investment grade or in unrated convertible securities that the sub-advisor
considers to be below investment grade.
2. The Fund may use futures, forwards and options only for hedging. Not more
than 5% of the Fund's net assets may be used for initial margins for
futures and premiums for options, although the Fund may have more at risk
under these contracts than the initial margin or premium. However, the
Fund's aggregate obligations under these contracts may not exceed the total
market value of the assets being hedged, such as some or all of the value
of the Fund's equity securities.
t. The security or technique is emphasized by the Fund.
Page 8
<PAGE>
BUYING SHARES
SEND NEW ACCOUNT APPLICATIONS TO
Berger Funds
P.O. Box 219958
Kansas City, MO 64121
OR FOR OVERNIGHT, CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL ONLY
Berger Funds
330 West 9th Street, 1st Floor
Kansas City, MO 64105
Minimums:
Initial investment $250,000
Subsequent investments No minimum
BY MAIL
Read this prospectus.
Fill out the application if you are opening a new account.
Make out a check to BERGER FUNDS for the amount you want to invest.
Send the application and a check to the Berger Funds in the envelope
provided.
To add to an existing account, be sure to include your account number on
your check and mail it to the appropriate address above.
BY WIRE OR ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER
Payment may be made from your bank to the Berger Funds.
Call (800) 960-8427 for current wire or electronic funds transfer
instructions.
BY TELEPHONE
If you already have a Berger Funds account, you may purchase additional
shares by telephone order.
You must pay for them within three business days by wire, electronic funds
transfer or overnight delivery of a check.
Call (800) 960-8427 for current wire or electronic funds transfer
instructions.
Page 9
<PAGE>
BY ONLINE ACCESS
If you have established a Berger Funds account with electronic funds
transfer privileges, you may purchase additional shares via online access
You will find us online at bergerfunds.com.
BY AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
To automatically purchase more shares on a regular basis, fill out the
Automatic Investment Plan section of the application.
Investments are transferred automatically from your bank account.
See details on the application.
All shareholders are automatically granted telephone and online transaction
privileges unless they decline them explicitly in writing, either on the
account application or by writing to the Berger Funds at the address above.
You may give up some level of security by choosing to buy and sell shares
by telephone or online rather than by mail. In times of extreme economic or
market conditions, transactions by telephone or online may be difficult.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT PAYING FOR YOUR SHARES
Your check must be made payable to BERGER FUNDS.
You may NOT purchase shares by cash, credit card, third-party checks or
checks drawn on foreign banks.
Subject to approval by the Fund, you may purchase Fund shares with liquid
securities that the Fund is eligible to purchase. These securities must
have a value that can be readily determined in accordance with the Fund's
valuation policies. You may pay for Fund shares with securities only if it
is the investment manager's intention to retain them in the Fund's
portfolio. The Fund may amend or terminate this practice at any time.
Orders not paid for on time will be canceled and shares will be redeemed
from your account to compensate for any decline in price of the shares
canceled.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any order and to waive minimums or
increase minimums following notice.
Page 10
<PAGE>
SELLING (REDEEMING) SHARES
BY MAIL
Send a written request indicating your account number and the dollar amount
or number of shares you are redeeming to the appropriate address shown
under "Buying Shares."
Your request must be signed by each registered shareholder, with the
signature(s) appearing exactly as they do on your account registration.
Include any necessary Signature Guarantees. See "Signature
Guarantees/Special Documentation" below.
BY TELEPHONE
Call (800)960-8427.
BY ONLINE ACCESS
You will find us online at bergerfunds.com.
For limitations on telephone and online redemptions see "Signature
Guarantees/Special Documentation" below.
Telephone and online redemptions are not available for shares held in
retirement accounts sponsored by the Fund.
BY SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
A systematic withdrawal plan may be established if you own shares in the
Fund worth at least $5,000.
Shares may be redeemed automatically ($50 minimum) monthly, quarterly,
semi-annually or annually.
Call (800) 960-8427 for more information and forms.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT PAYMENT FOR YOUR REDEEMED SHARES
Generally, payment for your redeemed shares will be sent to you within
three business days after receipt of your redemption request in good order.
You may receive payment for redeemed shares via wire or electronic funds
transfer. You may elect these services on the account application or send
to the Berger Funds a written request providing your bank information with
your signature guaranteed. (See "Signature Guarantees/Special
Documentation" below.)
Page 11
<PAGE>
A wire transfer will be sent the next business day after receipt of your
order, and an electronic funds transfer will be sent the second business
day after receipt of your order.
Proceeds from the redemption of shares purchased by check may be delayed
until full payment for the shares has been received and cleared, which may
take up to 15 days from the purchase date.
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
EXCHANGING SHARES
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of any other publicly available
Berger Funds by calling (800) 960-8427. When exchanging shares:
- - Each account must be registered identically -- have the same signatures and
addresses.
- - Each Fund must be legally eligible for sale in your state of residence.
- - You may exchange out of each of the Berger Funds up to four times per
calendar year.
- - You may exchange by telephone, online access or mail.
- - You are responsible for obtaining and reading the prospectus for the fund
into which you are exchanging.
- - Exchanges result in the sale of one fund's shares and the purchase of
another, normally resulting in a taxable event for you.
- - Exchanges into any new fund are subject to that fund's initial and
subsequent investment minimums.
The Fund may terminate or modify the exchange privilege in the future.
SIGNATURE GUARANTEES/SPECIAL DOCUMENTATION
The Fund uses Signature Guarantees to protect you and the Fund from possible
fraudulent requests for redeemed shares. Your redemption request must be in
writing and accompanied by a Signature Guarantee if:
- - You request that payment be made to a name other than the one on your
account registration.
- - You request that payment be mailed to an address which has been changed
within 30 days of your redemption request or to an address other than the
one of record.
- - You change or add information relating to your designated bank.
Page 12
<PAGE>
The Berger Funds reserve the right to require Signature Guarantees under other
certain circumstances. You can get a Signature Guarantee from most
broker-dealers, national or state banks, credit unions, federal savings and loan
associations or other eligible institutions. YOU CANNOT OBTAIN A SIGNATURE
GUARANTEE FROM A NOTARY PUBLIC.
Make sure the Signature Guarantee appears:
- - Together with the signature(s) of all registered owner(s) of the redeemed
shares on the written redemption request.
- - On any share certificates you hold for the redeemed shares or on a separate
statement of assignment (stock power) which may be obtained from a bank or
broker.
Additional documents are required for redemptions by corporations, executors,
administrators, trustees and guardians. For instructions, call (800) 960-8427 or
write to the Berger Funds, P.O. Box 219958, Kansas City, MO 64121.
YOUR SHARE PRICE
The price at which you buy, sell or exchange Fund shares is the share price or
net asset value (NAV). The share price for the Institutional Shares of the Fund
is determined by adding the Institutional Shares' pro rata portion of the total
value of the Fund's investments, cash and other assets, deducting the
Institutional Shares' pro rata portion of the Fund's liabilities and the
liabilities attributable directly to the Institutional Shares, and then dividing
that value by the total number of the Institutional Shares outstanding. Share
price is calculated separately for each class of Fund shares.
The Fund's share price is calculated at the close of the regular trading session
of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time) each day that
the Exchange is open. Share price is not calculated on the days that the
Exchange is closed.
For a purchase, redemption or exchange of Fund shares, your price is the share
price next calculated after your request is received in good order and accepted
by the Fund, its authorized agent or designee. To receive a specific day's
price, your request must be received before the close of the New York Stock
Exchange on that day.
When the Fund calculates its share price, it values the securities it holds at
market value. Sometimes market quotes for some securities are not available or
are not representative of market value. Examples would be when events occur that
materially affect the value of a security at a time when the security is not
trading or when the securities are illiquid. In that case, securities may be
valued in good faith at fair value, using consistently applied procedures
decided on by the trustees. Money market instruments maturing within 60 days are
valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. Assets and
liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at
the prevailing market rates quoted by one or more banks or dealers shortly
before the close of the Exchange.
Page 13
<PAGE>
The Fund's foreign securities may trade on days that the Exchange is closed and
the Fund's daily share price is not calculated. As a result, the Fund's daily
share price may be affected and you will not be able to purchase or redeem
shares.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
You may give up some level of security by choosing to buy or sell shares by
telephone or online, rather than by mail. The Fund uses procedures designed to
give reasonable assurance that telephone and online instructions are genuine,
including recording the transactions, testing the identity of the shareholder
placing the order and sending prompt written confirmation of transactions to the
shareholder of record. The Fund, and its service providers, are not liable for
acting upon instructions communicated by telephone or online that they believe
to be genuine if these procedures are followed.
CONFIRMATION OF YOUR PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
After any transaction, you will receive written confirmation including the share
price and the dollar amount and number of shares bought or redeemed. Exception:
Shares purchased under Automatic Investment Plans or redeemed under Systematic
Withdrawal Plans will be confirmed quarterly. Partial shares will be calculated
to three decimal places.
SHARE CERTIFICATES
To assist in minimizing administrative costs, share certificates will not be
issued. Records of share ownership are maintained by the Fund's transfer agent
in book entry form.
PURCHASES THROUGH BROKER-DEALERS
You may buy Fund shares through certain broker-dealers or other financial
organizations, but these organizations may charge you a fee or may have
different minimums for first-time or additional investments which are not
applicable if you buy shares directly from the Fund.
THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATORS
Certain brokerage firms and other companies may provide administrative services
(such as sub-transfer agency, recordkeeping or shareholder communications
services) to investors purchasing shares of the Fund through those companies.
The Fund's advisor or the Fund (if approved by its trustees) may pay fees to
these companies for their services. These companies may also be appointed as
agents for or authorized by the Fund to accept on its behalf purchase and
redemption requests that are received in good order. Subject to Fund approval,
certain of these companies may be authorized to designate other entities to
accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund.
Page 14
<PAGE>
YEAR 2000 READINESS
Mutual funds and businesses around the world could be adversely affected if
computers do not properly process date-related information with respect to the
Year 2000. The Fund's investment managers are addressing these issues for their
computers and are getting reasonable assurances from the Fund's other major
service providers that they too are addressing these issues to preserve smooth
functioning of the Fund's trading, pricing, shareholder account, custodial and
other operations. There can be no assurances, however, that all problems will be
avoided.
These computer problems could also adversely affect the Fund's investments.
Improperly functioning computers may disrupt securities markets generally or
result in overall economic uncertainty. Individual companies may also be
adversely affected by the cost of fixing their computers, which could be
substantial. The Fund's investment managers consider these issues when
evaluating investments for the Fund.
REDEMPTIONS IN-KIND
The Fund intends to redeem its shares only for cash, although in order to
protect the interest of remaining shareholders, it retains the right to redeem
its shares in-kind under unusual circumstances. In-kind payment means payment
will be made to you in portfolio securities rather than cash. If this occurs,
you will incur transaction costs if you sell the securities for cash. You may
have difficulty selling the securities and recovering the amount of your
redemption if the securities are illiquid.
REDEMPTIONS BY THE FUND OF CERTAIN ACCOUNTS
To reduce its expenses, the Fund may involuntarily redeem the shares in your
account if your balance drops below $250,000 -- but only if it drops below this
amount because you have redeemed shares, not because the share value has
declined. You will be given 60 days' notice before the Fund undertakes any
involuntary redemption. During that time, you may buy more shares to bring your
account above the minimum.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DISTRIBUTIONS OF INCOME AND GAINS
Unless you tell us that you want to receive your distributions in cash, they
will be reinvested automatically in Fund shares. The Fund generally makes two
different kinds of distributions, capital gains from the sale of portfolio
securities held by the Fund and net investment income from interest or dividends
received on securities held by the Fund. The Fund will distribute any net
realized capital gains or investment income annually, normally in December.
YOUR TAXES
You generally will owe tax on amounts distributed to you by the Fund in any
non-retirement account whether you reinvest them in additional shares or receive
them in cash. Distributions of gains from the sale of assets held by the Fund
for more than one year generally are taxable to
Page 15
<PAGE>
you at the applicable long-term capital gains rate, regardless of how long you
have owned your Fund shares. Distributions from other sources generally are
taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions made by the Fund to you will normally be capital gains. A portion
of those gains may be net short-term capital gains, which are taxed as ordinary
income. The Fund generally will not distribute net investment income, although
any net investment income that is generated as a by-product of managing its
portfolio will be distributed to you.
If you redeem Fund shares that have appreciated in value, you will have a
taxable gain upon redemption. Exchanges are treated as a redemption and purchase
for tax purposes. Therefore, you will also have a taxable gain if you exchange
shares redeemed that have appreciated in value.
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
You should consult your own tax advisor about your particular situation. For
more information about other tax matters, including backup withholding for
certain taxpayers and other tax aspects of redemptions, see the SAI.
TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers several tax-qualified retirement plans for individuals,
businesses and nonprofit organizations. For information about establishing an
IRA, Roth IRA, profit-sharing or money purchase pension plan, 403(b) Custodial
Account, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA account or other retirement plans, please call
(800) 259-2820 or write to the Berger Funds, P.O. Box 219958, Kansas City, MO
64121. Trustees for existing 401(k) or other plans interested in using Fund
shares as an investment or investment alternative in their plans are invited to
call the Fund at (800) 960-8427.
ORGANIZATION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT MANAGER
BERGER LLC (210 University Blvd., Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206) is the Fund's
investment advisor. Berger LLC serves as investment advisor, sub-advisor,
administrator or sub-administrator to mutual funds and institutional investors.
Berger LLC has been in the investment advisory business for 25 years. When
acting as investment advisor, Berger LLC is responsible for managing the
investment operations of the Fund. Berger LLC also provides administrative
services to the Fund. For these services, Berger LLC earns a fee at the annual
rate of 0.90% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Berger LLC also provides
administrative services to the Fund.
WILLIAM F. K. SCHAFF has been the investment manager for the Fund since its
inception. Mr. Schaff joined Berger LLC as Vice President in January 2000.
Previously, Mr. Schaff co-founded and was the co-owner of Bay Isle Financial
Corporation and now serves as its Chief Investment Officer. In January 2000,
Berger LLC purchased Bay Isle which is now a subsidiary of Berger LLC. Mr.
Schaff has been managing accounts of Bay Isle clients since 1987.
Page 16
<PAGE>
PAST PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS
The Fund is newly organized and does not yet have its own performance history.
However, the Fund has managed other accounts that have the same investment
objective and substantially the same investment strategies and policies as the
Fund. Set out below is composite performance information for those accounts.
This information is provided so you can consider the performance history of the
Fund's portfolio manager with accounts substantially similar to the Fund.
You should not consider the performance information for these other accounts as
a substitute for the performance of the Fund, nor as an indication of the future
performance of the Fund.
Despite their similarity, there are differences between the Fund and the
accounts in the composite and their performance is expected to differ. The
following should be noted in considering the performance information below:
- - The accounts in the composite are not subject to certain investment
limitations, diversification requirements and other restrictions imposed by
law on mutual funds like the Fund, which could have adversely affected the
performance of the accounts.
- - The net composite performance information includes the reinvestment of
dividends and has been adjusted to reflect the anticipated annual fund
operating expenses of the Fund (after waiver).
- - The composite information was calculated assuming a 2% cash component in
each account. The Fund's cash holdings may vary.
- - The performance of the accounts in the composite will be less comparable to
the performance of the Fund if the asset size of the composite accounts
varies from that of the Fund.
- - The composite information is a composite of the performance of all accounts
meeting the criteria for inclusion in the composite (more than $30,000 and
managed on a fully discretionary basis for more than 1 year) and is not
necessarily indicative of the performance of any specific account in the
composite.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS OF COMPOSITE OF SIMILAR ACCOUNTS
(AS OF DECEMBER, 1999)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub-Advisor's Large Cap Value Composite Russell 1000-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-Index (1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1-year
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-year
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-year
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10-year
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since inception (__/__/__)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Russell 1000-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- Index measures the performance of the
1,000 largest companies in the Russell 3000-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- Index. The
Russell 3000-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- Index measures the performance of the 3,000
largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization.
Page 17
<PAGE>
ANNUAL NET TOTAL RETURNS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Composite Russell 1000-REGISTERED TRADEMARK- Index
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1991
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1989
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
Portfolio changes are made whenever the Fund's investment manager believes that
the Fund's goal could be better achieved by investment in another security,
regardless of portfolio turnover. At times, portfolio turnover for the Fund may
exceed 100% per year. A turnover rate of 100% means the securities owned by the
Fund were replaced once during the year. Higher turnover rates may result in
higher brokerage costs to the Fund and in higher net taxable gains for you as an
investor.
SPECIAL FUND STRUCTURE
The Fund offers two classes of shares. The Institutional Shares offered in this
prospectus are designed for investors who maintain a minimum account balance of
$250,000. The other class of shares, Investor Shares, are offered through a
separate prospectus and are available to the general public with a minimum
account balance of $2,000. Each class of shares has its own expenses so that
share price, performance and distributions will differ between classes. The
12b-1 plan adopted by the Fund applies only to the Investor Shares. For more
information on Investor Shares, please call (800) 259-2820.
For more information on the multi-class fund structure, see the SAI.
Page 18
<PAGE>
[LOGO]
BERGER -REGISTERED TRADEMARK-
FOR MORE INFORMATION
You may wish to read the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) for more
information on the Fund and the securities it invests in. The SAI is
incorporated into this prospectus by reference, which means that it is
considered to be part of the prospectus.
You can get free copies of the annual and semi-annual reports and the SAI,
request other information or get answers to your questions about the Fund by
writing or calling the Fund at:
Berger Funds
P.O. Box 219958
Kansas City, MO 64121
(800) 259-2820
bergerfunds.com
Text-only versions of Fund documents can be viewed online or downloaded from the
EDGAR database on the SEC's web site at sec.gov.
You can also obtain copies by visiting the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington DC. For information on the operation of the Public Reference Room,
call 1-202-942-8090. Copies of documents may also be obtained, after paying a
duplicating fee, by sending your request to the following e-mail address:
[email protected], or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section,
Washington, DC 20549-6009.
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NUMBER:
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust 811-8046
Berger Large Cap Value Fund - Institutional Shares
Page 19
<PAGE>
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
(A SERIES OF BERGER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUST)
INVESTOR SHARES
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES: 1-800-551-5849
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a
prospectus. It relates to the Prospectus for the Berger Large Cap Value Fund
(the "Fund") -- Investor Shares, dated ___________, 2000, as it may be amended
or supplemented from time to time, which may be obtained by writing the Fund at
P.O. Box 5005, Denver, Colorado 80217, or calling 1-800-333-1001.
The Fund is a "no-load" mutual fund, meaning that a buyer pays no
commissions or sales charge when buying or redeeming shares of the Fund,
although the Fund pays certain costs of distributing its Investor Shares. See
"Section 5. Expenses of the Fund -- 12b-1 Plan" below. This SAI provides further
description of the Fund.
DATED [_________], 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
&
CROSS-REFERENCES TO PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS CROSS-REFERENCES TO
RELATED DISCLOSURES
IN PROSPECTUS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction Contents
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1. Investment Strategies and Risks of the Fund Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Investment Techniques, Securities and Associated Risks
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Investment Restrictions Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Investment Techniques, Securities and Associated Risks
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Management of the Fund Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Investment Advisor and Sub-Advisor Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Expenses of the Fund Berger Large Cap Value Fund; Organization of the Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Brokerage Policy Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. How to Purchase and Redeem Shares in the Fund Buying Shares; Exchanging Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. How the Net Asset Value is Determined Your Share Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Income Dividends, Capital Gains Distributions and Tax Distributions and Taxes
Treatment
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Suspension of Redemption Rights Other Information About Your Account
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Exchange Privilege and Systematic Withdrawal Plan Exchanging Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Performance Information Berger Large Cap Value Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Additional Information Organization of the Fund; Special Fund Structure
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Information N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE>
INTRODUCTION
The Fund described in this SAI is a mutual fund, or open-end,
management investment company. The Fund is a diversified fund.
1. INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF THE FUND
The Prospectus describes the investment objective of the Fund and
the principal investment policies and strategies used to achieve that objective.
It also describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.
This section contains supplemental information concerning the
types of securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest, the
investment policies and portfolio strategies that the Fund may utilize and
certain risks attendant to those investments, policies and strategies.
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS. Stocks represent shares of ownership
in a company. Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks
after bonds and before common stocks in its claim on income for dividend
payments and on assets should the company be liquidated. After other claims are
satisfied, common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro-rata
basis. Profits may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help
it grow. Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a
company's stock price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation
and depreciation potential of all corporate securities. While most preferred
stocks pay dividends, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has
omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividends. Such investments
would be made primarily for their capital appreciation potential. All
investments in stocks are subject to market risk, meaning that their prices may
move up and down with the general stock market, and that such movements might
reduce their value.
DEBT SECURITIES. Debt securities (such as bonds or debentures)
are fixed-income securities which bear interest and are issued by corporations
or governments. The issuer has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a
stated rate on specific dates and to repay principal on a specific maturity
date. In addition to market risk, debt securities are generally subject to two
other kinds of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to
the ability of the issuer to meet interest or principal payments as they come
due. The lower the rating given a security by a rating service (such as Moody's
Investor Service ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's ("S&P")), the greater the
credit risk the rating service perceives with respect to that security. The Fund
will not purchase any nonconvertible securities rated below investment grade (Ba
or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P). In cases where the ratings assigned by
more than one rating agency differ, the Fund will consider the security as rated
in the higher category. If nonconvertible securities purchased by the Fund are
downgraded to below investment grade following purchase, the trustees of the
Fund, in consultation with the Fund's sub-advisor, will determine what action,
if any, is appropriate in light of all relevant circumstances. For a further
discussion of debt security ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI.
Interest rate risk refers to the fact that the value of
fixed-income securities (like debt securities) generally fluctuates in response
to changes in interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result
in an increase in the price of fixed-income securities held by the Fund.
Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the value of fixed-income
securities held by the Fund will generally decline. Longer-term securities
-1-
<PAGE>
are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes and are more volatile than
shorter-term securities, but they generally offer higher yields to compensate
investors for the associated risks.
Certain debt securities can also present prepayment risk. For
example, a security may contain redemption and call provisions. If an issuer
exercises these provisions when interest rates are declining, the Fund could
sustain investment losses as well as have to reinvest the proceeds from the
security at lower interest rates, resulting in a decreased return for the Fund.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund may also purchase debt or equity
securities which are convertible into common stock when the Fund's sub-advisor
believes they offer the potential for a higher total return than nonconvertible
securities. While fixed-income securities generally have a priority claim on a
corporation's assets over that of common stock, some of the convertible
securities which the Fund may hold are high-yield/high-risk securities that are
subject to special risks, including the risk of default in interest or principal
payments which could result in a loss of income to the Fund or a decline in the
market value of the securities. Convertible securities often display a degree of
market price volatility that is comparable to common stocks. The credit risk
associated with convertible securities generally is reflected by their ratings
by organizations such as Moody's or S&P or a similar determination of
creditworthiness by the Fund's sub-advisor. The Fund has no pre-established
minimum quality standards for convertible securities and may invest in
convertible securities of any quality, including lower rated or unrated
securities. However, the Fund will not invest in any security in default at the
time of purchase, and the Fund will invest less than 20% of the market value of
its assets at the time of purchase in convertible securities rated below
investment grade. If convertible securities purchased by the Fund are downgraded
following purchase, or if other circumstances cause 20% or more of the Fund's
assets to be invested in convertible securities rated below investment grade,
the trustees of the Fund, in consultation with the Fund's sub-advisor, will
determine what action, if any, is appropriate in light of all relevant
circumstances. For a further discussion of debt security ratings, see Appendix A
to this SAI.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS. The Fund may also invest in "special
situations." Special situations are companies that have recently experienced or
are anticipated to experience a significant change in structure, management,
products or services which may significantly affect the value of their
securities. Examples of special situations are companies being reorganized or
merged, companies emerging from bankruptcy, companies introducing unusual new
products or which enjoy particular tax advantages. Other examples are companies
experiencing changes in senior management, extraordinary corporate events,
significant changes in cost or capital structure or which are believed to be
probable takeover candidates. The opportunity to invest in special situations,
however, is limited and depends in part on the market's assessment of these
companies and their circumstances. By its nature, a "special situation" company
involves to some degree a break with the company's past experience. This creates
greater uncertainty and potential risk of loss than if the company were
operating according to long-established patterns. In addition, stocks of
companies in special situations may decline or not appreciate as expected if an
anticipated change or development does not occur or is not assessed by the
market as favorably as expected.
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ZEROS/STRIPS. The Fund may invest also in zero coupon bonds or in
"strips." Zero coupon bonds do not make regular interest payments; rather, they
are sold at a discount from face value. Principal and accreted discount
(representing interest accrued but not paid) are paid at maturity. "Strips" are
debt securities that are stripped of their interest coupon after the securities
are issued, but otherwise are comparable to zero coupon bonds. The market values
of "strips" and zero coupon bonds generally fluctuate in response to changes in
interest rates to a greater degree than do interest-paying securities of
comparable term and quality. The Fund will not invest in mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities.
SECURITIES OF SMALLER COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in
securities of companies with small or mid-sized market capitalizations. Market
capitalization is defined as total current market value of a company's
outstanding common stock. Investments in companies with smaller market
capitalizations may involve greater risks and price volatility (that is, more
abrupt or erratic price movements) than investments in larger, more mature
companies since smaller companies may be at an earlier stage of development and
may have limited product lines, reduced market liquidity for their shares,
limited financial resources or less depth in management than larger or more
established companies. Smaller companies also may be less significant factors
within their industries and may have difficulty withstanding competition from
larger companies. While smaller companies may be subject to these additional
risks, they may also realize more substantial growth than larger or more
established companies.
SECURITIES OF COMPANIES WITH LIMITED OPERATING HISTORIES. The
Fund may invest in securities of companies with limited operating histories. The
Fund considers these to be securities of companies with a record of less than
three years' continuous operation, even including the operations of any
predecessors and parents. (These are sometimes referred to as "unseasoned
issuers.") These companies by their nature have only a limited operating history
which can be used for evaluating the company's growth prospects. As a result,
investment decisions for these securities may place a greater emphasis on
current or planned product lines and the reputation and experience of the
company's management and less emphasis on fundamental valuation factors than
would be the case for more mature companies. In addition, many of these
companies may also be small companies and involve the risks and price volatility
associated with smaller companies.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS. The Fund may invest in a company's
securities at the time the company first offers securities to the public, that
is, at the time of the company's initial public offering or IPO. Although
companies can be any age or size at the time of their IPOs, they are often
smaller and have a limited operating history, which involve a greater potential
for the value of their securities to be impaired following the IPO. See
"Securities of Smaller Companies" and "Securities of Companies with Limited
Operating Histories" above.
Investors in IPOs can be adversely affected by substantial
dilution in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by
concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders. In
addition, all of the factors that affect stock market performance may have a
greater impact on the shares of IPO companies.
The price of a company's securities may be highly unstable at the
time of its IPO and for a period thereafter due to market psychology prevailing
at the time of the IPO, the absence of a prior public market, the
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small number of shares available and limited availability of investor
information. As a result of this or other factors, a Fund's advisor or
sub-advisor might decide to sell an IPO security more quickly than it would
otherwise, which may result in a significant gain or loss and greater
transaction costs to the Fund. Any gains from shares held for 12 months or less
will be treated as short-term gains, taxable as ordinary income to the Fund's
shareholders. In addition, IPO securities may be subject to varying patterns of
trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell without an unfavorable
impact on prevailing prices.
The effect of an IPO investment can have a magnified impact on a
Fund's performance when the Fund's asset base is small. Consequently, IPOs may
constitute a significant portion of a Fund's returns particularly when the Fund
is small. Since the number of securities issued in an IPO is limited, it is
likely that IPO securities will represent a smaller component of a Fund's assets
as it increases in size, and therefore have a more limited effect on the Fund's
performance.
There can be no assurance that IPOs will continue to be available
for any of the Funds to purchase. The number or quality of IPOs available for
purchase by a Fund may vary, decrease or entirely disappear. In some cases, a
Fund may not be able to purchase IPOs at the offering price, but may have to
purchase the shares in the aftermarket at a price greatly exceeding the offering
price, making it more difficult for the Fund to realize a profit.
The advisor's or sub-advisor's IPO trade allocation procedures
govern which Funds and other advised accounts participate in the allocation of
any IPO. See the heading "Trade Allocations" under Section 4 below. Under the
IPO allocation procedures of Berger LLC, a Fund generally will not participate
in an IPO if the securities available for allocation to the Fund are
insignificant relative to the Fund's net assets. As a result, any Fund or
account whose assets are very large (such as the Berger Growth Fund) is not
likely to participate in the allocation of many IPOs.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in foreign securities,
which may be traded in foreign markets and denominated in foreign currency. The
Fund's investments may also include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs),
European Depositary Receipts (EDRs) which are similar to ADRs, in bearer form,
designed for use in the European securities markets, and in Global Depositary
Receipts (GDRs).
Investments in foreign securities involve some risks that are
different from the risks of investing in securities of U.S. issuers, such as the
risk of adverse political, social, diplomatic and economic developments and,
with respect to certain countries, the possibility of expropriation, taxes
imposed by foreign countries or limitations on the removal of monies or other
assets of the Fund. Moreover, the economies of individual foreign countries will
vary in comparison to the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross
domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources,
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Securities of some foreign
companies, particularly those in developing countries, are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable domestic companies. A developing country
generally is considered to be in the initial stages of its industrialization
cycle. Investing in the securities of developing countries may involve exposure
to economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and to political
systems that can be expected to have less stability than developed countries.
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There also may be less publicly available information about
foreign issuers and securities than domestic issuers and securities, and foreign
issuers generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, requirements and practices comparable to those applicable
to domestic issuers. Also, there is generally less government supervision and
regulation of exchanges, brokers, financial institutions and issuers in foreign
countries than there is in the U.S. Foreign financial markets typically have
substantially less volume than U.S. markets. Foreign markets also have different
clearance and settlement procedures and, in certain markets, delays or other
factors could make it difficult to effect transactions, potentially causing the
Fund to experience losses or miss investment opportunities.
Costs associated with transactions in foreign securities are
generally higher than with transactions in U.S. securities. The Fund will incur
greater costs in maintaining assets in foreign jurisdictions and in buying and
selling foreign securities generally, resulting in part from converting foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars. In addition, the Fund might have greater
difficulty taking appropriate legal action with respect to foreign investments
in non-U.S. courts than with respect to domestic issuers in U.S. courts, which
may heighten the risk of possible losses through the holding of securities by
custodians and securities depositories in foreign countries.
If the Fund is invested in securities denominated or quoted in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange
rates will affect the value of the investments in its portfolio and the
unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments insofar as U.S. investors
are concerned. If the foreign currency in which a security is denominated
appreciates against the U.S. dollar, the dollar value of the security will
increase. Conversely, a decline in the exchange rate of the foreign currency
against the U.S. dollar would adversely affect the dollar value of the foreign
securities. Foreign currency exchange rates are determined by forces of supply
and demand on the foreign exchange markets, which are in turn affected by the
international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions,
government intervention, speculation and other factors.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS). The Fund may
purchase the securities of certain companies considered Passive Foreign
Investment Companies (PFICs) under U.S. tax laws. For certain types of PFICs, in
addition to bearing their proportionate share of the Fund's expenses (management
fees and operating expenses), shareholders will also indirectly bear similar
expenses of such PFIC. PFIC investments also may be subject to less favorable
U.S. tax treatment, as discussed in Section 9 below.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund is authorized to
invest in securities which are illiquid or not readily marketable because they
are subject to restrictions on their resale ("restricted securities") or
because, based upon their nature or the market for such securities, no ready
market is available. However, the Fund will not purchase any such security, the
purchase of which would cause the Fund to invest more than 15% of its net
assets, measured at the time of purchase, in illiquid securities. Investments in
illiquid securities involve certain risks to the extent that the Fund may be
unable to dispose of such a security at the time desired or at a reasonable
price or, in some cases, may be unable to dispose of it at all. In addition, in
order to resell a restricted security, the Fund might have to incur the
potentially substantial expense and delay associated with effecting
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registration. If securities become illiquid following purchase or other
circumstances cause more than 15% of the Fund's net assets to be invested in
illiquid securities, the trustees of the Fund, in consultation with the Fund's
sub-advisor, will determine what action, if any, is appropriate in light of all
relevant circumstances.
Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will be
considered as illiquid for purposes of this restriction. Pursuant to guidelines
established by the trustees, the Fund's sub-advisor will determine whether
securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to SEC
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 should be treated as illiquid
investments considering, among other things, the following factors: (1) the
frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4)
the nature of the security and the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of
the transfer). The liquidity of the Fund's investments in Rule 144A securities
could be impaired if qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in
purchasing these securities.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may invest in repurchase
agreements with various financial organizations, including commercial banks,
registered broker-dealers and registered government securities dealers. A
repurchase agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a debt
security (generally a debt security issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government
or an agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a
commercial bank, broker or dealer, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed
upon price and date (normally, the next business day). A repurchase agreement
may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects
an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by
the Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument. In
these transactions, the securities acquired by the Fund (including accrued
interest earned thereon) must have a total value equal to or in excess of the
value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Fund's custodian bank
until repurchased. In addition, the trustees will establish guidelines and
standards for review by the investment sub-advisor of the creditworthiness of
any bank, broker or dealer party to a repurchase agreement with the Fund. The
Fund will not enter into a repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven days
if as a result more than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in such
repurchase agreements and other illiquid securities.
These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times by
debt securities (generally a security issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or an agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of
deposit), but involve certain risks, such as credit risk to the Fund if the
other party defaults on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from
liquidating the collateral. For example, if the other party to the agreement
defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when
the value of the security has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon
disposition of the security. If the other party to the agreement becomes
insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code
or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral
for a loan by the Fund not within the control of the Fund and therefore the
realization by the Fund on such collateral may automatically be stayed and
delayed. Further, it is possible that the Fund may not be able to substantiate
its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an
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unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement. The Fund expects that
these risks can be controlled through careful monitoring procedures.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. The Fund may
purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
However, the Fund currently does not intend to purchase or sell securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, if as a result more than 5% of its total
assets taken at market value at the time of purchase would be invested in such
securities. When-issued or delayed delivery transactions arise when securities
(normally, obligations of issuers eligible for investment by the Fund) are
purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the
future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price or
yield. However, the yield available on a comparable security when delivery takes
place may vary from the yield on the security at the time that the when-issued
or delayed delivery transaction was entered into. Any failure to consummate a
when-issued or delayed delivery transaction may result in the Fund missing the
opportunity of obtaining a price or yield considered to be advantageous.
When-issued and delayed delivery transactions may generally be expected to
settle within one month from the date the transactions are entered into, but in
no event later than 90 days. However, no payment or delivery is made by the Fund
until it receives delivery or payment from the other party to the transaction.
When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued basis, it
will maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash, U.S. government
securities or other liquid assets having an aggregate value equal to the amount
of such purchase commitments, until payment is made. If necessary, additional
assets will be placed in the account daily so that the value of the account will
equal or exceed the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may lend its securities
to qualified institutional investors (such as brokers, dealers or other
financial organizations) who need to borrow securities in order to complete
certain transactions, such as covering short sales, avoiding failures to deliver
securities or completing arbitrage operations. Loans of securities by the Fund
will be collateralized by cash, letters of credit, or securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. The collateral will equal at
least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities,
marked-to-market on a daily basis. By lending its securities, the Fund will be
attempting to generate income through the receipt of interest on the loan which,
in turn, can be invested in additional securities to pursue the Fund's
investment objective. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities
loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of
the Fund.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to qualified brokers,
dealers, banks or other financial institutions, so long as the terms, the
structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not inconsistent with the
Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Rules and Regulations or interpretations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder, which
currently require that (a) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund
collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or securities
issued or guaranteed by the United States government having a value at all times
not less than 100% of the value of the securities loaned, (b) the borrower add
to such collateral whenever the price of the securities loaned rises (i.e., the
borrower "marks to the market" on a daily basis), (c) the loan be made subject
to termination by the Fund at any time and (d) the Fund receives reasonable
interest on the loan, which interest may
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include the Fund's investing cash collateral in interest bearing short-term
investments, and (e) the Fund receives all dividends and distributions on the
loaned securities and any increase in the market value of the loaned securities.
The Fund bears risk of loss in the event that the other party to
a securities lending transaction defaults on its obligations and the Fund is
delayed in or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral,
including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the collateral
securities during the period in which the Fund seeks to assert these rights, the
risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting these rights and the risk
of losing all or a part of the income from the transaction. The Fund will not
lend its portfolio securities if, as a result, the aggregate value of such loans
would exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the
value of the collateral received to secure the loan). Loan arrangements made by
the Fund will comply with all other applicable regulatory requirements,
including the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, which rules presently
require the borrower, after notice, to redeliver the securities within the
normal settlement time of three business days. All relevant facts and
circumstances, including creditworthiness of the broker, dealer or institution,
will be considered in making decisions with respect to the lending of
securities, subject to review by the Fund's trustees.
Although voting rights with respect to loaned securities pass to
the borrower, the Fund retains the right to recall a security (or terminate a
loan) for the purpose of exercising the security's voting rights. Efforts to
recall loaned securities in time to exercise voting rights may be unsuccessful,
especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. In addition, it
is expected that loaned securities will be recalled for voting only when the
items being voted on are, in the judgment of the Fund's sub-advisor, either
material to the economic value of the security or threaten to materially impact
the issuing company's corporate governance policies or structure.
SHORT SALES. The Fund currently is only permitted to engage in
short sales if, at the time of the short sale, the Fund owns or has the right to
acquire an equivalent kind and amount of the security being sold short at no
additional cost (i.e., short sales "against the box").
In a short sale, the seller does not immediately deliver the
securities sold and is said to have a short position in those securities until
delivery occurs. To make delivery to the purchaser, the executing broker borrows
the securities being sold short on behalf of the seller. While the short
position is maintained, the seller collateralizes its obligation to deliver the
securities sold short in an amount equal to the proceeds of the short sale plus
an additional margin amount established by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve. If the Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral account will be
maintained by the Fund's custodian. While the short sale is open, the Fund will
maintain in a segregated custodial account an amount of securities convertible
into or exchangeable for such equivalent securities at no additional cost. These
securities would constitute the Fund's long position.
Under prior law, the Fund could have made a short sale, as
described above, when it wanted to sell a security it owned at a current
attractive price, but also wished to defer recognition of gain or loss for
Federal income tax purposes and for purposes of satisfying certain tests
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applicable to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code.
However, federal tax legislation has eliminated the ability to defer recognition
of gain or loss in short sales against the box and accordingly, it is not
anticipated that the Fund will be engaging in these transactions unless there
are further legislative changes.
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS. The Fund is authorized to make limited use
of certain types of futures, forwards and/or options, but only for the purpose
of hedging, that is, protecting against market risk due to market movements that
may adversely affect the value of the Fund's securities or the price of
securities that the Fund is considering purchasing. The utilization of futures,
forwards and options is also subject to policies and procedures which may be
established by the trustees from time to time. In addition, the Fund is not
required to hedge. Decisions regarding hedging are subject to the sub-advisor's
judgment of the cost of the hedge, its potential effectiveness and other factors
the sub-advisor considers pertinent.
A hedging transaction may partially protect the Fund from a
decline in the value of a particular security or its portfolio generally,
although hedging may also limit the Fund's opportunity to profit from favorable
price movements, and the cost of the transaction will reduce the potential
return on the security or the portfolio. Use of these instruments by the Fund
involves the potential for a loss that may exceed the amount of initial margin
the Fund would be permitted to commit to the contracts under its investment
limitation, or in the case of a call option written by the Fund, may exceed the
premium received for the option. However, the Fund is permitted to use such
instruments for hedging purposes only, and only if the aggregate amount of its
obligations under these contracts does not exceed the total market value of the
assets the Fund is attempting to hedge, such as a portion or all of its exposure
to equity securities or its holding in a specific foreign currency. To help
ensure that the Fund will be able to meet its obligations under its futures and
forward contracts and its obligations under options written by the Fund, the
Fund will be required to maintain liquid assets in a segregated account with its
custodian bank or to set aside portfolio securities to "cover" its position in
these contracts.
The principal risks of the Fund utilizing futures transactions,
forward contracts and options are: (a) losses resulting from market movements
not anticipated by the Fund; (b) possible imperfect correlation between
movements in the prices of futures, forwards and options and movements in the
prices of the securities or currencies hedged or used to cover such positions;
(c) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular futures or options at any particular time, and possible
exchange-imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult
or impossible to close a position when so desired; (d) lack of assurance that
the counterparty to a forward contract would be willing to negotiate an offset
or termination of the contract when so desired; and (e) the need for additional
information and skills beyond those required for the management of a portfolio
of traditional securities. In addition, when the Fund enters into an
over-the-counter contract with a counterparty, the Fund will assume counterparty
credit risk, that is, the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its
obligations, in which case the Fund could be worse off than if the contract had
not been entered into.
Following is additional information concerning the futures,
forwards and options which the Fund may utilize, provided that no more than 5%
of the Fund's net assets at the time the contract is entered into may be used
for initial margins for financial futures transactions and premiums paid for
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the purchase of options. In addition, the Fund may only write call options that
are covered and only up to 25% of the Fund's total assets.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. Financial futures contracts are
exchange-traded contracts on financial instruments (such as securities and
foreign currencies) and securities indices that obligate the holder to take or
make delivery of a specified quantity of the underlying financial instrument, or
the cash value of an index, at a future date. Although futures contracts by
their terms call for the delivery or acquisition of the underlying instruments
or a cash payment based on the mark-to-market value of the underlying
instruments, in most cases the contractual obligation will be offset before the
delivery date by buying (in the case of an obligation to sell) or selling (in
the case of an obligation to buy) an identical futures contract. Such a
transaction cancels the original obligation to make or take delivery of the
instruments.
The Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for
future delivery of financial instruments, such as securities and foreign
currencies, or contracts based on financial indices including indices of U.S.
Government securities, foreign government securities or equity securities. U.S.
futures contracts are traded on exchanges which have been designated "contract
markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and must be
executed through a futures commission merchant (an "FCM"), or brokerage firm,
which is a member of the relevant contract market. Through their clearing
corporations, the exchanges guarantee performance of the contracts as between
the clearing members of the exchange.
Both the buyer and seller are required to deposit "initial
margin" for the benefit of the FCM when a futures contract is entered into.
Initial margin deposits are equal to a percentage of the contract's value, as
set by the exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be maintained in
cash or other liquid assets. If the value of either party's position declines,
that party will be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to
the other party to settle the change in value on a daily basis. Initial and
variation margin payments are similar to good faith deposits or performance
bonds or party-to-party payments resulting from daily changes in the value of
the contract, unlike margin extended by a securities broker, and would be
released or credited to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract,
assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Unlike margin extended
by a securities broker, initial and variation margin payments do not constitute
purchasing securities on margin for purposes of the Fund's investment
limitations. The Fund will incur brokerage fees when it buys or sells futures
contracts.
In the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM that holds margin on
behalf of the Fund, the Fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to the
Fund only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM's other customers. The
Fund will attempt to minimize the risk by careful monitoring of the
creditworthiness of the FCMs with which the Fund does business and by depositing
margin payments in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian for the
benefit of the FCM when practical or otherwise required by law.
The Fund intends to comply with guidelines of eligibility for
exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the
CFTC and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures
markets. Accordingly, the Fund will not enter into any futures contract or
option on a futures contract if, as a result, the aggregate
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initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions would exceed 5%
of the Fund's net assets.
Although the Fund would hold cash and liquid assets in a
segregated account with a mark-to-market value sufficient to cover the Fund's
open futures obligations, the segregated assets would be available to the Fund
immediately upon closing out the futures position.
The acquisition or sale of a futures contract may occur, for
example, when the Fund is considering purchasing or holds equity securities and
seeks to protect itself from fluctuations in prices without buying or selling
those securities. For example, if prices were expected to decrease, the Fund
might sell equity index futures contracts, thereby hoping to offset a potential
decline in the value of equity securities in the portfolio by a corresponding
increase in the value of the futures contract position held by the Fund and
thereby preventing the Fund's net asset value from declining as much as it
otherwise would have. The Fund also could protect against potential price
declines by selling portfolio securities and investing in money market
instruments. However, the use of futures contracts as a hedging technique allows
the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell portfolio
securities.
Similarly, when prices of equity securities are expected to
increase, futures contracts may be bought to attempt to hedge against the
possibility of having to buy equity securities at higher prices. This technique
is sometimes known as an anticipatory hedge. Since the fluctuations in the value
of futures contracts should be similar to those of equity securities, the Fund
could take advantage of the potential rise in the value of equity securities
without buying them until the market has stabilized. At that time, the futures
contracts could be liquidated and the Fund could buy equity securities on the
cash market.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures
markets, due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to
distortions. First, all participants in the futures market are subject to
initial margin and variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional
variation margin requirements, investors may close out futures contracts through
offsetting transactions which could distort the normal price relationship
between the cash and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures
market depends on participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than
making or taking delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take
delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced and prices in the
futures market distorted. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the
margin deposit requirements in the futures market are less than margin
requirements in the securities market. Therefore, increased participation by
speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to
the possibility of the foregoing distortions, a correct forecast of general
price trends by the Fund still may not result in a successful use of futures.
Futures contracts entail additional risks. Although the Fund will
only utilize futures contracts when it believes that use of such contracts will
benefit the Fund, if the Fund's investment judgment is incorrect, the Fund's
overall performance could be worse than if the Fund had not entered into futures
contracts. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the effects of a possible
decrease in prices of securities held in the Fund's portfolio and prices
increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased
value of these securities because of offsetting losses in the Fund's futures
positions. In addition, if the Fund has
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insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet
daily variation margin requirements. Those sales may be, but will not
necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market and may
occur at a time when the sales are disadvantageous to the Fund. Although the
buyer of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related
transaction costs, a buyer or seller of futures contracts could lose amounts
substantially in excess of any initial margin deposits made, due to the
potential for adverse price movements resulting in additional variation margin
being required by such positions. However, the Fund intends to monitor its
investments closely and will attempt to close its positions when the risk of
loss to the Fund becomes unacceptably high.
The prices of futures contracts depend primarily on the value of
their underlying instruments. Because there are a limited number of types of
futures contracts, it is possible that the standardized futures contracts
available to the Fund will not match exactly the Fund's current or potential
investments. The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts based on underlying
instruments with different characteristics from the securities in which it
typically invests -- for example, by hedging investments in portfolio securities
with a futures contract based on a broad index of securities -- which involves a
risk that the futures position will not correlate precisely with the performance
of the Fund's investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their
underlying instruments, even if the underlying instruments closely correlate
with the Fund's investments. Futures prices are affected by such factors as
current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the
underlying instruments and the time remaining until expiration of the contract.
Those factors may affect securities prices differently from futures prices.
Imperfect correlations between the Fund's investments and its futures positions
may also result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the
securities markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities
are traded, and from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits for futures
contracts. The Fund may buy or sell futures contracts with a value less than or
equal to the securities it wishes to hedge or is considering purchasing. If
price changes in the Fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with its
other investments, its futures positions may fail to produce desired gains or
result in losses that are not offset by the gains in the Fund's other
investments.
Because futures contracts are generally settled within a day from
the date they are closed out, compared with a longer settlement period for most
types of securities, the futures markets can provide superior liquidity to the
securities markets. Nevertheless, there is no assurance a liquid secondary
market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. In
addition, futures exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for
futures contracts and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or
downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the
price fluctuation limit is reached, it may be impossible for the Fund to enter
into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary market for
a futures contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or
otherwise, the Fund may not be able to promptly liquidate unfavorable futures
positions and potentially could be required to continue to hold a futures
position until the delivery date, regardless of changes in its value. As a
result, the Fund's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions
also could be impaired.
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OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may buy and write options
on futures contracts for hedging purposes. An option on a futures contract gives
the Fund the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell a futures contract at
a specified price on or before a specified date. The purchase of a call option
on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call
option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option
compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or
the price of the underlying instrument, ownership of the option may or may not
be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or the underlying
instrument. As with the purchase of futures contracts, the Fund may buy a call
option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance, and the Fund
might buy a put option on a futures contract to hedge against a market decline.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a
partial hedge against declining prices of the security or foreign currency which
is deliverable under, or of the index comprising, the futures contract. If the
futures price at the expiration of the call option is below the exercise price,
the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which provides a
partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's portfolio
holdings. If a call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will
incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received.
Depending on the degree of correlation between change in the value of its
portfolio securities and changes in the value of the futures positions, the
Fund's losses from existing options on futures may to some extent be reduced or
increased by changes in the value of portfolio securities.
The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar in
some respects to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities.
For example, the Fund may buy a put option on a futures contract to hedge the
Fund's portfolio against the risk of falling prices.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it buys an option on a
futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction
costs. In addition to the correlation risks discussed above, the purchase of an
option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures
contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the options bought.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. A forward contract
is a privately negotiated agreement between two parties in which one party is
obligated to deliver a stated amount of a stated asset at a specified time in
the future and the other party is obligated to pay a specified invoice amount
for the assets at the time of delivery. The Fund currently intends that it will
only use forward contracts or commitments for hedging purposes and will only use
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, although the Fund may enter into
additional forms of forward contracts or commitments in the future if they
become available and advisable in light of the Fund's objectives and investment
policies. Forward contracts generally are negotiated in an interbank market
conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their
customers. Unlike futures contracts, which are standardized exchange-traded
contracts, forward contracts can be specifically drawn to meet the needs of the
parties that enter into them. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract
to maturity and complete the contemplated exchange.
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The following discussion summarizes the Fund's principal uses of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward currency contracts"). The
Fund may enter into forward currency contracts with stated contract values of up
to the value of the Fund's assets. A forward currency contract is an obligation
to buy or sell an amount of a specified currency for an agreed price (which may
be in U.S. dollars or a foreign currency) on a specified date. The Fund will
exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars and for other foreign currencies in
the normal course of business and may buy and sell currencies through forward
currency contracts in order to fix a price (in terms of a specified currency)
for securities it has agreed to buy or sell ("transaction hedge"). The Fund also
may hedge some or all of its investments denominated in foreign currency against
a decline in the value of that currency (or a proxy currency whose price
movements are expected to have a high degree of correlation with the currency
being hedged) relative to the U.S. dollar by entering into forward currency
contracts to sell an amount of that currency approximating the value of some or
all of its portfolio securities denominated in that currency ("position hedge")
or by participating in futures contracts (or options on such futures) with
respect to the currency. The Fund also may enter into a forward currency
contract with respect to a currency where the Fund is considering the purchase
or sale of investments denominated in that currency but has not yet selected the
specific investments ("anticipatory hedge").
These types of hedging minimize the effect of currency
appreciation as well as depreciation, but do not eliminate fluctuations in the
underlying U.S. dollar equivalent value of the proceeds of or rates of return on
the Fund's foreign currency denominated portfolio securities. The matching of
the increase in value of a forward contract and the decline in the U.S. dollar
equivalent value of the foreign currency denominated asset that is the subject
of the hedge generally will not be precise. Shifting the Fund's currency
exposure from one foreign currency to another limits the Fund's opportunity to
profit from increases in the value of the original currency and involves a risk
of increased losses to the Fund if its investment manager's projection of future
exchange rates is inaccurate. Unforeseen changes in currency prices may result
in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such
contracts.
The Fund will cover outstanding forward currency contracts by
maintaining liquid portfolio securities denominated in the currency underlying
the forward contract or the currency being hedged. To the extent that the Fund
is not able to cover its forward currency positions with underlying portfolio
securities, the Fund's custodian will segregate cash or liquid assets having a
value equal to the aggregate amount of the Fund's commitments under forward
contracts entered into. If the value of the securities used to cover a position
or the value of segregated assets declines, the Fund must find alternative cover
or segregate additional cash or liquid assets on a daily basis so that the value
of the covered and segregated assets will be equal to the amount of the Fund's
commitments with respect to such contracts.
While forward contracts are not currently regulated by the CFTC,
the CFTC may in the future assert authority to regulate forward contracts. In
such event, the Fund's ability to utilize forward contracts may be restricted.
The Fund may not always be able to enter into forward contracts at attractive
prices and may be limited in its ability to use these contracts to hedge Fund
assets. In addition, when the Fund enters into a privately negotiated forward
contract with a counterparty, the Fund assumes counterparty credit risk, that
is, the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations, in
which case the Fund could be worse off than if the contract had not been
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entered into. Unlike many exchange-traded futures contracts and options on
futures, there are no daily price fluctuation limits with respect to forward
contracts and other negotiated or over-the-counter instruments, and with respect
to those contracts, adverse market movements could therefore continue to an
unlimited extent over a period of time. However, the Fund intends to monitor its
investments closely and will attempt to renegotiate or close its positions when
the risk of loss to the Fund becomes unacceptably high.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES. The Fund may buy or
sell put or call options and write covered call options on securities that are
traded on United States or foreign securities exchanges or over-the-counter.
Buying an option involves the risk that, during the option period, the price of
the underlying security will not increase (in the case of a call) to above the
exercise price, or will not decrease (in the case of a put) to below the
exercise price, in which case the option will expire without being exercised and
the holder would lose the amount of the premium. Writing a call option involves
the risk of an increase in the market value of the underlying security, in which
case the option could be exercised and the underlying security would then be
sold by the Fund to the option holder at a lower price than its current market
value and the Fund's potential for capital appreciation on the security would be
limited to the exercise price. Moreover, when the Fund writes a call option on a
securities index, the Fund bears the risk of loss resulting from imperfect
correlation between movements in the price of the index and the price of the
securities set aside to cover such position. Although they entitle the holder to
buy equity securities, call options to purchase equity securities do not entitle
the holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying
securities, nor do they represent any rights in the assets of the issuer of
those securities.
A call option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns
the underlying security covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate
right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for
additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian)
upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call
option is also deemed to be covered if the Fund holds a call on the same
security and in the same principal amount as the call written and the exercise
price of the call held (i) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the
call written or (ii) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if
the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid assets in a segregated
account with its custodian.
The writer of a call option may have no control when the
underlying securities must be sold. Whether or not an option expires
unexercised, the writer retains the amount of the premium. This amount, of
course, may, in the case of a covered call option, be offset by a decline in the
market value of the underlying security during the option period.
The writer of an exchange-traded call option that wishes to
terminate its obligation may effect a "closing purchase transaction." This is
accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option previously
written. The effect of the purchase is that the writer's position will be
canceled by the clearing corporation. If the Fund desires to sell a particular
security from the Fund's portfolio on which the Fund has written a call option,
the Fund will effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale
of the security. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction
after being notified of the exercise of an option. An investor who is the holder
of an exchange-traded option may liquidate its position by effecting a "closing
sale transaction." This is accomplished by
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selling an option of the same series as the option previously bought. There is
no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can be
effected.
The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the
price of the purchase transaction is less than the premium received from writing
the option or the price received from a sale transaction is more than the
premium paid to buy the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing
transaction if the price of the purchase transaction is more than the premium
received from writing the option or the price received from a sale transaction
is less than the premium paid to buy the option. Because increases in the market
price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of
the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option
is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund.
An option position may be closed out only where there exists a
secondary market for an option of the same series. If a secondary market does
not exist, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular
options with the result that the Fund would have to exercise the options in
order to realize any profit. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying
security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the underlying security
upon exercise. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market may include
the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options, (ii) restrictions may be imposed by a national securities exchange on
which the option is traded ("Exchange") on opening or closing transactions or
both, (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with
respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities,
(iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an
Exchange, (v) the facilities of an Exchange or of the Options Clearing
Corporation ("OCC") may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume, or (vi) one or more Exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary
market on that Exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to
exist, although outstanding options on that Exchange that had been issued by the
OCC as a result of trades on that Exchange would continue to be exercisable in
accordance with their terms.
In addition, when the Fund enters into an over-the-counter option
contract with a counterparty, the Fund assumes counterparty credit risk, that
is, the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations, in
which case the Fund could be worse off than if the contract had not been entered
into.
An option on a securities index is similar to an option on a
security except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of a
security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder
the right to receive, on exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the
closing level of the securities index on which the option is based is greater
than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise
price of the option.
The Fund may buy call options on securities or securities indices
to hedge against an increase in the price of a security or securities that the
Fund may buy in the future. The premium paid for the call option plus any
transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by the Fund upon
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exercise of the option, and, unless the price of the underlying security or
index rises sufficiently, the option may expire and become worthless to the
Fund. The Fund may buy put options to hedge against a decline in the value of a
security or its portfolio. The premium paid for the put option plus any
transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by the Fund upon
exercise of the option, and, unless the price of the underlying security or
index declines sufficiently, the option may expire and become worthless to the
Fund.
An example of a hedging transaction using an index option would
be if the Fund were to purchase a put on a stock index, in order to protect the
Fund against a decline in the value of all securities held by it to the extent
that the stock index moves in a similar pattern to the prices of the securities
held. While the correlation between stock indices and price movements of the
stocks in which the Fund will generally invest may be imperfect, the Fund
expects, nonetheless, that the use of put options that relate to such indices
will, in certain circumstances, protect against declines in values of specific
portfolio securities or the Fund's portfolio generally. Although the purchase of
a put option may partially protect the Fund from a decline in the value of a
particular security or its portfolio generally, the cost of a put will reduce
the potential return on the security or the portfolio.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. Investment changes in the Fund will be made
whenever management deems them appropriate even if this results in a higher
portfolio turnover rate. A 100% annual turnover rate results, for example, if
the equivalent of all of the securities in the Fund's portfolio are replaced in
a period of one year. In addition, portfolio turnover for the Fund may increase
as a result of large amounts of purchases and redemptions of shares of the Fund
due to economic, market or other factors that are not within the control of
management.
Higher portfolio turnover will necessarily result in
correspondingly higher brokerage costs for the Fund. The existence of a high
portfolio turnover rate has no direct relationship to the tax liability of the
Fund, although sales of certain stocks will lead to realization of gains, and,
possibly, increased taxable distributions to shareholders. The Fund's brokerage
policy is discussed further below under Section 6--Brokerage Policy, and
additional information concerning income taxes is located under Section
9--Income Dividends, Capital Gains Distributions and Tax Treatment.
2. INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation. The
investment objective of the Fund is considered fundamental, meaning that it
cannot be changed without a shareholders' vote. There can be no assurance that
the Fund's investment objective will be realized.
The Fund has also adopted certain investment policies,
strategies, guidelines and procedures in pursuing its objective. These may be
changed without a shareholder vote. The principal policies and strategies used
by the Fund are described in the Prospectus.
In addition, the Fund has adopted certain fundamental and
non-fundamental restrictions on its investments and other activities, which are
listed below. Fundamental restrictions may not be changed without the approval
of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at a meeting of
shareholders thereof if the holders of more than 50% of the
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outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more
than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Non-fundamental
restrictions may be changed in the future by action of the trustees without
shareholder vote.
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
The following fundamental restrictions apply to the Berger Large
Cap Value Fund. The Fund may not:
1. With respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, purchase the
securities of any one issuer (except U.S. government securities) if immediately
after and as a result of such purchase (a) the value of the holdings of the Fund
in the securities of such issuer exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets or (b) the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of such issuer.
2. Invest in any one industry (other than U.S. government
securities) 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of such
investment.
3. Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes in amounts not to exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets (including the
amount borrowed) taken at market value, nor pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its
assets, except to secure permitted indebtedness and then only if such pledging,
mortgaging or hypothecating does not exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets taken
at market value. When borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund
will not purchase portfolio securities.
4. Act as a securities underwriter (except to the extent the
Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in disposing
of a security), issue senior securities (except to the extent permitted under
the Investment Company Act of 1940), invest in real estate (although it may
purchase shares of a real estate investment trust), or invest in commodities or
commodity contracts except financial futures transactions, futures contracts on
securities and securities indices and options on such futures, forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, forward commitments or securities index put or call
options.
5. Make loans, except that the Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements and may lend portfolio securities in accordance with the Fund's
investment policies. The Fund does not, for this purpose, consider the purchase
of all or a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, bank loan
participation agreements, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the
original issuance of the securities, to be the making of a loan.
In applying the industry concentration investment restriction
(no. 2 above), the Fund uses the industry groups used in the Data Monitor
Portfolio Monitoring System of William O'Neil & Co. Incorporated.
The trustees have adopted additional non-fundamental investment
restrictions for the Fund. These limitations may be changed by the trustees
without a shareholder vote. The non-fundamental investment restrictions include
the following:
1. The Fund may not purchase securities on margin from a broker
or dealer, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be
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necessary for the clearance of transactions, and may not make short sales of
securities, except that the Fund may make short sales if, at the time of the
short sale, the Fund owns or has the right to acquire an equivalent kind and
amount of the security being sold short at no additional cost (i.e., short sales
"against the box"). This limitation shall not prohibit or restrict the Fund from
entering into futures, forwards and options contracts or from making margin
payments and other deposits in connection therewith.
2. The Fund may not purchase the securities of any other
investment company, except by purchase in the open market involving no
commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer (other than the customary broker's
commission).
3. The Fund may not invest in companies for the purposes of
exercising control of management.
4. The Fund may not purchase any security, including any
repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven days, which is not readily
marketable, if more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market
value at the time of purchase would be invested in such securities.
5. Only for the purpose of hedging, the Fund may purchase and
sell financial futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and put and
call options, but no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets at the time of
purchase may be invested in initial margins for financial futures transactions
and premiums for options. The Fund may only write call options that are covered
and only up to 25% of the Fund's total assets.
6. The Fund may not purchase or sell securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, if as a result more than 5% of its total
assets taken at market value at the time of purchase would be invested in such
securities.
3. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund is supervised by trustees who are responsible for major
decisions about the Fund's policies and overall Fund oversight. The Fund's
trustees hire the companies that run day-to-day Fund operations, such as the
investment advisor, administrator, transfer agent and custodian.
The trustees and executive officers of the Fund are listed below,
together with information which includes their principal occupations during the
past five years and other principal business affiliations.
MICHAEL OWEN, 114 Gallatin Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718. DOB: 1937. Self-employed
as a financial and management consultant, and in real estate
development. From 1994 to June 1999, Dean, and from 1989 to 1994, a
member of the Finance faculty, of the College of Business, Montana
State University. Self-employed as a financial and management
consultant, and in real estate development. Formerly (1976-1989),
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Gold, Inc. (mining).
Chairman of the Board of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and
Income Fund. Chairman of the Trustees of Berger Investment Portfolio
Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide
Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni
Investment Trust.
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* JACK R. THOMPSON, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1949. President and a director since May 1999 (Executive Vice
President from February 1999 to May 1999) of Berger Growth Fund and
Berger Growth and Income Fund. President and a trustee since May 1999
(Executive Vice President from February 1999 to May 1999) of Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios
Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust. President and Director since
June, 1999 (Executive Vice President from February 1999 to June 1999)
of Berger LLC. Audit Committee Member of the Public Employees'
Retirement Association of Colorado (pension plan) since November 1997.
Self-employed as a consultant from July 1995 through February 1999.
Director of Wasatch Advisors (investment management) from February
1997 to February 1999. Director of Janus Capital Corporation
(investment management) from June 1984 through June 1995, and
Executive Vice President of the Corporation from April 1989 through
June 1995. Treasurer of Janus Capital Corporation from November 1983
through October 1989. Trustee of the Janus Investment Funds from
December 1990 through June 1995, and Senior Vice President of the
Trust from May 1993 through June 1995. President and a director of
Janus Service Corporation (transfer agent) from January 1987 through
June 1995. President and a director of Fillmore Agency, Inc.
(advertising agency), from January 1990 through June 1995. Executive
Vice President and a director of Janus Capital International, Ltd.
(investment advisor) from September 1994 through June 1995. President
and a director of Janus Distributors, Inc. (broker/dealer), from May
1991 through June 1995. Director of IDEX Management, Inc. (investment
management), from January 1985 through June 1995. Trustee and Senior
Vice President of the of the Janus Aspen Funds from May 1993 through
June 1995.
DENNIS E. BALDWIN, 3481 South Race Street, Englewood, CO 80110, DOB: 1928.
President, Baldwin Financial Counseling. Formerly (1978-1990), Vice
President and Denver Office Manager of Merrill Lynch Capital Markets.
Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund.
Trustee of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional
Products Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM
Worldwide Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
LOUIS R. BINDNER, 1075 South Fox, Denver, CO 80223, DOB: 1925. President,
Climate Engineering, Inc. (building environmental systems). Director
of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products
Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide
Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
KATHERINE A. CATTANACH, 672 South Gaylord, Denver, CO 80209, DOB: 1945.
Managing Principal, Sovereign Financial Services, Inc. (investment
consulting firm). Formerly (1981-1988), Executive Vice President,
Captiva Corporation, Denver, Colorado (private investment management
firm). Ph.D. in Finance (Arizona State University); Chartered
Financial Analyst (CFA). Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger
Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust,
Berger Institutional Products Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds
Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni
Investment Trust.
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PAUL R. KNAPP, 33 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60602,
DOB: 1945. Since 1991, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer
and a director of Catalyst Institute (international public policy
research organization focused primarily on financial markets and
institutions). Since September 1997, President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of DST Catalyst, Inc. (international financial
markets consulting, software and computer services company). Director
(since February 1998) and a Vice President (February 1998 - November
1998) of West Side Investments, Inc. (investments), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of DST Systems, Inc. Previously (1991 - September 1997),
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of
Catalyst Consulting (international financial institutions business
consulting firm). Prior thereto (1988-1991), President, Chief
Executive Officer and a director of Kessler Asher Group (brokerage,
clearing and trading firm). Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger
Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust,
Berger Institutional Products Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds
Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni
Investment Trust.
HARRY T. LEWIS, JR., 370 17th Street, Suite 3560, Denver, CO 80202, DOB:
1933. Self-employed as a private investor. Formerly (1981-1988),
Senior Vice President, Rocky Mountain Region, of Dain Bosworth
Incorporated and member of that firm's Management Committee. Director
of J.D. Edwards & Co. (computer software company) since 1995. Director
of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products
Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide
Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
WILLIAM SINCLAIRE, 3049 S. Perry Park Road, Sedalia, CO 80135, DOB: 1928.
President, Santa Clara LLC (privately owned agriculture company).
Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund.
Trustee of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional
Products Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM
Worldwide Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
WILLIAM F.K. Schaff, 160 Sansome Street, 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA
94104. DOB: 1957. Vice President and portfolio manager of the Fund
since inception (March, 2000). Vice President and portfolio manager
of the Berger Information Technology Fund since inception (April,
1997). Vice President and portfolio manager with Berger LLC since
March 1, 2000. Chief Investment Officer and a director (since
February 1998) of Bay Isle LLC. Chief Investment Officer (November
1989) of Bay Isle Financial Corporation. Investment Analyst/Advisor of
J. Stewart Investments from September, 1986 to February, 1989.
* JANICE M. TEAGUE, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1954. Vice President and Secretary (since November 1998) and
Assistant Secretary (October 1996 to November 1998) of the Berger
Funds. Vice President (since October 1997), Secretary (since November
1998) and Assistant Secretary (September 1996 through November 1998)
with Berger LLC. Vice President and Secretary with Berger Distributors
LLC, since August 1998. Formerly, self-employed as a business
consultant from June 1995 through September 1996, Secretary of the
Janus Funds from January 1990 to May 1995 and Assistant Secretary of
Janus Capital Corporation from October 1989 to May 1995.
* DAVID J. SCHULTZ, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1950. Vice President and Treasurer (since November 1998) and
Assistant Treasurer (September 1996 to November 1998) of the Berger
Funds. Vice President (since February 1997) and Controller (since
August 1994) with Berger LLC. Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
-21-
<PAGE>
(since May 1996), Assistant Secretary (since August 1998) and
Secretary (May 1996 to August 1998) with Berger Distributors LLC
Formerly, Partner with Smith, Brock & Gwinn (accounting firm) from
January 1984 to August 1994.
* BRIAN S. FERRIE, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1958. Vice President of the Berger Funds since November 1998.
Vice President (since February 1997) and Chief Compliance Officer
(since August 1994) with Berger LLC. Chief Compliance Officer with
Berger Distributors LLC since May 1996. Formerly, Compliance Officer
with United Services Advisor, Inc., from January 1988 to July 1994,
and Director of Internal Audit of United Services Funds from January
1987 to July 1994.
* JOHN PAGANELLI, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1967. Assistant Treasurer of the Berger Funds since November
1998. Vice President (since November 1998) and Manager of Accounting
(January 1997 through November 1998) with Berger LLC. Formerly,
manager of Accounting (December 1994 through October 1996) and Senior
Accountant (November 1991 through December 1994) with Palmeri Fund
Administrators, Inc.
- ----------------
* Interested person (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the
Fund and/or of the Fund's advisor or sub-advisor.
The trustees of the Fund have adopted a trustee retirement age of
75 years.
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
The officers of the Fund received no compensation from the Fund
during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. However, trustees of the Fund
who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or its advisor or sub-advisor are
compensated for their services according to a fee schedule, allocated among the
Berger Funds. Neither the officers of the Fund nor the trustees receive any form
of pension or retirement benefit compensation from the Fund.
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation
paid or accrued during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, for each
trustee of the Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND POSITION AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM
WITH BERGER FUNDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berger Large Cap Value Fund(1) All Berger Funds(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Dennis E. Baldwin(3) $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louis R. Bindner(3) $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Katherine A. Cattanach(3) $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul R. Knapp(3) $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harry T. Lewis(3) $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Owen(3) $ $
-22-
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND POSITION AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM
WITH BERGER FUNDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berger Large Cap Value Fund(1) All Berger Funds(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William Sinclaire(3) $ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack R. Thompson(3),(4),(5) $ 0 $ 0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTES TO TABLE
(1) The Fund was not added as a series of the Trust until January, 2000.
Figures are estimates for the first year of operations of the Fund as a series
of the Trust.
(2) Includes the Berger Growth Fund, the Berger Growth and Income Fund, the
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust (including the Berger Small Company Growth
Fund, the Berger New Generation Fund, the Berger Balanced Fund, the Berger
Select Fund and the Berger Mid Cap Growth Fund), the Berger Institutional
Products Trust (four series), the Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust (three
series, including the Berger/BIAM International Fund), the Berger/BIAM Worldwide
Portfolios Trust (one series) and the Berger Omni Investment Trust (including
the Berger Small Cap Value Fund). Aggregate compensation figures do not include
first-year estimates for the Fund or figures for the Berger Information
Technology Fund, which was added to the Trust after September 30, 1998. Of the
aggregate amounts shown for each trustee, the following amounts were deferred
under applicable deferred compensation plans: Dennis E. Baldwin $36,100; Louis
R. Bindner $3,638; Katherine A. Cattanach $45,202; Lucy Black Creighton $6,280;
Michael Owen $10,276; William Sinclaire $14,898.
(3) Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund and
trustee of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products
Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
(4) Interested person of Berger LLC.
(5) President of Berger Growth Fund, Berger Growth and Income Fund, Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust, Berger/BIAM
Worldwide Funds Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their
fees pursuant to a fee deferral plan adopted by the Fund. Under the plan,
deferred fees are credited to an account and adjusted thereafter to reflect the
investment experience of whichever of the Berger Funds (or approved money market
funds) is designated by the trustee for this purpose. Pursuant to an SEC
exemptive order, the Fund is permitted to purchase shares of the designated
funds in order to offset its obligation to the trustees participating in the
plan. Purchases made pursuant to the plan are excepted from any otherwise
applicable investment restriction limiting the purchase of securities of any
other investment company. The Fund's obligation to make payments of deferred
fees under the plan is a general obligation of the Fund.
As of [__________], 1999, the officers and trustees of the Fund
as a group owned of record or beneficially no shares of the Fund.
4. INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND SUB-ADVISOR
BERGER LLC - INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Berger LLC, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO
80206, is the investment advisor to the Fund. Berger LLC is responsible for
managing the investment operations of the Fund and the composition of its
investment portfolio. Berger LLC also acts as the Fund's administrator and is
responsible for such functions as monitoring compliance with all applicable
federal and state laws.
Berger LLC has been in the investment advisory business for 25
years. It serves as investment advisor or sub-advisor to mutual funds and
institutional investors and had assets under management of approximately $3.4
billion as of September 30, 1999. Berger LLC is a subsidiary of Stilwell
Management Inc. ("Stilwell"), which owns more than 80% of Berger LLC, and is an
indirect subsidiary of Stilwell Financial, Inc. ("Stilwell Financial"),
-23-
<PAGE>
which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kansas City Southern Industries,
Inc. ("KCSI"). KCSI is a publicly traded holding company with principal
operations in rail transportation, through its subsidiary The Kansas City
Southern Railway Company, and financial asset management businesses. KCSI
indirectly (through Stilwell Financial) also owns approximately 32% of the
outstanding shares of DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), a publicly traded information
and transaction processing company which acts as the Funds' sub-transfer agent.
DST, in turn, owns 100% of DST Securities, a registered broker-dealer, which
executes portfolio trades for the Funds.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and its
advisor, the advisor is generally responsible for furnishing continuous advice
and making investment decisions as to the acquisition, holding or disposition of
securities or other assets which the Fund may own or contemplate acquiring from
time to time. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the investment
advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for
any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission taken with
respect to the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties thereunder and except to the extent otherwise
provided by law.
Under the Agreement, the advisor is compensated for its services
by the payment of a fee at the following annual rate, calculated as a percentage
of the average daily net assets of the Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND ADVISOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Berger Large Cap Value Fund Berger LLC(1) 0.[__]%(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Fund is sub-advised by Bay Isle. See text preceding and following this
table.
(2) Under a written contract, the Fund's investment advisor waives its fee or
reimburses the Fund for expenses to the extent that, at any time during the life
of the Fund, the annual operating expenses for the Investor Shares class of the
Fund in any fiscal year, including the investment advisory fee and the 12b-1
fee, but excluding brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary
expenses, exceed [2.00]% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
the Investor Shares for that fiscal year. The contract also provides that the
advisor will waive an additional amount of its fees or reimburse an additional
amount of expenses to the extent necessary to keep its fee waiver and
reimbursement for the Investor Shares class proportionate to its fee waiver and
reimbursement for the Fund's other outstanding share class. The contract may not
be terminated or amended except by a vote of the Fund's Board of Trustees. The
investment advisory fee is allocated among the Investor Shares and the other
class of the Fund on the basis of net assets attributable to each such class.
The Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect
until February 17, 2002, and thereafter from year to year if such continuation
is specifically approved at least annually by the trustees or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund and in either case by vote of a
majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" (as that term is
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund or the advisor. The Agreement is subject to
termination by the Fund or the advisor on 60 days' written notice, and
terminates automatically in the event of its assignment.
ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN BERGER LLC AND BAY ISLE
-24-
<PAGE>
In January 2000, Berger LLC purchased all of the outstanding
shares of Bay Isle Financial Corp., an investment adviser founded by the Fund's
portfolio manager William F.K. Schaff and Gary G. Pollock. Previously, Berger
LLC and Bay Isle formed a joint venture to provide asset management services to
certain private accounts. Bay Isle, currently a subsidiary of Berger LLC,
continues to provide investment advisory services to private accounts.
TRADE ALLOCATIONS
While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently by
the sub-advisor, the same investment decision may be made for the Fund and one
or more accounts advised by the advisor. In this circumstance, should purchase
and sell orders of the same class of security be in effect on the same day, the
orders for such transactions may be combined by the advisor in order to seek the
best combination of net price and execution for each. Client orders partially
filled will, as a general matter, be allocated pro rata in proportion to each
client's original order, although exceptions may be made to avoid, among other
things, odd lots and de minimus allocations. Execution prices for a combined
order will be averaged so that each participating client receives the average
price paid or received. While in some cases, this policy might adversely affect
the price paid or received by the Fund or other participating accounts, or the
size of the position obtained or liquidated, the advisor will aggregate orders
if it believes that coordination of orders and the ability to participate in
volume transactions will result in the best overall combination of net price and
execution.
RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL TRADING
Berger LLC permits its directors, officers and employees to
purchase and sell securities for their own accounts in accordance with a policy
regarding personal investing in Berger LLC's Code of Ethics. The policy requires
all covered persons to conduct their personal securities transactions in a
manner which does not operate adversely to the interests of the Fund or Berger
LLC's other advisory clients. Directors and officers of Berger LLC, investment
personnel and other designated persons deemed to have access to current trading
information ("access persons") are required to pre-clear all transactions in
securities not otherwise exempt under the policy. Requests for authority to
trade will be denied pre-clearance when, among other reasons, the proposed
personal transaction would be contrary to the provisions of the policy or would
be deemed to adversely affect any transaction then known to be under
consideration for or currently being effected on behalf of any client account,
including the Fund.
In addition to the pre-clearance requirements described above,
the policy subjects directors and officers of Berger LLC, investment personnel
and other access persons to various trading restrictions and reporting
obligations. All reportable transactions are reviewed for compliance with the
policy. The policy is administered by Berger LLC and the provisions of the
policy are subject to interpretation by and exceptions authorized by its board
of directors.
Bay Isle permits its officers, directors, employees and
consultants to purchase and sell securities for their own accounts and accounts
of related persons in accordance with provisions governing personal securities
trading in Bay Isle's code of ethics and related internal policies. Employees
must wait 3 days between the time a new recommendation or opinion change is made
and the time the employee may trade in those securities in their own or related
accounts, or alternatively may ask that their transaction
-25-
<PAGE>
be added to a "block" trade that will be made for a group of clients. Any
employee trade not included in a "block" trade made must be pre-cleared if the
trade exceeds certain specified volume limits. Volume limits are set with the
intent of requiring prior approval of any trade that could potentially cause
changes in the market price of the security in question. In addition, no
employee may sell (or buy) any security which he or she has bought (or sold)
within the past 5 trading days unless a loss is realized on closing the
position. No employee, officer or director of Bay Isle may acquire any security
in an initial public offering or in a private placement without prior written
approval from Bay Isle's President. Any Bay Isle employee who is an "access
person" of the Fund will also be subject to the provisions of Berger LLC's Code
of Ethics, if those provisions are more restrictive than the provisions of Bay
Isle's own code. Each employee must acknowledge quarterly that they are in
compliance with the Bay Isle code of ethics and related policies.
5. EXPENSES OF THE FUND
In addition to paying an investment advisory fee to its advisor,
the Fund pays all of its expenses not assumed by its advisor, including, but not
limited to, custodian and transfer agent fees, legal and accounting expenses,
administrative and record keeping expenses, interest charges, federal and state
taxes, costs of share certificates, expenses of shareholders' meetings,
compensation of trustees who are not interested persons of Berger LLC, expenses
of printing and distributing reports to shareholders and federal and state
administrative agencies, and all expenses incurred in connection with the
execution of its portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions on
purchases and sales of portfolio securities, which are considered a cost of
securities of the Fund. The Fund also pays all expenses incurred in complying
with all federal and state laws and the laws of any foreign country applicable
to the issue, offer or sale of shares of the Fund, including, but not limited
to, all costs involved in preparing and printing prospectuses for shareholders
of the Fund.
Under a separate Administrative Services Agreement with respect
to the Fund, Berger LLC performs certain administrative and recordkeeping
services not otherwise performed by the Fund's custodian and recordkeeper,
including the preparation of financial statements and reports to be filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and state regulatory authorities. The
Fund pays Berger LLC a fee at an annual rate of 0.01% of its average daily net
assets for such services. These fees are in addition to the investment advisory
fees paid under the Investment Advisory Agreement. The administrative services
fees may be changed by the trustees without shareholder approval.
The Fund has appointed Investors Fiduciary Trust Company
("IFTC"), 801 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64105, as its recordkeeping and
pricing agent. In addition, IFTC also serves as the Fund's custodian, transfer
agent and dividend disbursing agent. IFTC has engaged DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"),
P.O. Box 419958, Kansas City, MO 64141, as sub-agent to provide transfer agency
and dividend disbursing services for the Fund. Approximately 31% of the
outstanding shares of DST are owned by KCSI.
As recordkeeping and pricing agent, IFTC calculates the daily net
asset value of the Fund and performs certain accounting and recordkeeping
functions required by the Fund. The Fund pays IFTC a monthly base fee plus an
asset-based fee. IFTC is also reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
-26-
<PAGE>
IFTC, as custodian, and its subcustodians have custody and
provide for the safekeeping of the Fund's securities and cash, and receive and
remit the income thereon as directed by the management of the Fund. The
custodian and subcustodians do not perform any managerial or policy-making
functions for the Fund. For its services as custodian, IFTC receives an
asset-based fee plus certain transaction fees and out-of-pocket expenses.
As transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, IFTC (through
DST, as sub-agent) maintains all shareholder accounts of record; assists in
mailing all reports, proxies and other information to the Fund's shareholders;
calculates the amount of, and delivers to the Fund's shareholders, proceeds
representing all dividends and distributions; and performs other related
services. For these services, IFTC receives a fee from the Fund at an annual
rate of $14.00 per open Fund shareholder account, subject to preset volume
discounts, plus certain transaction fees and fees for closed accounts, and is
reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses, which fees in turn are passed through to
DST as sub-agent.
All of IFTC's fees are subject to reduction pursuant to an agreed
formula for certain earnings credits on the cash balances of the Fund.
12b-1 PLAN
The Fund has adopted a 12b-1 plan (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which provides for the payment to
Berger LLC of a 12b-1 fee of 0.25% per annum of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to the Investor Shares to finance activities primarily
intended to result in the sale of those shares. The Plan is intended to benefit
the Investor Shares class of the Fund by attracting new assets into the class
and thereby affording potential cost reductions due to economies of scale.
The expenses paid by Berger LLC may include, but are not limited to:
- -- payments made to, and costs incurred by, the Fund's principal
underwriter in connection with the distribution of Investor Shares,
including payments made to and expenses of officers and registered
representatives of the Distributor;
- -- payments made to and expenses of other persons (including employees of
Berger LLC) who are engaged in, or provide support services in
connection with, the distribution of Investor Shares, such as
answering routine telephone inquiries and processing shareholder
requests for information;
- -- compensation (including incentive compensation and/or continuing
compensation based on the amount of customer assets maintained in the
Fund) paid to securities dealers, financial institutions and other
organizations which render distribution and administrative services in
connection with the distribution of Investor Shares, including
services to holders of Investor Shares and prospective investors;
- -- costs related to the formulation and implementation of marketing and
promotional activities, including direct mail promotions and
television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media
advertising;
- -- costs of printing and distributing prospectuses and reports to
prospective shareholders of Investor Shares;
-27-
<PAGE>
- -- costs involved in preparing, printing and distributing sales
literature for Investor Shares;
- -- costs involved in obtaining whatever information, analyses and reports
with respect to market and promotional activities on behalf of the
Fund relating to Investor Shares that Berger LLC deems advisable;
- -- and such other costs relating to Investor Shares as the Fund may from
time to time reasonably deem necessary or appropriate in order to
finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of
Investor Shares.
Such 12b-1 fee payments are to be made by the Fund to Berger LLC
with respect to each fiscal year of the Fund without regard to the actual
distribution expenses incurred by Berger LLC in such year; that is, if the
distribution expenditures incurred by Berger LLC are less than the total of such
payments in such year, the difference is not to be reimbursed to the Fund by
Berger LLC, and if the distribution expenditures incurred by Berger LLC are more
than the total of such payments, the excess is not to be reimbursed to Berger
LLC by the Fund.
From time to time the Fund may engage in activities which jointly
promote the sale of Investor Shares and other funds that are or may in the
future be advised or administered by Berger LLC, which costs are not readily
identifiable as related to any one fund. In such cases, the Fund's 12b-1 fees
may be used to finance the joint promotion of the shares of the Investor Shares,
along with the shares of the other fund. Berger LLC allocates the cost of such
joint promotional activity among the funds involved on the basis of their
respective net assets, unless otherwise directed by the trustees.
The current 12b-1 Plan will continue in effect until the end of
April 2000, and from year to year thereafter if approved at least annually by
the Fund's trustees and those trustees who are not interested persons of the
Fund and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
Plan or any related agreements by votes cast in person at a meeting called for
such purpose. The Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to
be spent on distribution of Investor Shares without shareholder approval.
OTHER EXPENSE INFORMATION
The trustees of the Fund have authorized portfolio transactions
to be placed on an agency basis through DST Securities, Inc. ("DSTS"), a
wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary of DST. When transactions are effected
through DSTS, the commission received by DSTS is credited against, and thereby
reduces, certain operating expenses that the Fund would otherwise be obligated
to pay. No portion of the commission is retained by DSTS. See Section
6--Brokerage Policy for further information concerning the expenses reduced as a
result of these arrangements. DSTS may be considered an affiliate of Berger LLC
due to the ownership interest of KCSI in both DST and Berger LLC.
The Fund and/or its advisor have entered into arrangements with
certain brokerage firms and other companies (such as recordkeepers and
administrators) to provide administrative services (such as sub-transfer agency,
recordkeeping, shareholder communications, sub-accounting and/or other services)
to investors purchasing shares of the Fund through those firms or companies. The
Fund's advisor or the Fund (if approved by its trustees) may pay fees to these
companies for their services. These companies may also be appointed as agents
for or authorized by the Fund to accept on its behalf
-28-
<PAGE>
purchase and redemption requests that are received in good order. Subject to
Fund approval, certain of these companies may be authorized to designate other
entities to accept purchase and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund.
The Fund's advisor may also enter into arrangements with
organizations that solicit clients for the advisor, which may include clients
who purchase shares of the Fund. While the specific terms of each arrangement
may differ, generally, the fee paid by the advisor under such arrangements is
based on the value of the referred client's assets managed by the advisor. None
of the fees paid to such organizations will be borne by the Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The distributor (principal underwriter) of the Fund's shares is
Berger Distributors LLC (the "Distributor"), 210 University Boulevard, Suite
900, Denver, CO 80206. The Distributor may be reimbursed by Berger LLC for its
costs in distributing the Fund's shares.
6. BROKERAGE POLICY
Although the Fund retains full control over its own investment
policies, under the terms of its Investment Advisory Agreement, Berger LLC as
the Fund's advisor is directed to place the portfolio transactions of the Fund.
A report on the placement of brokerage business is given to the trustees of the
Fund every quarter, indicating the brokers with whom Fund portfolio business was
placed and the basis for such placement.
The Investment Advisory Agreement authorizes and directs the
advisor to place portfolio transactions for the Fund only with brokers and
dealers who render satisfactory service in the execution of orders at the most
favorable prices and at reasonable commission rates. However, the Agreement
specifically authorizes the advisor to place such transactions with a broker
with whom it has negotiated a commission that is in excess of the commission
another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if
the advisor determines in good faith that such amount of commission was
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided by such broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or
the overall responsibilities of the advisor. Accordingly, the advisor does not
have an obligation to seek the lowest available commission.
In accordance with this provision of the Agreement, portfolio
brokerage business of the Fund may be placed with brokers who provide useful
brokerage and research services to the advisor. The Fund's advisor may consider
the value of research provided as a factor in the choice of brokers. "Research"
includes computerized on-line stock quotation systems and related data feeds
from stock exchanges, computerized trade order entry, execution and confirmation
systems, fundamental and technical analysis data and software, computerized
stock market and business news services, economic research, account performance
data and computer hardware used for the receipt of electronic research services
and broker and other third-party equity research, such as publications or
writings which furnish advice as to the value of securities and advisability of
investing, and analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
market trends, and portfolio strategies. Research may be provided orally, in
print, or electronically. These include a service used by the independent
trustees of the Fund in reviewing the Investment Advisory Agreement.
In some cases, a product or services termed "research" may serve
other functions unrelated to the making of investment decisions. When a
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<PAGE>
product has such a mixed use, the advisor will make a good faith allocation of
the cost of the product according to the use made of it. The portion of the
product that assists the advisor in the investment decision-making process may
be paid for with the Fund's commission dollars. The advisor pays for the portion
of the product that is not "research" with its own funds. Accordingly, the
decision whether and how to allocate the costs of such a product presents a
conflict of interest for Berger LLC.
Berger LLC does not enter into formal agreements with any brokers
regarding the placement of securities transactions because of any such brokerage
or research services that they provide. Berger LLC may, however, make
arrangements with and maintain internal procedures for allocating transactions
to brokers who provide such services to encourage them to provide services
expected to be useful to Berger LLC's clients, including the Fund. Brokers may
suggest a level of business they would like to receive in return for the
brokerage and research they provide. Berger LLC then determines whether to
continue receiving the research and brokerage provided and the approximate
amount of commissions it is willing to pay to continue the brokerage and
research arrangement with each broker. The actual amount of commissions a broker
may receive may be more or less than a broker's suggested allocations, depending
on Berger LLC's level of business, market conditions and other relevant factors.
Even under these arrangements, however, the placement of all Fund transactions,
must be consistent with the Fund's brokerage placement and execution policies,
and must be directed to a broker who renders satisfactory service in the
execution of orders at the most favorable prices and at reasonable commission
rates.
These brokerage and research services received from brokers are
often helpful to Berger LLC in performing its investment advisory
responsibilities to the Fund, and the availability of such services from brokers
does not reduce the responsibility of Berger LLC's advisory personnel to analyze
and evaluate the securities in which the Fund invests. The brokerage and
research services obtained as a result of the Fund's brokerage business also
will be useful to Berger LLC in making investment decisions for its other
advisory accounts, and, conversely, information obtained by reason of placement
of brokerage business of such other accounts may be used by Berger LLC in
rendering investment advice to the Fund. Although such brokerage and research
services may be deemed to be of value to Berger LLC, they are not expected to
decrease the expenses that Berger LLC would otherwise incur in performing its
investment advisory services for the Fund nor will the advisory fees that are
received by Berger LLC from the Fund be reduced as a result of the availability
of such brokerage and research services from brokers.
The trustees of the Fund have authorized portfolio transactions
to be placed on an agency basis through DSTS, a wholly-owned broker-dealer
subsidiary of DST. When transactions are effected through DSTS, the commission
received by DSTS is credited against, and thereby reduces, certain operating
expenses that the Fund would otherwise be obligated to pay. No portion of the
commission is retained by DSTS. DSTS may be considered an affiliate of Berger
LLC due to the ownership interest of KCSI in both DST and Berger LLC.
The Fund's advisor places securities orders with a limited number
of major institutional brokerage firms chosen for the reliability and quality of
execution; commission rates; quality of research coverage of major U.S.
companies, the U.S. economy and the securities markets; promptness; back office
capabilities; capital strength and financial stability; prior performance in
serving the advisor and its clients; and knowledge of other buyers and sellers.
The advisor selects the broker for each order based on
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<PAGE>
the factors above, as well as the size, difficulty and other characteristics of
the order. The trustees of the Fund have also authorized sales of shares of the
Fund by a broker-dealer and the recommendations of a broker-dealer to its
customers that they purchase Fund shares to be considered as factors in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. In
addition, the advisor may also consider payments made by brokers to the Fund or
to other persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to the Fund for
which it would otherwise be obligated to pay, such as transfer agency fees. In
placing portfolio business with any such broker or dealer, the advisor of the
Fund will seek the best execution of each transaction.
7. HOW TO PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES IN THE FUND
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENTS:
Regular investment $2,000
Low Minimum Investment Plan $ 100
MINIMUM SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS:
Regular investment $ 50
Automatic investment $ 50
Low Minimum Investment Plan
(required monthly automatic investments) $ 100
</TABLE>
To purchase shares in the Fund, simply complete the application
form enclosed with the Prospectus. Then mail it with a check payable to "Berger
Funds" to the following address:
Berger Funds
P.O. Box 419958
Kansas City, MO 64141
If a shareholder is adding to an existing account, shares may
also be purchased by placing an order by telephone call to the Fund at
1-800-551-5849 or via on-line access, and remitting payment to DST Systems, Inc.
Payment for shares ordered on-line must be made by electronic funds transfer. In
order to make sure that payment for telephone purchases is received on time,
shareholders are encouraged to remit payment by electronic funds transfer.
Shareholders may also remit payment for telephone purchases by wire or by
overnight delivery.
In addition, Fund shares may be purchased through certain
broker-dealers that have established mutual fund programs and certain other
organizations connected with pension and retirement plans. These broker-dealers
and other organizations may charge investors a transaction or other fee for
their services, may require different minimum initial and subsequent investments
than the Fund and may impose other charges or restrictions different from those
applicable to shareholders who invest in the Fund directly. Fees charged by
these organizations will have the effect of reducing a shareholder's total
return on an investment in Fund shares. No such charge will apply to an investor
who purchases Fund shares directly from the Fund as described above.
Procedures for purchasing, selling (redeeming) and exchanging
Fund shares by telephone and online are described in the Prospectus. The Fund
may terminate or modify those procedures and related requirements at any time,
although shareholders of the Fund will be given notice of any termination or
material modification. Berger LLC may, at its own risk, waive certain of those
procedures and related requirements.
8. HOW THE NET ASSET VALUE IS DETERMINED
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The net asset value of the Fund is determined once daily, at the
close of the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") (normally 4:00 p.m., New York time, Monday through Friday) each day
that the Exchange is open. The Exchange is closed and the net asset value of the
Fund is not determined on weekends and on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day each year.
The share price for the Investor Shares of the Fund is determined
by adding the Investor Shares' pro rata portion of the total value of the Fund's
investments, cash and other assets, deducting the Investor Shares' pro rata
portion of the Fund's liabilities and the liabilities attributable directly to
the Investor Shares, and then dividing that value by the total number of the
Investor Shares outstanding. Since net asset value for the Fund is calculated by
class, and since the Investor Shares and each other class of the Fund has its
own expenses, the per share net asset value of the Fund will vary by class.
In determining net asset value, securities listed or traded
primarily on national exchanges, The Nasdaq Stock Market and foreign exchanges
are valued at the last sale price on such markets, or, if such a price is
lacking for the trading period immediately preceding the time of determination,
such securities are valued at the mean of their current bid and asked prices.
Securities that are traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean
between their current bid and asked prices. The market value of individual
securities held by the Fund will be determined by using prices provided by
pricing services which provide market prices to other mutual funds or, as
needed, by obtaining market quotations from independent broker/dealers.
Short-term money market securities maturing within 60 days are valued on the
amortized cost basis, which approximates market value. All assets and
liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies are
translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates as quoted by one or
more banks or dealers shortly before the close of the Exchange. Securities and
assets for which quotations are not readily available or are not representative
of market value may be valued at their fair value determined in good faith
pursuant to consistently applied procedures established by the trustees.
Examples would be when events occur that materially affect the value of a
security at a time when the security is not trading or when the securities are
illiquid.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The
values of foreign securities used in computing the net asset value of the shares
of the Fund are determined as of the earlier of such market close or the closing
time of the Exchange. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such
securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and the
close of the Exchange, or when the foreign market on which such securities trade
is closed but the Exchange is open, which will not be reflected in the
computation of net asset value. If during such periods, events occur which
materially affect the value of such securities, the securities may be valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to consistently applied
procedures established by the trustees.
The Fund's securities may be listed primarily on foreign
exchanges or over-the-counter dealer markets which may trade on days when the
Exchange is closed (such as a customary U.S. holiday) and on which the Fund's
net asset value is not calculated. As a result, the net asset value of the
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Fund may be significantly affected by such trading on days when shareholders
cannot purchase or redeem shares of the Fund.
9. INCOME DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX TREATMENT
This discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax issues
relating to the Fund. As a summary, it is not an exhaustive discussion of all
possible tax ramifications. Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult with
their tax advisors with respect to their particular tax consequences.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. If the Fund meets certain investment and
distribution requirements, it will be treated as a "regulated investment
company" (a "RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code and will not be subject to
federal income tax on earnings that it distributes in a timely manner to
shareholders. It also may be subject to an excise tax on undistributed income if
it does not meet certain timing requirements for distributions. The Fund intends
to qualify as a RIC annually and to make timely distributions in order to avoid
income and excise tax liabilities.
TAX ON FUND DISTRIBUTIONS. With certain exceptions provided by
law, the Fund will report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each
shareholder information about the tax treatment of the shareholder's
distributions. Dividends paid by the Fund, whether received in cash or
reinvested in additional Fund shares, will be treated as ordinary income to the
shareholders. Distributions of net capital gain, whether received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares, will be taxable to the shareholders, but the rate of
tax will vary depending upon the Fund's holding periods in the assets whose sale
resulted in the capital gain. Dividends and distributions that are declared in
October, November or December but not distributed until the following January
will be considered to be received by the shareholders on December 31.
In general, net capital gains from assets held by the Fund for
more than 12 months will be subject to a maximum tax rate of 20% and net capital
gains from assets held for 12 months or less will be taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions will be subject to these capital gains rates, regardless of how
long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Assets contributed to the Fund in an
in-kind purchase of Fund shares may generate more gain upon their sale than if
the assets had been purchased by the Fund with cash contributed to the Fund in a
cash purchase of Fund shares.
If the Fund's distributions for a taxable year exceeds its tax
earnings and profits available for distribution, all or a portion of its
distributions may be treated as a return of capital or as capital gains. To the
extent a distribution is treated as a return of capital, a shareholder's basis
in his or her Fund shares will be reduced by that amount.
If a shareholder has elected to receive dividends and/or capital
gain distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service is unable to deliver
checks to the shareholder's address of record, or if a shareholder's checks
remain uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the
amount distributed in additional Fund shares at the then-current NAV and to
convert the shareholder's distribution option from receiving cash to having all
dividend and other distributions reinvested in additional shares. In addition,
no interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or
redemption checks.
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TAX ON REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES. Shareholders may be subject to
tax on the redemption of their Fund shares. In general, such redemptions may
give rise to a capital gain or loss, the treatment of which will depend on the
shareholder's holding period in the Fund shares. Tax laws may prevent the
deduction of a loss on the sale of Fund shares if the shareholder reinvests in
the Fund shortly before or after the sale giving rise to the loss. Any loss on
the redemption or other sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or
less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term
capital gain distribution received on the shares.
INCOME FROM FOREIGN SOURCES. Dividends and interest received by
the Fund on foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes
imposed by foreign countries, although these taxes may be reduced by applicable
tax treaties. Foreign taxes will generally be treated as expenses of the Fund,
unless the Fund has more than 50% of its assets invested in foreign corporate
securities at the end of the Fund's taxable year. In that case, shareholders of
the Fund may be able to deduct (as an itemized deduction) or, if the Fund makes
an election, claim a foreign tax credit for their share of foreign taxes,
subject to limitations prescribed in the tax law.
If the Fund invests in a foreign corporation that is a passive
foreign investment company (a "PFIC"), special rules apply that may affect the
tax treatment of gains from the sale of the stock and may cause the Fund to
incur IRS tax and interest charges. However, the Fund may be eligible to elect
one of two alternative tax treatments with respect to PFIC shares which would
avoid these taxes and charges, but also may affect, among other things, the
amount and character of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income
with respect to PFIC shares. Accordingly, the amounts, character and timing of
income distributed to shareholders of the Fund holding PFIC shares may differ
substantially as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.
INCOME FROM CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. Some or all of the Fund's
investments may include transactions that are subject to special tax rules.
Transactions involving foreign currencies may give rise to gain or loss that
could affect the Fund's ability to make ordinary dividend distributions.
Investment in certain financial instruments, such as options, futures contracts
and forward contracts, may require annual recognition of unrealized gains and
losses. Transactions that are treated as "straddles" may affect the character
and/or timing of other gains and losses of the Fund. If the Fund enters into a
transaction (such as a "short sale against the box") that reduces the risk of
loss on an appreciated financial position that it already holds, the entry into
the transaction may constitute a constructive sale and require immediate
recognition of gain.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. In general, if a shareholder is subject to
backup withholding, the Fund will be required to withhold federal income tax at
a rate of 31% from distributions to that shareholder. These payments are
creditable against the shareholder's federal income tax liability.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS. Foreign shareholders of the Fund generally
will be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax on dividends paid by the Fund from
ordinary income and short-term capital gain, although the rate may be reduced by
a tax treaty. If a foreign shareholder dies while owning Fund shares, those
shares may be subject to U.S. estate taxes.
10. SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTION RIGHTS
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The right of redemption may be suspended for any period during
which the New York Stock Exchange is closed or the Securities and Exchange
Commission determines that trading on the Exchange is restricted, or when there
is an emergency as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a
result of which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of
securities owned by it or to determine the value of its net assets, or for such
other period as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit for
the protection of shareholders of the Fund.
The Fund intends to redeem its shares only for cash, although it
retains the right to redeem its shares in-kind under unusual circumstances, in
order to protect the interests of the remaining shareholders, by the delivery of
securities selected from its assets at its discretion. The Fund is, however,
governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 pursuant to
which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund during any 90-day period for any
one shareholder. For purposes of this threshold, each underlying account holder
whose shares are held of record in certain omnibus accounts is treated as one
shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder during any 90-day period
exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in
cash or in-kind. If shares are redeemed in-kind, the redeeming shareholder
generally will incur brokerage costs in converting the assets to cash. The
redeeming shareholder may have difficulty selling the securities and recovering
the amount of the redemption if the securities are illiquid. The method of
valuing securities used to make redemption in-kind will be the same as the
method of valuing portfolio securities described under Section 8.
11. TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund offers several tax-qualified retirement plans for
individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations, including a Profit-Sharing
Plan, a Money Purchase Pension Plan, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a
Roth IRA and a 403(b) Custodial Account for adoption by employers and
individuals who wish to participate in such Plans. For information on other
types of retirement plans offered by the Fund, please call 1-800-333-1001 or
write to the Fund c/o Berger LLC, P.O. Box 5005, Denver, CO 80217.
PROFIT-SHARING AND MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLANS
Employers, self-employed individuals and partnerships may make
tax-deductible contributions to the tax-qualified retirement plans offered by
the Fund. All income and capital gains accumulated in the Plans are tax free
until withdrawn. The amounts that are deductible depend upon the type of Plan or
Plans adopted.
If you, as an employer, self-employed person or partnership,
adopt the Profit-Sharing Plan, you may vary the amount of your contributions
from year to year and may elect to make no contribution at all for some years.
If you adopt the Money Purchase Pension Plan, you must commit yourself to make a
contribution each year according to a formula in the Plan that is based upon
your employees' compensation or your earned income. By adopting both the
Profit-Sharing and the Money Purchase Pension Plan, you can increase the amount
of contributions that you may deduct in any one year.
If you wish to purchase shares of the Fund in conjunction with
one or both of these tax-qualified plans, you may use an Internal Revenue
Service approved prototype Trust Agreement and Retirement Plan available from
the Fund. IFTC serves as trustee of the Plan, for which it charges an annual
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trustee's fee for the Fund or Cash Account Trust Money Portfolio (discussed
below) in which the participant's account is invested. Contributions under the
Plans are invested exclusively in shares of the Fund or the Cash Account Trust
Money Market Portfolios, which are then held by the trustee under the terms of
the Plans to create a retirement fund in accordance with the tax code.
Distributions from the Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension
Plans generally may not be made without penalty until the participant reaches
age 59 1/2 and must begin no later than April 1 of the calendar year following
the year in which the participant attains age 70 1/2. A participant who is not a
5% owner of the employer may postpone such distributions to April 1 of the
calendar year following the year of retirement. This exception does not apply to
distributions from an individual retirement account (IRA). Except for required
distributions after age 70 1/2, periodic distributions over more than 10 years
and the distribution of any after-tax contributions, distributions are subject
to 20% Federal income tax withholding unless those distributions are rolled
directly to another qualified plan or an IRA. Participants may not be able to
receive distributions immediately upon request because of certain requirements
under federal tax law. Since distributions which do not satisfy these
requirements can result in adverse tax consequences, consultation with an
attorney or tax advisor regarding the Plans is recommended. You should also
consult with your tax advisor regarding state tax law implications of
participation in the Plans.
In order to receive the necessary materials to create a
Profit-Sharing or Money Purchase Pension Plan, please write to the Fund, c/o
Berger LLC, Inc., P.O. Box 5005, Denver, Colorado 80217, or call 1-800-333-1001.
Trustees for 401(k) or other existing plans interested in utilizing Fund shares
as an investment or investment alternative in their plans should contact the
Fund at 1-800-333-1001.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (IRA)
If you are an individual with compensation or earned income,
whether or not you are actively participating in an existing qualified
retirement plan, you can provide for your own retirement by adopting an IRA.
Under an IRA, you can contribute each year up to the lesser of 100% of your
compensation or $2,000. If you are married and you file a joint return, you and
your spouse together may make contributions totaling up to $4,000 to two IRAs
(with no more than $2,000 being contributed to either account) if your joint
income is $4,000 or more, even if one spouse has no earned income. If neither
you nor your spouse are active participants in an existing qualified retirement
plan, or if your income does not exceed certain amounts, the amounts contributed
to your IRA can be deducted for Federal income tax purposes whether or not your
deductions are itemized. If you or your spouse are covered by an existing
qualified retirement plan, the deductibility of your IRA contributions will be
phased out for federal income tax purposes if your income exceeds specified
amounts, although the income level at which your IRA contributions will no
longer be deductible is higher if only your spouse (but not you) is an active
participant. However, whether your contributions are deductible or not, the
income and capital gains accumulated in your IRA are not taxed until the account
is distributed.
If you wish to create an IRA to invest in shares of the Fund, you
may use the Fund's IRA custodial agreement form which is an adaptation of the
form provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Under the IRA custodial
agreement, IFTC will serve as custodian, for which it will charge an annual
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custodian fee for the Fund and each other Berger Fund and Cash Account Trust
Money Market Portfolio in which the IRA is invested.
Distributions from an IRA generally may not be made without
penalty until you reach age 59 1/2 and must begin no later than April 1 of the
calendar year following the year in which you attain age 70 1/2. Since
distributions which do not satisfy these requirements can result in adverse tax
consequences, consultation with an attorney or tax advisor is recommended. You
should also consult with your tax advisor about state taxation of your account.
In order to receive the necessary materials to create an IRA
account, please write to the Fund, c/o Berger LLC, Inc., P.O. Box 5005, Denver,
Colorado 80217, or call 1-800-333-1001.
ROTH IRA
If you are an individual with compensation or earned income, you
may contribute up to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of your compensation to a Roth
IRA, as long as your income does not exceed a specified income level ($95,000
for single individuals, $150,000 for married individuals filing jointly). A Roth
IRA is similar in many respects to a traditional IRA, as described above.
However, the maximum amount you may contribute to a Roth IRA is phased out
between that income level and a maximum income amount ($110,000 and $160,000,
respectively), and you may not make any contribution at all to a Roth IRA if
your income exceeds the maximum income amount. Also, you can make contributions
to a Roth IRA even after you reach age 70-1/2, and you are not required to take
distributions from a Roth IRA prior to your death.
Contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible for federal income
tax purposes. However, the income and capital gains accumulated in a Roth IRA
are not taxed while held in the IRA, and distributions can be taken tax-free if
the Roth IRA has been established for a minimum of five years and the
distribution is after age 59-1/2, for a first time home purchase, or upon death
or disability.
An individual with an income of less than $100,000 who is not
married filing separately can roll his or her existing IRA into a Roth IRA.
However, the individual must pay taxes on the taxable amount of the traditional
IRA account balance. Individuals who complete the rollover in 1998 will be
permitted to spread the tax liability over a four-year period. After 1998, all
taxes on such a rollover will be due in the year in which the rollover is made.
403(B) CUSTODIAL ACCOUNTS
If you are employed by a public school system or certain
federally tax-exempt private schools, colleges, universities, hospitals,
religious and charitable or other nonprofit organizations, you may establish a
403(b) Custodial Account. Your employer must participate in the establishment of
the account.
If your employer participates, it will automatically deduct the
amount you designate from your gross salary and contribute it to your 403(b)
Custodial Account. The amount which you may contribute annually under a salary
reduction agreement is generally the lesser of $9,500 or your exclusion
allowance, which is based upon a specified formula, and other Internal Revenue
Code limits apply. There is a $50 minimum investment in the 403(b) Custodial
Account. Contributions made to the account reduce the amount of your current
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income subject to Federal income tax. Federal income tax is not paid on your
contribution until you begin making withdrawals. In addition, all income and
capital gains accumulated in the account are tax-free until withdrawn.
Withdrawals from your 403(b) Custodial Agreement may begin as
soon as you reach age 59-1/2 and must begin no later than April 1 of the year
following the later of the calendar year in which you attain age 70 1/2 or the
calendar year in which you retire. Except for required distributions after age
70 1/2 and periodic distributions over more than 10 years, distributions are
subject to 20% Federal income tax withholding unless those distributions are
rolled directly to another 403(b) account or annuity or an individual retirement
account (IRA). You may not be able to receive distributions immediately upon
request because of certain notice requirements under federal tax law. Since
distributions which do not satisfy these requirements can result in adverse tax
consequences, consultation with an attorney or tax advisor regarding the 403(b)
Custodial Account is recommended. You should also consult with your tax advisor
about state taxation of your account.
Individuals who wish to purchase shares of the Fund in
conjunction with a 403(b) Custodial Account may use a Custodian Account
Agreement and related forms available from the Fund. IFTC serves as custodian of
the 403(b) Custodial Account, for which it charges an annual custodian fee for
the Fund and each other Berger Fund and Cash Account Trust Money Market
Portfolio in which the participant's account is invested.
In order to receive the necessary materials to create a 403(b)
Custodial Account, please write to the Fund, c/o Berger LLC, Inc., P.O. Box
5005, Denver, Colorado 80217, or call 1-800-333-1001.
12. EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE AND SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
A shareholder who owns shares of the Fund worth at least $5,000
at the current net asset value may establish a Systematic Withdrawal account
from which a fixed sum will be paid to the shareholder at regular intervals by
the Fund in which the shareholder is invested.
To establish a Systematic Withdrawal account, the shareholder
deposits Fund shares with the Fund and appoints the Fund as agent to redeem
shares in the shareholder's account in order to make monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual withdrawal payments to the shareholder of a fixed amount.
The minimum withdrawal payment is $50.00. These payments generally will be made
on the 25th day of the month.
Withdrawal payments are not yield or income on the shareholder's
investment, since portions of each payment will normally consist of a return of
the shareholder's investment. Depending on the size of the disbursements
requested and the fluctuation in value of the Fund's portfolio, redemptions for
the purpose of making such disbursements may reduce or even exhaust the
shareholder's account.
The shareholder may vary the amount or frequency of withdrawal
payments, temporarily discontinue them, or change the designated payee or
payee's address, by notifying the Fund. The shareholder may, of course, make
additional deposits of Fund shares in the shareholder's account at any time.
Since redemption of shares to make withdrawal payments is a
taxable event, each investor should consult a tax advisor concerning proper tax
treatment of the redemption.
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Any shareholder may exchange any or all of the shareholder's
shares in the Fund for shares of any of the other available Berger Funds or for
shares of the Money Market Portfolio, the Government Securities Portfolio or the
Tax-Exempt Portfolio of the Cash Account Trust ("CAT Portfolios"), separately
managed, unaffiliated money market funds, without charge, after receiving a
current prospectus of the other Fund or CAT Portfolio. The exchange privilege
with the CAT Portfolios does not constitute an offering or recommendation of the
shares of any such CAT Portfolio by the Fund or Berger LLC. Berger LLC is
compensated for administrative services it performs with respect to the CAT
Portfolios.
Exchanges into or out of the Fund are made at the net asset value
per share next determined after the exchange request is received. Each exchange
represents the sale of shares from one Fund and the purchase of shares in
another, which may produce a gain or loss for income tax purposes. An exchange
of shares may be made by written request directed to DST Systems, Inc., via
on-line access, or simply by telephoning the Berger Funds at 1-800-551-5849.
This privilege may be terminated or amended by the Fund, and is not available in
any state in which the shares of the Fund or CAT Portfolio being acquired in the
exchange are not eligible for sale. Shareholders automatically have telephone
and on-line privileges to authorize exchanges unless they specifically decline
this service in the account application or in writing.
13. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time in advertisements, the Fund may discuss its
performance ratings as published by recognized mutual fund statistical services,
such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc.,
Morningstar, Inc., or Value Line Investment Survey or by publications of general
interest such as THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY, MONEY,
BARRON'S, FINANCIAL WORLD or KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE MAGAZINE. In addition,
the Fund may compare its performance to that of recognized broad-based
securities market indices, including the Wilshire 5000 Index, the Standard &
Poor's 500 Stock Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Russell 1000 Value
Index, the Russell 2000 Stock Index, the Standard & Poor's 400 Mid-Cap Index,
the Standard & Poor's 600 Small Cap Index, Morgan Stanley Capital International
EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index, the Dow Jones World Index, the
Standard & Poor's/BARRA Value Index, the Nasdaq Composite Index, the Lehman
Brothers Intermediate Term Government/Corporate Bond Index or the
InformationWeek 100 Index, or more narrowly-based or blended indices which
reflect the market sectors in which the Fund invests.
The total return of the Fund is calculated for any specified
period of time by assuming the purchase of shares of the Fund at the net asset
value at the beginning of the period. Each dividend or other distribution paid
by the Fund is assumed to have been reinvested at the net asset value on the
reinvestment date. The total number of shares then owned as a result of this
process is valued at the net asset value at the end of the period. The
percentage increase is determined by subtracting the initial value of the
investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial
value.
The Fund's total return reflects the Fund's performance over a
stated period of time. An average annual total return reflects the hypothetical
annually compounded return that would have produced the same total return if the
Fund's performance had been constant over the entire period. Total return
figures are based on the overall change in value of a
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hypothetical investment in the Fund. Because average annual total returns for
more than one year tend to smooth out variations in the Fund's return, investors
should recognize that such figures are not the same as actual year-by-year
results.
All performance figures for the Fund are based upon historical
results and do not assure future performance. The investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Quotations of average annual total return for the Fund will be
expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return of a
hypothetical investment in the Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years, or for
the life of the Fund, if shorter. These are the rates of return that would
equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value. These rates
of return are calculated pursuant to the following formula: P(1 + T)TO THE POWER
OF n = ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average
annual total return, n = the number of years and ERV = the ending redeemable
value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All
total return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of Fund
expenses on an annual basis, and assume that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested when paid.
Total return of the Investor Shares and other classes of shares
of the Fund will be calculated separately. Because each class of shares is
subject to different expenses, the performance of each class for the same period
will differ.
14. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fund Organization
The Fund is a separate series of the Berger Investment Portfolio
Trust (the "Trust"), a Delaware business trust established under the Delaware
Business Trust Act. The Fund was established on [__________], 1999.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest in series or portfolios. Currently, the Fund is one of eight
series established under the Trust, although others may be added in the future.
The Trust is also authorized to establish multiple classes of shares
representing differing interests in an existing or new series. The Fund
currently has two classes of shares, although others may be added in the future.
Shares of the Fund are fully paid and nonassessable when issued.
Each share has a par value of $.01. All shares issued by the Fund participate
equally in dividends and other distributions by the Fund, and in the residual
assets of the Fund in the event of its liquidation.
DELAWARE BUSINESS TRUST INFORMATION. Under Delaware law,
shareholders of the Fund will enjoy the same limitations on personal liability
as extended to stockholders of a Delaware corporation. Further, the Trust
Instrument of the Trust provides that no shareholder shall be personally liable
for the debts, liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for
or otherwise existing with respect to, the Trust or any particular series (fund)
of the Trust. However, the principles of law governing the limitations of
liability of beneficiaries of a business trust have not been authoritatively
established as to business trusts organized under the laws of one jurisdiction
but operating or owning property in other
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jurisdictions. In states that have adopted legislation containing provisions
comparable to the Delaware Business Trust Act, it is believed that the
limitation of liability of beneficial owners provided by Delaware law should be
respected. In those jurisdictions that have not adopted similar legislative
provisions, it is possible that a court might hold that the shareholders of the
Trust are not entitled to the limitations of liability set forth in Delaware law
or the Trust Instrument and, accordingly, that they may be personally liable for
the obligations of the Trust.
In order to protect shareholders from such potential liability,
the Trust Instrument requires that every written obligation of the Trust or any
series thereof contain a statement to the effect that such obligation may only
be enforced against the assets of the Trust or such series. The Trust Instrument
also provides for indemnification from the assets of the relevant series for all
losses and expenses incurred by any shareholder by reason of being or having
been a shareholder, and that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense
of any such claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the
relevant series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of that series.
As a result, the risk of a shareholder of the Fund incurring
financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances
in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. The Trust
believes that the risk of personal liability to shareholders of the Fund is
therefore remote. The trustees intend to conduct the operations of the Trust and
the Fund so as to avoid, to the extent possible, liability of shareholders for
liabilities of the Trust or the Fund.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE FUND. The Fund
is not required to hold annual shareholder meetings unless required by the
Investment Company Act of 1940 or other applicable law or unless called by the
trustees. If shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the
Trust so request, a special shareholders' meeting of the Trust will be held for
the purpose of considering the removal of a trustee. Special meetings will be
held for other purposes if the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding shares
of the Trust so request. Subject to certain limitations, the Trust will
facilitate appropriate communications by shareholders desiring to call a special
meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of a trustee.
Shareholders of the Fund and, where applicable, the other
series/classes of the Trust, generally vote separately on matters relating to
those respective series/classes, although they vote together and with the
holders of any other series/classes of the Trust in the election of trustees of
the Trust and on all matters relating to the Trust as a whole. Each full share
of the Fund has one vote.
Shares of the Fund have non-cumulative voting rights, which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
trustees can elect 100% of the trustees if they choose to do so and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of trustees will not be able to elect any person or persons as
trustees.
Shares of the Fund have no preemptive rights. There are no
sinking funds or arrearage provisions which may affect the rights of the Fund
shares. Fund shares have no subscription rights or conversion rights, except
that shareholders of any class of the Fund may convert their shares into shares
of any other class of the Fund in the event and only in the event the
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shareholder ceases to be eligible to purchase or hold shares of the original
class, or becomes eligible to purchase shares of a different class, by reason of
a change in the shareholder's status under the conditions of eligibility in
effect for such class at that time. Shares of the Fund may be transferred by
endorsement, or other customary methods, but the Fund is not bound to recognize
any transfer until it is recorded on its books.
MORE INFORMATION ON SPECIAL MULTI-CLASS FUND STRUCTURE
The Fund currently has divided its shares into two classes of
shares, the Investor Shares covered by this SAI and the Institutional Shares
offered through a separate Prospectus and SAI. The Fund implemented its
multi-class structure by adopting a Rule 18f-3 Plan under the 1940 Act
permitting it to issue its shares in classes. The Fund's Rule 18f-3 Plan governs
such matters as class features, dividends, voting, allocation of income and
expenses between classes, exchange and trustee monitoring of the Plan. Each
class is subject to such investment minimums and other conditions of eligibility
as are set forth in the relevant prospectus for the class, as it may be amended
from time to time. Institutional Shares are designed for institutional,
individual and other investors willing to maintain a higher minimum account
balance, currently set at $250,000. Information concerning Institutional Shares
is available from the Fund at 1-800-706-0539.
Subject to the Trust's Trust Instrument and any other applicable
provisions, the trustees of the Trust have the authority to create additional
classes, or change existing classes, from time to time, in accordance with Rule
18f-3 under the Act.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Insofar as the management of the Fund is aware, as of
[_________], 1999, no person owned, beneficially or of record, more than 5% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund.
DISTRIBUTION
Berger Distributors LLC, as the Fund's Distributor, is the
principal underwriter of the Fund's shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Berger LLC. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. The Distributor acts as the agent of the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Fund's shares in all states in which the shares
are eligible for sale and in which the Distributor is qualified as a
broker-dealer. David J. Schultz, Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Secretary
and Treasurer of the Distributor, is also Vice President and Treasurer of the
Fund. Janice M. Teague, Vice President and Secretary of the Distributor, is also
Vice President and Secretary of the Fund. Brian Ferrie, Vice President and Chief
Compliance Officer of the Distributor, is also Vice President of the Fund.
The Fund and the Distributor are parties to a Distribution
Agreement that continues through April 2001, and thereafter from year to year if
such continuation is specifically approved at least annually by the trustees or
by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund and in either case
by vote of a majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" (as that
term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund or the
Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is subject to termination by the Fund or
the Distributor on 60 days' prior written notice, and terminates automatically
in the event of its assignment. Under the
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Distribution Agreement, the Distributor continuously offers shares of the Fund
and solicits orders to purchase Fund shares at net asset value. The Distributor
is not compensated for its services under the Distribution Agreement, but may be
reimbursed by Berger LLC for its costs in distributing Fund shares.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Trust has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to the securities of the Fund of which this Statement of
Additional Information is a part. If further information is desired with respect
to the Fund or such securities, reference is made to the Registration Statement
and the exhibits filed as a part thereof.
Davis, Graham & Stubbs LLP, 370 Seventeenth Street, Denver,
Colorado, acts as counsel to the Fund.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 950 Seventeenth Street, Denver,
Colorado, has been appointed to act as independent accountants for the Trust and
the Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000. In that capacity,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will audit the financial statements of the Fund and
assist the Fund in connection with the preparation of its 2000 income tax
return.
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APPENDIX A
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in convertible securities of any quality,
including unrated securities or securities rated below investment grade (Ba or
lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P) (sometimes referred to as "junk bonds").
However, the Fund will not purchase any security in default at the time of
purchase. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of the market value of its
assets at the time of purchase in convertible securities rated below investment
grade.
Securities rated below investment grade are subject to greater risk
that adverse changes in the financial condition of their issuers or in general
economic conditions, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the
ability of their issuers to make payments of interest and principal or
dividends. The market prices of lower grade securities are generally less
sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more
sensitive to economic changes or individual corporate developments. Periods of
economic uncertainty and change can be expected to result in volatility of
prices of these securities. Lower rated securities also may have less liquid
markets than higher rated securities, and their liquidity as well as their value
may be adversely affected by poor economic conditions. Adverse publicity and
investor perceptions as well as new or proposed laws may also have a negative
impact on the market for high-yield/high-risk bonds. In the event of an
unanticipated default, the Fund will experience a reduction in its income and
could expect a decline in the market value of the securities affected. The
prices of these securities may be more volatile and the markets for them may be
less liquid than those for higher-rated securities.
Unrated securities, while not necessarily of lower quality than rated
securities, may not have as broad a market. Unrated securities will be included
in the Fund's percentage limits for investments rated below investment grade,
unless the Fund's sub-advisor deems such securities to be the equivalent of
investment grade. If securities purchased by the Fund are downgraded following
purchase, or if other circumstances cause the Fund to exceed its percentage
limits on assets invested in securities rated below investment grade, the
trustees of the Fund, in consultation with the Fund's sub-advisor, will
determine what action, if any, is appropriate in light of all relevant
circumstances.
Relying in part on ratings assigned by credit agencies in making
investments will not protect the Fund from the risk that the securities will
decline in value, since credit ratings represent evaluations of the safety of
principal, dividend and/or interest payments, and not the market values of such
securities. Moreover, such ratings may not be changed on a timely basis to
reflect subsequent events.
Although the market for high-yield debt securities has been in
existence for many years and from time to time has experienced economic
downturns, this market has involved a significant increase in the use of
high-yield debt securities to fund highly leverage corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not, therefore, provide an accurate
indication of future performance of the high-yield debt securities market,
particularly during periods of economic recession.
Expenses incurred in recovering an investment in a defaulted security
may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value. Moreover, the reduced
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liquidity of the secondary market for such securities may adversely affect the
market price of, and the ability of the Fund to value, particular securities at
certain times, thereby making it difficult to make specific valuation
determinations.
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
The ratings of fixed-income securities by Moody's and Standard & Poor's
are a generally accepted measurement of credit risk. However, they are subject
to certain limitations. Ratings are generally based upon historical events and
do not necessarily reflect the future. In addition, there is a period of time
between the issuance of a rating and the update of the rating, during which time
a published rating may be inaccurate.
KEY TO MOODY'S CORPORATE RATINGS
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 good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds of this class.
B-Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa-Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
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Ca-Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
C-Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic
rating classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic category.
KEY TO STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE RATINGS
AAA-Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA-Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
A-Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.
BBB-Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits 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
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC AND C-Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is 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 C the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are out-weighed by the large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
C1-The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D-Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment
of principal is in arrears.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-)-The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
<PAGE>
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
(A SERIES OF BERGER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUST)
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES: 1-800-960-8427
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a
prospectus. It relates to the Prospectus for the Berger Large Cap Value Fund
(the "Fund") -- Institutional Shares, dated [___________], 2000, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, which may be obtained by writing the
Fund at P.O. Box 5005, Denver, Colorado 80217, or calling 1-800-706-0539.
This SAI is about the class of shares of the Fund designated as
Institutional Shares. Institutional Shares are designed for pension and
profit-sharing plans, employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and
corporations, as well as high net worth individuals, who are willing to maintain
a minimum account balance of $250,000. Shares of the Fund may be offered through
certain financial intermediaries that may charge their customers transaction or
other fees with respect to the customers' investment in the Fund.
DATED [_________], 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
&
CROSS-REFERENCES TO PROSPECTUS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S><C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS CROSS-REFERENCES TO
RELATED DISCLOSURES
IN PROSPECTUS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction Contents
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Investment Strategies and Risks of Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
the Fund Investment Techniques, Securities and
Associated Risks
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Investment Restrictions Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Investment Techniques, Securities and
Associated Risks
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Management of the Fund Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
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4. Investment Advisor and Sub-Advisor Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
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5. Expenses of the Fund Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
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6. Brokerage Policy Berger Large Cap Value Fund;
Organization of the Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. How to Purchase and Redeem Shares Buying Shares; Exchanging Shares
in the Fund
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8. How the Net Asset Value is Your Share Price
Determined
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9. Income Dividends, Capital Gains Distributions and Taxes
Distributions and Tax Treatment
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10. Suspension of Redemption Rights Other Information About Your Account
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11. Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Exchange Privilege Exchanging Shares
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13. Performance Information Berger Large Cap Value Fund
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Additional Information Organization of the Fund; Special
Fund Structure
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Information N/A
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</TABLE>
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INTRODUCTION
The Fund described in this SAI is a mutual fund, or open-end,
management investment company. The Fund is a diversified fund.
1. INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS OF THE FUND
The Prospectus describes the investment objective of the Fund and
the principal investment policies and strategies used to achieve that objective.
It also describes the principal risks of investing in the Fund.
This section contains supplemental information concerning the types
of securities and other instruments in which the Fund may invest, the investment
policies and portfolio strategies that the Fund may utilize and certain risks
attendant to those investments, policies and strategies.
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS. Stocks represent shares of ownership in
a company. Generally, preferred stock has a specified dividend and ranks after
bonds and before common stocks in its claim on income for dividend payments and
on assets should the company be liquidated. After other claims are satisfied,
common stockholders participate in company profits on a pro-rata basis. Profits
may be paid out in dividends or reinvested in the company to help it grow.
Increases and decreases in earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock
price, so common stocks generally have the greatest appreciation and
depreciation potential of all corporate securities. While most preferred stocks
pay dividends, the Fund may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has
omitted, or is in danger of omitting, payment of its dividends. Such investments
would be made primarily for their capital appreciation potential. All
investments in stocks are subject to market risk, meaning that their prices may
move up and down with the general stock market, and that such movements might
reduce their value.
DEBT SECURITIES. Debt securities (such as bonds or debentures) are
fixed-income securities which bear interest and are issued by corporations or
governments. The issuer has a contractual obligation to pay interest at a stated
rate on specific dates and to repay principal on a specific maturity date. In
addition to market risk, debt securities are generally subject to two other
kinds of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk refers to the
ability of the issuer to meet interest or principal payments as they come due.
The lower the rating given a security by a rating service (such as Moody's
Investor Service ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's ("S&P")), the greater the
credit risk the rating service perceives with respect to that security. The Fund
will not purchase any nonconvertible securities rated below investment grade (Ba
or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P). In cases where the ratings assigned by
more than one rating agency differ, the Fund will consider the security as rated
in the higher category. If nonconvertible securities purchased by the Fund are
downgraded to below investment grade following purchase, the trustees of the
Fund, in consultation with the Fund's sub-advisor, will determine what action,
if any, is appropriate in light of all relevant circumstances. For a further
discussion of debt security ratings, see Appendix A to this SAI.
Interest rate risk refers to the fact that the value of fixed-income
securities (like debt securities) generally fluctuates in response to changes in
interest rates. A decrease in interest rates will generally result in an
increase in the price of fixed-income securities held by the Fund. Conversely,
during periods of rising interest rates, the value of fixed-income securities
held by the Fund will generally decline. Longer-term securities
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are generally more sensitive to interest rate changes and are more volatile than
shorter-term securities, but they generally offer higher yields to compensate
investors for the associated risks.
Certain debt securities can also present prepayment risk. For
example, a security may contain redemption and call provisions. If an issuer
exercises these provisions when interest rates are declining, the Fund could
sustain investment losses as well as have to reinvest the proceeds from the
security at lower interest rates, resulting in a decreased return for the Fund.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund may also purchase debt or equity
securities which are convertible into common stock when the Fund's sub-advisor
believes they offer the potential for a higher total return than nonconvertible
securities. While fixed-income securities generally have a priority claim on a
corporation's assets over that of common stock, some of the convertible
securities which the Fund may hold are high-yield/high-risk securities that are
subject to special risks, including the risk of default in interest or principal
payments which could result in a loss of income to the Fund or a decline in the
market value of the securities. Convertible securities often display a degree of
market price volatility that is comparable to common stocks. The credit risk
associated with convertible securities generally is reflected by their ratings
by organizations such as Moody's or S&P or a similar determination of
creditworthiness by the Fund's sub-advisor. The Fund has no pre-established
minimum quality standards for convertible securities and may invest in
convertible securities of any quality, including lower rated or unrated
securities. However, the Fund will not invest in any security in default at the
time of purchase, and the Fund will invest less than 20% of the market value of
its assets at the time of purchase in convertible securities rated below
investment grade. If convertible securities purchased by the Fund are downgraded
following purchase, or if other circumstances cause 20% or more of the Fund's
assets to be invested in convertible securities rated below investment grade,
the trustees of the Fund, in consultation with the Fund's sub-advisor, will
determine what action, if any, is appropriate in light of all relevant
circumstances. For a further discussion of debt security ratings, see Appendix A
to this SAI.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS. The Fund may also invest in "special
situations." Special situations are companies that have recently experienced or
are anticipated to experience a significant change in structure, management,
products or services which may significantly affect the value of their
securities. Examples of special situations are companies being reorganized or
merged, companies emerging from bankruptcy, companies introducing unusual new
products or which enjoy particular tax advantages. Other examples are companies
experiencing changes in senior management, extraordinary corporate events,
significant changes in cost or capital structure or which are believed to be
probable takeover candidates. The opportunity to invest in special situations,
however, is limited and depends in part on the market's assessment of these
companies and their circumstances. By its nature, a "special situation" company
involves to some degree a break with the company's past experience. This creates
greater uncertainty and potential risk of loss than if the company were
operating according to long-established patterns. In addition, stocks of
companies in special situations may decline or not appreciate as expected if an
anticipated change or development does not occur or is not assessed by the
market as favorably as expected.
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ZEROS/STRIPS. The Fund may invest also in zero coupon bonds or in
"strips." Zero coupon bonds do not make regular interest payments; rather, they
are sold at a discount from face value. Principal and accreted discount
(representing interest accrued but not paid) are paid at maturity. "Strips" are
debt securities that are stripped of their interest coupon after the securities
are issued, but otherwise are comparable to zero coupon bonds. The market values
of "strips" and zero coupon bonds generally fluctuate in response to changes in
interest rates to a greater degree than do interest-paying securities of
comparable term and quality. The Fund will not invest in mortgage-backed or
other asset-backed securities.
SECURITIES OF SMALLER COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in securities
of companies with small or mid-sized market capitalizations. Market
capitalization is defined as total current market value of a company's
outstanding common stock. Investments in companies with smaller market
capitalizations may involve greater risks and price volatility (that is, more
abrupt or erratic price movements) than investments in larger, more mature
companies since smaller companies may be at an earlier stage of development and
may have limited product lines, reduced market liquidity for their shares,
limited financial resources or less depth in management than larger or more
established companies. Smaller companies also may be less significant factors
within their industries and may have difficulty withstanding competition from
larger companies. While smaller companies may be subject to these additional
risks, they may also realize more substantial growth than larger or more
established companies.
SECURITIES OF COMPANIES WITH LIMITED OPERATING HISTORIES. The Fund
may invest in securities of companies with limited operating histories. The Fund
considers these to be securities of companies with a record of less than three
years' continuous operation, even including the operations of any predecessors
and parents. (These are sometimes referred to as "unseasoned issuers.") These
companies by their nature have only a limited operating history which can be
used for evaluating the company's growth prospects. As a result, investment
decisions for these securities may place a greater emphasis on current or
planned product lines and the reputation and experience of the company's
management and less emphasis on fundamental valuation factors than would be the
case for more mature companies. In addition, many of these companies may also be
small companies and involve the risks and price volatility associated with
smaller companies.
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS. The Funds may invest in a company's
securities at the time the company first offers securities to the public, that
is, at the time of the company's initial public offering or IPO. Although
companies can be any age or size at the time of their IPOs, they are often
smaller and have a limited operating history, which involve a greater potential
for the value of their securities to be impaired following the IPO. See
"Securities of Smaller Companies" and "Securities of Companies with Limited
Operating Histories" above.
Investors in IPOs can be adversely affected by substantial dilution
in the value of their shares, by sales of additional shares and by concentration
of control in existing management and principal shareholders. In addition, all
of the factors that affect stock market performance may have a greater impact on
the shares of IPO companies.
The price of a company's securities may be highly unstable at the
time of its IPO and for a period thereafter due to market psychology prevailing
at the time of the IPO, the absence of a prior public market, the
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<PAGE>
small number of shares available and limited availability of investor
information. As a result of this or other factors, a Fund's advisor or
sub-advisor might decide to sell an IPO security more quickly than it would
otherwise, which may result in a significant gain or loss and greater
transaction costs to the Fund. Any gains from shares held for 12 months or less
will be treated as short-term gains, taxable as ordinary income to the Fund's
shareholders. In addition, IPO securities may be subject to varying patterns of
trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell without an unfavorable
impact on prevailing prices.
The effect of an IPO investment can have a magnified impact on a
Fund's performance when the Fund's asset base is small. Consequently, IPOs may
constitute a significant portion of a Fund's returns particularly when the Fund
is small. Since the number of securities issued in an IPO is limited, it is
likely that IPO securities will represent a smaller component of a Fund's assets
as it increases in size, and therefore have a more limited effect on the Fund's
performance.
There can be no assurance that IPOs will continue to be available
for any of the Funds to purchase. The number or quality of IPOs available for
purchase by a Fund may vary, decrease or entirely disappear. In some cases, a
Fund may not be able to purchase IPOs at the offering price, but may have to
purchase the shares in the aftermarket at a price greatly exceeding the offering
price, making it more difficult for the Fund to realize a profit.
The advisor's or sub-advisor's IPO trade allocation procedures
govern which Funds and other advised accounts participate in the allocation of
any IPO. See the heading "Trade Allocations" under Section 4 below. Under the
IPO allocation procedures of Berger LLC, a Fund generally will not participate
in an IPO if the securities available for allocation to the Fund are
insignificant relative to the Fund's net assets. As a result, any Fund or
account whose assets are very large (such as the Berger Growth Fund) is not
likely to participate in the allocation of many IPOs.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in foreign securities, which
may be traded in foreign markets and denominated in foreign currency. The Fund's
investments may also include American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European
Depositary Receipts (EDRs) which are similar to ADRs, in bearer form, designed
for use in the European securities markets, and in Global Depositary Receipts
(GDRs).
Investments in foreign securities involve some risks that are
different from the risks of investing in securities of U.S. issuers, such as the
risk of adverse political, social, diplomatic and economic developments and,
with respect to certain countries, the possibility of expropriation, taxes
imposed by foreign countries or limitations on the removal of monies or other
assets of the Fund. Moreover, the economies of individual foreign countries will
vary in comparison to the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross
domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resources,
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Securities of some foreign
companies, particularly those in developing countries, are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable domestic companies. A developing country
generally is considered to be in the initial stages of its industrialization
cycle. Investing in the securities of developing countries may involve exposure
to economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and to political
systems that can be expected to have less stability than developed countries.
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<PAGE>
There also may be less publicly available information about foreign
issuers and securities than domestic issuers and securities, and foreign issuers
generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, requirements and practices comparable to those applicable to domestic
issuers. Also, there is generally less government supervision and regulation of
exchanges, brokers, financial institutions and issuers in foreign countries than
there is in the U.S. Foreign financial markets typically have substantially less
volume than U.S. markets. Foreign markets also have different clearance and
settlement procedures and, in certain markets, delays or other factors could
make it difficult to effect transactions, potentially causing the Fund to
experience losses or miss investment opportunities.
Costs associated with transactions in foreign securities are
generally higher than with transactions in U.S. securities. The Fund will incur
greater costs in maintaining assets in foreign jurisdictions and in buying and
selling foreign securities generally, resulting in part from converting foreign
currencies into U.S. dollars. In addition, the Fund might have greater
difficulty taking appropriate legal action with respect to foreign investments
in non-U.S. courts than with respect to domestic issuers in U.S. courts, which
may heighten the risk of possible losses through the holding of securities by
custodians and securities depositories in foreign countries.
If the Fund is invested in securities denominated or quoted in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency exchange
rates will affect the value of the investments in its portfolio and the
unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments insofar as U.S. investors
are concerned. If the foreign currency in which a security is denominated
appreciates against the U.S. dollar, the dollar value of the security will
increase. Conversely, a decline in the exchange rate of the foreign currency
against the U.S. dollar would adversely affect the dollar value of the foreign
securities. Foreign currency exchange rates are determined by forces of supply
and demand on the foreign exchange markets, which are in turn affected by the
international balance of payments and other economic and financial conditions,
government intervention, speculation and other factors.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES (PFICS). The Fund may purchase
the securities of certain companies considered Passive Foreign Investment
Companies (PFICs) under U.S. tax laws. For certain types of PFICs, in addition
to bearing their proportionate share of the Fund's expenses (management fees and
operating expenses), shareholders will also indirectly bear similar expenses of
such PFIC. PFIC investments also may be subject to less favorable U.S. tax
treatment, as discussed in Section 9 below.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund is authorized to invest
in securities which are illiquid or not readily marketable because they are
subject to restrictions on their resale ("restricted securities") or because,
based upon their nature or the market for such securities, no ready market is
available. However, the Fund will not purchase any such security, the purchase
of which would cause the Fund to invest more than 15% of its net assets,
measured at the time of purchase, in illiquid securities. Investments in
illiquid securities involve certain risks to the extent that the Fund may be
unable to dispose of such a security at the time desired or at a reasonable
price or, in some cases, may be unable to dispose of it at all. In addition, in
order to resell a restricted security, the Fund might have to incur the
potentially substantial expense and delay associated with effecting
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registration. If securities become illiquid following purchase or other
circumstances cause more than 15% of the Fund's net assets to be invested in
illiquid securities, the trustees of the Fund, in consultation with the Fund's
sub-advisor, will determine what action, if any, is appropriate in light of all
relevant circumstances.
Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will be
considered as illiquid for purposes of this restriction. Pursuant to guidelines
established by the trustees, the Fund's sub-advisor will determine whether
securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to SEC
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 should be treated as illiquid
investments considering, among other things, the following factors: (1) the
frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and (4)
the nature of the security and the marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of
the transfer). The liquidity of the Fund's investments in Rule 144A securities
could be impaired if qualified institutional buyers become uninterested in
purchasing these securities.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements
with various financial organizations, including commercial banks, registered
broker-dealers and registered government securities dealers. A repurchase
agreement is an agreement under which the Fund acquires a debt security
(generally a debt security issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or an
agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit) from a
commercial bank, broker or dealer, subject to resale to the seller at an agreed
upon price and date (normally, the next business day). A repurchase agreement
may be considered a loan collateralized by securities. The resale price reflects
an agreed upon interest rate effective for the period the instrument is held by
the Fund and is unrelated to the interest rate on the underlying instrument. In
these transactions, the securities acquired by the Fund (including accrued
interest earned thereon) must have a total value equal to or in excess of the
value of the repurchase agreement and are held by the Fund's custodian bank
until repurchased. In addition, the trustees will establish guidelines and
standards for review by the investment sub-advisor of the creditworthiness of
any bank, broker or dealer party to a repurchase agreement with the Fund. The
Fund will not enter into a repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven days
if as a result more than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in such
repurchase agreements and other illiquid securities.
These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times by debt
securities (generally a security issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
an agency thereof, a banker's acceptance or a certificate of deposit), but
involve certain risks, such as credit risk to the Fund if the other party
defaults on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from liquidating
the collateral. For example, if the other party to the agreement defaults on its
obligation to repurchase the underlying security at a time when the value of the
security has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the
security. If the other party to the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to
liquidation or reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court
may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by the Fund
not within the control of the Fund and therefore the realization by the Fund on
such collateral may automatically be stayed and delayed. Further, it is possible
that the Fund may not be able to substantiate its interest in the underlying
security and may be deemed an
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unsecured creditor of the other party to the agreement. The Fund expects that
these risks can be controlled through careful monitoring procedures.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. The Fund may purchase
and sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. However, the
Fund currently does not intend to purchase or sell securities on a when-issued
or delayed delivery basis, if as a result more than 5% of its total assets taken
at market value at the time of purchase would be invested in such securities.
When-issued or delayed delivery transactions arise when securities (normally,
obligations of issuers eligible for investment by the Fund) are purchased or
sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in order
to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price or yield. However, the
yield available on a comparable security when delivery takes place may vary from
the yield on the security at the time that the when-issued or delayed delivery
transaction was entered into. Any failure to consummate a when-issued or delayed
delivery transaction may result in the Fund missing the opportunity of obtaining
a price or yield considered to be advantageous. When-issued and delayed delivery
transactions may generally be expected to settle within one month from the date
the transactions are entered into, but in no event later than 90 days. However,
no payment or delivery is made by the Fund until it receives delivery or payment
from the other party to the transaction.
When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued basis, it will
maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash, U.S. government
securities or other liquid assets having an aggregate value equal to the amount
of such purchase commitments, until payment is made. If necessary, additional
assets will be placed in the account daily so that the value of the account will
equal or exceed the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may lend its securities to
qualified institutional investors (such as brokers, dealers or other financial
organizations) who need to borrow securities in order to complete certain
transactions, such as covering short sales, avoiding failures to deliver
securities or completing arbitrage operations. Loans of securities by the Fund
will be collateralized by cash, letters of credit, or securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. The collateral will equal at
least 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities,
marked-to-market on a daily basis. By lending its securities, the Fund will be
attempting to generate income through the receipt of interest on the loan which,
in turn, can be invested in additional securities to pursue the Fund's
investment objective. Any gain or loss in the market price of the securities
loaned that might occur during the term of the loan would be for the account of
the Fund.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to qualified brokers,
dealers, banks or other financial institutions, so long as the terms, the
structure and the aggregate amount of such loans are not inconsistent with the
Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Rules and Regulations or interpretations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") thereunder, which
currently require that (a) the borrower pledge and maintain with the Fund
collateral consisting of cash, an irrevocable letter of credit or securities
issued or guaranteed by the United States government having a value at all times
not less than 100% of the value of the securities loaned, (b) the borrower add
to such collateral whenever the price of the securities loaned rises (i.e., the
borrower "marks to the market" on a daily basis), (c) the loan be made subject
to termination by the Fund at any time and (d) the Fund receives reasonable
interest on the loan, which interest may
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include the Fund's investing cash collateral in interest bearing short-term
investments, and (e) the Fund receives all dividends and distributions on the
loaned securities and any increase in the market value of the loaned securities.
The Fund bears risk of loss in the event that the other party to a
securities lending transaction defaults on its obligations and the Fund is
delayed in or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral,
including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the collateral
securities during the period in which the Fund seeks to assert these rights, the
risk of incurring expenses associated with asserting these rights and the risk
of losing all or a part of the income from the transaction. The Fund will not
lend its portfolio securities if, as a result, the aggregate value of such loans
would exceed 33-1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the
value of the collateral received to secure the loan). Loan arrangements made by
the Fund will comply with all other applicable regulatory requirements,
including the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, which rules presently
require the borrower, after notice, to redeliver the securities within the
normal settlement time of three business days. All relevant facts and
circumstances, including creditworthiness of the broker, dealer or institution,
will be considered in making decisions with respect to the lending of
securities, subject to review by the Fund's trustees.
Although voting rights with respect to loaned securities pass to the
borrower, the Fund retains the right to recall a security (or terminate a loan)
for the purpose of exercising the security's voting rights. Efforts to recall
loaned securities in time to exercise voting rights may be unsuccessful,
especially for foreign securities or thinly traded securities. In addition, it
is expected that loaned securities will be recalled for voting only when the
items being voted on are, in the judgment of the Fund's sub-advisor, either
material to the economic value of the security or threaten to materially impact
the issuing company's corporate governance policies or structure.
SHORT SALES. The Fund currently is only permitted to engage in short
sales if, at the time of the short sale, the Fund owns or has the right to
acquire an equivalent kind and amount of the security being sold short at no
additional cost (i.e., short sales "against the box").
In a short sale, the seller does not immediately deliver the
securities sold and is said to have a short position in those securities until
delivery occurs. To make delivery to the purchaser, the executing broker borrows
the securities being sold short on behalf of the seller. While the short
position is maintained, the seller collateralizes its obligation to deliver the
securities sold short in an amount equal to the proceeds of the short sale plus
an additional margin amount established by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve. If the Fund engages in a short sale, the collateral account will be
maintained by the Fund's custodian. While the short sale is open, the Fund will
maintain in a segregated custodial account an amount of securities convertible
into or exchangeable for such equivalent securities at no additional cost. These
securities would constitute the Fund's long position.
Under prior law, the Fund could have made a short sale, as described
above, when it wanted to sell a security it owned at a current attractive price,
but also wished to defer recognition of gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes and for purposes of satisfying certain tests
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applicable to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code.
However, federal tax legislation has eliminated the ability to defer recognition
of gain or loss in short sales against the box and accordingly, it is not
anticipated that the Fund will be engaging in these transactions unless there
are further legislative changes.
HEDGING TRANSACTIONS. The Fund is authorized to make limited use of
certain types of futures, forwards and/or options, but only for the purpose of
hedging, that is, protecting against market risk due to market movements that
may adversely affect the value of the Fund's securities or the price of
securities that the Fund is considering purchasing. The utilization of futures,
forwards and options is also subject to policies and procedures which may be
established by the trustees from time to time. In addition, the Fund is not
required to hedge. Decisions regarding hedging are subject to the sub-advisor's
judgment of the cost of the hedge, its potential effectiveness and other factors
the sub-advisor considers pertinent.
A hedging transaction may partially protect the Fund from a decline
in the value of a particular security or its portfolio generally, although
hedging may also limit the Fund's opportunity to profit from favorable price
movements, and the cost of the transaction will reduce the potential return on
the security or the portfolio. Use of these instruments by the Fund involves the
potential for a loss that may exceed the amount of initial margin the Fund would
be permitted to commit to the contracts under its investment limitation, or in
the case of a call option written by the Fund, may exceed the premium received
for the option. However, the Fund is permitted to use such instruments for
hedging purposes only, and only if the aggregate amount of its obligations under
these contracts does not exceed the total market value of the assets the Fund is
attempting to hedge, such as a portion or all of its exposure to equity
securities or its holding in a specific foreign currency. To help ensure that
the Fund will be able to meet its obligations under its futures and forward
contracts and its obligations under options written by the Fund, the Fund will
be required to maintain liquid assets in a segregated account with its custodian
bank or to set aside portfolio securities to "cover" its position in these
contracts.
The principal risks of the Fund utilizing futures transactions,
forward contracts and options are: (a) losses resulting from market movements
not anticipated by the Fund; (b) possible imperfect correlation between
movements in the prices of futures, forwards and options and movements in the
prices of the securities or currencies hedged or used to cover such positions;
(c) lack of assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular futures or options at any particular time, and possible
exchange-imposed price fluctuation limits, either of which may make it difficult
or impossible to close a position when so desired; (d) lack of assurance that
the counterparty to a forward contract would be willing to negotiate an offset
or termination of the contract when so desired; and (e) the need for additional
information and skills beyond those required for the management of a portfolio
of traditional securities. In addition, when the Fund enters into an
over-the-counter contract with a counterparty, the Fund will assume counterparty
credit risk, that is, the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its
obligations, in which case the Fund could be worse off than if the contract had
not been entered into.
Following is additional information concerning the futures, forwards
and options which the Fund may utilize, provided that no more than 5% of the
Fund's net assets at the time the contract is entered into may be used for
initial margins for financial futures transactions and premiums paid for
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the purchase of options. In addition, the Fund may only write call options that
are covered and only up to 25% of the Fund's total assets.
FUTURES CONTRACTS. Financial futures contracts are exchange-traded
contracts on financial instruments (such as securities and foreign currencies)
and securities indices that obligate the holder to take or make delivery of a
specified quantity of the underlying financial instrument, or the cash value of
an index, at a future date. Although futures contracts by their terms call for
the delivery or acquisition of the underlying instruments or a cash payment
based on the mark-to-market value of the underlying instruments, in most cases
the contractual obligation will be offset before the delivery date by buying (in
the case of an obligation to sell) or selling (in the case of an obligation to
buy) an identical futures contract. Such a transaction cancels the original
obligation to make or take delivery of the instruments.
The Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for
future delivery of financial instruments, such as securities and foreign
currencies, or contracts based on financial indices including indices of U.S.
Government securities, foreign government securities or equity securities. U.S.
futures contracts are traded on exchanges which have been designated "contract
markets" by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") and must be
executed through a futures commission merchant (an "FCM"), or brokerage firm,
which is a member of the relevant contract market. Through their clearing
corporations, the exchanges guarantee performance of the contracts as between
the clearing members of the exchange.
Both the buyer and seller are required to deposit "initial margin"
for the benefit of the FCM when a futures contract is entered into. Initial
margin deposits are equal to a percentage of the contract's value, as set by the
exchange on which the contract is traded, and may be maintained in cash or other
liquid assets. If the value of either party's position declines, that party will
be required to make additional "variation margin" payments to the other party to
settle the change in value on a daily basis. Initial and variation margin
payments are similar to good faith deposits or performance bonds or
party-to-party payments resulting from daily changes in the value of the
contract, unlike margin extended by a securities broker, and would be released
or credited to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming all
contractual obligations have been satisfied. Unlike margin extended by a
securities broker, initial and variation margin payments do not constitute
purchasing securities on margin for purposes of the Fund's investment
limitations. The Fund will incur brokerage fees when it buys or sells futures
contracts.
In the event of the bankruptcy of the FCM that holds margin on
behalf of the Fund, the Fund may be entitled to return of margin owed to the
Fund only in proportion to the amount received by the FCM's other customers. The
Fund will attempt to minimize the risk by careful monitoring of the
creditworthiness of the FCMs with which the Fund does business and by depositing
margin payments in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian for the
benefit of the FCM when practical or otherwise required by law.
The Fund intends to comply with guidelines of eligibility for
exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" with the
CFTC and the National Futures Association, which regulate trading in the futures
markets. Accordingly, the Fund will not enter into any futures contract or
option on a futures contract if, as a result, the aggregate
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initial margin and premiums required to establish such positions would exceed 5%
of the Fund's net assets.
Although the Fund would hold cash and liquid assets in a segregated
account with a mark-to-market value sufficient to cover the Fund's open futures
obligations, the segregated assets would be available to the Fund immediately
upon closing out the futures position.
The acquisition or sale of a futures contract may occur, for
example, when the Fund is considering purchasing or holds equity securities and
seeks to protect itself from fluctuations in prices without buying or selling
those securities. For example, if prices were expected to decrease, the Fund
might sell equity index futures contracts, thereby hoping to offset a potential
decline in the value of equity securities in the portfolio by a corresponding
increase in the value of the futures contract position held by the Fund and
thereby preventing the Fund's net asset value from declining as much as it
otherwise would have. The Fund also could protect against potential price
declines by selling portfolio securities and investing in money market
instruments. However, the use of futures contracts as a hedging technique allows
the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell portfolio
securities.
Similarly, when prices of equity securities are expected to
increase, futures contracts may be bought to attempt to hedge against the
possibility of having to buy equity securities at higher prices. This technique
is sometimes known as an anticipatory hedge. Since the fluctuations in the value
of futures contracts should be similar to those of equity securities, the Fund
could take advantage of the potential rise in the value of equity securities
without buying them until the market has stabilized. At that time, the futures
contracts could be liquidated and the Fund could buy equity securities on the
cash market.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets,
due to differences in the nature of those markets, are subject to distortions.
First, all participants in the futures market are subject to initial margin and
variation margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation margin
requirements, investors may close out futures contracts through offsetting
transactions which could distort the normal price relationship between the cash
and futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on
participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity
in the futures market could be reduced and prices in the futures market
distorted. Third, from the point of view of speculators, the margin deposit
requirements in the futures market are less than margin requirements in the
securities market. Therefore, increased participation by speculators in the
futures market may cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of
the foregoing distortions, a correct forecast of general price trends by the
Fund still may not result in a successful use of futures.
Futures contracts entail additional risks. Although the Fund will
only utilize futures contracts when it believes that use of such contracts will
benefit the Fund, if the Fund's investment judgment is incorrect, the Fund's
overall performance could be worse than if the Fund had not entered into futures
contracts. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the effects of a possible
decrease in prices of securities held in the Fund's portfolio and prices
increase instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased
value of these securities because of offsetting losses in the Fund's futures
positions. In addition, if the Fund has
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insufficient cash, it may have to sell securities from its portfolio to meet
daily variation margin requirements. Those sales may be, but will not
necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market and may
occur at a time when the sales are disadvantageous to the Fund. Although the
buyer of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the premium plus related
transaction costs, a buyer or seller of futures contracts could lose amounts
substantially in excess of any initial margin deposits made, due to the
potential for adverse price movements resulting in additional variation margin
being required by such positions. However, the Fund intends to monitor its
investments closely and will attempt to close its positions when the risk of
loss to the Fund becomes unacceptably high.
The prices of futures contracts depend primarily on the value of
their underlying instruments. Because there are a limited number of types of
futures contracts, it is possible that the standardized futures contracts
available to the Fund will not match exactly the Fund's current or potential
investments. The Fund may buy and sell futures contracts based on underlying
instruments with different characteristics from the securities in which it
typically invests -- for example, by hedging investments in portfolio securities
with a futures contract based on a broad index of securities -- which involves a
risk that the futures position will not correlate precisely with the performance
of the Fund's investments.
Futures prices can also diverge from the prices of their underlying
instruments, even if the underlying instruments closely correlate with the
Fund's investments. Futures prices are affected by such factors as current and
anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying
instruments and the time remaining until expiration of the contract. Those
factors may affect securities prices differently from futures prices. Imperfect
correlations between the Fund's investments and its futures positions may also
result from differing levels of demand in the futures markets and the securities
markets, from structural differences in how futures and securities are traded,
and from imposition of daily price fluctuation limits for futures contracts. The
Fund may buy or sell futures contracts with a value less than or equal to the
securities it wishes to hedge or is considering purchasing. If price changes in
the Fund's futures positions are poorly correlated with its other investments,
its futures positions may fail to produce desired gains or result in losses that
are not offset by the gains in the Fund's other investments.
Because futures contracts are generally settled within a day from
the date they are closed out, compared with a longer settlement period for most
types of securities, the futures markets can provide superior liquidity to the
securities markets. Nevertheless, there is no assurance a liquid secondary
market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. In
addition, futures exchanges may establish daily price fluctuation limits for
futures contracts and may halt trading if a contract's price moves upward or
downward more than the limit in a given day. On volatile trading days when the
price fluctuation limit is reached, it may be impossible for the Fund to enter
into new positions or close out existing positions. If the secondary market for
a futures contract is not liquid because of price fluctuation limits or
otherwise, the Fund may not be able to promptly liquidate unfavorable futures
positions and potentially could be required to continue to hold a futures
position until the delivery date, regardless of changes in its value. As a
result, the Fund's access to other assets held to cover its futures positions
also could be impaired.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may buy and write options on
futures contracts for hedging purposes. An option on a futures contract
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gives the Fund the right (but not the obligation) to buy or sell a futures
contract at a specified price on or before a specified date. The purchase of
a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the
purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing
of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which
it is based or the price of the underlying instrument, ownership of the
option may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or
the underlying instrument. As with the purchase of futures contracts, the
Fund may buy a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market
advance, and the Fund might buy a put option on a futures contract to hedge
against a market decline.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a
partial hedge against declining prices of the security or foreign currency which
is deliverable under, or of the index comprising, the futures contract. If the
futures price at the expiration of the call option is below the exercise price,
the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which provides a
partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's portfolio
holdings. If a call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will
incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received.
Depending on the degree of correlation between change in the value of its
portfolio securities and changes in the value of the futures positions, the
Fund's losses from existing options on futures may to some extent be reduced or
increased by changes in the value of portfolio securities.
The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar in
some respects to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities.
For example, the Fund may buy a put option on a futures contract to hedge the
Fund's portfolio against the risk of falling prices.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it buys an option on a
futures contract is the premium paid for the option plus related transaction
costs. In addition to the correlation risks discussed above, the purchase of an
option also entails the risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures
contract will not be fully reflected in the value of the options bought.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. A forward contract is a
privately negotiated agreement between two parties in which one party is
obligated to deliver a stated amount of a stated asset at a specified time in
the future and the other party is obligated to pay a specified invoice amount
for the assets at the time of delivery. The Fund currently intends that it will
only use forward contracts or commitments for hedging purposes and will only use
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, although the Fund may enter into
additional forms of forward contracts or commitments in the future if they
become available and advisable in light of the Fund's objectives and investment
policies. Forward contracts generally are negotiated in an interbank market
conducted directly between traders (usually large commercial banks) and their
customers. Unlike futures contracts, which are standardized exchange-traded
contracts, forward contracts can be specifically drawn to meet the needs of the
parties that enter into them. The parties to a forward contract may agree to
offset or terminate the contract before its maturity, or may hold the contract
to maturity and complete the contemplated exchange.
The following discussion summarizes the Fund's principal uses of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward currency contracts"). The
Fund may enter into forward currency contracts with stated contract values
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of up to the value of the Fund's assets. A forward currency contract is an
obligation to buy or sell an amount of a specified currency for an agreed price
(which may be in U.S. dollars or a foreign currency) on a specified date. The
Fund will exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars and for other foreign
currencies in the normal course of business and may buy and sell currencies
through forward currency contracts in order to fix a price (in terms of a
specified currency) for securities it has agreed to buy or sell ("transaction
hedge"). The Fund also may hedge some or all of its investments denominated in
foreign currency against a decline in the value of that currency (or a proxy
currency whose price movements are expected to have a high degree of correlation
with the currency being hedged) relative to the U.S. dollar by entering into
forward currency contracts to sell an amount of that currency approximating the
value of some or all of its portfolio securities denominated in that currency
("position hedge") or by participating in futures contracts (or options on such
futures) with respect to the currency. The Fund also may enter into a forward
currency contract with respect to a currency where the Fund is considering the
purchase or sale of investments denominated in that currency but has not yet
selected the specific investments ("anticipatory hedge").
These types of hedging minimize the effect of currency appreciation
as well as depreciation, but do not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying
U.S. dollar equivalent value of the proceeds of or rates of return on the Fund's
foreign currency denominated portfolio securities. The matching of the increase
in value of a forward contract and the decline in the U.S. dollar equivalent
value of the foreign currency denominated asset that is the subject of the hedge
generally will not be precise. Shifting the Fund's currency exposure from one
foreign currency to another limits the Fund's opportunity to profit from
increases in the value of the original currency and involves a risk of increased
losses to the Fund if its investment manager's projection of future exchange
rates is inaccurate. Unforeseen changes in currency prices may result in poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts.
The Fund will cover outstanding forward currency contracts by
maintaining liquid portfolio securities denominated in the currency underlying
the forward contract or the currency being hedged. To the extent that the Fund
is not able to cover its forward currency positions with underlying portfolio
securities, the Fund's custodian will segregate cash or liquid assets having a
value equal to the aggregate amount of the Fund's commitments under forward
contracts entered into. If the value of the securities used to cover a position
or the value of segregated assets declines, the Fund must find alternative cover
or segregate additional cash or liquid assets on a daily basis so that the value
of the covered and segregated assets will be equal to the amount of the Fund's
commitments with respect to such contracts.
While forward contracts are not currently regulated by the CFTC, the
CFTC may in the future assert authority to regulate forward contracts. In such
event, the Fund's ability to utilize forward contracts may be restricted. The
Fund may not always be able to enter into forward contracts at attractive prices
and may be limited in its ability to use these contracts to hedge Fund assets.
In addition, when the Fund enters into a privately negotiated forward contract
with a counterparty, the Fund assumes counterparty credit risk, that is, the
risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations, in which case
the Fund could be worse off than if the contract had not been entered into.
Unlike many exchange-traded futures contracts and options on futures, there are
no daily price fluctuation limits with respect to forward
-14-
<PAGE>
contracts and other negotiated or over-the-counter instruments, and with respect
to those contracts, adverse market movements could therefore continue to an
unlimited extent over a period of time. However, the Fund intends to monitor its
investments closely and will attempt to renegotiate or close its positions when
the risk of loss to the Fund becomes unacceptably high.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES. The Fund may buy or
sell put or call options and write covered call options on securities that are
traded on United States or foreign securities exchanges or over-the-counter.
Buying an option involves the risk that, during the option period, the price of
the underlying security will not increase (in the case of a call) to above the
exercise price, or will not decrease (in the case of a put) to below the
exercise price, in which case the option will expire without being exercised and
the holder would lose the amount of the premium. Writing a call option involves
the risk of an increase in the market value of the underlying security, in which
case the option could be exercised and the underlying security would then be
sold by the Fund to the option holder at a lower price than its current market
value and the Fund's potential for capital appreciation on the security would be
limited to the exercise price. Moreover, when the Fund writes a call option on a
securities index, the Fund bears the risk of loss resulting from imperfect
correlation between movements in the price of the index and the price of the
securities set aside to cover such position. Although they entitle the holder to
buy equity securities, call options to purchase equity securities do not entitle
the holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the underlying
securities, nor do they represent any rights in the assets of the issuer of
those securities.
A call option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the
underlying security covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate right
to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or for
additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian)
upon conversion or exchange of other securities held in its portfolio. A call
option is also deemed to be covered if the Fund holds a call on the same
security and in the same principal amount as the call written and the exercise
price of the call held (i) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the
call written or (ii) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if
the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid assets in a segregated
account with its custodian.
The writer of a call option may have no control when the underlying
securities must be sold. Whether or not an option expires unexercised, the
writer retains the amount of the premium. This amount, of course, may, in the
case of a covered call option, be offset by a decline in the market value of the
underlying security during the option period.
The writer of an exchange-traded call option that wishes to
terminate its obligation may effect a "closing purchase transaction." This is
accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option previously
written. The effect of the purchase is that the writer's position will be
canceled by the clearing corporation. If the Fund desires to sell a particular
security from the Fund's portfolio on which the Fund has written a call option,
the Fund will effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale
of the security. However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction
after being notified of the exercise of an option. An investor who is the holder
of an exchange-traded option may liquidate its position by effecting a "closing
sale transaction." This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series
as the option previously bought. There
-15-
<PAGE>
is no guarantee that either a closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can
be effected.
The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the
price of the purchase transaction is less than the premium received from writing
the option or the price received from a sale transaction is more than the
premium paid to buy the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing
transaction if the price of the purchase transaction is more than the premium
received from writing the option or the price received from a sale transaction
is less than the premium paid to buy the option. Because increases in the market
price of a call option will generally reflect increases in the market price of
the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option
is likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund.
An option position may be closed out only where there exists a
secondary market for an option of the same series. If a secondary market does
not exist, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular
options with the result that the Fund would have to exercise the options in
order to realize any profit. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying
security until the option expires or the Fund delivers the underlying security
upon exercise. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market may include
the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options, (ii) restrictions may be imposed by a national securities exchange on
which the option is traded ("Exchange") on opening or closing transactions or
both, (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with
respect to particular classes or series of options or underlying securities,
(iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an
Exchange, (v) the facilities of an Exchange or of the Options Clearing
Corporation ("OCC") may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume, or (vi) one or more Exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options
(or a particular class or series of options), in which event the secondary
market on that Exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to
exist, although outstanding options on that Exchange that had been issued by the
OCC as a result of trades on that Exchange would continue to be exercisable in
accordance with their terms.
In addition, when the Fund enters into an over-the-counter option
contract with a counterparty, the Fund assumes counterparty credit risk, that
is, the risk that the counterparty will fail to perform its obligations, in
which case the Fund could be worse off than if the contract had not been entered
into.
An option on a securities index is similar to an option on a
security except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of a
security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder
the right to receive, on exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the
closing level of the securities index on which the option is based is greater
than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise
price of the option.
The Fund may buy call options on securities or securities indices to
hedge against an increase in the price of a security or securities that the Fund
may buy in the future. The premium paid for the call option plus any transaction
costs will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by the Fund upon exercise of the
option, and, unless the price of the underlying security or
-16-
<PAGE>
index rises sufficiently, the option may expire and become worthless to the
Fund. The Fund may buy put options to hedge against a decline in the value of a
security or its portfolio. The premium paid for the put option plus any
transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any, realized by the Fund upon
exercise of the option, and, unless the price of the underlying security or
index declines sufficiently, the option may expire and become worthless to the
Fund.
An example of a hedging transaction using an index option would be
if the Fund were to purchase a put on a stock index, in order to protect the
Fund against a decline in the value of all securities held by it to the extent
that the stock index moves in a similar pattern to the prices of the securities
held. While the correlation between stock indices and price movements of the
stocks in which the Fund will generally invest may be imperfect, the Fund
expects, nonetheless, that the use of put options that relate to such indices
will, in certain circumstances, protect against declines in values of specific
portfolio securities or the Fund's portfolio generally. Although the purchase of
a put option may partially protect the Fund from a decline in the value of a
particular security or its portfolio generally, the cost of a put will reduce
the potential return on the security or the portfolio.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. Investment changes in the Fund will be made
whenever management deems them appropriate even if this results in a higher
portfolio turnover rate. A 100% annual turnover rate results, for example, if
the equivalent of all of the securities in the Fund's portfolio are replaced in
a period of one year. In addition, portfolio turnover for the Fund may increase
as a result of large amounts of purchases and redemptions of shares of the Fund
due to economic, market or other factors that are not within the control of
management.
Higher portfolio turnover will necessarily result in correspondingly
higher brokerage costs for the Fund. The existence of a high portfolio turnover
rate has no direct relationship to the tax liability of the Fund, although sales
of certain stocks will lead to realization of gains, and, possibly, increased
taxable distributions to shareholders. The Fund's brokerage policy is discussed
further below under Section 6--Brokerage Policy, and additional information
concerning income taxes is located under Section 9--Income Dividends, Capital
Gains Distributions and Tax Treatment.
2. INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective of the Fund is capital appreciation. The
investment objective of the Fund is considered fundamental, meaning that it
cannot be changed without a shareholders' vote. There can be no assurance that
the Fund's investment objective will be realized.
The Fund has also adopted certain investment policies, strategies,
guidelines and procedures in pursuing its objective. These may be changed
without a shareholder vote. The principal policies and strategies used by the
Fund are described in the Prospectus.
In addition, the Fund has adopted certain fundamental and
non-fundamental restrictions on its investments and other activities, which are
listed below. Fundamental restrictions may not be changed without the approval
of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at a meeting of
shareholders thereof if the holders of more than 50% of the
-17-
<PAGE>
outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more
than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. Non-fundamental
restrictions may be changed in the future by action of the trustees without
shareholder vote.
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND
The following fundamental restrictions apply to the Berger Large Cap
Value Fund. The Fund may not:
1. With respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, purchase the
securities of any one issuer (except U.S. government securities) if immediately
after and as a result of such purchase (a) the value of the holdings of the Fund
in the securities of such issuer exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets or (b) the Fund owns more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of such issuer.
2. Invest in any one industry (other than U.S. government
securities) 25% or more of the value of its total assets at the time of such
investment.
3. Borrow money, except from banks for temporary or emergency
purposes in amounts not to exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets (including the
amount borrowed) taken at market value, nor pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its
assets, except to secure permitted indebtedness and then only if such pledging,
mortgaging or hypothecating does not exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets taken
at market value. When borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets, the Fund
will not purchase portfolio securities.
4. Act as a securities underwriter (except to the extent the
Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in disposing
of a security), issue senior securities (except to the extent permitted under
the Investment Company Act of 1940), invest in real estate (although it may
purchase shares of a real estate investment trust), or invest in commodities or
commodity contracts except financial futures transactions, futures contracts on
securities and securities indices and options on such futures, forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, forward commitments or securities index put or call
options.
5. Make loans, except that the Fund may enter into repurchase
agreements and may lend portfolio securities in accordance with the Fund's
investment policies. The Fund does not, for this purpose, consider the purchase
of all or a portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, bank loan
participation agreements, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the
original issuance of the securities, to be the making of a loan.
In applying the industry concentration investment restriction (no. 2
above), the Fund uses the industry groups used in the Data Monitor Portfolio
Monitoring System of William O'Neil & Co. Incorporated.
The trustees have adopted additional non-fundamental investment
restrictions for the Fund. These limitations may be changed by the trustees
without a shareholder vote. The non-fundamental investment restrictions include
the following:
1. The Fund may not purchase securities on margin from a broker
or dealer, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be
-18-
<PAGE>
necessary for the clearance of transactions, and may not make short sales of
securities, except that the Fund may make short sales if, at the time of the
short sale, the Fund owns or has the right to acquire an equivalent kind and
amount of the security being sold short at no additional cost (i.e., short sales
"against the box"). This limitation shall not prohibit or restrict the Fund from
entering into futures, forwards and options contracts or from making margin
payments and other deposits in connection therewith.
2. The Fund may not purchase the securities of any other
investment company, except by purchase in the open market involving no
commission or profit to a sponsor or dealer (other than the customary broker's
commission).
3. The Fund may not invest in companies for the purposes of
exercising control of management.
4. The Fund may not purchase any security, including any
repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven days, which is not readily
marketable, if more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund, taken at market
value at the time of purchase would be invested in such securities.
5. Only for the purpose of hedging, the Fund may purchase and
sell financial futures, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and put and
call options, but no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets at the time of
purchase may be invested in initial margins for financial futures transactions
and premiums for options. The Fund may only write call options that are covered
and only up to 25% of the Fund's total assets.
6. The Fund may not purchase or sell securities on a when-issued
or delayed delivery basis, if as a result more than 5% of its total assets taken
at market value at the time of purchase would be invested in such securities.
3. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund is supervised by trustees who are responsible for major
decisions about the Fund's policies and overall Fund oversight. The Fund's
trustees hire the companies that run day-to-day Fund operations, such as the
investment advisor, administrator, transfer agent and custodian.
The trustees and executive officers of the Fund are listed below,
together with information which includes their principal occupations during the
past five years and other principal business affiliations.
MICHAEL OWEN, 114 A Gallatin Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718, DOB: 1937.
Self-employed as a financial and management consultant, and in real estate
development. From 1994 to June 1999, Dean, and from 1989 to 1994, a member
of the Finance faculty, of the College of Business, Montana State
University. Formerly (1976-1989), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Royal Gold, Inc. (mining). Chairman of the Board of Berger Growth Fund and
Berger Growth and Income Fund. Chairman of the Trustees of Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
* JACK R. THOMPSON, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1949. President and a director since May 1999 (Executive Vice
President from February 1999 to May 1999) of Berger Growth Fund and
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<PAGE>
Berger Growth and Income Fund. President and a trustee since May 1999
(Executive Vice President from February 1999 to May 1999) of Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust. President and Director since June, 1999
(Executive Vice President from February 1999 to June 1999) of Berger LLC.
Audit Committee Member of the Public Employees' Retirement Association of
Colorado (pension plan) since November 1997. Self-employed as a consultant
from July 1995 through February 1999. Director of Wasatch Advisors
(investment management) from February 1997 to February 1999. Director of
Janus Capital Corporation (investment management) from June 1984 through
June 1995, and Executive Vice President of the Corporation from April 1989
through June 1995. Treasurer of Janus Capital Corporation from November
1983 through October 1989. Trustee of the Janus Investment Funds from
December 1990 through June 1995, and Senior Vice President of the Trust
from May 1993 through June 1995. President and a director of Janus Service
Corporation (transfer agent) from January 1987 through June 1995. President
and a director of Fillmore Agency, Inc. (advertising agency), from January
1990 through June 1995. Executive Vice President and a director of Janus
Capital International, Ltd. (investment advisor) from September 1994
through June 1995. President and a director of Janus Distributors, Inc.
(broker/dealer), from May 1991 through June 1995. Director of IDEX
Management, Inc. (investment management), from January 1985 through June
1995. Trustee and Senior Vice President of the of the Janus Aspen Funds
from May 1993 through June 1995.
DENNIS E. BALDWIN, 3481 South Race Street, Englewood, CO 80110, DOB: 1928.
President, Baldwin Financial Counseling. Formerly (1978-1990), Vice
President and Denver Office Manager of Merrill Lynch Capital Markets.
Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee
of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
LOUIS R. BINDNER, 1075 South Fox, Denver, CO 80223, DOB: 1925. President,
Climate Engineering, Inc. (building environmental systems). Director of
Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
KATHERINE A. CATTANACH, 672 South Gaylord, Denver, CO 80209, DOB: 1945.
Managing Principal, Sovereign Financial Services, Inc. (investment
consulting firm). Formerly (1981-1988), Executive Vice President, Captiva
Corporation, Denver, Colorado (private investment management firm). Ph.D.
in Finance (Arizona State University); Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee
of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
PAUL R. KNAPP, 33 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60602,
DOB: 1945. Since 1991, Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of Catalyst Institute (international public policy research
organization focused primarily on financial markets and
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<PAGE>
institutions). Since September 1997, President, Chief Executive Officer and
a director of DST Catalyst, Inc. (international financial markets
consulting, software and computer services company). Director (since
February 1998) and a Vice President (February 1998 - November 1998) of West
Side Investments, Inc. (investments), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DST
Systems, Inc. Previously (1991 - September 1997), Chairman, President,
Chief Executive Officer and a director of Catalyst Consulting
(international financial institutions business consulting firm). Prior
thereto (1988-1991), President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of
Kessler Asher Group (brokerage, clearing and trading firm). Director of
Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
HARRY T. LEWIS, JR., 370 17th Street, Suite 3560, Denver, CO 80202, DOB: 1933.
Self-employed as a private investor. Formerly (1981-1988), Senior Vice
President, Rocky Mountain Region, of Dain Bosworth Incorporated and member
of that firm's Management Committee. Director of J.D. Edwards & Co.
(computer software company) since 1995. Director of Berger Growth Fund and
Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of Berger Investment Portfolio
Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds
Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust and Berger Omni Investment
Trust.
WILLIAM SINCLAIRE, 3049 S. Perry Park Road, Sedalia, CO 80135, DOB: 1928.
President, Santa Clara LLC (privately owned agriculture company). Director
of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund. Trustee of Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust
and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
WILLIAM F.K. Schaff, 160 Sansome Street, 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.
DOB: 1957. Chief Investment Officer and a director (since February 1998) of
Bay Isle LLC. Chief Investment Officer (November 1989) of Bay Isle
Financial Corporation. Investment Analyst/Advisor of J. Stewart Investments
from September, 1986 to February, 1989.
* JANICE M. TEAGUE, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1954. Vice President and Secretary (since November 1998) and Assistant
Secretary (September 1996 to November 1998) of the Berger Funds. Vice
President and Secretary of Berger LLC since September 1999. Vice President
(since October 1997), Secretary (since November 1998) and Assistant
Secretary (October 1996 through November 1998) of Stilwell Management,
Inc., which was known as Berger Associates, Inc. until September 1999. Vice
President and Secretary with Berger Distributors LLC since August 1998.
Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of Berger/Bay Isle LLC (investment
management) since May 1999. Formerly, self employed as a business
consultant from June 1995 through September 1996, Secretary of the Janus
Funds from January 1990 to May 1995 and Assistant Secretary of Janus
Capital Corporation from October 1989 to May 1995.
* DAVID J. SCHULTZ, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1950. Vice President and Treasurer (since November 1998) and Assistant
Treasurer (September 1996 to November 1998) of the Berger Funds. Vice
President (since February 1997) and Controller (since August 1994) with
Berger LLC. Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (since May 1996),
Assistant Secretary (since August 1998) and
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<PAGE>
Secretary (May 1996 to August 1998) with Berger Distributors LLC Formerly,
Partner with Smith, Brock & Gwinn (accounting firm) from January 1984 to
August 1994.
* BRIAN S. FERRIE, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1958. Vice President of the Berger Funds since November 1998. Vice
President (since February 1997) and Chief Compliance Officer (since August
1994) with Berger LLC. Chief Compliance Officer with Berger Distributors,
Inc., since May 1996. Formerly, Compliance Officer with United Services
Advisor, Inc., from January 1988 to July 1994, and Director of Internal
Audit of United Services Funds from January 1987 to July 1994.
* JOHN PAGANELLI, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206,
DOB: 1967. Assistant Treasurer of the Berger Funds since November 1998.
Vice President (since November 1998) and Manager of Accounting (January
1997 through November 1998) with Berger LLC. Formerly, manager of
Accounting (December 1994 through October 1996) and Senior Accountant
(November 1991 through December 1994) with Palmeri Fund Administrators,
Inc.
- ----------------
* Interested person (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the
Fund and/or of the Fund's advisor or sub-advisor.
The trustees of the Fund have adopted a trustee retirement age of 75
years.
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION
The officers of the Fund received no compensation from the
Fund during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998. However, trustees of the
Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund or its advisor or sub-advisor
are compensated for their services according to a fee schedule, allocated among
the Berger Funds. Neither the officers of the Fund nor the trustees receive any
form of pension or retirement benefit compensation from the Fund.
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation paid
or accrued during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, for each trustee of
the Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
NAME AND POSITION AGGREGATE COMPENSATION FROM
WITH BERGER FUNDS
- --------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
BERGER LARGE CAP VALUE FUND(1) ALL BERGER FUNDS(2)
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Dennis E. Baldwin(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Louis R. Bindner(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Katherine A. Cattanach(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Paul R. Knapp(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Harry T. Lewis(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Michael Owen(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
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<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
William Sinclaire(3) $ _____ $_____
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Jack R. Thompson(3),(4),(5) $ 0 $ 0
- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- -------------------------------
</TABLE>
NOTES TO TABLE
(1) The Fund was not added as a series of the Trust until January, 2000. Figures
are estimates for the first year of operations of the Fund as a series of the
Trust.
(2) Includes the Berger Growth Fund, the Berger Growth and Income Fund, the
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust (including the Berger Small Company Growth
Fund, the Berger New Generation Fund, the Berger Balanced Fund, the Berger
Select Fund and the Berger Mid Cap Growth Fund), the Berger Institutional
Products Trust (four series), the Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust (three
series, including the Berger/BIAM International Fund), the Berger/BIAM Worldwide
Portfolios Trust (one series) and the Berger Omni Investment Trust (including
the Berger Small Cap Value Fund). Aggregate compensation figures do not include
first-year estimates for the Fund or figures for the Berger Information
Technology Fund, which was added to the Trust after September 30, 1998. Of the
aggregate amounts shown for each trustee, the following amounts were deferred
under applicable deferred compensation plans: Dennis E. Baldwin $36,100; Louis
R. Bindner $3,638; Katherine A. Cattanach $45,202; Lucy Black Creighton $6,280;
Michael Owen $10,276; William Sinclaire $14,898.
(3) Director of Berger Growth Fund and Berger Growth and Income Fund and trustee
of Berger Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger Institutional Products Trust,
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust and
Berger Omni Investment Trust.
(4) Interested person of Berger LLC.
(5) President of Berger Growth Fund, Berger Growth and Income Fund, Berger
Investment Portfolio Trust, Berger/BIAM Worldwide Portfolios Trust, Berger/BIAM
Worldwide Funds Trust and Berger Omni Investment Trust.
(6) Resigned as a director and trustee effective November 1997.
Trustees may elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of their fees
pursuant to a fee deferral plan adopted by the Fund. Under the plan, deferred
fees are credited to an account and adjusted thereafter to reflect the
investment experience of whichever of the Berger Funds (or approved money market
funds) is designated by the trustee for this purpose. Pursuant to an SEC
exemptive order, the Fund is permitted to purchase shares of the designated
funds in order to offset its obligation to the trustees participating in the
plan. Purchases made pursuant to the plan are excepted from any otherwise
applicable investment restriction limiting the purchase of securities of any
other investment company. The Fund's obligation to make payments of deferred
fees under the plan is a general obligation of the Fund.
As of [__________], 1999, the officers and trustees of the Fund as a
group owned of record or beneficially no shares of the Fund.
4. INVESTMENT ADVISOR AND SUB-ADVISOR
BERGER LLC - INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Berger LLC, 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206, is
the investment advisor to the Fund. Berger LLC is responsible for managing the
investment operations of the Fund and the composition of its investment
portfolio. Berger LLC also acts as the Fund's administrator and is responsible
for such functions as monitoring compliance with all applicable federal and
state laws.
Berger LLC has been in the investment advisory business for 25 years.
It serves as investment advisor or sub-advisor to mutual funds and institutional
investors and had assets under management of approximately $3.4 billion as of
December 31, 1998. Berger LLC is a subsidiary of Stilwell Management Inc.
("Stilwell"), which owns more than 80% of Berger LLC, and is
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<PAGE>
an indirect subsidiary of Stilwell Financial, Inc. ("Stilwell Financial"), which
in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc.
("KCSI"). KCSI is a publicly traded holding company with principal operations in
rail transportation, through its subsidiary The Kansas City Southern Railway
Company, and financial asset management businesses. KCSI indirectly (through
Stilwell Financial) also owns approximately 32% of the outstanding shares of DST
Systems, Inc. ("DST"), a publicly traded information and transaction processing
company which acts as the Funds' sub-transfer agent. DST, in turn, owns 100% of
DST Securities, a registered broker-dealer, which executes portfolio trades for
the Funds.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and its
advisor, the advisor is generally responsible for furnishing continuous advice
and making investment decisions as to the acquisition, holding or disposition of
securities or other assets which the Fund may own or contemplate acquiring from
time to time. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the investment
advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for
any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission taken with
respect to the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of reckless disregard
of its obligations and duties thereunder and except to the extent otherwise
provided by law.
Under the Agreement, the advisor is compensated for its services by
the payment of a fee at the following annual rate, calculated as a percentage of
the average daily net assets of the Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------------------
FUND ADVISOR INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEE
- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Berger Large Cap Value Fund Berger LLC(1) 0.[__]%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ---------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Fund is sub-advised by Bay Isle. See text preceding and following this
table.
(2) Under a written contract, the Fund's investment advisor waives its fee or
reimburses the Fund for expenses to the extent that, at any time during the life
of the Fund, the annual operating expenses for the Institutional Shares class of
the Fund in any fiscal year, including the investment advisory fee, but
excluding brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses,
exceed [1.50]% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to the
Institutional Shares for that fiscal year. The contract also provides that the
advisor will waive an additional amount of its fees or reimburse an additional
amount of expenses to the extent necessary to keep its fee waiver and
reimbursement for the Institutional Shares class proportionate to its fee waiver
and reimbursement for the Fund's other outstanding share class. The contract may
not be terminated or amended except by a vote of the Fund's Board of Trustees.
The investment advisory fee is allocated among the Institutional Shares and the
other class of the Fund on the basis of net assets attributable to each such
class.
The Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect until
February 17, 2002, and thereafter from year to year if such continuation is
specifically approved at least annually by the trustees or by vote of a majority
of the outstanding shares of the Fund and in either case by vote of a majority
of the trustees who are not "interested persons" (as that term is defined in the
1940 Act) of the Fund or the advisor. The Agreement is subject to termination by
the Fund or the advisor on 60 days' written notice, and terminates automatically
in the event of its assignment.
ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN BERGER LLC AND BAY ISLE
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In January 2000, Berger LLC purchased all of the outstanding shares of
Bay Isle Financial Corp., an investment adviser founded by the Fund's portfolio
manager William F.K. Schaff and Gary G. Pollock. Previously, Berger LLC and Bay
Isle formed a joint venture to provide asset management services to certain
private accounts. Bay Isle, currently a subsidiary of Berger LLC, continues to
provide investment advisory services to private accounts.
TRADE ALLOCATIONS
While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently by the
sub-advisor, the same investment decision may be made for the Fund and one or
more accounts advised by the advisor. In this circumstance, should purchase and
sell orders of the same class of security be in effect on the same day, the
orders for such transactions may be combined by the advisor in order to seek the
best combination of net price and execution for each. Client orders partially
filled will, as a general matter, be allocated pro rata in proportion to each
client's original order, although exceptions may be made to avoid, among other
things, odd lots and de minimus allocations. Execution prices for a combined
order will be averaged so that each participating client receives the average
price paid or received. While in some cases, this policy might adversely affect
the price paid or received by the Fund or other participating accounts, or the
size of the position obtained or liquidated, the advisor will aggregate orders
if it believes that coordination of orders and the ability to participate in
volume transactions will result in the best overall combination of net price and
execution.
RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL TRADING
Berger LLC permits its directors, officers and employees to purchase
and sell securities for their own accounts in accordance with a policy regarding
personal investing in Berger LLC' Code of Ethics. The policy requires all
covered persons to conduct their personal securities transactions in a manner
which does not operate adversely to the interests of the Fund or Berger LLC'
other advisory clients. Directors and officers of Berger LLC, investment
personnel and other designated persons deemed to have access to current trading
information ("access persons") are required to pre-clear all transactions in
securities not otherwise exempt under the policy. Requests for authority to
trade will be denied pre-clearance when, among other reasons, the proposed
personal transaction would be contrary to the provisions of the policy or would
be deemed to adversely affect any transaction then known to be under
consideration for or currently being effected on behalf of any client account,
including the Fund.
In addition to the pre-clearance requirements described above, the
policy subjects directors and officers of Berger LLC, investment personnel and
other access persons to various trading restrictions and reporting obligations.
All reportable transactions are reviewed for compliance with the policy. The
policy is administered by Berger LLC and the provisions of the policy are
subject to interpretation by and exceptions authorized by its board of
directors.
Bay Isle permits its officers, directors, employees and consultants to
purchase and sell securities for their own accounts and accounts of related
persons in accordance with provisions governing personal securities trading in
Bay Isle's code of ethics and related internal policies. Employees must wait 3
days between the time a new recommendation or opinion change is made and the
time the employee may trade in those securities in their own or related
accounts, or alternatively may ask that their transaction be added to a "block"
trade that will be made for a group of clients. Any employee trade not included
in a "block" trade made must be pre-cleared if the trade exceeds certain
specified volume limits. Volume limits are set with the intent of requiring
prior approval of any trade that could potentially cause changes in the market
price of the security in question. No employee, officer or director of Bay Isle
may acquire any security in an initial public offering or in a private placement
without prior written approval from Bay Isle's President. Any Bay Isle employee
who is an "access person" of the Fund will also be subject to the provisions of
Berger LLC' Code of Ethics, if those provisions are more restrictive than the
provisions of Bay Isle's own code.
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Each employee must acknowledge quarterly that they are in compliance with the
Bay Isle code of ethics and related policies.
5. EXPENSES OF THE FUND
In addition to paying an investment advisory fee to its advisor, the
Fund pays all of its expenses not assumed by its advisor, including, but not
limited to, custodian and transfer agent fees, legal and accounting expenses,
administrative and record keeping expenses, interest charges, federal and state
taxes, costs of share certificates, expenses of shareholders' meetings,
compensation of trustees who are not interested persons of Berger LLC, expenses
of printing and distributing reports to shareholders and federal and state
administrative agencies, and all expenses incurred in connection with the
execution of its portfolio transactions, including brokerage commissions on
purchases and sales of portfolio securities, which are considered a cost of
securities of the Fund. The Fund also pays all expenses incurred in complying
with all federal and state laws and the laws of any foreign country applicable
to the issue, offer or sale of shares of the Fund, including, but not limited
to, all costs involved in preparing and printing prospectuses for shareholders
of the Fund.
Under a separate Administrative Services Agreement with respect to the
Fund, Berger LLC performs certain administrative and recordkeeping services not
otherwise performed by the Fund's custodian and recordkeeper, including the
preparation of financial statements and reports to be filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and state regulatory authorities. The Fund pays Berger
LLC a fee at an annual rate of 0.01% of its average daily net assets for such
services. These fees are in addition to the investment advisory fees paid under
the Investment Advisory Agreement. The administrative services fees may be
changed by the trustees without shareholder approval.
The Fund has appointed Investors Fiduciary Trust Company ("IFTC"), 801
Pennsylvania, Kansas City, MO 64105, as its recordkeeping and pricing agent. In
addition, IFTC also serves as the Fund's custodian, transfer agent and dividend
disbursing agent. IFTC has engaged DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), P.O. Box 419958,
Kansas City, MO 64141, as sub-agent to provide transfer agency and dividend
disbursing services for the Fund. Approximately 31% of the outstanding shares of
DST are owned by KCSI.
As recordkeeping and pricing agent, IFTC calculates the daily net
asset value of the Fund and performs certain accounting and recordkeeping
functions required by the Fund. The Fund pays IFTC a monthly base fee plus an
asset-based fee. IFTC is also reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses.
IFTC, as custodian, and its subcustodians have custody and
provide for the safekeeping of the Fund's securities and cash, and receive and
remit the income thereon as directed by the management of the Fund. The
custodian and subcustodians do not perform any managerial or policy-making
functions for the Fund. For its services as custodian, IFTC receives an
asset-based fee plus certain transaction fees and out-of-pocket expenses.
As transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent, IFTC (through DST, as
sub-agent) maintains all shareholder accounts of record; assists in mailing all
reports, proxies and other information to the Fund's shareholders; calculates
the amount of, and delivers to the Fund's shareholders, proceeds representing
all dividends and distributions; and performs other related services. For these
services, IFTC receives a fee from the Fund at an annual rate of $14.00 per open
Fund shareholder account, subject to preset volume
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discounts, plus certain transaction fees and fees for closed accounts, and is
reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses, which fees in turn are passed through to
DST as sub-agent.
All of IFTC's fees are subject to reduction pursuant to an agreed
formula for certain earnings credits on the cash balances of the Fund.
OTHER EXPENSE INFORMATION
The trustees of the Fund have authorized portfolio transactions to be
placed on an agency basis through DST Securities, Inc. ("DSTS"), a wholly-owned
broker-dealer subsidiary of DST. When transactions are effected through DSTS,
the commission received by DSTS is credited against, and thereby reduces,
certain operating expenses that the Fund would otherwise be obligated to pay. No
portion of the commission is retained by DSTS. See Section 6--Brokerage Policy
for further information concerning the expenses reduced as a result of these
arrangements. DSTS may be considered an affiliate of Berger LLC due to the
ownership interest of KCSI in both DST and Berger LLC.
The Fund and/or its advisor have entered into arrangements with
certain brokerage firms and other companies (such as recordkeepers and
administrators) to provide administrative services (such as sub-transfer agency,
recordkeeping, shareholder communications, sub-accounting and/or other services)
to investors purchasing shares of the Fund through those firms or companies. The
Fund's advisor or the Fund (if approved by its trustees) may pay fees to these
companies for their services. These companies may also be appointed as agents
for or authorized by the Fund to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption
requests that are received in good order. Subject to Fund approval, certain of
these companies may be authorized to designate other entities to accept purchase
and redemption orders on behalf of the Fund.
The Fund's advisor may also enter into arrangements with organizations
that solicit clients for the advisor, which may include clients who purchase
shares of the Fund. While the specific terms of each arrangement may differ,
generally, the fee paid by the advisor under such arrangements is based on the
value of the referred client's assets managed by the advisor. None of the fees
paid to such organizations will be borne by the Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The distributor (principal underwriter) of the Fund's shares is Berger
Distributors LLC(the "Distributor"), 210 University Boulevard, Suite 900,
Denver, CO 80206. The Distributor may be reimbursed by Berger LLC for its costs
in distributing the Fund's Institutional Shares.
6. BROKERAGE POLICY
Although the Fund retains full control over its own investment
policies, under the terms of its Investment Advisory Agreement, Berger LLC as
the Fund's advisor is directed to place the portfolio transactions of the Fund.
A report on the placement of brokerage business is given to the trustees of the
Fund every quarter, indicating the brokers with whom Fund portfolio business was
placed and the basis for such placement.
The Investment Advisory Agreement authorizes and directs the advisor
to place portfolio transactions for the Fund only with brokers and dealers who
render satisfactory service in the execution of orders at the most favorable
prices and at reasonable commission rates. However, the Agreement specifically
authorizes the advisor to place such transactions with a broker
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with whom it has negotiated a commission that is in excess of the commission
another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction if
the advisor determines in good faith that such amount of commission was
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services
provided by such broker viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or
the overall responsibilities of the advisor. Accordingly, the advisor does not
have an obligation to seek the lowest available commission.
In accordance with this provision of the Agreement, portfolio
brokerage business of the Fund may be placed with brokers who provide useful
brokerage and research services to the advisor. The Fund's advisor may consider
the value of research provided as a factor in the choice of brokers. "Research"
includes computerized on-line stock quotation systems and related data feeds
from stock exchanges, computerized trade order entry, execution and confirmation
systems, fundamental and technical analysis data and software, computerized
stock market and business news services, economic research, account performance
data and computer hardware used for the receipt of electronic research services
and broker and other third-party equity research, such as publications or
writings which furnish advice as to the value of securities and advisability of
investing, and analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
market trends, and portfolio strategies. Research may be provided orally, in
print, or electronically. These include a service used by the independent
trustees of the Fund in reviewing the Investment Advisory Agreement.
In some cases, a product or services termed "research" may serve other
functions unrelated to the making of investment decisions. When a product has
such a mixed use, the advisor will make a good faith allocation of the cost of
the product according to the use made of it. The portion of the product that
assists the advisor in the investment decision-making process may be paid for
with the Fund's commission dollars. The advisor pays for the portion of the
product that is not "research" with its own funds. Accordingly, the decision
whether and how to allocate the costs of such a product presents a conflict of
interest for Berger LLC.
Berger LLC does not enter into formal agreements with any brokers
regarding the placement of securities transactions because of any such brokerage
or research services that they provide. Berger LLC may, however, make
arrangements with and maintain internal procedures for allocating transactions
to brokers who provide such services to encourage them to provide services
expected to be useful to Berger LLC' clients, including the Fund. Brokers may
suggest a level of business they would like to receive in return for the
brokerage and research they provide. Berger LLC then determines whether to
continue receiving the research and brokerage provided and the approximate
amount of commissions it is willing to pay to continue the brokerage and
research arrangement with each broker. The actual amount of commissions a broker
may receive may be more or less than a broker's suggested allocations, depending
on Berger LLC' level of business, market conditions and other relevant factors.
Even under these arrangements, however, the placement of all Fund transactions,
must be consistent with the Fund's brokerage placement and execution policies,
and must be directed to a broker who renders satisfactory service in the
execution of orders at the most favorable prices and at reasonable commission
rates.
These brokerage and research services received from brokers are often
helpful to Berger LLC in performing its investment advisory responsibilities to
the Fund, and the availability of such services from brokers does not reduce the
responsibility of Berger LLC' advisory personnel to analyze and evaluate the
securities in which the Fund invests. The brokerage and research
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services obtained as a result of the Fund's brokerage business also will be
useful to Berger LLC in making investment decisions for its other advisory
accounts, and, conversely, information obtained by reason of placement of
brokerage business of such other accounts may be used by Berger LLC in rendering
investment advice to the Fund. Although such brokerage and research services may
be deemed to be of value to Berger LLC, they are not expected to decrease the
expenses that Berger LLC would otherwise incur in performing its investment
advisory services for the Fund nor will the advisory fees that are received by
Berger LLC from the Fund be reduced as a result of the availability of such
brokerage and research services from brokers.
The trustees of the Fund have authorized portfolio transactions to be
placed on an agency basis through DSTS, a wholly-owned broker-dealer subsidiary
of DST. When transactions are effected through DSTS, the commission received by
DSTS is credited against, and thereby reduces, certain operating expenses that
the Fund would otherwise be obligated to pay. No portion of the commission is
retained by DSTS. DSTS may be considered an affiliate of Berger LLC due to the
ownership interest of KCSI in both DST and Berger LLC.
The Fund's advisor places securities orders with a limited number of
major institutional brokerage firms chosen for the reliability and quality of
execution; commission rates; quality of research coverage of major U.S.
companies, the U.S. economy and the securities markets; promptness; back office
capabilities; capital strength and financial stability; prior performance in
serving the advisor and its clients; and knowledge of other buyers and sellers.
The advisor selects the broker for each order based on the factors above, as
well as the size, difficulty and other characteristics of the order. The
trustees of the Fund have also authorized sales of shares of the Fund by a
broker-dealer and the recommendations of a broker-dealer to its customers that
they purchase Fund shares to be considered as factors in the selection of
broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund. In addition, the
advisor may also consider payments made by brokers to the Fund or to other
persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to the Fund for which it
would otherwise be obligated to pay, such as transfer agency fees. In placing
portfolio business with any such broker or dealer, the advisor of the Fund will
seek the best execution of each transaction.
7. HOW TO PURCHASE AND REDEEM SHARES IN THE FUND
Minimum Initial Investment $250,000
Institutional Shares in the Fund may be purchased at the relevant net
asset value without a sales charge. The minimum initial investment for
Institutional Shares of the Fund is $250,000.
To purchase shares in the Fund, simply complete the application form
enclosed with the Prospectus. Then mail it with a check payable to "Berger
Funds" to the following address:
Berger Funds
P.O. Box 419958
Kansas City, MO 64141
Payment for shares purchased may be made by wire, electronic funds
transfer or mail. All purchase orders are effected at the relevant net asset
value per share of the Fund next determined after receipt of the purchase order,
completed application and payment. A purchase order, together with payment in
proper form, received by the Fund, its authorized agent or
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designee prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on a
day the Fund is open for business will be effected at that day's net asset
value. An order received after that time will be effected at the net asset value
determined on the next business day.
Additional investments may be made at any time by mail, telephone
(1-800-960-8427) or online (bergerfunds.com) at the relevant net asset value by
calling or writing the Fund and making payment by wire or electronic funds
transfer as outlined above.
In addition, Fund shares may be purchased through certain
broker-dealers that have established mutual fund programs and certain other
organizations connected with pension and retirement plans. These broker-dealers
and other organizations may charge investors a transaction or other fee for
their services, may require different minimum initial and subsequent investments
than the Fund and may impose other charges or restrictions different from those
applicable to shareholders who invest in the Fund directly. Fees charged by
these organizations will have the effect of reducing a shareholder's total
return on an investment in Fund shares. No such charge will apply to an investor
who purchases Fund shares directly from the Fund as described above.
Procedures for purchasing, selling (redeeming) and exchanging Fund
shares by telephone and online are described in the Prospectus. The Fund may
terminate or modify those procedures and related requirements at any time,
although shareholders of the Fund will be given notice of any termination or
material modification. Berger LLC may, at its own risk, waive certain of those
procedures and related requirements.
8. HOW THE NET ASSET VALUE IS DETERMINED
The net asset value of the Fund is determined once daily, at the close
of the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange")
(normally 4:00 p.m., New York time, Monday through Friday) each day that the
Exchange is open. The Exchange is closed and the net asset value of the Fund is
not determined on weekends and on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day each year.
The per share net asset value of the Institutional Shares is
determined by dividing the Institutional Shares' pro rata portion of the total
value of the Fund's securities and other assets, less the Institutional Shares'
pro rata portion of the Fund's liabilities and the liabilities attributable to
the Institutional Shares, by the total number of Institutional Shares
outstanding. Since net asset value for the Fund is calculated by class, and
since the Institutional Shares and each other class of the Fund has its own
expenses, the per share net asset value of the Fund will vary by class.
In determining net asset value, securities listed or traded primarily
on national exchanges, The Nasdaq Stock Market and foreign exchanges are valued
at the last sale price on such markets, or, if such a price is lacking for the
trading period immediately preceding the time of determination, such securities
are valued at the mean of their current bid and asked prices. Securities that
are traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean between their
current bid and asked prices. The market value of individual securities held by
the Fund will be determined by using prices provided by pricing services which
provide market prices to other mutual funds or, as needed, by obtaining market
quotations from independent
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broker/dealers. Short-term money market securities maturing within 60 days are
valued on the amortized cost basis, which approximates market value. All assets
and liabilities initially expressed in terms of non-U.S. dollar currencies are
translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing market rates as quoted by one or
more banks or dealers shortly before the close of the Exchange. Securities and
assets for which quotations are not readily available or are not representative
of market value may be valued at their fair value determined in good faith
pursuant to consistently applied procedures established by the trustees.
Examples would be when events occur that materially affect the value of a
security at a time when the security is not trading or when the securities are
illiquid.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The
values of foreign securities used in computing the net asset value of the shares
of the Fund are determined as of the earlier of such market close or the closing
time of the Exchange. Occasionally, events affecting the value of such
securities may occur between the times at which they are determined and the
close of the Exchange, or when the foreign market on which such securities trade
is closed but the Exchange is open, which will not be reflected in the
computation of net asset value. If during such periods, events occur which
materially affect the value of such securities, the securities may be valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to consistently applied
procedures established by the trustees.
The Fund's securities may be listed primarily on foreign exchanges or
over-the-counter dealer markets which may trade on days when the Exchange is
closed (such as a customary U.S. holiday) and on which the Fund's net asset
value is not calculated. As a result, the net asset value of the Fund may be
significantly affected by such trading on days when shareholders cannot purchase
or redeem shares of the Fund.
9. INCOME DIVIDENDS, CAPITAL GAINS
DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX TREATMENT
This discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax issues
relating to the Fund. As a summary, it is not an exhaustive discussion of all
possible tax ramifications. Accordingly, shareholders are urged to consult with
their tax advisors with respect to their particular tax consequences.
TAX STATUS OF THE FUND. If the Fund meets certain investment and
distribution requirements, it will be treated as a "regulated investment
company" (a "RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code and will not be subject to
federal income tax on earnings that it distributes in a timely manner to
shareholders. It also may be subject to an excise tax on undistributed income if
it does not meet certain timing requirements for distributions. The Fund intends
to qualify as a RIC annually and to make timely distributions in order to avoid
income and excise tax liabilities.
TAX ON FUND DISTRIBUTIONS. With certain exceptions provided by law,
the Fund will report annually to the Internal Revenue Service and to each
shareholder information about the tax treatment of the shareholder's
distributions. Dividends paid by the Fund, whether received in cash or
reinvested in additional Fund shares, will be treated as ordinary income to the
shareholders. Distributions of net capital gain, whether received in cash or
reinvested in Fund shares, will be taxable to the shareholders, but the rate of
tax will vary depending upon the Fund's holding periods in the assets whose sale
resulted in the capital gain. Dividends and distributions that are declared in
October, November or December but not distributed until the
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following January will be considered to be received by the shareholders on
December 31.
In general, net capital gains from assets held by the Fund for more
than 12 months will be subject to a maximum tax rate of 20% and net capital
gains from assets held for 12 months or less will be taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions will be subject to these capital gains rates, regardless of how
long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Assets contributed to the Fund in an
in-kind purchase of Fund shares may generate more gain upon their sale than if
the assets had been purchased by the Fund with cash contributed to the Fund in a
cash purchase of Fund shares.
If the Fund's distributions for a taxable year exceeds its tax
earnings and profits available for distribution, all or a portion of its
distributions may be treated as a return of capital or as capital gains. To the
extent a distribution is treated as a return of capital, a shareholder's basis
in his or her Fund shares will be reduced by that amount.
If a shareholder has elected to receive dividends and/or capital gain
distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service is unable to deliver checks to
the shareholder's address of record, or if a shareholder's checks remain
uncashed for six months, the Fund reserves the right to reinvest the amount
distributed in additional Fund shares at the then-current NAV and to convert the
shareholder's distribution option from receiving cash to having all dividend and
other distributions reinvested in additional shares. In addition, no interest
will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption
checks.
TAX ON REDEMPTIONS OF FUND SHARES. Shareholders may be subject to tax
on the redemption of their Fund shares. In general, such redemptions may give
rise to a capital gain or loss, the treatment of which will depend on the
shareholder's holding period in the Fund shares. Tax laws may prevent the
deduction of a loss on the sale of Fund shares if the shareholder reinvests in
the Fund shortly before or after the sale giving rise to the loss. Any loss on
the redemption or other sale or exchange of Fund shares held for six months or
less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term
capital gain distribution received on the shares.
INCOME FROM FOREIGN SOURCES. Dividends and interest received by the
Fund on foreign securities may give rise to withholding and other taxes imposed
by foreign countries, although these taxes may be reduced by applicable tax
treaties. Foreign taxes will generally be treated as expenses of the Fund,
unless the Fund has more than 50% of its assets invested in foreign corporate
securities at the end of the Fund's taxable year. In that case, shareholders of
the Fund may be able to deduct (as an itemized deduction) or, if the Fund makes
an election, claim a foreign tax credit for their share of foreign taxes,
subject to limitations prescribed in the tax law.
If the Fund invests in a foreign corporation that is a passive foreign
investment company (a "PFIC"), special rules apply that may affect the tax
treatment of gains from the sale of the stock and may cause the Fund to incur
IRS tax and interest charges. However, the Fund may be eligible to elect one of
two alternative tax treatments with respect to PFIC shares which would avoid
these taxes and charges, but also may affect, among other things, the amount and
character of gain or loss and the timing of the recognition of income with
respect to PFIC shares. Accordingly, the amounts, character and timing of income
distributed to shareholders of the Fund holding PFIC shares
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may differ substantially as compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC
shares.
INCOME FROM CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS. Some or all of the Fund's
investments may include transactions that are subject to special tax rules.
Transactions involving foreign currencies may give rise to gain or loss that
could affect the Fund's ability to make ordinary dividend distributions.
Investment in certain financial instruments, such as options, futures contracts
and forward contracts, may require annual recognition of unrealized gains and
losses. Transactions that are treated as "straddles" may affect the character
and/or timing of other gains and losses of the Fund. If the Fund enters into a
transaction (such as a "short sale against the box") that reduces the risk of
loss on an appreciated financial position that it already holds, the entry into
the transaction may constitute a constructive sale and require immediate
recognition of gain.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING. In general, if a shareholder is subject to backup
withholding, the Fund will be required to withhold federal income tax at a rate
of 31% from distributions to that shareholder. These payments are creditable
against the shareholder's federal income tax liability.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS. Foreign shareholders of the Fund generally will
be subject to a 30% U.S. withholding tax on dividends paid by the Fund from
ordinary income and short-term capital gain, although the rate may be reduced by
a tax treaty. If a foreign shareholder dies while owning Fund shares, those
shares may be subject to U.S. estate taxes.
10. SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTION RIGHTS
The right of redemption may be suspended for any period during which
the New York Stock Exchange is closed or the Securities and Exchange Commission
determines that trading on the Exchange is restricted, or when there is an
emergency as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission as a result of
which it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities
owned by it or to determine the value of its net assets, or for such other
period as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by order permit for the
protection of shareholders of the Fund.
The Fund intends to redeem its shares only for cash, although it
retains the right to redeem its shares in-kind under unusual circumstances, in
order to protect the interests of the remaining shareholders, by the delivery of
securities selected from its assets at its discretion. The Fund is, however,
governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 pursuant to
which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund during any 90-day period for any
one shareholder. For purposes of this threshold, each underlying account holder
whose shares are held of record in certain omnibus accounts is treated as one
shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder during any 90-day period
exceed such limitation, the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in
cash or in-kind. If shares are redeemed in-kind, the redeeming shareholder
generally will incur brokerage costs in converting the assets to cash. The
redeeming shareholder may have difficulty selling the securities and recovering
the amount of the redemption if the securities are illiquid. The method of
valuing securities used to make redemption in-kind will be the same as the
method of valuing portfolio securities described under Section 8.
11. TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
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The Fund offers several tax-qualified retirement plans for
individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For information about
establishing an IRA, Roth IRA, profit-sharing or money purchase pension plan,
403(b) Custodial Account, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA account or other retirement plans,
please call 1-800-706-0539 or write to the Berger Funds c/o Berger LLC, P.O. Box
5005, Denver, CO 80217. Trustees for existing 401(k) or other plans interested
in using Fund shares as an investment or investment alternative in their plans
are invited to call the Fund at 1-800-960-8427.
The Fund also offers an Automatic Investment Plan (minimum $100 per
monthly or quarterly investment) and a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (for
shareholders who own shares of the Fund worth at least $5,000; minimum of $50
withdrawn monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually). Forms for these plans
may be obtained by writing to the Fund, c/o DST Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 419958,
Kansas City, MO 64141, or call 1-800-960-8427.
12. EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Any shareholder may exchange any or all of the shareholder's
shares in the Fund, subject to stated minimums, for shares of any of the other
available Berger Funds, without charge, after receiving a current prospectus of
the other fund. Exchanges into or out of the Fund are made at the net asset
value per share next determined after the exchange request is received. Each
exchange represents the sale of shares from one fund and the purchase of shares
in another, which may produce a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. An
exchange of shares may be made by written request directed to DST Systems, Inc.,
by telephoning the Fund at 1-800-960-8427 or by contacting the Fund online at
bergerfunds.com. This privilege may be terminated or amended by the Fund, and is
not available in any state in which the shares of the Berger Fund being acquired
in the exchange are not eligible for sale. Shareholders automatically have
telephone and online transaction privileges to authorize exchanges unless they
specifically decline this service in the account application or in writing.
13. PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time in advertisements, the Fund may discuss its
performance ratings as published by recognized mutual fund statistical services,
such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc.,
Morningstar, Inc., or Value Line Investment Survey or by publications of general
interest such as THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY, MONEY,
BARRON'S, FINANCIAL WORLD or KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE MAGAZINE. In addition,
the Fund may compare its performance to that of recognized broad-based
securities market indices, including the Wilshire 5000 Index, the Standard &
Poor's 500 Stock Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the Russell 1000 Value
Index, the Russell 2000 Stock Index, the Standard & Poor's 400 Mid-Cap Index,
the Standard & Poor's 600 Small Cap Index, Morgan Stanley Capital International
EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index, the Dow Jones World Index, the
Standard & Poor's/BARRA Value Index, the Nasdaq Composite Index, the Lehman
Brothers Intermediate Term Government/Corporate Bond Index or the
InformationWeek 100 Index, or more narrowly-based or blended indices which
reflect the market sectors in which the Fund invests.
The total return of the Fund is calculated for any specified period of
time by assuming the purchase of shares of the Fund at the net asset value at
the beginning of the period. Each dividend or other distribution paid by the
Fund is assumed to have been reinvested at the net asset value on the
reinvestment date. The total number of shares then owned as a result of
-34-
<PAGE>
this process is valued at the net asset value at the end of the period. The
percentage increase is determined by subtracting the initial value of the
investment from the ending value and dividing the remainder by the initial
value.
The Fund's total return reflects the Fund's performance over a stated
period of time. An average annual total return reflects the hypothetical
annually compounded return that would have produced the same total return if the
Fund's performance had been constant over the entire period. Total return
figures are based on the overall change in value of a hypothetical investment in
the Fund. Because average annual total returns for more than one year tend to
smooth out variations in the Fund's return, investors should recognize that such
figures are not the same as actual year-by-year results.
All performance figures for the Fund are based upon historical results
and do not assure future performance. The investment return and principal value
of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost.
Quotations of average annual total return for the Fund will be
expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return of a
hypothetical investment in the Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years, or for
the life of the Fund, if shorter. These are the rates of return that would
equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value. These rates
of return are calculated pursuant to the following formula: P(1 + T)n = ERV
(where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual
total return, n = the number of years and ERV = the ending redeemable value of a
hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total
return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of Fund expenses on
an annual basis, and assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
when paid.
Total return of the Institutional Shares and other classes of shares
of the Fund will be calculated separately. Because each class of shares is
subject to different expenses, the performance of each class for the same period
will differ.
14. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FUND ORGANIZATION
The Fund is a separate series of the Berger Investment Portfolio Trust
(the "Trust"), a Delaware business trust established under the Delaware Business
Trust Act. The Fund was established on [__________], 1999.
The Trust is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest in series or portfolios. Currently, the Fund is one of eight
series established under the Trust, although others may be added in the future.
The Trust is also authorized to establish multiple classes of shares
representing differing interests in an existing or new series. The Fund
currently has two classes of shares, although others may be added in the future.
Shares of the Fund are fully paid and nonassessable when issued. Each
share has a par value of $.01. All shares issued by the Fund participate equally
in dividends and other distributions by the Fund, and in the residual assets of
the Fund in the event of its liquidation.
-35-
<PAGE>
DELAWARE BUSINESS TRUST INFORMATION. Under Delaware law, shareholders
of the Fund will enjoy the same limitations on personal liability as extended to
stockholders of a Delaware corporation. Further, the Trust Instrument of the
Trust provides that no shareholder shall be personally liable for the debts,
liabilities, obligations and expenses incurred by, contracted for or otherwise
existing with respect to, the Trust or any particular series (fund) of the
Trust. However, the principles of law governing the limitations of liability of
beneficiaries of a business trust have not been authoritatively established as
to business trusts organized under the laws of one jurisdiction but operating or
owning property in other jurisdictions. In states that have adopted legislation
containing provisions comparable to the Delaware Business Trust Act, it is
believed that the limitation of liability of beneficial owners provided by
Delaware law should be respected. In those jurisdictions that have not adopted
similar legislative provisions, it is possible that a court might hold that the
shareholders of the Trust are not entitled to the limitations of liability set
forth in Delaware law or the Trust Instrument and, accordingly, that they may be
personally liable for the obligations of the Trust.
In order to protect shareholders from such potential liability, the
Trust Instrument requires that every written obligation of the Trust or any
series thereof contain a statement to the effect that such obligation may only
be enforced against the assets of the Trust or such series. The Trust Instrument
also provides for indemnification from the assets of the relevant series for all
losses and expenses incurred by any shareholder by reason of being or having
been a shareholder, and that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense
of any such claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the
relevant series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of that series.
As a result, the risk of a shareholder of the Fund incurring financial
loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which
the Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. The Trust believes that
the risk of personal liability to shareholders of the Fund is therefore remote.
The trustees intend to conduct the operations of the Trust and the Fund so as to
avoid, to the extent possible, liability of shareholders for liabilities of the
Trust or the Fund.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE FUND. The Fund is
not required to hold annual shareholder meetings unless required by the
Investment Company Act of 1940 or other applicable law or unless called by the
trustees. If shareholders owning at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the
Trust so request, a special shareholders' meeting of the Trust will be held for
the purpose of considering the removal of a trustee. Special meetings will be
held for other purposes if the holders of at least 25% of the outstanding shares
of the Trust so request. Subject to certain limitations, the Trust will
facilitate appropriate communications by shareholders desiring to call a special
meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of a trustee.
Shareholders of the Fund and, where applicable, the other
series/classes of the Trust, generally vote separately on matters relating to
those respective series/classes, although they vote together and with the
holders of any other series/classes of the Trust in the election of trustees of
the Trust and on all matters relating to the Trust as a whole. Each full share
of the Fund has one vote.
Shares of the Fund have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that
the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
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<PAGE>
trustees can elect 100% of the trustees if they choose to do so and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of trustees will not be able to elect any person or persons as
trustees.
Shares of the Fund have no preemptive rights. There are no sinking
funds or arrearage provisions which may affect the rights of the Fund shares.
Fund shares have no subscription rights or conversion rights, except that
shareholders of any class of the Fund may convert their shares into shares of
any other class of the Fund in the event and only in the event the shareholder
ceases to be eligible to purchase or hold shares of the original class, or
becomes eligible to purchase shares of a different class, by reason of a change
in the shareholder's status under the conditions of eligibility in effect for
such class at that time. Shares of the Fund may be transferred by endorsement,
or other customary methods, but the Fund is not bound to recognize any transfer
until it is recorded on its books.
MORE INFORMATION ON SPECIAL MULTI-CLASS FUND STRUCTURE
The Fund currently has divided its shares into two classes of shares,
the Institutional Shares covered by this SAI and the Investor Shares offered
through a separate Prospectus and SAI. The Fund implemented its multi-class
structure by adopting a Rule 18f-3 Plan under the 1940 Act permitting it to
issue its shares in classes. The Fund's Rule 18f-3 Plan governs such matters as
class features, dividends, voting, allocation of income and expenses between
classes, exchange and trustee monitoring of the Plan. Each class is subject to
such investment minimums and other conditions of eligibility as are set forth in
the relevant prospectus for the class, as it may be amended from time to time.
Investor Shares are available to the general public and bear a 0.25% 12b-1 fee.
Information concerning Investor Shares is available from the Fund at
1-800-333-1001.
Subject to the Trust's Trust Instrument and any other applicable
provisions, the trustees of the Trust have the authority to create additional
classes, or change existing classes, from time to time, in accordance with Rule
18f-3 under the Act.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
Insofar as the management of the Fund is aware, as of [_________],
1999, no person owned, beneficially or of record, more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of the Fund.
DISTRIBUTION
Berger Distributors LLC, as the Fund's Distributor, is the principal
underwriter of the Fund's shares. The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Berger LLC. The Distributor is a registered broker-dealer under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. The Distributor acts as the agent of the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Fund's shares in all states in which the shares
are eligible for sale and in which the Distributor is qualified as a
broker-dealer. David J. Schultz, Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Secretary
and Treasurer of the Distributor, is also Vice President and Treasurer of the
Fund. Janice M. Teague, Vice President and Secretary of the Distributor, is also
Vice President and Secretary of the Fund. Brian Ferrie, Vice President and Chief
Compliance Officer of the Distributor, is also Vice President of the Fund.
-37-
<PAGE>
The Fund and the Distributor are parties to a Distribution Agreement
that continues through April 2001, and thereafter from year to year if such
continuation is specifically approved at least annually by the trustees or by
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund and in either case by
vote of a majority of the trustees who are not "interested persons" (as that
term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Fund or the
Distributor. The Distribution Agreement is subject to termination by the Fund or
the Distributor on 60 days' prior written notice, and terminates automatically
in the event of its assignment. Under the Distribution Agreement, the
Distributor continuously offers shares of the Fund and solicits orders to
purchase Fund shares at net asset value. The Distributor is not compensated for
its services under the Distribution Agreement, but may be reimbursed by Berger
LLC for its costs in distributing Fund shares.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Trust has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
Washington, D.C., a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to the securities of the Fund of which this Statement of
Additional Information is a part. If further information is desired with respect
to the Fund or such securities, reference is made to the Registration Statement
and the exhibits filed as a part thereof.
Davis, Graham & Stubbs LLP, 370 Seventeenth Street, Denver, Colorado,
acts as counsel to the Fund.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 950 Seventeenth Street, Denver, Colorado,
has been appointed to act as independent accountants for the Trust and the Fund
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. In that capacity,
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will audit the financial statements of the Fund and
assist the Fund in connection with the preparation of its 1998 income tax
return.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
HIGH-YIELD/HIGH-RISK SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in convertible securities of any quality, including
unrated securities or securities rated below investment grade (Ba or lower by
Moody's, BB or lower by S&P) (sometimes referred to as "junk bonds"). However,
the Fund will not purchase any security in default at the time of purchase. The
Fund will not invest more than 20% of the market value of its assets at the time
of purchase in convertible securities rated below investment grade.
Securities rated below investment grade are subject to greater risk
that adverse changes in the financial condition of their issuers or in general
economic conditions, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates, may impair the
ability of their issuers to make payments of interest and principal or
dividends. The market prices of lower grade securities are generally less
sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more
sensitive to economic changes or individual corporate developments. Periods of
economic uncertainty and change can be expected to result in volatility of
prices of these securities. Lower rated securities also may have less liquid
markets than higher rated securities, and their liquidity as well as their value
may be adversely affected by poor economic conditions. Adverse publicity and
investor perceptions as well as new or proposed laws may also have a negative
impact on the market for high-yield/high-risk bonds. In the event of an
unanticipated default, the Fund will experience a reduction in its income and
could expect a decline in the market value of the securities affected. The
prices of these securities may be more volatile and the markets for them may be
less liquid than those for higher-rated securities.
Unrated securities, while not necessarily of lower quality than rated
securities, may not have as broad a market. Unrated securities will be included
in the Fund's percentage limits for investments rated below investment grade,
unless the Fund's sub-advisor deems such securities to be the equivalent of
investment grade. If securities purchased by the Fund are downgraded following
purchase, or if other circumstances cause the Fund to exceed its percentage
limits on assets invested in securities rated below investment grade, the
trustees of the Fund, in consultation with the Fund's sub-advisor, will
determine what action, if any, is appropriate in light of all relevant
circumstances.
Relying in part on ratings assigned by credit agencies in making
investments will not protect the Fund from the risk that the securities will
decline in value, since credit ratings represent evaluations of the safety of
principal, dividend and/or interest payments, and not the market values of such
securities. Moreover, such ratings may not be changed on a timely basis to
reflect subsequent events.
Although the market for high-yield debt securities has been in
existence for many years and from time to time has experienced economic
downturns, this market has involved a significant increase in the use of
high-yield debt securities to fund highly leverage corporate acquisitions and
restructurings. Past experience may not, therefore, provide an accurate
indication of future performance of the high-yield debt securities market,
particularly during periods of economic recession.
Expenses incurred in recovering an investment in a defaulted security
may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value. Moreover, the reduced liquidity
of the secondary market for such securities may adversely affect the
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<PAGE>
market price of, and the ability of the Fund to value, particular securities at
certain times, thereby making it difficult to make specific valuation
determinations.
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
The ratings of fixed-income securities by Moody's and Standard & Poor's
are a generally accepted measurement of credit risk. However, they are subject
to certain limitations. Ratings are generally based upon historical events and
do not necessarily reflect the future. In addition, there is a period of time
between the issuance of a rating and the update of the rating, during which time
a published rating may be inaccurate.
KEY TO MOODY'S CORPORATE RATINGS
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 good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds of this class.
B-Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa-Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
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<PAGE>
Ca-Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C-Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic
rating classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic category.
KEY TO STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE RATINGS
AAA-Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA-Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
A-Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.
BBB-Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits 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
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC AND C-Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is 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 C the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are out-weighed by the large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
C1-The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D-Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment
of principal is in arrears.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-)-The ratings from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by
the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
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<PAGE>
BERGER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUST
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. EXHIBITS
The Exhibit Index following the signature pages below is incorporated
herein by reference.
Item 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT
None.
Item 25. INDEMNIFICATION
Article IX, Section 2 of the Trust Instrument for Berger Investment
Portfolio Trust (the "Trust"), of which the Fund is a series, provides for
indemnification of certain persons acting on behalf of the Trust to the fullest
extent permitted by the law. In general, trustees, officers, employees and
agents will be indemnified against liability and against all expenses incurred
by them in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding (or settlement
thereof) in which they become involved by virtue of their Trust office, unless
their conduct is determined to constitute willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of their duties, or unless it has been
determined that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that
their actions were in or not opposed to the best interests of the Trust. The
Trust also may advance money for these expenses, provided that the trustees,
officers, employees or agents undertake to repay the Trust if their conduct is
later determined to preclude indemnification. The Trust has the power to
purchase insurance on behalf of its trustees, officers, employees and agents,
whether or not it would be permitted or required to indemnify them for any such
liability under the Trust Instrument or applicable law, and the Trust has
purchased and maintains an insurance policy covering such persons against
certain liabilities incurred in their official capacities.
Item 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
The business of Berger LLC, the investment adviser of the Fund, is
described in the Prospectus under the heading "Organization of the Berger
Funds Family -- Investment Managers" and in the Statement of Additional
Information in Section 4, which are included in this Registration Statement.
Information relating to the business and other connections of the officers
and directors of Berger LLC (current and for the past two years) is listed in
Schedules A and D of Berger LLC's Form ADV as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (File No. 801-9451, dated March 29, 1999), which
information from such schedules is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Investment companies for which the Fund's principal underwriter
also acts as principal underwriter, depositor or investment adviser:
Berger Growth Fund, Inc.
Berger One Hundred and One Fund, Inc.
Berger Investment Portfolio Trust
- --Berger Small Company Growth Fund
- --Berger New Generation Fund
C-1
<PAGE>
- --Berger Balanced Fund
- --Berger Select Fund
- --Berger Mid Cap Growth Fund
- --Berger Mid Cap Value Fund
- --Berger Information Technology Fund
Berger Omni Investment Trust
- --Berger Small Cap Value Fund
Berger Institutional Products Trust
- --Berger IPT - Growth Fund
- --Berger IPT - Growth and Income Fund
- --Berger IPT - Small Company Growth Fund
- --Berger/BIAM IPT - International Fund
Berger/BIAM Worldwide Funds Trust
- --Berger/BIAM International Fund
- --International Equity Fund
- --Berger/BIAM International CORE Fund
(b) For Berger Distributors LLC:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Positions and Positions and
Offices with Offices with
Underwriter Registrant
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
David G. Mertens President and CEO None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David J. Schultz Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer
Treasurer
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian Ferrie Vice President and Chief Vice President
Compliance Officer
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark S. Sunderhuse Director Vice President of the
Berger New Generation
Fund of the Registrant
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janice M. Teague Vice President and Vice President and
Secretary Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sue Vreeland Assistant Secretary None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The principal business address of each of the persons in the table
above is 210 University Blvd., Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206.
(c) Not applicable.
Item 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
The accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules promulgated thereunder are
maintained as follows:
(a) Shareholder records are maintained by the Registrant's
sub-transfer agent, DST Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 419958, Kansas
City, MO 64141;
(b) Accounting records relating to cash and other money balances;
asset, liability, reserve, capital, income and expense
C-2
<PAGE>
accounts; portfolio securities; purchases and sales; and
brokerage commissions are maintained by the Registrant's
Recordkeeping and Pricing Agent, Investors Fiduciary Trust
Company ("IFTC"), 801 Pennsylvania, Kansas City, Missouri
64105. Other records of the Registrant relating to purchases
and sales; the Trust Instrument, minute books and other trust
records; brokerage orders; performance information and other
records are maintained at the offices of the Registrant at 210
University Boulevard, Suite 900, Denver, Colorado 80206.
(c) Certain records relating to day-to-day portfolio management of
the Fund are kept at the offices of Berger LLC, 210
University Blvd.,Suite 900, Denver, CO 80206 and at 160
Sansome Street, 17th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.
Item 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
The Registrant has no management-related service contract which is not
discussed in Parts A and B of this form.
Item 30. UNDERTAKINGS
Not applicable.
C-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment to
its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized, in the City and County of Denver, and State of
Colorado, on the [_______] day of June, 1999.
BERGER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUST
(Registrant)
By /s/ Jack R. Thompson
-----------------------------------------
Name: Jack R. Thompson
------------------------------------
Title: President
------------------------------------
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Jack R. Thompson President (Principal December 15, 1999
- --------------------------- Executive Officer)
Jack R. Thompson and Director
/s/ David J. Schultz Vice President and December 15, 1999
- --------------------------- Treasurer (Principal
David J. Schultz Financial Officer)
/s/ John Paganelli Assistant Treasurer December 15, 1999
- --------------------------- (Principal Accounting
John Paganelli Officer)
Dennis E. Baldwin Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
Dennis E. Baldwin*
Louis R. Bindner Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
Louis R. Bindner*
Katherine A. Cattanach Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
Katherine A. Cattanach*
Paul R. Knapp Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
Paul R. Knapp*
Harry T. Lewis, Jr. Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
Harry T. Lewis, Jr.*
C-4
<PAGE>
Michael Owen Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
Michael Owen*
William Sinclaire Trustee December 15, 1999
- ---------------------------
William Sinclaire*
/s/ Jack R. Thompson
- ---------------------------
* By Jack R. Thompson
Attorney-in-Fact
C-5
<PAGE>
BERGER INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO TRUST
EXHIBIT INDEX
N-1A EDGAR
Exhibit Exhibit
No. No. Name of Exhibit
- -------------- -------- ---------------
(1) Exhibit 23(a) Trust Instrument
(2) Exhibit 23(b) Bylaws
Exhibit 23(c) Not applicable
(3) Exhibit 23(d)-1 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger Small
Company Growth Fund
(4) Exhibit 23(d)-2 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger New
Generation Fund
(5) Exhibit 23(d)-3 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger Balanced
Fund
(6) Exhibit 23(d)-4 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger Select
Fund
(7) Exhibit 23(d)-5 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger Mid Cap
Growth Fund
(8) Exhibit 23(d)-6 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger Mid Cap
Value Fund
(9) Exhibit 23(d)-7 Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement
for Berger Mid Cap Value Fund
(29) Exhibit 23(d)-8 Form of Investment Advisory
Agreement for Berger Information
Technology Fund
(29) Exhibit 23(d)-9 Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement
for Berger Information
Technology Fund
*** Exhibit 23(d)-10 EX-99.B23(d)-10 Form of
Investment Advisory Agreement
for Berger Large Cap Value Fund
(10) Exhibit 23(e) Form of Distribution Agreement
between the Trust and Berger
Distributors, Inc.
Exhibit 23(f) Not applicable
(11) Exhibit 23(g) Form of Custody Agreement
(12) Exhibit 23(h)-1 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger Small
Company Growth Fund
(13) Exhibit 23(h)-2 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger New
Generation Fund
(14) Exhibit 23(h)-3 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger Balanced
Fund
<PAGE>
(15) Exhibit 23(h)-4 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger Select
Fund
(16) Exhibit 23(h)-5 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger Mid Cap
Growth Fund
(17) Exhibit 23(h)-6 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger Mid Cap
Value Fund
(18) Exhibit 23(h)-7 Form of Recordkeeping and
Pricing Agent Agreement
(19) Exhibit 23(h)-8 Form of Agency Agreement
(29) Exhibit 23(h)-9 Form of Administrative Services
Agreement for the Berger
Information Technology Fund
*** Exhibit 23(h)-10 EX-99.B23(h)-10 Form of
Administrative Services
Agreement for Berger Large Cap
Value Fund
(29) Exhibit 23(i)-1 Opinion and consent of Davis,
Graham & Stubbs LLP (relating
to the Berger Information
Technology Fund)
*** Exhibit 23(i)-2 EX-99.B23(i)-2 Opinion
and consent of Davis, Graham &
Stubbs LLP (relating to the
Berger Large Cap Value Fund)
(28) Exhibit 23(j)-1 Consent of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
(29) Exhibit 23(j)-2 Consent of McGladrey & Pullen,
LLP relating to the Berger
Information Technology Fund
Exhibit 23(k) Not applicable
(20) Exhibit 23(l) Investment Letter from Initial
Stockholder
(21) Exhibit 23(m)-1 Rule 12b-1 Plan for Berger
Small Company Growth Fund
(22) Exhibit 23(m)-2 Rule 12b-1 Plan for Berger New
Generation Fund
(23) Exhibit 23(m)-3 Rule 12b-1 Plan for Berger
Balanced Fund
(24) Exhibit 23(m)-4 Rule 12b-1 Plan for Berger
Select Fund
(25) Exhibit 23(m)-5 Rule 12b-1 Plan for Berger Mid
Cap Growth Fund
(26) Exhibit 23(m)-6 Rule 12b-1 Plan for Berger Mid
Cap Value Fund
(29) Exhibit 23(m)-7 Rule 12b-1 Plan for the
Investor Shares of the Berger
Information Technology Fund
(30) Exhibit 23(m)-8 Amended and Restated Rule
12b-1 Plan for the Investor
Shares
<PAGE>
of the Berger Small Company
Growth Fund
(30) Exhibit 23(m)-9 Amended and Restated Rule
12b-1 Plan for the Investor
Shares of the Berger New
Generation Fund
*** Exhibit 23(m)-10 EX-99.B23(m)-10 Rule 12b-1 Plan
for the Investor Shares of the
Berger Large Cap Value
Fund
(28) Exhibit 23(n)-1 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Small Company Growth
Fund
(27) Exhibit 23(n)-2 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger New Generation Fund
(28) Exhibit 23(n)-3 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Balanced Fund
(28) Exhibit 23(n)-4 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Select Fund
(28) Exhibit 23(n)-5 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Mid Cap Growth Fund
(28) Exhibit 23(n)-6 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Mid Cap Value Fund
** Exhibit 23(n)-7 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Information Technology
Fund - Investor Shares
(29) Exhibit 23(n)-8 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Information Technology
Fund - Institutional Shares
** Exhibit 23(n)-9 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Small Company Growth
Fund - Institutional Shares
** Exhibit 23(n)-10 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger New Generation Fund -
Institutional Shares
** Exhibit 23(n)-11 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Large Cap Value Fund -
Investor Shares
** Exhibit 23(n)-12 Financial Data Schedule for
Berger Large Cap Value Fund -
Institutional Shares
(29) Exhibit 23(o)-1 Rule 18f-3 Plan for the Berger
Information Technology Fund
(30) Exhibit 23(o)-2 Rule 18f-3 Plan for the Berger
Small Company Growth Fund
(30) Exhibit 23(o)-3 Rule 18f-3 Plan for the Berger
New Generation Fund
*** Exhibit 23(o)-4 EX-99B.23(o)-4 Rule 18f-3 Plan for the Berger
Large Cap Value Fund
- ----------------------------
<PAGE>
* Filed herewith.
** Not required to be filed until financial statements for the new class of
the Fund are required.
*** To be provided in subsequent filing.
Filed previously as indicated below and incorporated herein by reference:
(1) Filed as Exhibit 1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(2) Filed as Exhibit 2 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(3) Filed as Exhibit 5.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(4) Filed as Exhibit 5.2 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed February 23,
1996.
(5) Filed as Exhibit 5.3 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed August 28, 1997.
(6) Filed as Exhibit 5.4 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed December 31,
1997.
(7) Filed as Exhibit 5.5 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed December 31,
1997.
(8) Filed as Exhibit 5.6 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 16, 1998.
(9) Filed as Exhibit 5.7 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 16, 1998.
(10) Filed as Exhibit 6 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 16, 1998.
(11) Filed as Exhibit 8 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed November 27,
1995.
(12) Filed as Exhibit 9.2.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(13) Filed as Exhibit 9.2.2 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed February 23,
1996.
(14) Filed as Exhibit 9.2.3 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed August 28, 1997.
(15) Filed as Exhibit 9.2.4 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed December 31,
1997.
<PAGE>
(16) Filed as Exhibit 9.2.5 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed December 31,
1997.
(17) Filed as Exhibit 9.2.6 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 16, 1998.
(18) Filed as Exhibit 9.3 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(19) Filed as Exhibit 9.4 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(20) Filed as Exhibit 10 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 16, 1998.
(21) Filed as Exhibit 13 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(22) Filed as Exhibit 15.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 30, 1998.
(23) Filed as Exhibit 15.2 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed February 23,
1996.
(24) Filed as Exhibit 15.3 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed August 28, 1997.
(25) Filed as Exhibit 15.4 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed December 31,
1997.
(26) Filed as Exhibit 15.5 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 13 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed December 31,
1997.
(27) Filed as Exhibit 15.6 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 16, 1998.
(28) Filed as Exhibit number listed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed January 25,
1999.
(29) Filed as Exhibit number listed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed April 16,
1999.
(30) Filed as Exhibit number listed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, filed June 15,
1999.
