KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
PROSPECTUS JULY 29, 1996
Keystone Strategic Development Fund (the "Fund") is a mutual fund that seeks
long term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities.
The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Information on share
classes and their fee and sales charge structures may be found in the "Fee
Table," "How to Buy Shares," "Alternative Sales Options," "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge and Waiver of Sales Charges," "Distribution Plans," and "Fund
Shares" sections of this prospectus.
This prospectus concisely states information about the Fund that you should
know before investing. Please read it and retain it for future reference.
Additional information about the Fund is contained in a statement of
additional information dated July 29, 1996, which has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference into this
prospectus. For a free copy, or for other information about the Fund, write to
the address or call the telephone number listed below.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
200 BERKELEY STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116-5034
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-343-2898
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Fee Table 2
Financial Highlights 3
The Fund 6
Investment Objective and Strategies 6
Investment Restrictions 8
Risk Factors 9
Pricing Shares 11
Dividends and Taxes 12
Fund Management and Expenses 13
How to Buy Shares 15
Alternative Sales Options 15
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
and Waiver of Sales Charges 19
Distribution Plans 20
How to Redeem Shares 21
Shareholder Services 23
Performance Data 25
Fund Shares 26
Additional Information 26
Additional Investment Information (i)
Exhibit A A-1
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
FEE TABLE
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
The purpose of this fee table is to assist investors in understanding the
costs and expenses that an investor in each class will bear directly or
indirectly. For more complete descriptions of the various costs and expenses,
see the following sections of this prospectus: "Fund Management and Expenses";
"How to Buy Shares"; "Alternative Sales Options"; "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge and Waived of Sales Charges"; "Distribution Plans"; and "Shareholder
Services."
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS C SHARES
FRONT END BACK END LEVEL LOAD
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES LOAD OPTION LOAD OPTION(1) OPTION(2)
--------- --------- ---------
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases ........... 5.75%(3) None None
(as a percentage of offering price)
Deferred Sales Load ............................... 0.00%(4) 5.00% in the first year 1.00% in the first
(as a percentage of the lesser of original purchase declining to 1.00% in year and 0.00%
price or redemption proceeds) the sixth year and thereafter
0.00% thereafter
Exchange Fee (per exchange)(5) .................... $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(6)
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees ................................... 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
12b-1 Fees ........................................ 0.25% 1.00%(7) 1.00%(7)
Other Expenses .................................... 1.13% 1.13% 1.13%
---- ---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses ..................... 2.38% 3.13% 3.13%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
EXAMPLES(8) 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- --------
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming (1) 5%
annual return and (2) redemption at the end of each period:
Class A ................................................................. $80 $127 $177 $314
Class B ................................................................. $82 $127 $184 $327
Class C ................................................................. $42 $ 97 $164 $344
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming no
redemption at the end of each period:
Class A ................................................................. $80 $127 $177 $314
Class B ................................................................. $32 $ 97 $164 $327
Class C ................................................................. $32 $ 97 $164 $344
AMOUNTS SHOWN IN THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST
OR FUTURE EXPENSES; ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
<FN>
- ----------
(1) Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 convert tax free to Class
A shares after eight years. See "Class B Shares" for more information.
(2) Class C shares are available only through dealers who have entered into
special distribution agreements with Keystone Investment Distributors
Company, the Fund's principal underwriter.
(3) The sales charge applied to purchases of Class A shares declines as the
amount invested increases. See "Class A Shares." (4) Purchases of Class A
shares in the amount of $1,000,000 or more and/or purchases made by certain
qualifying retirement or other plans are not subject to a sales charge, but
may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. See the "Class A
Shares" and "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Waiver of Sales Charges"
sections of this prospectus for an explanation of the charge.
(5) There is no fee for exchange orders received by the Fund directly from a
shareholder over the Keystone Automated Response Line ("KARL"). (For a
description of KARL, see "Shareholder Services.")
(6) Expense ratios are for the Fund's fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
(7) Long term shareholders may pay more than the equivalent of the maximum front
end sales charges permitted by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
(8) The Securities and Exchange Commission requires use of a 5% annual return
figure for purposes of this example. Actual return for the Fund may be
greater or less than 5%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
CLASS A SHARES
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR)
The following table contains important financial information relating to the
Fund and has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors. The table appears in the Fund's Annual Report and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, which also
appear, together with the independent auditors' report, in the Fund's Annual
Report. The Fund's financial statements, related notes and independent uditors'
report are included in the statement of additional information. Additional
information about the Fund's performance is contained in its Annual Report which
will be made available upon request and without charge.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
OCTOBER 7, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT OF
YEAR ENDED OPERATIONS) TO
MARCH 31, 1996 MARCH 31, 1995
-------------- --------------
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF YEAR .................. $ 9.02 $10.00
------ ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) ..................... (0.040) (0.002)
Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
related transactions ........................... 1.760 (0.978)
------ ------
Total income (loss) from investment operations . 1.720 (0.980)
------ ------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF YEAR ........................ $10.74 $ 9.02
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................... 19.07% (9.80%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Operating and management expenses................. 2.38%(c) 2.77%(b)
Net investment loss .............................. (0.41%) (0.07%)(b)
Portfolio turnover rate .......................... 40% 13%
Average commission rate paid ....................... $0.0025 N/A
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR (THOUSANDS) ................. $4,574 $4,890
<FN>
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.
(b) Annualized.
(c) "Ratio of total expenses to average net assets" for the year ended March 31,
1996 includes indirectly paid expenses. Excluding indirectly paid expenses
for the year ended March 31, 1996, the expense ratio would have been 2.37%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
CLASS B SHARES
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR)
The following table contains important financial information relating to the
Fund and has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors. The table appears in the Fund's Annual Report and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, which also
appear, together with the independent auditors' report, in the Fund's Annual
Report. The Fund's financial statements, related notes and independent auditors'
report are included in the statement of additional information. Additional
information about the Fund's performance is contained in its Annual Report which
will be made available upon request and without charge.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
OCTOBER 7, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT OF
YEAR ENDED OPERATIONS) TO
MARCH 31, 1996 MARCH 31, 1995
-------------- --------------
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF YEAR .................. $ 8.99 $10.00
------ ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) ..................... (0.130) (0.026)
Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
related transactions ........................... 1.760 (0.984)
------ ------
Total income from investment operations ........ 1.630 (1.010)
------ ------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF YEAR ........................ $10.62 $ 8.99
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................... 18.13% (10.10%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Operating and management expenses ................ 3.13%(c) 3.55%(b)
Net investment income (loss) ..................... 1.16% (0.80%)(b)
Portfolio turnover rate .......................... 40% 13%
Average commission rate paid ....................... $0.0025 N/A
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR (THOUSANDS) ................. $15,161 $14,688
<FN>
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.
(b) Annualized.
(c) "Ratio of total expenses to average net assets" for the year ended March 31,
1996 includes indirectly paid expenses. Excluding indirectly paid expenses
for the year ended March 31, 1996, the expense ratio would have been 3.12%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
CLASS C SHARES
(FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR)
The following table contains important financial information relating to the
Fund and has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors. The table appears in the Fund's Annual Report and should be read in
conjunction with the Fund's financial statements and related notes, which also
appear, together with the independent auditors' report, in the Fund's Annual
Report. The Fund's financial statements, related notes and independent auditors'
report are included in the statement of additional information. Additional
information about the Fund's performance is contained in its Annual Report which
will be made available upon request and without charge.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
OCTOBER 7, 1994
(COMMENCEMENT OF
YEAR ENDED OPERATIONS) TO
MARCH 31, 1996 MARCH 31, 1995
-------------- --------------
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF YEAR .................. $ 8.99 $10.00
------ ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income (loss) ..................... (0.100) (0.034)
Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
related transactions ........................... 1.730 (0.976)
------ ------
Total income from investment operations ........ 1.630 (1.010)
------ ------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF YEAR ........................ $10.62 $ 8.99
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................... 18.13% (10.10%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Operating and management expenses ................ 3.13%(c) 3.51%(b)
Net investment income (loss) ..................... 1.16% (0.93%)(b)
Portfolio turnover rate .......................... 40% 13%
Average commission rate paid ....................... $0.0025 N/A
NET ASSETS END OF YEAR (THOUSANDS) ................. $2,023 $1,393
<FN>
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.
(b) Annualized.
(c) "Ratio of total expenses to average net assets" for the year ended March 31,
1996 includes indirectly paid expenses. Excluding indirectly paid expenses
for the year ended March 31, 1996, the expense ratio would have been 3.12%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
THE FUND
The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company commonly
known as a mutual fund. The Fund was formed as a Massachusetts business trust on
July 27, 1994. The Fund is one of more than thirty funds managed or advised by
Keystone Investment Management Company ("Keystone"), the Fund's investment
adviser.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND STRATEGIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks long term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
securities.
The investment objective of the Fund is fundamental and may not be changed
without the vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares (as defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") (which means the lesser of (1)
67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are represented or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding
shares)).
Of course, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
investment objective since there is uncertainty in every investment.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The Fund seeks long term capital growth through the following principal
investment strategies:
* Under ordinary conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in securities of companies that are expected to benefit from
development in the Pacific Rim/Pacific Basin and Latin America regions,
including companies that are expected to benefit from (i) infrastructure
development and industrialization in these regions or (ii) changes in the
demand for or prices of industrial materials.
For example, the Fund will invest in one or more of the following: mining,
construction, or transportation companies or any other company that owns,
extracts, develops, processes, produces, distributes, transports, exports,
or uses energy sources (such as oil, gas, coal, and uranium), forest
products, real estate, nonferrous metals, diversified resources, precious
metals, or other industrial materials.
* Under ordinary conditions, the Fund will invest at least 35% of its total
assets in securities of asset rich companies that own, extract, develop,
process, or produce industrial raw materials.
* Under ordinary conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in securities of issuers located in the following countries: (1)
Pacific Rim/Pacific Basin countries: Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the People's Republic
of China, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand; (2)
Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela; and (3) the United States ("U.S.") and
Canada. In addition, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in
countries outside of these regions. The Fund does not currently intend to
invest in the People's Republic of China. If the Fund should invest in
China, it presently intends to invest less than 5% of its assets in that
country.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER POLICIES
Under ordinary conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its total
assets in equity securities that are denominated in either U.S. or foreign
currencies.
EQUITY SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in the following types of equity
securities: common stock, preferred stock (convertible or non-convertible),
warrants or rights convertible into common or preferred stock, partly paid
stock, and structured equity based securities. The Fund deems debt securities
convertible into equity securities to be equity securities.
FOREIGN SECURITIES -- IMPORTANT INVESTMENT POLICIES. Keystone follows a number
of significant policies when investing in foreign countries. When allocating the
Fund's investments among issuers located in different countries, Keystone
considers such countries' interest rate environments and general economic
conditions. Keystone evaluates the relative values of different currencies on a
basis of technical and political data and such fundamental economic criteria as
relative inflation rates and trends, projected growth rates, balance of payments
status, and economic policies. With respect to foreign corporate issuers,
Keystone considers the financial condition of the issuer and market and economic
conditions relevant to its operations. In addition, Keystone considers liquidity
when selecting foreign investments.
OTHER ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS
The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets under normal market
conditions and up to 100% of its assets for temporary defensive purposes (when
Keystone determines that market conditions so warrant) in the following types of
U.S. dollar or foreign currency denominated debt obligations:
(1) Variable and fixed rate debt obligations (including zero coupon and
payment-in-kind ("PIKs") securities), such as bonds, debentures, notes, loans,
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, warrants, mortgage-backed
securities, debt securities convertible into common stock, and structured
notes. Such debt obligations may be issued or guaranteed by U.S. or foreign
issuers, including U.S. or foreign corporations or partnerships, U.S. or
foreign governments or any of their political subdivisions, agencies or
instrumentalities.
(2) Money market instruments, such as:
(a) short term debt obligations issued by foreign issuers, including
foreign corporations, partnerships, governments or any of their political
subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities;
(b) commercial paper of U.S. issuers, including master demand notes, that
at the date of investment is rated A-1 (the highest grade given by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P")), Prime-1 (the highest grade given by Moody's
Investors Service ("Moody's")) or, if not rated by such services, is issued
by a company that at the date of investment has an outstanding issue rated A
or better by S&P or Moody's;
(c) obligations, including certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances, of banks or savings and loan associations with at least $1
billion in assets as of the date of their most recently published financial
statements that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
including U.S. branches of foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks;
(d) corporate obligations of U.S. issuers that at the date of investment
are rated A or better by S&P or Moody's;
(e) obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or by any
agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government; and
(f) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements for
instruments described in (b), (c), (d), and (e).
When the Fund invests its assets for temporary defensive purposes, it may not
be pursuing its investment objective.
The Fund has the authority to invest up to 25% of its total assets in debt
obligations with a rating below investment grade (i.e., BBB or lower by S&P or
Baa or lower by Moody's) or, if unrated, are, in Keystone's judgment, determined
to be below investment grade. The Fund does not, however, currently intend to
invest more than 5% of its assets in such debt obligations.
The Fund will invest its assets in debt obligations for non-defensive purposes
when Keystone determines that such an investment is consistent with the Fund's
investment objective of long term capital growth. For example, the Fund might
invest in certain debt securities when an anticipated decline in interest rates
would be expected to lead to an appreciation in value of such securities.
Alternatively, the Fund might invest in debt obligations issued in exchange for
restructured debt of certain countries or other issuers that it expects to
appreciate in value.
The Fund intends to follow policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission
as they are adopted from time to time with respect to illiquid securities,
including, at this time, (1) treating as illiquid, securities that may not be
sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at
approximately the value at which the Fund has valued such securities on its
books and (2) limiting its holdings of such securities to 15% of net assets.
The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including securities eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
Act"). Generally, Rule 144A establishes a safe harbor from the registration
requirements of the 1933 Act for resales by large institutional investors of
securities not publicly traded in the U.S. The Fund may purchase Rule 144A
securities when such securities present an attractive investment opportunity and
otherwise meet the Fund's selection criteria. Keystone determines the liquidity
of the Fund's Rule 144A securities in accordance with guidelines adopted by the
Board of Trustees.
At the present time, the Fund cannot accurately predict exactly how the market
for Rule 144A securities will develop. A Rule 144A security that was readily
marketable upon purchase may subsequently become illiquid. In such an event, the
Board of Trustees will consider what action, if any, is appropriate.
In addition to the securities described above, when it deems it appropriate,
the Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the securities of other
investment companies. The Fund would invest in another investment company
primarily to obtain immediate access to a diversified portfolio of foreign
securities. See "Investment Restrictions" in the Fund's statement of additional
information.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
The Fund may purchase or sell foreign currency, purchase options on currency
and purchase or sell forward foreign currency, exchange contracts to manage
currency exposure. In addition, the Fund may write covered call and put options
on any security in which the Fund may invest. The Fund may, for hedging
purposes, purchase and sell futures contracts and put and call options on
futures contracts. (Options and futures contracts are considered "derivative
instruments.") The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued, partly-paid,
or forward-commitment basis and may engage in the lending of portfolio
securities.
For further information about the types of investments and investment
techniques available to the Fund, including the associated risks, see the
sections of this prospectus entitled "Additional Investment Information" and
"Risk Factors" and the statement of additional information.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the fundamental restrictions summarized below, which may
not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares
(as defined in the 1940 Act). These restrictions and certain other fundamental
and nonfundamental restrictions are set forth in the statement of additional
information.
The Fund may not: (1) invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities), except
that up to 25% of its total assets may be invested without regard to this limit;
and (2) borrow money, except that the Fund may (a) borrow from any bank,
provided that, immediately after any such borrowing there is asset coverage of
at least 300% for all borrowings; (b) borrow for temporary purposes only and in
an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets, computed at
the time of borrowing; or (c) enter into reverse repurchase agreements, provided
that, immediately after entering into any such agreements, there is asset
coverage of at least 300% of all bank borrowings and reverse repurchase
agreements.
RISK FACTORS
Like any investment, your investment in the Fund involves some degree of risk.
Before you buy shares of the Fund, you should carefully evaluate your ability to
assume the risks your investment in the Fund poses. YOU CAN LOSE MONEY BY
INVESTING IN THE FUND. YOUR INVESTMENT IS NOT GUARANTEED. A DECREASE IN THE
VALUE OF THE FUND'S PORTFOLIO SECURITIES CAN RESULT IN A DECREASE IN THE VALUE
OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
The Fund seeks long term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
securities of companies that are expected to benefit from development in the
Pacific Rim/Pacific Basin and Latin America regions.
The Fund is best suited for investors who can afford to maintain their
investment over a relatively long period of time, and who are seeking a fund
that is growth oriented and has the potential for returns. The Fund involves
risk and is not an appropriate investment for conservative investors who are
seeking preservation of capital and/or income.
Certain risks related to the Fund are discussed below. To the extent not
discussed in this section, specific risks attendant to individual securities or
investment practices are discussed in "Additional Investment Information."
FUND RISKS. Investing in equity securities, particularly those having growth
characteristics, frequently involves greater risks (and possibly greater
rewards) than investment in other types of securities. The prices of equity
securities tend to be more volatile and companies having growth characteristics
may sometimes be unproven.
Moreover, a need for cash due to large liquidations from the Fund when the
prices of equity securities are declining could result in losses to the Fund.
Lastly, investing in the Fund involves the risk common to investing in any
security; that is, that the value of the securities held by the Fund will
fluctuate in reponse to changes in economic conditions or public expectations
about those securities. The net asset value of the Fund's shares will change
accordingly.
FOREIGN RISKS. Investing in securities of foreign issuers generally involves
more risk than investing in securities of domestic issuers for the following
reasons: (1) there may be less public information available about foreign
companies than is available about U.S. companies; (2) foreign companies are not
generally subject to the uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and practices applicable to U.S. companies; (3) foreign stock markets
have less volume than the U.S. market, and the securities of some foreign
companies are much less liquid and much more volatile than the securities of
comparable U.S. companies; (4) foreign securities transactions may involve
higher brokerage commissions; (5) there may be less government regulation of
stock markets, brokers, listed companies, and banks in foreign countries than in
the U.S.; (6) the Fund may incur fees on currency exchanges when it changes
investments from one country to another; (7) the Fund's foreign investments
could be affected by expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization,
establishment of currency exchange controls, political or social instability, or
diplomatic developments; (8) fluctuations in foreign exchange rates will affect
the value of the Fund's investments, the value of dividends and interest earned,
gains and losses realized on the sale of securities, net investment income, and
unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments; and (9) interest and
dividends on foreign securities may be subject to withholding taxes in a foreign
country that could result in a reduction of net investment income available for
distribution.
Investing in securities of issuers in emerging market countries involves
exposure to economic systems that are generally less mature and political
systems that are generally less stable than those of developed countries. In
addition, investing in companies in emerging market countries may also involve
exposure to national policies that may restrict investment by foreigners and
undeveloped legal systems governing private and foreign investments and private
property. For this purpose, countries with emerging markets are generally those
where the per capita income is in the low to middle ranges, as determined by the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The typically small size
of the markets for securities issued by companies in emerging markets countries
and the possibility of a low or nonexistent volume of trading in those
securities may also result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility of
those securities. Furthermore, investing in securities of companies in the
formerly communist countries of Eastern Europe involves additional risks.
Specifically, those countries could convert back to a single economic system,
and the claims of property owners prior to the expropriation by the communist
regime could be settled in favor of the former property owners, in which case
the Fund could lose its entire investment in those countries. These risks are
carefully considered by Keystone prior to the purchase of these securities.
LATIN AMERICA. The risks of investing in emerging countries or countries with
limited or developing capital markets are heightened for investments in Latin
America. The securities markets of Latin American countries are substantially
smaller, less developed, less liquid, and more volatile than those of more
developed countries. In particular, countries in Latin America may have
relatively unstable governments, presenting the risks of expropriation,
confiscation, nationalization, or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
ownership and on repatriation of assets. The economies of Latin American
countries may be predominantly based on only a few industries, may be highly
vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from
extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. The limited size of many
Latin American securities markets and limited trading volume in issuers could
result in more abrupt or erratic price movements and limited marketability of
securities traded. Certain Latin American countries are among the largest
debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. Some of these countries
have previously defaulted on their sovereign debt.
Although there have been significant improvements in some Latin American
economies in recent years, others continue to experience economic problems,
including high inflation rates and high interest rates. The emergence of the
Latin American economies and securities market will require continued economic
and fiscal discipline, as well as stable political and social conditions.
Recovery may also be influenced by international economic conditions,
particularly those in the U.S., and by world prices for oil and other
commodities, and international trade agreements, such as the North American Free
Trade Agreement.
PACIFIC RIM/PACIFIC BASIN. Countries in the Pacific Rim/Pacific Basin are in
various stages of economic development, some are considered emerging markets.
Investment in each has various risks. For instance, most countries in the
Pacific Rim/Pacific Basin are heavily dependent on international trade. Some
have prosperous economies, but are sensitive to world commodity prices. Others
are especially vulnerable to recession in other countries. Some countries in the
Pacific Rim/Pacific Basin have experienced rapid growth, although many suffer
with obsolete financial systems, economic problems, or archaic legal systems. In
addition, many have experienced political and social uncertainties. Japan's
economy recently went into recession, and its stock market declined. The return
of Hong Kong to Chinese dominion will affect the entire region.
BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in
below investment grade bonds. The Fund currently intends, however, to invest
no more than 5% of its total assets in below investment grade bonds. See
"Other Eligible Investments."
Lower rated debt securities (sometimes called "junk bonds") are often
considered to be speculative. Investment in such bonds involves risks that are
greater than the risks of investing in higher quality debt securities. These
risks include risks from interest rate fluctuations; changes in credit status,
including weaker overall credit condition of issuers and risks of default;
industry, market and economic risk; volatility of price resulting from broad and
rapid changes in the value of these securities; and greater price variability
and credit risks of certain high yield securities, such as zero coupon bonds and
PIKs. For further discussion of below investment grade bonds, see the statement
of additional information.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS. The Fund, which stresses providing long term capital
growth by investing primarily in equity securities, does not, by itself,
constitute a balanced investment plan. The Fund may be appropriate as part of an
overall investment program. Investors may wish to consult their financial
advisers when considering what portion of their total assets to invest in equity
securities.
PRICING SHARES
The net asset value of a Fund share is computed each day on which the New York
Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open as of the close of trading on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. eastern time for the purpose of pricing Fund
shares) except on days when changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities do not affect the current net asset value of its shares. The Exchange
currently is closed on weekends, New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
The net asset value per share of the Fund is arrived at by determining the value
of the Fund's assets, subtracting its liabilities and dividing the result by the
number of its shares outstanding.
Current values for the Fund's securities are generally determined in the
following manner:
1. securities that are traded on a national securities exchange or on the
over-the-counter National Market System ("NMS") are valued on the basis of the
last sales price on the exchange where primarily traded or NMS prior to the
time of the valuation, provided that a sale has occurred and that this price
reflects current market value according to procedures established by the Board
of Trustees;
2. securities traded in the over-the-counter market, other than NMS, for
which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the mean of the
bid and asked prices at the time of valuation;
3. short-term instruments having maturities of more than sixty days for
which market quotations are readily available are valued at current market
value; where market quotations are not available, such instruments are valued
at fair value;
4. short-term instruments that are purchased with maturities of sixty days
or less (including all master demand notes) are valued at amortized cost
(original purchase cost as adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion
of discount), which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates market;
short-term instruments maturing in more than sixty days when purchased that
are held on the sixtieth day prior to maturity are valued at amortized cost
(market value on the sixtieth day adjusted for amortization of premium or
accretion of discount), which, when combined with accrued interest,
approximates market; and
5. the following securities are valued at prices deemed in good faith to be
fair under procedures established by the Board of Trustees: (a) securities,
including restricted securities, for which complete quotations are not readily
available; (b) listed securities or those on NMS if, in the Fund's opinion,
the last sales price does not reflect a current market value or if no sale
occurred; and (c) other assets.
Foreign securities are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by
a pricing service, approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees, which uses
information with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from
broker-dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, and various
relationships between securities and yield to maturity in determining value.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
The Fund has qualified and intends to qualify in the future as a regulated
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). The Fund
qualifies if, among other things, it distributes to its shareholders at least
90% of its net investment income for its fiscal year. The Fund also intends to
make timely distributions, if necessary, sufficient in amount to avoid the
nondeductible 4% excise tax imposed on a regulated investment company to the
extent that it fails to distribute, with respect to each calendar year, at least
98% of its ordinary income for such calendar year and 98% of its net capital
gains for the one-year period ending October 31 of such calendar year.
The Fund will make distributions from its net investment income and net
capital gains, if any, at least annually.
Because Class A shares bear most of the costs of distribution of such shares
through payment of a front end sales charge, while Class B and Class C shares
bear such expenses through a higher annual distribution fee, expenses
attributable to Class B shares and Class C shares will generally be higher than
those of Class A, and income distributions paid by the Fund with respect to
Class A shares will generally be greater than those paid with respect to Class B
and Class C shares.
If the Fund qualifies and if it distributes all of its net investment income
and net capital gains, if any, to shareholders, it will be relieved of any
federal income tax liability.
Shareholders receive Fund distributions in the form of additional shares of
that class of shares upon which the distribution is based or, at the
shareholder's option, in cash. Fund distributions in the form of additional
shares are made at net asset value without the imposition of a sales charge.
Dividends and distributions are taxable whether they are received in cash or
in shares. Income dividends and net short-term gains dividends are taxable as
ordinary income, and net long-term gains dividends are taxable as capital gains
regardless of how long the Fund's shares are held. If Fund shares held for less
than six months are sold at a loss, however, such loss will be treated for tax
purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital
gains dividends received. The Fund advises its shareholders annually as to the
federal tax status of all distributions made during the year. Any taxable
dividend declared in October, November, or December to shareholders of record in
such month and paid by the following January 31 will be includable in the
taxable income of the shareholder as if paid on December 31 of the year in which
the dividend was declared.
If securities of foreign corporations comprise more than 50% of the value of
the Fund's total assets at the end of a fiscal year and the Fund elects to make
foreign tax credits available to its shareholders, then a shareholder will be
required to include in his gross income both actual dividends and the amount the
Fund advises him is his pro rata portion of income taxes withheld by foreign
governments from interest and dividends paid on the Fund's investments. The
shareholder will be entitled, however, to take the amount of such foreign taxes
withheld as a credit against his U.S. income tax or to treat the foreign tax
withheld as an itemized deduction from his adjusted gross income if that should
be to his advantage. In substance, this policy enables the shareholder to
benefit from the same foreign tax credit or deduction that he would have
received if he had been the individual owner of foreign securities and had paid
foreign income tax on the income therefrom. As in the case of individuals
receiving income directly from foreign sources, the above described tax credit
and deductions are subject to certain limitations.
FUND MANAGEMENT AND EXPENSES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Under Massachusetts law, the Fund's Board of Trustees has absolute and
exclusive control over the management and disposition of all assets of the Fund.
Subject to the authority of the Fund's Board of Trustees, Keystone provides
investment advice, management and administrative services to the Fund.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Keystone, located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034,
has provided investment advisory and management services to investment companies
and private accounts since it was organized in 1932. Keystone is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Keystone Investments, Inc. ("Keystone Investments"), located at
200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034.
Keystone Investments is a private corporation predominantly owned by current
and former members of management of Keystone and its affiliates. The shares of
Keystone Investments common stock beneficially owned by management are held in
a number of voting trusts, the trustees of which are George S. Bissell, Albert
H. Elfner, III, Edward F. Godfrey, Ralph J. Spuehler, Jr., and Rosemary D. Van
Antwerp. Keystone Investments provides accounting, bookkeeping, legal,
personnel, and general corporate services to Keystone, its affiliates, and the
Keystone Investments Family of Funds.
Pursuant to its Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Fund
(the "Advisory Agreement"), Keystone provides investment advisory and management
services to the Fund. Keystone manages the investment and reinvestment of the
Fund's assets, supervises the operation of the Fund, provides all necessary
office space, facilities, equipment and personnel and arranges, at the request
of the Fund, for its employees to serve as officers or agents of the Fund.
The Fund pays Keystone a fee for its services at the annual rate of 1.00% of
the Fund's aggregate net asset value.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid or accrued to
Keystone investment management and administrative services fees of $217,332,
which represented 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets on an annualized
basis. Of such amount paid to Keystone, $43,466 was paid or accrued to
EquitiLink International Management Limited ("EquitiLink") for its services
rendered in respect of the Fund.
A management fee of 1.00% is higher than that paid to most other investment
companies. The fee is comparable, however, to the fee charged to other global
and international funds, which like the Fund, are subject to the higher costs
involved in managing a portfolio of predominantly international securities.
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year to year only so long as
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Fund's Board
of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. In
either case, the terms of the Advisory Agreement and continuance thereof must be
approved by the vote of a majority of disinterested Trustees as defined in the
1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees") in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated,
without penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Fund or Keystone. The
Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically upon its assignment.
SUBADVISER
Keystone has entered into a SubInvestment Advisory Agreement in respect of the
Fund with EquitiLink International Management Limited (the "SubInvestment
Advisory Agreement"), having its principal place of business at Union House,
Union Street, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands. EquitiLink and its affiliates
have provided advisory services to various clients since 1981. Under the terms
of the SubInvestment Advisory Agreement, EquitiLink provides Keystone with
investment research and advice. In addition, subject to the supervision of the
Fund's Board of Trustees and Keystone, EquitiLink may provide investment
supervision and furnish an investment program for such assets of the Fund as
Keystone may designate from time to time.
The continuance of the SubInvestment Advisory Agreement must be approved in
the same manner as provided in the Advisory Agreement. The SubInvestment
Advisory Agreement may also be terminated without penalty upon similar notice by
the Fund, Keystone, or EquitiLink.
EquitiLink receives a monthly fee equal to (1) 20% of Keystone's net fee for
such month for services rendered in a non-discretionary capacity, plus (2) 10%
of Keystone's net fee for such month on that portion of the Fund's assets for
which EquitiLink provided services in a discretionary capacity.
The Fund has adopted a Code of Ethics incorporating policies on personal
securities trading as recommended by the Investment Company Institute.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
John Madden is primarily responsible for the management of the Fund's
portfolio. Mr. Madden is a Keystone Vice President and has more than 30 years'
investment experience.
FUND EXPENSES
The Fund will pay all of its expenses. In addition to the investment advisory
and management fees discussed above, the principal expenses that the Fund is
expected to pay include, but are not limited to, expenses of certain of its
Trustees; transfer, dividend disbursing, and shareholder servicing agent
expenses; custodian expenses; fees of its independent auditors; fees of legal
counsel to its Independent Trustees; fees payable to government agencies,
including registration and qualification fees of the Fund and its shares under
federal and state securities laws; and certain extraordinary expenses. In
addition, each class will pay all of the expenses attributable to it. Such
expenses are currently limited to Distribution Plan expenses. The Fund also pays
its brokerage commissions, interest charges and taxes.
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund's Class A, Class B, and
Class C shares paid 2.38%, 3.13%, and 3.13%, respectively, of their respective
average daily class net assets in expenses.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid or accrued to
Keystone Investor Resource Center, Inc. ("KIRC"), the Fund's transfer and
dividend disbursing agent, and Keystone Investments $8,622 for certain
accounting and printing services and $87,125 for shareholder services. KIRC is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone.
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Under policies established by the Board of Trustees, Keystone selects
broker-dealers to execute transactions subject to the receipt of best execution.
When selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions for the Fund,
Keystone may consider as a factor the number of shares of the Fund sold by such
broker-dealer. In addition, broker-dealers executing portfolio transactions may,
from time to time, be affiliated with the Fund, Keystone, the Fund's principal
underwriter, or their affiliates.
The Fund may pay higher commissions to broker-dealers that provide research
services. Keystone may use these services in advising the Fund as well as in
advising its other clients.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal period ended March 31, 1995
and for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996 were 13% and 40%, respectively.
Portfolio turnover is less than 100%. For further information about brokerage
and distribution, see the statement of additional information.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may purchase shares of the Fund from any broker-dealer that has a selling
agreement with Keystone Investment Distributors Company (the "Principal
Underwriter"), the Fund's principal underwriter. The Principal Underwriter, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone, is located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02116-5034.
In addition, you may open an account for the purchase of shares of the Fund by
mailing to the Fund, c/o Keystone Investor Resource Center, Inc., P.O. Box 2121,
Boston, Massachusetts 02106-2121, a completed account application and a check
payable to the Fund. You may also open an account by telephoning 1-800-343-2898
to obtain the number of an account to which you can wire or electronically
transfer funds, and then sending in a completed account application. Subsequent
investments in any amount may be made by check, by wiring Federal funds or by an
electronic funds transfer ("EFT").
Orders for the purchase of shares of the Fund will be confirmed at an offering
price equal to the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of
the order in proper form by the Principal Underwriter (generally as of the close
of the Exchange on that day) plus, in the case of Class A shares, the applicable
sales charge. Orders received by broker-dealers or other firms prior to the
close of the Exchange and received by the Principal Underwriter prior to the
close of its business day will be confirmed at the offering price effective as
of the close of the Exchange on that day.
Orders for shares received other than as stated above will receive the
offering price equal to the net asset value per share next determined
(generally, the next business days offering price) plus, in the case of Class A
shares, the applicable sales charge.
The Fund reserves the right to determine the net asset value more frequently
than once a day if deemed desirable. Broker-dealers and other financial services
firms are obligated to transmit orders promptly.
The initial purchase must be at least $1,000. There is no minimum amount for
subsequent purchases.
The Fund reserves the right to withdraw all or any part of the offering made
by this prospectus and to reject purchase orders.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to KIRC by calling toll free
1-800-343-2898 or writing to KIRC or to the firm from which you received this
prospectus.
ALTERNATIVE SALES OPTIONS
The Fund offers Class A, Class B, and Class C shares:
CLASS A SHARES -- FRONT-END LOAD OPTION
Class A shares are sold with a sales charge at the time of purchase. Class A
shares are not subject to a deferred sales charge when they are redeemed except
as follows: Class A shares purchased (1) in an amount equal to or exceeding
$1,000,000 or (2) by a corporate qualified retirement plan or a non-qualified
deferred compensation plan sponsored by a corporation having 100 or more
eligible employees (a "Qualifying Plan"), in either case without a front-end
sales charge, will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for the 24
month period following the date of purchase.
CLASS B SHARES -- BACK-END LOAD OPTION
Class B shares are sold without a sales charge at the time of purchase, but
are, with certain exceptions, subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if
they are redeemed. Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 are subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed during the 72 month period
from and including the month of purchase. Class B shares purchased prior to June
1, 1995 are subject to a deferred sales charge upon redemption during the four
calendar years following purchase. Class B shares purchased on or after June 1,
1995 that have been outstanding for eight years from and including the month of
purchase will automatically convert to Class A shares without the imposition of
a front-end sales charge or exchange fee. Class B shares purchased prior to June
1, 1995 will retain their existing conversion rights.
CLASS C SHARES -- LEVEL LOAD OPTION
Class C shares are sold without a sales charge at the time of purchase, but
are subject to a deferred sales charge if they are redeemed within one year
after the date of purchase. Class C shares are available only through
broker-dealers who have entered into special distribution agreements with the
Principal Underwriter.
Each class of shares, pursuant to its Distribution Plan or other plan, pays an
annual service fee of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable
to that class. In addition to the 0.25% service fee, the Class B and C
Distribution Plans provide for the payment of an annual distribution fee of up
to 0.75% of the average net assets attributable to their respective classes. As
a result, income distributions paid by the Fund with respect to Class B and
Class C shares will generally be less than those paid with respect to Class A
shares.
Investors who would rather pay the entire cost of distribution at the time of
investment, rather than spreading such cost over time, might consider Class A
shares. Other investors might consider Class B or Class C shares (in which case
100% of the purchase price is invested immediately) depending on the amount of
the purchase and the intended length of investment.
The Fund will not normally accept any purchase of Class B shares in the amount
of $250,000 or more and will not normally accept any purchase of Class C shares
in the amount of $1,000,000 or more.
----------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES
Class A shares are offered at net asset value plus an initial sales charge as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
AS A % OF CONCESSION TO
AS A % OF NET AMOUNT DEALERS AS A % OF
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE OFFERING PRICE INVESTED* OFFERING PRICE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000 .................................. 5.75% 6.10% 5.25%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 ..................... 4.75% 4.99% 4.25%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 .................... 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 .................... 2.50% 2.56% 2.25%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 .................. 1.50% 1.52% 1.50%
- ----------
- - *Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
</TABLE>
----------------------------------------------
Purchases of the Fund's Class A shares in the amount of $1 million or more
and/or purchases of Class A shares made by a Qualifying Plan or a tax sheltered
annuity plan sponsored by a public education entity having 5,000 or more
eligible employees (a "TSA Plan") will be at net asset value without the
imposition of a front-end sales charge (each such purchase, an "NAV Purchase").
With respect to NAV Purchases, the Principal Underwriter will pay
broker-dealers or others concessions based on (1) the investor's cumulative
purchases during the one-year period beginning with the date of the initial NAV
Purchase and (2) the investor's cumulative purchases during each subsequent
one-year period beginning with the first NAV Purchase following the end of the
prior period. For such purchases, concessions will be paid at the following
rate: 1.00% of the investment amount up to $2,999,999; plus 0.50% of the
investment amount between $3,000,000 and $4,999,999; plus 0.25% of the
investment amount over $4,999,999.
With the exception of Class A shares acquired by a TSA Plan, Class A shares
acquired in an NAV Purchase are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1.00% upon redemption during the 24 month period commencing on the date the
shares were originally purchased. Class A shares acquired by a TSA Plan in an
NAV Purchase are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
The sales charge is paid to the Principal Underwriter, which in turn normally
reallows a portion to your broker-dealer. In addition, your broker-dealer
currently will be paid periodic service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of
the average daily net asset value of Class A shares maintained by such recipient
on the books of the Fund for specified periods.
Upon written notice to broker-dealers with whom it has dealer agreements, the
Principal Underwriter may reallow up to the full applicable sales charge.
Initial sales charges may be eliminated for persons purchasing Class A shares
that are included in a broker-dealer or investment adviser managed fee based
program (a "wrap account") with broker-dealers or investment advisers who have
entered into special agreements with the Principal Underwriter. Initial sales
charges may be reduced or eliminated for persons or organizations purchasing
Class A shares of the Fund alone or in combination with Class A shares of other
Keystone America Funds. See Exhibit A to this prospectus.
Upon prior notification to the Principal Underwriter, Class A shares may be
purchased at net asset value by clients of registered representatives within six
months after a change in the registered representative's employment, when the
amount invested represents redemption proceeds from a registered open-end
management investment company not distributed or managed by Keystone or its
affiliates; and the shareholder either (1) paid a front-end sales charge, or (2)
was at some time subject to, but did not actually pay, a contingent deferred
sales charge with respect to the redemption proceeds.
Upon prior notification to the Principal Underwriter, Class A shares may be
purchased at net asset value by clients of registered representatives within six
months after the redemption of shares of any registered open-end investment
company not distributed or managed by Keystone or its affiliates, when the
amount invested represents redemption proceeds from such unrelated registered
open-end investment company, and the shareholder either (1) paid a front end
sales charge, or (2) was at some time subject to, but did not actually pay, a
contingent deferred sales charge with respect to the redemption proceeds. This
special net asset value purchase is currently being offered on a calendar month-
by-month basis and may be modified or terminated in the future.
CLASS A DISTRIBUTION PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan with respect to its Class A shares
(the "Class A Distribution Plan") that provides for expenditures by the Fund,
currently limited to 0.25% annually of the average daily net asset value of
Class A shares, in connection with the distribution of Class A shares. Payments
under the Class A Distribution Plan are currently made to the Principal
Underwriter (which may reallow all or part to others, such as broker-dealers),
as service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net asset
value of Class A shares maintained by the recipients on the books of the Fund
for specified periods.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares are offered at net asset value, without an initial sales
charge.
With respect to Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995, the Fund,
with certain exceptions, imposes a deferred sales charge in accordance with the
following schedule:
DEFERRED
SALES
CHARGE
REDEMPTION TIMING IMPOSED
- ----------------- -------
First twelve month period ................... 5.00%
Second twelve month period ................... 4.00%
Third twelve month period ................... 3.00%
Fourth twelve month period .................. 3.00%
Fifth twelve month period .................... 2.00%
Sixth twelve month period .................... 1.00%
No deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter.
With respect to Class B shares sold prior to June 1, 1995, the Fund, with
certain exceptions, imposes a deferred sales charge of 3.00% on shares redeemed
during the calendar year of purchase and the first calendar year after the year
of purchase; 2.00% on shares redeemed during the second calendar year after the
year of purchase; and 1.00% on shares redeemed during the third calendar year
after the year of purchase. No deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts
redeemed thereafter.
When imposed, the deferred sales charge is deducted from the redemption
proceeds otherwise payable to you. The deferred sales charge is retained by the
Principal Underwriter. Amounts received by the Principal Underwriter under the
Class B Distribution Plans are reduced by deferred sales charges retained by the
Principal Underwriter. See "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge and Waiver of Sales
Charges" below.
Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 that have been outstanding
for eight years from and including the month of purchase will automatically
convert to Class A shares (which are subject to a lower Distribution Plan
charge) without imposition of a front-end sales charge or exchange fee. Class B
shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995 will similarly convert to Class A shares
at the end of seven calendar years after the year of purchase. (Conversion of
Class B shares represented by stock certificates will require the return of the
stock certificates to KIRC.) The Class B shares so converted will no longer be
subject to the higher distribution expenses and other expenses, if any, borne by
Class B shares. Because the net asset value per share of the Class A shares may
be higher or lower than that of the Class B shares at the time of conversion,
although the dollar value will be the same, a shareholder may receive more or
fewer Class A shares than the number of Class B shares converted. Under current
law, it is the Fund's opinion that such a conversion will not constitute a
taxable event under federal income tax law. In the event that this ceases to be
the case, the Board of Trustees will consider what action, if any, is
appropriate and in the best interest of the Class B shareholders.
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted Distribution Plans with respect to its Class B shares
(the "Class B Distribution Plans") that provide for expenditures by the Fund at
an annual rate of up to 1.00% of the average daily net asset value of Class B
shares to pay expenses of the distribution of Class B shares. Payments under the
Class B Distribution Plans are currently made to the Principal Underwriter
(which may reallow all or part to others, such as broker-dealers) (1) as
commissions for Class B shares sold and (2) as shareholder service fees. Amounts
paid or accrued to the Principal Underwriter under (1) and (2) in the aggregate
may not exceed the annual limitation referred to above.
The Principal Underwriter generally reallows to broker-dealers or others a
commission equal to 4.00% of the price paid for each Class B share sold plus the
first year's service fee in advance in the amount of 0.25% of the price paid for
each Class B share sold. Beginning approximately 12 months after the purchase of
a Class B share, the broker-dealer or other party will receive service fees at
an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of such Class B
share maintained by the recipient on the books of the Fund for specified
periods. See "Distribution Plans" below.
CLASS C SHARES
Class C shares are offered only through broker-dealers who have special
distribution agreements with the Principal Underwriter. Class C shares are
offered at net asset value, without an initial sales charge. With certain
exceptions, the Fund imposes a deferred sales charge of 1.00% on shares redeemed
within one year after the date of purchase. No deferred sales charge is imposed
on amounts redeemed thereafter. If imposed, the deferred sales charge is
deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable to you. The deferred
sales charge is retained by the Principal Underwriter. See "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge and Waiver of Sales Charges" below.
CLASS C DISTRIBUTION PLAN
The Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan with respect to its Class C shares
(the "Class C Distribution Plan") that provides for expenditures by the Fund at
an annual rate of up to 1.00% of the average daily net asset value of Class C
shares to pay expenses of the distribution of Class C shares. Payments under the
Class C Distribution Plan are currently made to the Principal Underwriter (which
may reallow all or part to others, such as broker-dealers) (1) as commissions
for Class C shares sold and (2) as shareholder service fees. Amounts paid or
accrued to the Principal Underwriter under (1) and (2) in the aggregate may not
exceed the annual limitation referred to above.
The Principal Underwriter generally reallows to brokers or others a commission
in the amount of 0.75% of the price paid for each Class C share sold, plus the
first year's service fee in advance in the amount of 0.25% of the price paid for
each Class C share sold, and, beginning approximately 15 months after purchase,
a commission at an annual rate of 0.75% (subject to NASD rules -- see
"Distribution Plans") plus service fees, which are paid at the annual rate of
0.25%, respectively, of the average daily net asset value of each Class C share
maintained by the recipients on the books of the Fund for specified periods.
See "Distribution Plans" below.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
AND WAIVER OF SALES CHARGES
Any contingent deferred sales charge imposed upon the redemption of Class A,
Class B or Class C shares is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares redeemed or (2) the net asset value at the time of purchase
of such shares.
No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed when you redeem amounts derived
from (1) increases in the value of your account above the net cost of such
shares due to increases in the net asset value per share of such shares; (2)
certain shares with respect to which the Fund did not pay a commission on
issuance, including shares acquired through reinvestment of dividend income and
capital gains distributions; (3) certain Class A shares held for more than two
years from the date of purchase; (4) Class B shares held more than four
consecutive calendar years or more than 72 months, as the case may be; or (5)
Class C shares held for more than one year from the date of purchase. Upon
request for redemption, shares not subject to the contingent deferred sales
charge will be redeemed first. Thereafter, shares held the longest will be the
first to be redeemed.
With respect to Class A shares purchased by a Qualifying Plan at net asset
value or Class C shares purchased by a Qualifying Plan, no contingent deferred
sales charge will be imposed on any redemptions made specifically by an
individual participant in the Qualifying Plan. This waiver is not available in
the event a Qualifying Plan (as a whole) redeems substantially all of its
assets.
In addition, no contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on a redemption of
shares of the Fund in the event of (1) death or disability of the shareholder;
(2) a lump-sum distribution from a 401(k) plan or other benefit plan qualified
under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"); (3)
automatic withdrawals from ERISA plans if the shareholder is at least 59 1/2
years old; (4) involuntary redemptions of accounts having an aggregate net asset
value of less than $1,000; (5) automatic withdrawals under a systematic income
plan of up to 1 1/2% per month of the shareholder's initial account balance; (6)
withdrawals consisting of loan proceeds to a retirement plan participant; (7)
financial hardship withdrawals made by a retirement plan participant; or (8)
withdrawals consisting of returns of excess contributions or excess deferral
amounts made to a retirement plan participant.
The Fund may also sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares at net asset value
without any initial sales charge or a contingent deferred sales charge to
certain Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of the Fund and Keystone and
certain of their affiliates, to registered representatives of firms with dealer
agreements with the Principal Underwriter and to a bank or trust company acting
as a trustee for a single account. See the statement of additional information.
ARRANGEMENTS WITH BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHERS
The Principal Underwriter may, from time to time, provide promotional
incentives, including reallowance of up to the entire sales charge, to certain
broker-dealers whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell
significant amounts of Fund shares. In addition, broker-dealers may, from time
to time, receive additional cash payments. The Principal Underwriter may also
provide written information to broker-dealers with whom it has dealer agreements
that relates to sales incentive campaigns conducted by such broker-dealers for
their representatives as well as financial assistance in connection with
pre-approved seminars, conferences and advertising. No such programs or
additional compensation will be offered to the extent they are prohibited by the
laws of any state or any self-regulatory agency such as the NASD. Broker-dealers
to whom substantially the entire sales charge on Class A shares is reallowed may
be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined under the 1933 Act.
The Principal Underwriter may, at its own expense, pay concessions in addition
to those described above to broker-dealers that satisfy certain criteria
established from time to time by the Principal Underwriter. These conditions
relate to increasing sales of shares of the Keystone funds over specified
periods and certain other factors. Such payments may, depending on the
broker-dealer's satisfaction of the required conditions, be periodic and may be
up to 0.25% of the value of shares sold by such broker-dealer.
The Principal Underwriter may also pay a transaction fee (up to the level of
payments allowed to dealers for the sale of shares, as described above) to banks
and other financial services firms that facilitate transactions in shares of the
Fund for their clients.
The Glass-Steagall Act currently limits the ability of a depository
institution (such as a commercial bank or a savings and loan association) to
become an underwriter or distributor of securities. In the event the
Glass-Steagall Act is deemed to prohibit depository institutions from accepting
payments under the arrangement described above, or should Congress relax current
restrictions on depository institutions, the Board of Trustees will consider
what action, if any, is appropriate.
In addition, state securities laws on this issue may differ from the
interpretations of federal law expressed herein and banks and financial
institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
As discussed above, the Fund bears some of the costs of selling its shares
under Distribution Plans adopted with respect to its Class A, Class B and Class
C shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
The NASD limits the amount that a fund may pay annually in distribution costs
for the sale of its shares and shareholder service fees. The NASD limits annual
expenditures to 1% of the aggregate average daily net asset value of its shares,
of which 0.75% may be used to pay such distribution costs and 0.25% may be used
to pay shareholder service fees. The NASD also limits the aggregate amount that
a fund may pay for such distribution costs to 6.25% of gross share sales since
the inception of the 12b-1 Distribution Plan, plus interest at the prime rate
plus 1% on such amounts (less any deferred sales charges paid by shareholders to
the Principal Underwriter) remaining unpaid from time to time.
The Principal Underwriter intends, but is not obligated, to continue to pay or
accrue distribution charges incurred in connection with the Class B Distribution
Plans that exceed current annual payments permitted to be received by the
Principal Underwriter from the Fund. The Principal Underwriter intends to seek
full payment of such charges from the Fund (together with annual interest
thereon at the prime rate plus 1%) at such time in the future as, and to the
extent that, payment thereof by the Fund would be within the permitted limits.
If the Fund's Independent Trustees authorize such payments, the effect would
be to extend the period of time during which the Fund incurs the maximum amount
of costs allowed by a Distribution Plan. If a Distribution Plan is terminated,
the Principal Underwriter will ask the Independent Trustees to take whatever
action they deem appropriate under the circumstances with respect to payment of
such amounts.
In connection with financing its distribution costs, including commission
advances to dealers and others, the Principal Underwriter has sold to a
financial institution substantially all of its 12b-1 fee collection rights and
contingent deferred sales charge collection rights in respect of Class B shares
sold during the two-year period commencing approximately June 1, 1995. The Fund
has agreed not to reduce the rate of payment of 12b-1 fees in respect of such
Class B shares unless it terminates such shares' Distribution Plan completely.
If it terminates such Distribution Plan, the Fund may be subject to possible
adverse distribution consequences.
Each of the Distribution Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of the
Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares
of the respective class. Unpaid distribution costs at March 31, 1996 were
$872,923 for Class B shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995 (5.76% of net class
assets) and $95,782 for Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 (0.63%
of net class assets); and $119,301 for Class C shares (5.88% of net class
assets.)
During the year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid the Principal Underwriter:
$11,886, pursuant to its Class A Distribution Plan; $144,420 for Class B shares
sold prior to June 1, 1995 and $7,960 for Class B shares sold on or after June
1, 1995 under its Class B Distribution Plans; and $17,285 under its Class C
Distribution Plan. These amounts were used to pay commissions and service fees.
The Fund makes no payments in connection with the sale of its shares other than
the fee paid to its Principal Underwriter.
Broker-dealers or others may receive different levels of compensation
depending on which class of shares they sell. Payments pursuant to a
Distribution Plan are included in the operating expenses of the class.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
You may redeem Fund shares for cash at their net asset value upon written
order to the Fund, c/o KIRC, and presentation to the Fund of a properly endorsed
share certificate (if certificates have been issued). Your signature (s) on the
written order and certificates must be guaranteed as described below. In order
to redeem by telephone or to engage in telephone transactions generally, you
must complete the authorization in your account application. Proceeds for shares
redeemed on telephonic order will be deposited by wire or EFT only to the bank
account designated in your account application.
The redemption value equals the net asset value per share then determined and
may be more or less than your cost depending upon changes in the value of the
Fund's portfolio securities between purchase and redemption.
If imposed, the deferred sales charge is deducted from the redemption proceeds
otherwise payable to you.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES IN GENERAL
At various times, the Fund may be requested to redeem shares for which it has
not yet received good payment. In such a case, the Fund will mail the redemption
proceeds upon clearance of the purchase check, which may take up to 15 days or
more. Any delay may be avoided by purchasing shares either with a certified
check or by Federal Reserve or bank wire of funds or by EFT. Although the
mailing of a redemption check or the wiring or EFT of redemption proceeds may be
delayed, the redemption value will be determined and the redemption processed in
the ordinary course of business upon receipt of proper documentation. In such a
case, after the redemption and prior to the release of the proceeds, no
appreciation or depreciation will occur in the value of the redeemed shares, and
no interest will be paid on the redemption proceeds. If the payment of a
redemption has been delayed, the check will be mailed or the proceeds wired or
sent EFT promptly after good payment has been collected.
The Fund computes the amount due you at the close of the Exchange at the end
of the day on which it has received all proper documentation from you. Payment
of the amount due on redemption, less any applicable contingent deferred sales
charge (as described above), will be made within seven days thereafter except as
discussed herein.
You may also redeem your shares through broker-dealers. The Principal
Underwriter, acting as agent for the Fund, stands ready to repurchase Fund
shares upon orders from broker-dealers and will calculate the net asset value on
the same terms as those orders for the purchase of shares received from
broker-dealers and described under "How to Buy Shares." If the Principal
Underwriter has received proper documentation, it will pay the redemption
proceeds, less any applicable deferred sales charge, to the broker-dealer
placing the order within seven days thereafter. The Principal Underwriter
charges no fee for this service. Your broker-dealer, however, may charge a
service fee.
For your protection, SIGNATURES ON CERTIFICATES, STOCK POWERS AND ALL WRITTEN
ORDERS OR AUTHORIZATIONS MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A U.S. STOCK EXCHANGE MEMBER, A
BANK OR OTHER PERSONS ELIGIBLE TO GUARANTEE SIGNATURES UNDER THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 AND KIRC'S POLICIES. The Fund or KIRC may not only waive
this requirement, but also may require additional documents in certain cases.
Currently, the requirement for a signature guarantee has been waived on
redemptions of $50,000 or less when the account address of record has been the
same for a minimum period of 30 days. The Fund and KIRC reserve the right to
withdraw this waiver at any time.
If the Fund receives a redemption order, but you have not clearly indicated
the amount of money or number of shares involved, the Fund cannot execute the
order. In such cases, the Fund will request the missing information from you and
process the order on the day such information is received.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
Under ordinary circumstances, you may redeem up to $50,000 from your account
by telephone by calling toll free 1-800-343-2898. You must complete the
Telephone Redemptions section of the application to enjoy telephone redemption
privileges.
In order to insure that instructions received by KIRC are genuine, when you
initiate a telephone transaction, you will be asked to verify certain criteria
specific to your account. At the conclusion of the transaction, you will be
given a transaction number confirming your request, and written confirmation of
your transaction will be mailed the next business day. Your telephone
instructions will be recorded. Redemptions by telephone are allowed only if the
address and bank account of record have been the same for a minimum period of 30
days.
If the redemption proceeds are less than $2,500, they will be mailed by check.
If they are $2,500 or more, they will be mailed, wired or sent by EFT to your
previously designated bank account as you direct. If you do not specify how you
wish your redemption proceeds to be sent, they will be mailed by check.
If you cannot reach the Fund by telephone, you should follow the procedures
for redeeming by mail or through a broker-dealer as set forth herein.
SMALL ACCOUNTS
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, the Fund reserves the
right to redeem your account if its value has fallen below $1,000, the current
minimum investment level, as a result of your redemptions (but not as a result
of market action). You will be notified in writing and allowed 60 days to
increase the value of your account to the minimum investment level. No deferred
sales charges are applied to such redemptions.
REDEMPTIONS IN KIND
If conditions arise that would make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all
redemptions in cash, the Fund may authorize payment to be made in portfolio
securities or other property. The Fund has obligated itself, however, under the
1940 Act to redeem for cash all shares presented for redemption by any one
shareholder up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets in any
90-day period. Securities delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at
the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share and
would, to the extent permitted by law, be readily marketable. Shareholders
receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs upon the securities' sale.
GENERAL
The Fund reserves the right at any time to terminate, suspend, or change the
terms of any redemption method described in this prospectus, except redemption
by mail, and to impose fees.
Except as otherwise noted, neither the Fund, KIRC, nor the Principal
Underwriter assumes responsibility for the authenticity of any instructions
received by any of them from a shareholder in writing, over the Keystone
Automated Response Line ("KARL"), or by telephone. KIRC will employ reasonable
procedures to confirm that instructions received over KARL or by telephone are
genuine. Neither the Fund, KIRC, nor the Principal Underwriter will be liable
when following instructions received over KARL or by telephone that KIRC
reasonably believes to be genuine.
The Fund may temporarily suspend the right to redeem its shares when (1) the
Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (2)
trading on the Exchange is restricted; (3) an emergency exists and the Fund
cannot dispose of its investments or fairly determine their value; or (4) the
Securities and Exchange Commission so orders.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Details on all shareholder services may be obtained from KIRC by writing or by
calling toll free 1-800-343-2898.
KEYSTONE AUTOMATED RESPONSE LINE
KARL offers you specific fund account information and price and yield
quotations as well as the ability to do account transactions, including
investments, exchanges and redemptions. You may access KARL by dialing toll free
1-800-346-3858 on any touch-tone telephone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
EXCHANGES
A shareholder who has obtained the appropriate prospectus may exchange shares
of the Fund for shares of certain other Keystone America Funds and Keystone
Liquid Trust ("KLT") as follows:
Class A shares may be exchanged for Class A shares of other Keystone America
Funds and Class A shares of KLT;
Class B shares, except as noted below, may be exchanged for the same type of
Class B shares of other Keystone America Funds and the same type of Class B
shares of KLT; and
Class C shares may be exchanged for Class C shares of other Keystone America
Funds and Class C shares of KLT.
Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 cannot be exchanged for
Class B shares of Keystone Capital Preservation and Income Fund during the 24
month period commencing with and including the month of original purchase.
The exchange of Class B shares and Class C shares will not be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. However, if the shares being tendered for
exchange are
(1) Class A shares acquired in an NAV Purchase or otherwise without a front
end sales charge,
(2) Class B shares that have been held for less than 72 months or four years,
as the case may be, or
(3) Class C shares that have been held for less than one year,
and are still subject to a deferred sales charge, such charge will carry over to
the shares being acquired in the exchange transaction.
You may exchange shares for another Keystone fund for a $10 fee by calling or
writing to Keystone. The exchange fee is waived for individual investors who
make an exchange using KARL. Shares purchased by check are eligible for exchange
after 15 days. If the shares being tendered for exchange are still subject to a
deferred sales charge, such charge will carry over to the shares being acquired
in the exchange transaction. The Fund reserves the right, after providing the
required notice to shareholders, to terminate this exchange offer or to change
its terms, including the right to change the fee for any exchange.
Orders to exchange a certain class of shares of the Fund for the corresponding
class of shares of KLT will be executed by redeeming the shares of the Fund and
purchasing the corresponding class of shares of KLT at the net asset value of
such shares next determined after the proceeds from such redemption become
available, which may be up to seven days after such redemption. In all other
cases, orders for exchanges received by the Fund prior to 4:00 p.m. eastern time
on any day the Fund is open for business will be executed at the respective net
asset values determined as of the close of business that day. Orders for
exchanges received after 4:00 p.m. eastern time on any business day will be
executed at the respective net asset values determined at the close of the next
business day.
An excessive number of exchanges may be disadvantageous to the Fund.
Therefore, the Fund, in addition to its right to reject any exchange, reserves
the right to terminate the exchange privilege of any shareholder who makes more
than five exchanges of shares of the funds in a year or three in a calendar
quarter.
An exchange order must comply with the requirements for a redemption or
repurchase order and must specify the dollar value or number of shares to be
exchanged. Exchanges are subject to the minimum initial purchase requirements of
the fund being acquired. An exchange constitutes a sale for federal income tax
purposes.
The exchange privilege is available only in states where shares of the fund
being acquired may legally be sold.
KEYSTONE AMERICA MONEY LINE
Keystone America Money Line eliminates the delay of mailing a check or the
expense of wiring funds. You must request the service on your application.
Keystone America Money Line allows you to authorize electronic transfers of
money to purchase shares in any amount and to redeem up to $50,000 worth of
shares. You can use Keystone America Money Line like an "electronic check" to
move money between your bank account and your account in the Fund with one
telephone call. You must allow two business days after the call for the transfer
to take place. For money recently invested, you must allow normal check clearing
time before redemption proceeds are sent to your bank.
You may also arrange for systematic monthly or quarterly investments into your
Keystone America account. Once proper authorization is given, your bank account
will be debited to purchase shares in the Fund. You will receive confirmation
from the Principal Underwriter for every transaction.
To change the amount of a Keystone America Money Line or to terminate the
service (which could take up to 30 days), you must write to KIRC and include
account numbers.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund has various pension and profit-sharing plans available to you,
including Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs"); Rollover IRAs; Simplified
Employee Pension Plans ("SEPs"), Tax Sheltered Annuity Plans ("TSAs"), 403(b)
Plans, 401(k) Plans; Keogh Plans; Corporate Profit-Sharing Plans; and Money
Purchase Plans. For details, including fees and application forms, call toll
free 1-800-247-4075 or write to KIRC.
SYSTEMATIC INCOME PLAN
Under a Systematic Income Plan, if your account has a value of at least
$10,000, you may arrange for regular monthly or quarterly fixed withdrawal
payments. Each payment must be at least $100 and may be as much as 1.5% per
month or 4.5% per quarter of the total net asset value of the Fund shares in
your account when the Systematic Income Plan is opened. Fixed withdrawal
payments are not subject to a deferred sales charge. Excessive withdrawals may
decrease or deplete the value of your account. Moreover, because of the effect
of the applicable sales charge, a Class A investor should not make continuous
purchases of the Fund's shares while participating in the Systematic Income
Plan.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
Through dollar cost averaging you can invest a fixed dollar amount each month
or each quarter in any Keystone America Fund. This results in more shares being
purchased when the selected fund's net asset value is relatively low and fewer
shares being purchased when the fund's net asset value is relatively high and
may result in a lower average cost per share than a less systematic investment
approach.
Prior to participating in dollar cost averaging, you must establish an account
in a Keystone America Fund or a money market fund managed or advised by
Keystone. You should designate on the application (1) the dollar amount of each
monthly or quarterly investment (minimum $100) you wish to make and (2) the fund
in which the investment is to be made. Thereafter, on the first day of the
designated month, an amount equal to the specified monthly or quarterly
investment will automatically be redeemed from your initial account and invested
in shares of the designated fund. If you are a Class A investor and paid a sales
charge on your initial purchase, the shares purchased will be eligible for
Rights of Accumulation and the sales charge applicable to the purchase will be
determined accordingly. In addition, the value of shares purchased will be
included in the total amount required to fulfill a Letter of Intent. If a sales
charge was not paid on the initial purchase, a sales charge will be imposed at
the time of subsequent purchases, and the value of shares purchased will become
eligible for Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent. See Exhibit A --
"Reduced Sales Charges" at the back of this prospectus.
TWO DIMENSIONAL INVESTING
You may elect to have income and capital gains distributions from any class
Keystone America Fund shares you may own automatically invested to purchase the
same class of shares of any other Keystone America Fund. You may select this
service on your application and indicate the Keystone America Fund(s) into which
distributions are to be invested. The value of shares purchased will be
ineligible for Rights of Accumulation and Letters of Intent. See Exhibit A --
"Reduced Sales Charges" at the back of this prospectus.
OTHER SERVICES
Under certain circumstances, you may, within 30 days after a redemption,
reinstate your account in the same class of shares that you redeemed at current
net asset value.
PERFORMANCE DATA
From time to time the Fund may advertise "total return" and "current yield."
ALL DATA IS BASED ON HISTORICAL EARNINGS. PAST PERFORMANCE SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED REPRESENTATIVE OF RESULTS FOR ANY FUTURE PERIOD OF TIME. Total return
and current yield are computed separately for each class of shares of the Fund.
Total return refers to average annual compounded rates of return over specified
periods determined by comparing the initial amount invested in a particular
class to the ending redeemable value of that amount. The resulting equation
assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and deduction of the
maximum sales charge or applicable contingent deferred sales charge and all
recurring charges, if any, applicable to all shareholder accounts. The exchange
fee is not included in the calculation.
Current yield quotations represent the yield on an investment for a stated
30-day period computed by dividing net investment income earned per share during
the base period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
base period.
The Fund may also include comparative performance data for each class of
shares in advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, such as data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., Standard & Poor's Corporation,
Ibbotson Associates or other industry publications.
FUND SHARES
The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares, which participate
proportionately based on their relative net asset values in dividends and
distributions and have equal voting, liquidation and other rights except that
(1) expenses related to the distribution of each series or class of shares or
other expenses that the Board of Trustees may designate as class expenses from
time to time, are borne solely by each series or class; (2) each series or class
of shares has exclusive voting rights with respect to its Distribution Plan; (3)
each series or class has different exchange privileges; and (4) each series or
class generally has a different designation. When issued and paid for, the
shares will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Fund. Shares may be exchanged
as explained under "Shareholder Services," but will have no other preference,
conversion, exchange or preemptive rights. Shares are redeemable, transferable
and freely assignable as collateral. The Fund is authorized to issue additional
series or classes of shares.
Shareholders of the Fund are entitled to one vote for each full share owned
and fractional votes for fractional shares. Shares of the Fund vote together
except when required by law to vote separately by series or class. The Fund does
not have annual meetings. The Fund will have special meetings, from time to
time, as required under its Declaration of Trust and under the 1940 Act. As
provided in the Fund's Declaration of Trust, shareholders have the right to
remove Trustees by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares.
A special meeting of the shareholders will be held when holders of 10% of the
outstanding shares request a meeting for the purpose of removing a Trustee. The
Fund is prepared to assist shareholders in communications with one another for
the purpose of convening such a meeting as presecribed by Section 16(c) of the
1940 Act.
Under Massachusetts law, it is possible that a Fund shareholder may be held
personally liable for the Fund's obligations. The Fund's Declaration of Trust
provides, however, that shareholders shall not be subject to any personal
liability for the Fund's obligations and provides indemnification from Fund
assets for any shareholder held personally liable for the Fund's obligations.
Disclaimers of such liability are included in each Fund agreement.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIRC, located at 101 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142-1519, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone and serves as the Fund's transfer agent and
dividend disbursing agent.
When the Fund determines from its records that more than one account in the
Fund is registered in the name of a shareholder or shareholders having the same
address, upon notice to those shareholders, the Fund intends, when an annual
report or a semi-annual report of the Fund is required to be furnished, to mail
one copy of such report to that address.
Except as otherwise stated in this prospectus or required by law, the Fund
reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in this prospectus
without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change fees for
services provided.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION
The Fund may engage in the following investment practices to the extent
described in the prospectus and the statement of additional information.
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
Higher yields are usually available on securities that are lower rated or that
are unrated. Bonds rated Baa by Moody's are considered as medium grade
obligations that are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Debt rated BBB
by S&P is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay
principal, although adverse economic conditions 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. Lower rated securities are usually defined as
Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or lower by S&P. The Fund may purchase unrated
securities, which are not necessarily of lower quality than rated securities,
but may not be attractive to as many buyers. Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C by
S&P 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.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposure to adverse
conditions. Debt rated C1 by S&P is debt (income bonds) on which no interest is
being paid. Debt rated D by S&P is in default and payment of interest and/or
repayment of principal is in arrears. The Fund intends to invest in D-rated debt
only in cases where, in Keystone's judgment, there is a distinct prospect of
improvement in the issuer's financial position as a result of the completion of
reorganization or otherwise. Bonds that are rated Caa by Moody's are of poor
standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of
danger with respect to principal or interest. Bonds that are rated Ca by Moody's
represent obligations that are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are
often in default or have other market shortcomings. Bonds that are rated C by
Moody's 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.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
A zero coupon "stripped" bond represents ownership in serially maturing
interest or principal payments on specific underlying notes and bonds, including
coupons relating to such notes and bonds. The interest and principal payments
are direct obligations of the issuer. Coupon zero coupon bonds of any series
mature periodically from the date of issue of such series through the maturity
date of the securities related to such series. Principal zero coupon bonds
mature on the date specified therein, which is the final maturity date of the
related securities. Each zero coupon bond entitles the holder to receive a
single payment at maturity. There are no periodic interest payments on a zero
coupon bond. Zero coupon bonds are offered at discounts from their face amounts.
In general, owners of zero coupon bonds have substantially all the rights and
privileges of owners of the underlying coupon obligations or principal
obligations. Owners of zero coupon bonds have the right upon default on the
underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations to proceed directly and
individually against the issuer and are not required to act in concert with
other holders of zero coupon bonds.
For federal income tax purposes, a purchaser of principal zero coupon bonds or
coupon zero coupon bonds (either initially or in the secondary market) is
treated as if the buyer had purchased a corporate obligation issued on the
purchase date with an original issue discount equal to the excess of the amount
payable at maturity over the purchase price. The purchaser is required to take
into income each year as ordinary income an allocable portion of such discounts
determined on a "constant yield" method. Any such income increases the holder's
tax basis for the zero coupon bond, and any gain or loss on a sale of the zero
coupon bonds relative to the holder's basis, as so adjusted, is a capital gain
or loss. If the holder owns both principal zero coupon bonds and coupon zero
bonds representing interest in the same underlying issue of securities, a
special basis allocation rule (requiring the aggregate basis to be allocated
among the items sold and retained based on their relative fair market value at
the time of sale) may apply to determine the gain or loss on a sale of any such
zero coupon bonds.
PAYMENT-IN-KIND SECURITIES
PIK securities pay interest in either cash or additional securities, at the
issuer's option, for a specified period. The issuer's option to pay in
additional securities typically ranges from one to six years compared to an
average maturity for all PIK securities of eleven years. Call protection and
sinking fund features are comparable to those offered on traditional debt
issues.
PIKs, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give the issuer flexibility in
managing cash flow. Several PIKs are senior debt. In other cases, where PIKs are
subordinated, most senior lenders view them as equity equivalents.
An advantage of PIKs for the issuer -- as with zero coupon securities -- is
that interest payments are automatically compounded (reinvested) at the stated
coupon rate, which is not the case with cash-paying securities. PIKs are gaining
popularity over zeros, however, since interest payments in additional securities
can be monetized and are more tangible than accretion of a discount.
As a group, PIK bonds trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest). Their price
is expected to reflect an amount representing accreted interest since the last
payment. PIKs generally trade at higher yields than comparable cash-paying
securities of the same issuer. Their premium yield is the result of the lesser
desirability of non-cash interest, the more limited audience for non-cash paying
securities, and the fact that many PIKs have been issued to equity investors who
do not normally own or hold such securities.
Calculating the true yield on a PIK security requires a discounted cash flow
analysis if the security (ex interest) is trading at a premium or a discount
because the realizable value of additional payments is equal to the current
market value of the underlying security, not par.
Regardless of whether PIK securities are senior or deeply subordinated,
issuers are highly motivated to retire them because they are usually their most
costly form of capital.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements; i.e., the Fund purchases a
security subject to the Fund's obligation to resell and the seller's obligation
to repurchase that security at an agreed upon price and date, such date usually
being not more than seven days from the date of purchase. The resale price is
based on the purchase price plus an agreed upon market rate of interest that is
unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. A repurchase
agreement imposes an obligation on the seller to pay the agreed upon price,
which obligation is in effect secured by the value of the underlying security.
The value of the underlying security is at least equal to the amount of the
agreed upon resale price and marked to market daily. The Fund may enter into
such agreements only with respect to U.S. government and foreign government
securities, which may be denominated in U.S. or foreign currencies. The Fund may
enter into such repurchase agreements with foreign banks and securities dealers
approved in advance by the Fund's Trustees. Whether a repurchase agreement is
the purchase and sale of a security or a collateralized loan has not been
definitively established. This might become an issue in the event of the
bankruptcy of the other party to the transaction. It does not presently appear
possible to eliminate all risks involved in repurchase agreements. These risks
include the possibility of a decline in the market value of the underlying
securities, as well as delay and costs to the Fund in connection with bankruptcy
proceedings. Therefore, it is the policy of the Fund to enter into repurchase
agreements only with large, well-capitalized banks that are members of the
Federal Reserve System and with primary dealers in U.S. government securities
(as designated by the Federal Reserve Board) whose creditworthiness has been
reviewed and found satisfactory by the Fund. The Securities and Exchange
Commission deems a repurchase agreement to be, in effect, a loan by the Fund.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund would sell securities and agree
to repurchase them at a mutually agreed upon date and price. The Fund intends to
enter into reverse repurchase agreements to avoid otherwise having to sell
securities during unfavorable market conditions in order to meet redemptions. At
the time the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, it will establish
a segregated account with the Fund's custodian containing liquid assets such as
U.S. government securities or other high grade debt securities having a value
not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest) and will
subsequently monitor the account to ensure such value is maintained. Reverse
repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities
that the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price.
Reverse repurchase agreements magnify the potential for gain or loss on the
portfolio securities of the Fund and, therefore, increase the possibility of
fluctuation in the Fund's net asset value. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent,
such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to
determine whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities
and the Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may
effectively be restricted pending such determination.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in securities principally traded in securities markets
outside the United States. While investment in foreign securities is intended to
reduce risk by providing further diversification, such investments involve
sovereign risk in addition to the credit and market risks normally associated
with domestic securities. Foreign investments may be affected favorably or
unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations. There
may be less publicly available information about a foreign company, particularly
emerging market country companies, than about a U.S. company, and foreign
companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies.
Securities of some foreign companies are less liquid or more volatile than
securities of U.S. companies, and foreign brokerage commissions and custodian
fees are generally higher than in the United States. Investments in foreign
securities may also be subject to other risks different from those affecting
U.S. investments, including local political or economic developments,
particularly with respect to companies in the formerly communist countries of
Eastern Europe, expropriation or nationalization of assets, imposition of
withholding taxes on dividend or interest payments and currency blockage (which
would prevent cash from being brought back to the United States). These risks
are carefully considered by Keystone prior to the purchase of these securities.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. These securities, which include
bonds, debentures, corporate notes, preferred stocks and other securities, are
securities that the holder can convert into common stock. Convertible securities
rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore,
entail less risk than that corporation's common stock. The value of a
convertible security is a function of its investment value (its market worth
without a conversion privilege) and its conversion value (its market worth if
exchanged). If a convertible security's investment value is greater than its
conversion value, its price primarily will reflect its investment value and will
tend to vary inversely with interest rates. (The issuer's creditworthiness and
other factors also may affect its value.) If a convertible security's conversion
value is greater than its investment value, its price will tend to be higher
than its conversion value, and it will tend to fluctuate directly with the price
of the underlying equity security.
SHORT SALES
The Fund may make short sales of securities "against the box." A short sale
involves the borrowing of a security, which must eventually be returned to the
lender. A short sale is "against the box" if, at all times when the short
position is open, the Fund owns the securities sold short or owns an equal
amount of securities convertible into, or exchangeable without further
consideration for, securities identical to the securities sold short. Short
sales against the box are used to defer recognition of gains or losses or in
order to receive a portion of the interest earned by the executing broker from
the proceeds of such sale. The proceeds of a short sale are held by the broker
until the settlement date when the Fund delivers the convertible security to
close out its short position. Although prior to such delivery the Fund will have
to pay an amount equal to any dividends paid on the securities sold short, the
Fund will receive the dividends from the securities convertible into the
securities sold short, plus a portion of the interest earned from the proceeds
of the short sale. The Fund will not make short sales of securities subject to
outstanding call options written by it. The Fund will segregate the securities
sold short or appropriate convertible securities in a special account with the
Fund's custodian in connection with its short sales "against the box."
DERIVATIVES
The Fund may use derivatives in furtherance of its investment objective.
Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from,
the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. These assets, rates,
and indices may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities, interest rates,
currency exchange rates, bond indices and stock indices. Derivatives can be used
to earn income or protect against risk, or both. For example, one party with
unwanted risk may agree to pass that risk to another party who is willing to
accept the risk, the second party being motivated, for example, by the desire
either to earn income in the form of a fee or premium from the first party, or
to reduce its own unwanted risk by attempting to pass all or part of that risk
to the first party.
Derivatives can be used by investors such as the Fund to earn income and
enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of the portfolio, and
either in place of more traditional direct investments or to obtain exposure to
otherwise inaccessible markets. The Fund is permitted to use derivatives for one
or more of these purposes, although the Fund generally uses derivatives
primarily as direct investments in order to enhance yields and broaden portfolio
diversification. Each of these uses entails greater risk than if derivatives
were used solely for hedging purposes. The Fund uses futures contracts and
related options for hedging purposes. Derivatives are a valuable tool which,
when used properly, can provide significant benefit to Fund shareholders.
Keystone is not an aggressive user of derivatives with respect to the Fund.
However, the Fund may take positions in those derivatives that are within its
investment policies if, in Keystone's judgement, this represents an effective
response to current or anticipated market conditions. Keystone's use of
derivatives is subject to continuous risk assessment and control from the
standpoint of the Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Derivatives may be (1) standardized, exchange-traded contracts or (2)
customized, privately negotiated contracts. Exchange-traded derivatives tend to
be more liquid and subject to less credit risk than those that are privately
negotiated.
There are four principal types of derivative instruments -- options, futures,
forwards, and swaps -- from which virtually any type of derivative transaction
can be created. Further information regarding options, futures, and forwards is
provided later in this section and is provided in the Fund's statement of
additional information. The Fund does not presently engage in the use of swaps.
While the judicious use of derivatives by experienced investment managers such
as Keystone can be beneficial, derivatives also involve risks different from,
and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more traditional
investments. Following is a general discussion of important risk factors and
issues concerning the use of derivatives that investors should understand before
investing in the Fund.
* Market Risk -- This is the general risk attendant to all investments that the
value of a particular investment will decline or otherwise change in a way
detrimental to the Fund's interest.
* Management Risk -- Derivative products are highly specialized instruments that
require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those
associated with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an
understanding not only of the underlying instrument, but also of the
derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the
derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the use and
complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate controls to
monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess the risk that a
derivative adds to the Fund's portfolio and the ability to forecast price,
interest rate or currency exchange rate movements correctly.
* Credit Risk -- This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by the Fund as a
result of the failure of another party to a derivative (usually referred to as
a "counterparty") to comply with the terms of the derivative contract. The
credit risk for exchange traded derivatives is generally less than for
privately negotiated derivatives, since the clearing house, which is the
issuer or counterparty to each exchange-traded derivative, provides a
guarantee of performance. This guarantee is supported by a daily payment
system (i.e., margin requirements) operated by the clearing house in order to
reduce overall credit risk. For privately negotiated derivatives, there is no
similar clearing agency guarantee. Therefore, the Fund considers the
creditworthiness of each counterparty to a privately negotiated derivative in
evaluating potential credit risk.
* Liquidity Risk -- Liquidity risk exists when a particular instrument is
difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative transaction is particularly
large or if the relevant market is illiquid (as is the case with many
privately negotiated derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a
transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price.
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
WRITING COVERED OPTIONS.
The Fund may write (i.e., sell) covered call and put options for hedging
purposes. By writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated during the term
of the option to deliver the securities underlying the option upon payment of
the exercise price. By writing a put option, the Fund becomes obligated during
the term of the option to purchase the securities underlying the option at the
exercise price if the option is exercised.
The Fund may only write "covered" options. This means that so long as the Fund
is obligated as the writer of a call option it will own the underlying
securities subject to the option or, in the case of call options on U.S.
Treasury bills, the Fund might own substantially similar U.S. Treasury bills.
Such securities will be maintained in a segregated account with the Fund's
custodian. If the Fund has written options against all of its securities which
are eligible for writing options, the Fund may be unable to write additional
options unless it sells a portion of its portfolio holdings to obtain new
securities against which it can write options. If this were to occur, higher
portfolio turnover and correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transaction costs may result. The Fund does not expect, however, that this will
occur.
The Fund will be considered "covered" with respect to a put option it writes
if, so long as it is obligated as the writer of the put option, it deposits and
maintains liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the exercise
price of the option with the Fund's custodian in a segregated account.
The principal reason for writing call or put options is to obtain, through a
receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized on the
underlying securities alone. The Fund receives a premium from writing a call or
put option which it retains whether or not the option is exercised. By writing a
call option, the Fund might lose the potential for gain on the underlying
security while the option is open, and by writing a put option, the Fund might
become obligated to purchase the underlying security for more than its current
market price upon exercise.
PURCHASING OPTIONS. The Fund may purchase call and put options. The Fund would
normally purchase call options to hedge against an increase in the market value
of the Fund's securities. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund,
in return for the premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified
price, upon exercise of the option, during the option period. The Fund would
ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of such
securities exceeds the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and
transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize a loss on the purchase of
the call option.
The Fund may purchase put or call options; including purchasing put or call
options for the purpose of offsetting previously written put or call options of
the same series. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction
with respect to covered options it has written, the Fund will not be able to
sell the underlying securities until the options expire or are exercised.
The Fund would normally purchase put options to hedge against a decline in the
market value of securities in its portfolio (protective puts). The Fund will not
engage in such transactions for speculation. The purchase of a put option would
entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell specified securities
at a specified price, upon exercise of the option, during the option period.
Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put options would tend to be
offset by countervailing changes in the value of underlying portfolio
securities. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option
period, the value of the underlying securities declined below the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund
would realize a loss on the purchase of the put option.
The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same
purposes as the purchase of options on securities. Currently, only options on
stock indices are traded and only on national exchanges. Options on securities
indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of
securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual
purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are
designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of
the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security. The
Fund's purchases of securities index options is subject to the risk that the
value of its portfolio securities may not change as much as an index because the
Fund's investments generally cannot match exactly the composition of an index.
An option position may be closed out only in a secondary market for an option
of the same series. Although the Fund will generally write only those options
for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option at any
particular time, and for some options no secondary market may exist. In such
event it might not be possible to effect a closing transaction in a particular
option.
Options on some securities are relatively new, and it is impossible to predict
the amount of trading interest that will exist in such options. There can be no
assurance that viable markets will develop or continue. The failure of such
markets to develop or continue could significantly impair the Fund's ability to
use such options to achieve its investment objective.
OPTIONS TRADING MARKETS. Options in which the Fund will trade are generally
listed on national securities exchanges. Exchanges on which such options
currently are traded include the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the New
York, American, Pacific and Philadelphia Stock Exchanges. Options on some
securities may not be listed on any Exchange, but traded in the over-the-counter
market. Options traded in the over-the-counter market involve the additional
risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions could fail to
meet their obligations to the Fund. The use of options traded in the
over-the-counter market may be subject to limitations imposed by certain state
securities authorities.
The Securities and Exchange Commission is of the view that the premiums that
the Fund pays for the purchase of unlisted options and the value of securities
used to cover unlisted options written by the Fund are considered to be invested
in illiquid securities or assets for the purpose of calculating whether the Fund
is in compliance with its investment policies pertaining to illiquid securities.
The Fund currently complies with the position taken by the Securities and
Exchange Commission that the premiums that the Fund pays for the purchase of
unlisted options and the value of securities used to cover unlisted options
written by the Fund are considered to be invested in illiquid securities or
assets.
FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may enter into futures contracts for the purchase or sale of
securities or currencies or futures contracts based on securities indices and
may write options on such contracts. The Fund intends to enter into such
contracts and put and call options thereon for hedging purposes. The Fund may
enter into other types of futures contracts that may become available and relate
to the securities held by the Fund. A futures contract is an agreement to buy or
sell securities or currencies at a specified price during a designated month.
The Fund does not make payment or deliver securities upon entering into a
futures contract. Instead, it puts down a margin deposit, which is adjusted to
reflect changes in the value of the contract and which continues until the
contract is terminated. The Fund will "cover" its futures contract obligations
by maintaining in a segregated account with its custodian the securities or
currencies underlying the contract or liquid assets, such as cash, U.S.
Government securities or other appropriate high grade debt obligations,
sufficient in amount to satisfy the Fund's contract obligations.
The Fund may sell or purchase futures contracts. When a futures contract is
sold by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the value of
the underlying securities or currencies declines and to fall when the value of
such securities or currencies increases. Thus, the Fund would sell futures
contracts in order to offset a possible decline in the value of its securities
or currencies. If a futures contract were purchased by the Fund, the value of
the contract would tend to rise when the value of the underlying securities or
currencies increased and to fall when the value of such securities or currencies
declined. The Fund intends to purchase futures contracts in order to fix what is
believed by its portfolio manager to be a favorable price and rate of return for
securities or favorable exchange rate for currencies the Fund intends to
purchase.
The Fund also may purchase put and call options on securities and currency
futures contracts for hedging purposes. A put option purchased by the Fund would
give it the right to assume a position as the seller of a futures contract. A
call option purchased by the Fund would give it the right to assume a position
as the purchaser of a futures contract. The purchase of an option on a futures
contract requires the Fund to pay a premium. In exchange for the premium, the
Fund becomes entitled to exercise the benefits, if any, provided by the futures
contract, but is not required to take any action under the contract. If the
option cannot be exercised profitably before it expires, the Fund's loss will be
limited to the amount of the premium and any transaction costs.
The Fund may write (sell) put and call options on futures contracts for
hedging purposes. The writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a
premium, which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that
the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund becomes obligated to purchase a
futures contract, which may have a value lower than the exercise price.
Conversely, the writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a
premium which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets.
By writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the
premium, to sell a futures contract, which may have a value higher than the
exercise price.
The Fund may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions in order to
terminate a futures contract and may sell put and call options for the purpose
of closing out its options positions. The Fund's ability to enter into closing
transactions depends on the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary
market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular contract or at any particular time. As a result, there can be no
assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting transaction
with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If the Fund is not
able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue to be
required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract and to complete the
contract according to its terms, in which case it would continue to bear market
risk on the transaction.
Although futures and options transactions are intended to enable the Fund to
manage market, interest rate or exchange rate risk, unanticipated changes in
interest rates, exchange rates or market prices could result in poorer
performance than if it had not entered into these transactions. Even if Keystone
correctly predicts interest or exchange rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of the Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. This lack of correlation
between the Fund's futures and securities or currencies positions may be caused
by differences between the futures and securities or currencies markets or by
differences between the securities or currencies underlying the Fund's futures
position and the securities or currencies held by or to be purchased for the
Fund. In addition, futures contracts transactions involve the remote risk that a
party participating in a transaction will not be able to fulfill its obligations
and the amount of the obligation will exceed the ability of the clearing broker
to satisfy. Keystone will attempt to minimize these risks through careful
selection and monitoring of the Fund's futures and options positions.
The Fund does not intend to use futures transactions for speculation or
leverage.
"WHEN ISSUED" AND "FORWARD COMMITMENT" TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may purchase newly issued securities on a when issued and delayed
delivery basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment
basis. When issued or delayed delivery transactions arise when securities are
purchased by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in
order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the
Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. A forward commitment
transaction is an agreement by the Fund to purchase or sell securities at a
specified future date. When the Fund engages in these transactions, the Fund
relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may be, to consummate the sale.
Failure to do so may result in the Fund missing the opportunity to obtain a
price or yield considered to be advantageous. When issued and delayed delivery
transactions and forward commitment transactions may be expected to occur a
month or more before delivery is due. No payment or delivery is made by the
Fund, however, until it receives payment or delivery from the other party to the
transaction. A separate account of liquid assets equal to the value of purchase
commitments will be maintained until payment is made.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. When the Fund invests in
foreign securities they usually will be denominated in foreign currencies, and
the Fund temporarily may hold funds in foreign currencies. Thus, the value of
Fund shares will be affected by changes in exchange rates.
As one way of managing exchange rate risk, in addition to entering into
currency futures contracts, the Fund may enter into forward currency exchange
contracts (agreements to purchase or sell currencies at a specified price and
date). The exchange rate for the transaction (the amount of currency the Fund
will deliver and receive when the contract is completed) is fixed when the Fund
enters into the contract. The Fund usually will enter into these contracts to
stabilize the U.S. dollar value of a security it has agreed to buy or sell. The
Fund intends to use these contracts to hedge the U.S. dollar value of a security
it already owns, particularly if the Fund expects a decrease in the value of the
currency in which the foreign security is denominated. Although the Fund will
attempt to benefit from using forward contracts, the success of its hedging
strategy will depend on Keystone's ability to predict accurately the future
exchange rates between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. The value of the
Fund's investments denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the relative
strength of those currencies and the U.S. dollar, and the Fund may be affected
favorably or unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange control
regulations between foreign currencies and the dollar. Changes in foreign
currency exchange rates also may affect the value of dividends and interest
earned, gains and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment
income and gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by the Fund. The
Fund may also purchase and sell options related to foreign currencies in
connection with hedging strategies.
LOANS OF SECURITIES
The Fund may lend its securities to broker-dealers or other institutional
borrowers for use in connection with such borrowers' short sales, arbitrages or
other securities transactions. Such loan transactions afford the Fund an
opportunity to continue to earn income on the securities loaned and at the same
time to earn income on the collateral held by it to secure the loan. Loans of
portfolio securities will be made (if at all) in strict conformity with
applicable federal and state rules and regulations. There may be delays in
recovery of loaned securities or even a loss of rights in collateral should the
borrower fail financially and go into default. Therefore, loans will be made
only to firms deemed by the Fund to be of good standing and will not be made
unless, in the judgment of the Fund, the consideration to be earned from such
loans justifies the risk.
The Fund understands that it is the current view of the Securities and
Exchange Commission that the Fund is permitted to engage in loan transactions
only if it satisfies the following conditions: (1) the Fund must receive 100%
collateral in the form of cash or cash equivalents, e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or
notes, from the borrower; (2) the borrower must increase the collateral whenever
the market value of the securities (determined on a daily basis) exceeds the
value of the collateral; (3) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan, after
notice, at any time; (4) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan
or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any dividends,
interest or other distributions on the securities loaned and any increase in the
securities' market values, which could result from the return of loaned
securities; (5) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in connection
with the loan; and (6) voting rights on the securities loaned may pass to the
borrower; however, if a material event affecting the securities occurs, the Fund
must be able to terminate the loan and vote proxies or enter into an alternative
arrangement with the borrower to enable the Fund to vote proxies. Excluding
items (1) and (2), these procedures may be amended from time to time, as
regulatory policies may permit, by the Fund's Board of Trustees without
shareholder approval. The Fund does not presently intend to lend its securities
if, as a result, the aggregate of all outstanding securities loans exceeds 15%
of the value of the Fund's total assets taken at their current value.
EXHIBIT A
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
Initial sales charges may be reduced or eliminated for persons or
organizations purchasing Class A shares of the Fund alone or in combination with
Class A shares of other Keystone America Funds. Only Class A shares subject to
an initial or deferred sales charge are eligible for inclusion in reduced sales
charge programs.
For purposes of qualifying for reduced sales charges on purchases made
pursuant to Rights of Accumulation or Letters of Intent, the term "Purchaser"
includes the following persons: an individual; an individual, his or her spouse
and children under the age of 21; a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust
estate or single fiduciary account established for their benefit; an
organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) or (13) of
the Internal Revenue Code; a pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit
plan whether or not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code; or
other organized groups of persons, whether incorporated or not, provided the
organization has been in existence for at least six months and has some purpose
other than the purchase of redeemable securities of a registered investment
company at a discount. In order to qualify for a lower sales charge, all orders
from an organized group will have to be placed through a single investment
dealer or other firm and identified as originating from a qualifying purchaser.
CONCURRENT PURCHASES
For purposes of qualifying for a reduced sales charge, a Purchaser may combine
concurrent direct purchases of Class A shares of two or more of the "Eligible
Funds" as defined below. For example, if a Purchaser concurrently invested
$75,000 in one of the other "Eligible Funds" and $75,000 in the Fund, the sales
charge would be that applicable to a $150,000 purchase, i.e., 3.75% of the
offering price, as indicated in the Sales Charge Schedule in the prospectus.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION
In calculating the sales charge applicable to current purchases of the Fund's
Class A shares, a Purchaser is entitled to accumulate current purchases with the
current value of previously purchased Class A shares of the Fund and Class A
shares of certain other eligible funds that are still held in (or exchanged for
shares of and are still held in) the same or another eligible fund ("Eligible
Fund(s)"). The Eligible Funds are the Keystone America Funds and Keystone Liquid
Trust.
For example, if a Purchaser held shares valued at $99,999 and purchased an
additional $5,000, the sales charge for the $5,000 purchase would be at the next
lower sales charge of 3.75% of the offering price as indicated in the Sales
Charge Schedule. KIRC must be notified at the time of purchase that the
Purchaser is entitled to a reduced sales charge, which reduction will be granted
subject to confirmation of the Purchaser's holdings. The Right of Accumulation
may be modified or discontinued at any time.
LETTER OF INTENT
A Purchaser may qualify for a reduced sales charge on a purchase of Class A
shares of the Fund alone or in combination with purchases of Class A shares of
any of the other Eligible Funds by completing the Letter of Intent section of
the application. By so doing, the Purchaser agrees to invest within a
thirteen-month period a specified amount which, if invested at one time, would
qualify for a reduced sales charge. Each purchase will be made at a public
offering price applicable to a single transaction of the dollar amount specified
on the application, as described in this prospectus. The Letter of Intent does
not obligate the Purchaser to purchase, nor the Fund to sell, the amount
indicated.
After the Letter of Intent is received by KIRC, each investment made will be
entitled to the sales charge applicable to the level of investment indicated on
the application. The Letter of Intent may be back-dated up to ninety days so
that any investments made in any of the Eligible Funds during the preceding
ninety-day period, valued at the Purchaser's cost, can be applied toward
fulfillment of the Letter of Intent. However, there will be no refund of sales
charges already paid during the ninety-day period. No retroactive adjustment
will be made if purchases exceed the amount specified in the Letter of Intent.
Income and capital gains distributions taken in additional shares will not apply
toward completion of the Letter of Intent.
If total purchases made pursuant to the Letter of Intent are less than the
amount specified, the Purchaser will be required to remit an amount equal to the
difference between the sales charge paid and the sales charge applicable to
purchases actually made. Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases,
if necessary) 5% of the dollar amount specified on the application will be held
in escrow by KIRC in the form of shares registered in the Purchaser's name. The
escrowed shares will not be available for redemption, transfer or encumbrance by
the Purchaser until the Letter of Intent is completed or the higher sales charge
paid. All income and capital gains distributions on escrowed shares will be paid
to the Purchaser or his order.
When the minimum investment specified in the Letter of Intent is completed
(either prior to or by the end of the thirteen-month period), the Purchaser will
be notified and the escrowed shares will be released. If the intended investment
is not completed, the Purchaser will be asked to remit to the Principal
Underwriter any difference between the sales charge on the amount specified and
on the amount actually attained. If the Purchaser does not within 20 days after
written request by the Principal Underwriter or his dealer pay such difference
in sales charge, KIRC will redeem an appropriate number of the escrowed shares
in order to realize such difference. Shares remaining after any such redemption
will be released by KIRC. Any redemptions made by the Purchaser during the
thirteen-month period will be subtracted from the amount of the purchases for
purposes of determining whether the Letter of Intent has been completed. In the
event of a total redemption of the account prior to completion of the Letter of
Intent, the additional sales charge due will be deducted from the proceeds of
the redemption and the balance will be forwarded to the Purchaser.
By signing the application, the Purchaser irre-
vocably constitutes and appoints KIRC his attorney to surrender for redemption
any or all escrowed shares with full power of substitution.
The Purchaser or his dealer must inform the Principal Underwriter or KIRC that
a Letter of Intent is in effect each time a purchase is made.
- ------------------------------------
KEYSTONE AMERICA
FUND FAMILY
*
Capital Preservation and Income Fund
Government Securities Fund
Intermediate Term Bond Fund
Strategic Income Fund
World Bond Fund
Tax Free Income Fund
California Insured Tax Free Fund
Florida Tax Free Fund
Massachusetts Tax Free Fund
Missouri Tax Free Fund
New York Insured Tax Free Fund
Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund
Fund for Total Return
Global Opportunities Fund
Hartwell Emerging Growth Fund, Inc.
Omega Fund
Fund of the Americas
Small Company Growth Fund II
Strategic Development Fund
- ------------------------------------
[Logo] KEYSTONE
INVESTMENTS
Keystone Investment Distributors Company
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034
SDF-P 7/96 [Recycle Logo]
3.5M
--------------------------------------------
KEYSTONE
STRATEGIC
DEVELOPMENT FUND
--------------------------------------------
[Logo]
PROSPECTUS AND
APPLICATION
<PAGE>
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
JULY 29, 1996
This statement of additional information is not a prospectus, but
relates to, and should be read in conjunction with, the prospectus of Keystone
Strategic Development Fund (the "Fund") dated July 29, 1996. A copy of the
prospectus may be obtained from Keystone Investment Distributors Company
(formerly named Keystone Distributors, Inc.) (the "Principal Underwriter"), the
Fund's principal underwriter, 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02116-5034, or your broker-dealer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
The Fund 2
Investment Restrictions 2
Distributions and Taxes 6
Valuation of Securities 7
Brokerage 9
Sales Charges 11
Distribution Plans 15
Trustees and Officers 20
Investment Adviser and SubAdviser 25
Principal Underwriter 28
Declaration of Trust 29
Standardized Total Return and Yield Quotations 32
Additional Information 33
Appendix A-1
Financial Statements F-1
Independent Auditors' Report F-15
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THE FUND
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The Fund is an open-end, diversified management investment company
commonly known as a mutual fund. The Fund seeks long term capital growth by
investing primarily in equity securities.
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INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the fundamental investment restrictions set forth
below, which may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting shares (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940
("1940 Act")). Unless otherwise stated, all references to Fund assets are in
terms of current market value.
The Fund may not do the following:
(1) with respect to 75% of its total assets, invest more than 5% of the
value of its total assets, determined at market or other fair value at the time
of purchase, in the securities of any one issuer, or invest in more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, all as determined
immediately after such investment; provided that these limitations do not apply
to investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the United States ("U.S.")
government or its agencies or instrumentalities;
(2) invest more than 25% of the value of its total assets in the
securities of issuers in any one industry other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities;
(3) borrow money, except that the Fund may (a) borrow from any bank,
provided that, immediately after any such borrowing there is asset coverage of
at least 300% for all borrowings; (b) borrow for temporary purposes only and in
an amount not exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets, computed at
the time of borrowing; or (C) enter into reverse repurchase agreements, provided
that, immediately after entering into any such agreements, there is asset
coverage of at least 300% of all bank borrowings and reverse repurchase
agreements;
(4) issue senior securities, except that the Fund may (a) make
permitted borrowings of money; (b) enter into firm commitment agreements and
collateral arrangements with respect to the writing of options on securities and
engage in permitted transactions in futures and options thereon and forward
contracts; and (C) issue shares of any additional permitted classes or series;
(5) invest in real estate or commodities, except that the Fund may (a)
invest in securities directly or indirectly secured by real estate and interests
therein and securities of companies that invest in real estate and interests
therein, including mortgages and other liens; and (b) enter into financial
futures contracts and options thereon for hedging purposes and enter into
forward contracts; and
(6) make loans, except that the Fund may make, purchase, or hold
publicly and nonpublicly offered debt securities (including convertible
securities) and other debt investments, including loans, consistent with its
investment objective; (b) lend its portfolio securities to broker-dealers; and
(C) enter into repurchase agreements.
OTHER FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Notwithstanding any other investment policy or restriction, the Fund
may invest all of its assets in the securities of a single open-end management
investment company with substantially the same fundamental investment
objectives, policies and restrictions as the Fund.
NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund has adopted the non-fundamental policies set forth below,
which may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Fund may not do the following:
(1) borrow money except for temporary or emergency purposes (not for
leveraging or investment), and it will not purchase any security while
borrowings representing more than 5% of its total assets are outstanding;
(2) (a) sell securities short (except by selling futures contracts or
writing covered options), unless it owns, or by virtue of ownership of other
securities has the right to obtain without additional consideration securities
identical in kind and amount to the securities sold short; or (b) purchase
securities on margin, except for such short-term credits as are necessary for
the clearance of transactions, and provided that the Fund may make initial and
variation so-called "margin" payments in connection with purchases or sales of
futures contracts or of options on futures contracts or forwards or other
similar instruments;
(3) pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except that the Fund
may pledge not more than one-third of its total assets (taken at current value)
to secure borrowings made in accordance with its investment restrictions on
borrowings, and provided that the Fund may make initial and variation margin
payments in connection with purchases or sales of futures contracts or of
options on futures contracts or forwards or other similar instruments;
(4) purchase the securities of any other investment company, except by
purchase in the open market subject only to customary broker's commissions and
provided that any such purchase will not result in duplication of sales charges
or management fees, and except in connection with any merger, consolidation, or
reorganization;
(5) invest in oil, gas, or other mineral leases or development programs
(except the Fund may invest in companies that own or invest in such interests);
(6) invest in real estate limited partnerships; and
(7) (a) write covered options, unless the securities underlying such
options are listed on a national securities exchange and the options are issued
by the Options Clearing Corporation; provided, however, that the securities
underlying such options may be traded on an automated quotations system
("NASDAQ") of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") if
and to the extent permitted by applicable state regulations; or (b) purchase
warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, in excess of 5% of the value of
the Fund's net assets; included within that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the
value of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants that are not listed on the New
York or American Stock Exchanges; warrants acquired by the Fund at any time in
units or attached to securities are not subject to this restriction.
OTHER NON-FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
The Fund intends to follow the policies of the Securities and Exchange
Commission as they are adopted from time to time with respect to illiquid
securities, including (1) treating as illiquid securities that may not be
disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at
approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the investment on its
books; and (2) limiting its holdings of such securities to 15% of its net
assets. The purchase of restricted securities is not to be deemed engaging in
underwriting.
In order to permit the sale of Fund shares in certain states or foreign
countries, the Fund may make commitments more restrictive than the investment
restrictions described above. Should the Fund determine that any such commitment
is no longer in the best interests of the Fund, it may revoke the commitment by
terminating sales of its shares in the state or country involved.
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DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund distributes to its shareholders dividends from net investment
income and net realized capital gains annually. (Distributions of ordinary
income may be eligible in whole or in part for the corporate 70% dividends
received deduction.) Shareholders who have not opted, prior to the record date
for any distribution, to receive cash will receive distributions in the form of
additional shares of the Fund. The number of distributed shares will be
determined on the basis of the Fund's net asset value per share computed at the
end of the day on the record date after adjustment for the distribution. Net
asset value is used in computing the number of shares in both gains and income
distribution reinvestments. Account statements and/or checks, as appropriate,
will be mailed to shareholders within seven days after the Fund pays the
distribution. Unless the Fund receives instructions to the contrary from a
shareholder before the record date, it will assume that the shareholder wishes
to receive that distribution and future gains and income distributions in
shares. Instructions continue in effect until changed in writing.
Distributed long-term capital gains are taxable as such to the
shareholder regardless of the period of time Fund shares have been held by the
shareholder. If such shares are held less than six months, however, and redeemed
at a loss, the loss will be a long-term capital loss to the extent of the
long-term capital gain distribution received in connection with such shares. If
the net asset value of the Fund's shares is reduced below a shareholder's cost
by a capital gains distribution, such distribution, to the extent of the
reduction, would be a return of investment though taxable as stated above. Since
distributions of capital gains depend upon profits actually realized from the
sale of securities by the Fund, they may or may not occur. The foregoing
comments relating to the taxation of dividends and distributions paid on the
Fund's shares relate solely to federal income taxation. Such dividends and
distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes.
When the Fund makes a distribution, it intends to distribute only the
Fund's net capital gains and such income as has been pre-determined, to the best
of the Fund's ability, to be taxable as ordinary income. Shareholders of the
Fund will be advised annually of the federal income tax status of distributions.
If securities of foreign corporations comprise more than 50% of the
value of the Fund's total assets at the end of a fiscal year and the Fund elects
to make foreign tax credits available to its shareholders, a shareholder will be
required to include in his gross income both actual dividends and the amount the
Fund advises him is his pro rata portion of income taxes withheld by foreign
governments from interest and dividends paid on the Fund's investments. The
shareholder will be entitled, however, to take the amount of such foreign taxes
withheld as a credit against his U.S. income tax, or to treat the foreign tax
withheld as an itemized deduction from his adjusted gross income, if that should
be to his advantage. In substance, this policy enables the shareholder to
benefit from the same foreign tax credit or deduction that he would have
received if he had been the individual owner of foreign securities and had paid
foreign income tax on the income therefrom. As in the case of individuals
receiving income directly from foreign sources, the above described tax credit
and deductions are subject to certain limitations.
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VALUATION OF SECURITIES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current values for the Fund's portfolio securities are determined in
the following manner:
(1) securities that are traded on a national securities exchange or the
over-the-counter National Market System ("NMS") are valued on the basis of the
last sales price on the exchange where primarily traded or NMS prior to the time
of the valuation, provided that a sale has occurred and that this price reflects
current market value according to procedures established by the Board of
Trustees;
(2) securities traded in the over-the-counter market, other than on
NMS, for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at the mean
of the bid and asked prices at the time of valuation;
(3) short-term instruments which are purchased with maturities of sixty
days or less (including all master demand notes) are valued at amortized cost
(original purchase cost as adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of
discount), which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates market;
short-term instruments maturing in more than sixty days when purchased which are
held on the sixtieth day prior to maturity are valued at amortized cost (market
value on the sixtieth day adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of
discount), which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates market; and
which, in either case, reflects fair value as determined by the Board of
Trustees;
(4) short-term instruments having maturities of more than sixty days
for which market quotations are readily available, are valued at current market
value; and
(5) the following securities are valued at prices deemed in good faith
to be fair under procedures established by the Board of Trustees: (a)
securities, including restricted securities, for which complete quotations are
not readily available; (b) listed securities or those on NMS if, in the Fund's
opinion, the last sales price does not reflect a current market value or if no
sale occurred; and (C) other assets.
Foreign securities for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing service,
approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. The Fund's pricing service uses
information with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from
broker-dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various
relationships between securities and yield to maturity in determining value.
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BROKERAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is the policy of the Fund's investment adviser, Keystone Investment
Management Company ("Keystone"), in effecting transactions for the Fund in
portfolio securities, to seek best execution of orders at the most favorable
prices. The determination of what may constitute best execution and price in the
execution of a securities transaction by a broker involves a number of
considerations, including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic
result to the Fund, involving both price paid or received and any commissions
and other costs paid; the efficiency with which the transaction is effected; the
broker's ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is
involved; the availability of the broker to stand ready to execute potentially
difficult transactions in the future; and the financial strength and stability
of the broker. Such considerations are subjective and are weighed by management
in determining the overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid.
Subject to the foregoing, a factor in the selection of brokers is the receipt
of research services, such as analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends and other statistical and
factual information. Any such research and other statistical and factual
information provided by brokers to the Fund or Keystone is considered to be in
addition to, and not in lieu of services required to be performed by Keystone
under its Investment Advisory and Management Agreement with the Fund (the
"Advisory Agreement"). The cost, value and specific application of such
information are indeterminable and cannot be practically allocated among the
Fund and other clients of Keystone who may indirectly benefit from the
availability of such information. Similarly, the Fund may indirectly benefit
from information made available as a result of transactions effected for such
other clients. Under the Advisory Agreement, Keystone is permitted to pay higher
brokerage commissions for brokerage and research services in accordance with
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In the event Keystone
follows such a practice, it will do so on a basis that is fair and equitable to
the Fund.
The Fund expects that purchases and sales of equity securities usually will be
effected through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable.
Purchases from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or
concession, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a
dealer's mark up or reflect a dealer's mark down. Where transactions are made in
the over-the-counter market, the Fund will deal with primary market makers
unless more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
The Fund may participate, if and when practicable, in group bidding for the
direct purchase from an issuer of certain securities to take advantage of the
lower purchase price available to such a group.
Neither Keystone nor the Fund intends to place securities transactions with
any particular broker-dealer or group thereof. The Fund's Board of Trustees has
determined, however, that the Fund may consider sales of shares as a factor in
the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions, subject to
the requirements of best execution, including best price, described above.
The policy of the Fund with respect to brokerage is and will be reviewed by
the Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time. Because of the possibility of
further regulatory developments affecting the securities exchanges and brokerage
practices generally, the foregoing practices may be changed, modified or
eliminated.
Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently by Keystone from
those of the other funds and investment accounts managed by Keystone. It may
frequently develop, however, that the same investment decision is made for more
than one fund. Simultaneous transactions are inevitable when the same security
is suitable for the investment objective of more than one account. When two or
more funds or accounts are engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security,
the transactions are allocated as to amount in accordance with a formula that is
equitable to each fund or account. It is recognized that, in some cases, this
system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as
far as the Fund is concerned. In other cases, however, it is believed that the
ability of the Fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better
executions for the Fund.
In no instance are portfolio securities purchased from or sold to Keystone,
EquitiLink International Management Limited ("EquitiLink"), the Principal
Underwriter, or any of their affiliated persons, as defined in the 1940 Act and
rules and regulations issued thereunder.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995 and 1996, the Fund paid $300,142 and
$52,549, respectively, in brokerage commissions.
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SALES CHARGES
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
The Fund offers Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Class A shares are
offered with a maximum sales charge of 5.75% payable at the time of purchase
("Front End-Load Option"). Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon redemption during the
72 month period from and including the month of purchase. Class B shares
purchased prior to June 1, 1995 are subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge upon redemption within four calendar years following the year of purchase
("Back-End Load Option"). Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 that
have been outstanding for eight years from and including the month of purchase
will automatically convert to Class A shares without imposition of a front-end
sales charge or exchange fee. Class B shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995
will similarly convert to Class A shares at the end of seven calendar years
after the year of purchase. (Conversion of Class B shares represented by stock
certificates will require the return of the stock certificates to Keystone
Investor Resource Center, Inc., ("KIRC") the Fund's transfer and dividend
disbursing agent.) Class C shares are sold subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge payable upon redemption within one year after purchase ("Level Load
Option"). Class C shares are available only through dealers who have entered
into special distribution agreements with the Principal Underwriter. The
prospectus contains a general description of how investors may buy shares of the
Fund as well as a table of applicable sales charges for Class A shares; a
discussion of reduced sales charges that may apply to subsequent purchases; and
a description of applicable contingent deferred sales charges.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
In order to reimburse the Fund for certain expenses relating to the sale of
its shares (See "Distribution Plans"), a contingent deferred sales charge may be
imposed at the time of redemption of certain Fund shares, as discussed below. If
imposed, the deferred sales charge is deducted from the redemption proceeds
otherwise payable to you. The deferred sales charge is retained by the Principal
Underwriter.
CLASS A SHARES
With certain exceptions, purchases of Class A shares (1) in an amount equal to
or exceeding $1,000,000, and/or (2) by a corporate qualified retirement plan or
a non-qualified deferred compensation plan sponsored by a corporation having 100
or more eligible employees (a "Qualifying Plan"), in either case without a
front-end sales charge, will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1% during the 24 month period following the date of purchase. See "Calculation
of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" below.
CLASS B SHARES
With respect to Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995, the Fund,
with certain exceptions, will impose a deferred sales charge as a percentage of
net asset value or net cost of such Class B shares redeemed during succeeding
twelve-month periods as follows: 5% during the first twelve-month period; 4%
during the second twelve-month period; 3% during the third twelve-month period;
3% during the fourth twelve-month period; 2% during the fifth twelve-month
period; and 1% during the sixth twelve month-period. No deferred sales charge is
imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter.
With respect to Class B shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995, the Fund, with
certain exceptions, may impose a deferred sales charge of 3% on shares redeemed
during the calendar year of purchase and the first calendar year after the year
of purchase; 2% on shares redeemed during the second calendar year after the
year of purchase; and 1% on shares redeemed during the third calendar year after
the year of purchase. No deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts redeemed
thereafter.
Amounts received by the Principal Underwriter under the Class B Distribution
Plans are reduced by deferred sales charges retained by the Principal
Underwriter. See "Calculation of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" and "Waiver
of Sales Charges" below.
CLASS C SHARES
With certain exceptions, the Fund will impose9 a deferred sales charge
of 1% on Class C shares redeemed within one year after the date of purchase. No
deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter. See
"Calculation of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" below.
CALCULATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
Any contingent deferred sales charge imposed upon the redemption of Class A,
Class B or Class C shares is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares redeemed or (2) the net cost of such shares.
No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed when you redeem amounts derived
from (1) increases in the value of your account above the net cost of such
shares due to increases in the net asset value per share of such shares; (2)
certain shares with respect to which the Fund did not pay a commission on
issuance, including shares acquired through reinvestment of dividend income and
capital gains distributions; (3) certain Class A shares held for more than two
years from the date of purchase; (4) Class B shares held for more than four
consecutive calendar years or more than 72 months, as the case may be; or (5)
Class C shares held for more than one year.
Upon request for redemption, shares not subject to the contingent deferred
sales charge will be redeemed first. Thereafter, shares held the longest will be
the first to be redeemed. There is no contingent deferred sales charge when the
shares of a class are exchanged for the shares of the same class of another
Keystone America Fund. Moreover, for the purpose of computing deferred sales
charges, when shares of one fund are exchanged for shares of another fund, the
calendar year of purchase of the shares being exchanged is deemed to be the year
shares being acquired by exchange were originally purchased.
WAIVER OF SALES CHARGES
Shares of the Fund may also be sold, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, regulations, interpretations or exemptions, at net asset value without the
imposition of an initial sales charge to (1) certain Directors, Trustees,
officers, full-time employees or sales representatives of the Fund, Keystone,
Keystone Investments, Inc. ("Keystone Investments"), their affiliates or the
Principal Underwriter and who have been such for not less than ninety days; (2)
a pension and profit-sharing plan established by such companies, their
subsidiaries and affiliates for the benefit of their Directors, Trustees,
officers, full-time employees and sales representatives; or (3) a registered
representative of a firm with a dealer agreement with the Principal Underwriter;
provided, however, that all such sales are made upon the written assurance that
the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the securities will not be
resold except through redemption by the Fund.
No initial sales charge is imposed on purchases of shares of the Fund by a
bank or trust company in a single account in the name of such bank or trust
company as trustee if the initial investment in shares of the Fund or any fund
in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds purchased pursuant to this waiver is
at least $500,000 and any commission paid at the time of such purchase is not
more than 1% of the amount invested.
With respect to Class A shares purchased by a Qualifying Plan at net asset
value or Class C shares purchased by a Qualifying Plan, no contingent deferred
sales charge will be imposed on any redemptions made specifically by an
individual participant in the Qualifying Plan. This waiver is not available in
the event a Qualifying Plan, as a whole, redeems substantially all of its
assets.
In addition, no contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on a
redemption of shares of the Fund in the event of (1) death or disability of the
shareholder; (2) a lump-sum distribution from a benefit plan qualified under the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"); (3) automatic
withdrawals from ERISA plans if the shareholder is at least 59 1/2 years old;
(4) involuntary redemptions of an account having an aggregate net asset value of
less than $1,000; (5) automatic withdrawals under a Systematic Income Plan of up
to 1 1/2% per month of the shareholder's initial account balance; (6)
withdrawals consisting of loan proceeds to a retirement plan participant; (7)
financial hardship withdrawals made by a retirement plan participant; or (8)
withdrawals consisting of returns of excess contributions or excess deferral
amounts made to a retirement plan participant.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
The Fund has obligated itself under the 1940 Act to redeem for cash all
shares presented for redemption by any one shareholder up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the Fund's assets in any 90 day period.
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DISTRIBUTION PLANS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act permits investment companies, such as the
Fund, to use their assets to bear expenses of distributing their shares if they
comply with various conditions, including adoption of a distribution plan
containing certain provisions set forth in Rule 12b-1.
The Fund's Class A, B and C Distribution Plans have been approved by
the Fund's Board of Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Plans or any agreement
related thereto (the "Independent Trustees").
DISTRIBUTION PLANS IN GENERAL
The National Association of Securities Dealers (the "NASD") limits the
amount that the Fund may pay annually in distribution costs for sale of its
shares and shareholder service fees. The NASD limits annual expenditures to 1%
of the aggregate average daily net asset value of its shares, of which 0.75% may
be used to pay such distribution costs and 0.25% may be used to pay shareholder
service fees. The NASD also limits the aggregate amount that the Fund may pay
for such distribution costs to 6.25% of gross share sales since the inception of
the 12b-1 Plan, plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% on such amounts (less
any contingent deferred sales charges paid by shareholders to the Principal
Underwriter).
CLASS A DISTRIBUTION PLAN. The Class A Distribution Plan provides that the Fund
may expend daily amounts at an annual rate, which is currently limited to 0.25%
of the Fund's average daily net asset value attributable to Class A shares, to
finance any activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A
shares, including, without limitation, expenditures consisting of payments to
the principal underwriter of the Fund (currently the Principal Underwriter) to
enable the Principal Underwriter to pay or to have paid to others (dealers) who
sell Class A shares a service or other fee, at such intervals as the Principal
Underwriter may determine, in respect of Class A shares maintained by such
recipients and outstanding on the books of the Fund for specified periods.
Amounts paid by the Fund under the Class A Distribution Plan are currently
used to pay others, such as dealers, service fees at an annual rate of up to
0.25% of the average net asset value of Class A shares maintained by such others
and outstanding on the books of the Fund for specified periods.
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION PLANS. Each Class B Distribution Plan provides that the
Fund may expend daily amounts at an annual rate of up to 1% of the Fund's
average daily net asset value attributable to Class B shares to finance any
activity that is primarily intended to result in the sale of Class B shares,
including, without limitation, expenditures consisting of payments to the
principal underwriter of the Fund (currently the Principal Underwriter) (1) to
enable the Principal Underwriter to pay to others (dealers) commissions in
respect of Class B shares sold since inception of the Distribution Plans; and
(2) to enable the Principal Underwriter to pay or to have paid to others a
service fee, at such intervals as the Principal Underwriter may determine, in
respect of Class B shares maintained by any such recipients and outstanding on
the books of the Fund for specified periods.
The Principal Underwriter generally reallows to brokers or others a
commission equal to 4% of the price paid for each Class B share sold plus the
first year's service fee in advance in the amount of 0.25% of the price paid for
each Class B share sold. Beginning approximately 12 months after the purchase of
a Class B share, the broker or other party receives service fees at an annual
rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of such Class B share
maintained by the recipient and outstanding on the books of the Fund for
specified periods.
The Principal Underwriter intends, but is not obligated, to continue to
pay or accrue distribution charges incurred in connection with a Class B
Distribution Plan that exceed current annual payments permitted to be received
by the Principal Underwriter from the Fund. The Principal Underwriter intends to
seek full payment of such charges from the Fund (together with annual interest
thereon at the prime rate plus 1%) at such time in the future as, and to the
extent that, payment thereof by the Fund would be within the permitted limits.
If the Fund's Independent Trustees authorize such payments, the effect
would be to extend the period of time during which the Fund incurs the maximum
amount of costs allowed by a Class B Distribution Plan. If a Class B
Distribution Plan is terminated, the Principal Underwriter will ask the
Independent Trustees to take whatever action they deem appropriate under the
circumstances with respect to payment of such amounts.
In connection with financing its distribution costs, including
commission advances to dealers and others, the Principal Underwriter has sold to
a financial institution substantially all of its 12b-1 fee collection rights and
contingent deferred sales charge collection rights in respect of Class B shares
sold during the two-year period commencing approximately June 1, 1995. The Fund
has agreed not to reduce the rate of payment of 12b-1 fees in respect of such
Class B shares unless it terminates such shares' Distribution Plan completely.
If it terminates such Distribution Plan, the Fund may be subject to possible
adverse distribution consequences.
CLASS C DISTRIBUTION PLAN. The Class C Distribution Plan provides that the Fund
may expend daily amounts at an annual rate of up to 1% of the Fund's average
daily net asset value attributable to Class C shares to finance any activity
that is primarily intended to result in the sale of Class C shares, including,
without limitation, expenditures consisting of payments to the principal
underwriter of the Fund (currently the Principal Underwriter) (1) to enable the
Principal Underwriter to pay to others (dealers) commissions in respect of Class
C shares sold since inception of the Distribution Plan; and (2) to enable the
Principal Underwriter to pay or to have paid to others a service fee, at such
intervals as the Principal Underwriter may determine, in respect of Class C
shares maintained by any such recipients and outstanding on the books of the
Fund for specified periods.
The Principal Underwriter generally reallows to brokers or others a
commission in the amount of 0.75% of the price paid for each Class C share sold
plus the first year's service fee in advance in the amount of 0.25% of the price
paid for each Class C share sold. Beginning approximately fifteen months after
purchase, brokers or others receive a commission at an annual rate of 0.75%
(subject to NASD rules) plus service fees at the annual rate of 0.25% of the
average daily net asset value of each Class C share maintained by the recipients
and outstanding on the books of the Fund for specified periods.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS - GENERAL
Whether any expenditure under a Distribution Plan is subject to a state
expense limit will depend upon the nature of the expenditure and the terms of
the state law, regulation or order imposing the limit. A portion of the Fund's
Distribution Plan expenses may be includable in the Fund's total operating
expenses for purposes of determining compliance with state expense limits.
Each of the Distribution Plans may be terminated at any time by a vote
of the Fund's Independent Trustees, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting shares of the respective class of Fund shares.
Any change in a Distribution Plan that would materially increase the
distribution expenses of the Fund provided for in a Distribution Plan requires
shareholder approval. Otherwise, a Distribution Plan may be amended by the
Trustees, including the Independent Trustees.
While a Distribution Plan is in effect, the Fund will be required to commit
the selection and nomination of candidates for Independent Trustees to the
discretion of the Independent Trustees.
The total amounts paid by the Fund under the foregoing arrangements may not
exceed the maximum Distribution Plan limits specified above. The amounts and
purposes of expenditures under a Distribution Plan must be reported to the
Independent Trustees quarterly. The Independent Trustees may require or approve
changes in the implementation or operation of a Distribution Plan, and may also
require that total expenditures by the Fund under a Distribution Plan be kept
within limits lower than the maximum amount permitted by a Distribution Plan as
stated above.
The Independent Trustees of the Fund have determined that the sales of the
Fund's shares resulting from payments under the Distribution Plans have
benefited the Fund.
Unpaid distribution costs at fiscal year end March 31, 1996 were $872,923 for
Class B shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995 (5.76% of such Class B shares net
assets); $95,782 for Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 (0.63% of
such Class B shares net assets); and $119,301 for Class C shares (5.88% of Class
C shares net assets).
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid the Principal
Underwriter $11,886, pursuant to its Class A Distribution Plan; $144,420 for
Class B shares sold prior to June 1, 1995 and $7,960 for Class B shares sold on
or after June 1, 1995 under its Class B Distribution Plans; and $17,285 under
its Class C Distribution Plan.
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TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
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The Trustees and Officers of the Fund, their principal occupations and some of
their affiliations over the last five years are as follows:
*ALBERT H. ELFNER, III: President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the
Fund; Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Keystone Investments, Keystone, Keystone Management, Inc. ("Keystone
Management") and Keystone Software, Inc. ("Keystone Software");
President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee or Director of all
other funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Chairman of
the Board and Director of Keystone Institutional Company, Inc.
("Keystone Institutional") and Keystone Fixed Income Advisors
("KFIA"); Director and President of Keystone Asset Corporation,
Keystone Capital Corporation and Keystone Trust Company; Director of
the Principal Underwriter, KIRC and Fiduciary Investment Company, Inc.
("FICO"); Director of Boston Children's Services Association; Trustee
of Anatolia College, Middlesex School, and Middlebury College; Member,
Board of Governors, New England Medical Center; former Director and
President of Hartwell Keystone Advisers, Inc. ("Hartwell Keystone");
former Director and Vice President, Robert Van Partners, Inc. and
former Trustee of Neworld Bank.
FREDERICK AMLING: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other funds
in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Professor, Finance
Department, George Washington University; President, Amling & Company
(investment advice); Member, Board of Advisers, Credito Emilano
(banking); and former Economics and Financial Consultant, Riggs
National Bank.
CHARLES A. AUSTIN III: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other
funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Investment Counselor
to Appleton Partners, Inc.; former Managing Director, Seaward
Management Corporation (investment advice) and former Director,
Executive Vice President and Treasurer, State Street Research &
Management Company (investment advice).
*GEORGE S. BISSELL: Chairman of the Board and Trustee of the Fund; Chairman of
the Board and Trustee or Director of all other funds in the Keystone
Investments Family of Funds; Director of Keystone Investments; Chairman
of the Board and Trustee of Anatolia College; Trustee of University
Hospital (and Chairman of its Investment Committee); former Director
and Chairman of the Board of Hartwell Keystone; former Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Investments; and former
Chief Executive Officer of the Fund.
EDWIN D. CAMPBELL: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other
funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Director and former
Executive Vice President, National Alliance of Business; former Vice
President, Educational Testing Services; former Dean, School of
Business, Adelphi University; and former Executive Director, Coalition
of Essential Schools, Brown University.
CHARLES F. CHAPIN: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other funds
in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; former Group Vice
President, Textron Corp.; and former Director, Peoples Bank (Charlotte,
N.C).
K. DUN GIFFORD: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other
funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Chairman of the
Board, Director and Executive Vice President, The London Harness
Company; Managing Partner, Roscommon Capital Corp.; Trustee, Cambridge
College; Chairman Emeritus and Director, American Institute of Food and
Wine; Chief Executive Officer, Gifford Gifts of Fine Foods; Chairman,
Gifford, Drescher & Associates (environmental consulting); President,
Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust (education); and former
Director, Keystone Investments and Keystone.
LEROY KEITH, JR.: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other funds
in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Director of Phoenix Total
Return Fund and Equifax, Inc.; Trustee of Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix
Multi-Portfolio Fund and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund; and former
President, Morehouse College.
F. RAY KEYSER, JR.: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other
funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Of Counsel, Keyser,
Crowley & Meub, P.C.; Member, Governor's (VT) Council of Economic
Advisers; Chairman of the Board and Director, Central Vermont Public
Service Corporation and Hitchcock Clinic; Director, Vermont Yankee
Nuclear Power Corporation, Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc., Grand
Trunk Corporation, Central Vermont Railway, Inc., S.K.I. Ltd.,
Sherburne Corporation, Union Mutual Fire Insurance Company, New England
Guaranty Insurance Company, Inc. and the Investment Company Institute;
former Governor of Vermont; former Director and President, Associated
Industries of Vermont; former Chairman and President, Vermont Marble
Company; former Director of Keystone; and former Director and Chairman
of the Board, Green Mountain Bank.
DAVID M. RICHARDSON: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other
funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Executive Vice
President, DHR International, Inc. (executive recruitment); former
Senior Vice President, Boyden International Inc. (executive
recruitment); and Director, Commerce and Industry Association of New
Jersey, 411 International, Inc. and J & M Cumming Paper Co.
RICHARD J. SHIMA: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other funds
in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Chairman, Environmental
Warranty, Inc., and Consultant, Drake Beam Morin, Inc. (executive
outplacement); Director of Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation, Trust
Company of Connecticut, Hartford Hospital, Old State House Association
and Enhance Financial Services, Inc.; Chairman, Board of Trustees,
Hartford Graduate Center; Trustee, Kingswood-Oxford School and Greater
Hartford YMCA; former Director, Executive Vice President and Vice
Chairman of The Travelers Corporation; former Managing Director of
Russell Miller, Inc.; and former Member, Georgetown College Board of
Advisors.
ANDREW J. SIMONS: Trustee of the Fund; Trustee or Director of all other funds
in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Partner, Farrell, Fritz,
Caemmerer, Cleary, Barnosky & Armentano, P.C.; former President, Nassau
County Bar Association; former Associate Dean and Professor of Law, St.
John's University School of Law.
EDWARD F. GODFREY: Senior Vice President of the Fund; Senior Vice President of
all other funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Director,
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
Keystone Investments, the Principal Underwriter, Keystone Asset
Corporation, Keystone Capital Corporation, Keystone Trust Company;
Treasurer of Keystone Institutional and FICO; Treasurer and Director of
Keystone Management, Keystone Software; Vice President and Treasurer of
KFIA; Director of KIRC; former Treasurer and Director of Hartwell
Keystone; former Treasurer of Robert Van Partners, Inc.
JAMES R. McCALL: Senior Vice President of the Fund; enior Vice President of all
other funds in the Keystone Investments Family of Funds; and President
of Keystone.
J. KEVIN KENELY: Treasurer of the Fund; Treasurer of all other funds in the
Keystone Investments Family of Funds; Vice President of Keystone
Investments, Keystone, the Principal Underwriter, FICO and Keystone
Software; and former Controller of Keystone Investments and certain of
its affiliated operating companies.
ROSEMARY D. VAN ANTWERP: Senior Vice President and Secretary of the Fund; Senior
Vice President and Secretary of all other funds in the Keystone
Investments Family of Funds; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of Keystone; Senior Vice President, General Counsel,
Secretary and Director of the Principal Underwriter, Keystone
Management and Keystone Software; Senior Vice President and General
Counsel of Keystone Institutional; Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Director of FICO and KIRC; Vice President and Secretary of
KFIA; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Keystone
Investments, Keystone Asset Corporation, Keystone Capital Corporation
and Keystone Trust Company; former Senior Vice President and Secretary
of Hartwell Keystone and Robert Van Partners, Inc.
* This Trustee may be considered an "interested person" within the meaning of
the 1940 Act.
Mr. Elfner and Mr. Bissell are "interested persons" by virtue of their
positions as officers and/or Directors of Keystone Investments and several of
its affiliates including Keystone, the Principal Underwriter and KIRC. Mr.
Elfner and Mr. Bissell own shares of Keystone Investments. Mr. Elfner is
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Keystone
Investments. Mr. Bissell is a Director of Keystone Investments.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, no Trustee affiliated with
Keystone or any officer received any direct remuneration from the Fund. During
the same period, the unaffiliated Trustees received no retainers or fees from
the Fund. Annual retainers and meeting fees paid by all funds in the Keystone
Investments Family of Funds (which includes over 30 mutual funds) for the
calendar year ended December 31, 1995 totalled approximately $450,716. As of
April 30, 1996, the Trustees and officers beneficially owned 1.21% of the Fund's
then outstanding Class A shares. As of April 30, 1996, the Trustees and officers
beneficially owned less than 1% of each of the Fund's then outstanding Class B
and Class C shares.
The address of all of the Fund's Trustees and officers and the address
of the Fund is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
Subject to the general supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees,
Keystone, located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034,
serves as investment adviser to the Fund and is responsible for the overall
management of the Fund's business and affairs. Keystone, organized in 1932, is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone Investments, located at 200 Berkeley Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034.
Keystone Investments is a private corporation predominantly owned by
current and former members of management of Keystone and its affiliates. The
shares of Keystone Investments common stock beneficially owned by management are
held in a number of voting trusts, the trustees of which are George S. Bissell,
Albert H. Elfner, III, Edward F. Godfrey, Ralph J. Spuehler, Jr. and Rosemary D.
Van Antwerp. Keystone Investments provides accounting, bookkeeping, legal,
personnel and general corporate services to Keystone, its affiliates and the
Keystone Investments Family of Funds.
Except as otherwise noted below, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement and
subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees, Keystone furnishes
to the Fund investment advisory, management and administrative services, office
facilities, equipment and personnel in connection with its services for managing
the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets, and pays (or causes to be
paid) the compensation of all officers and employees of the Fund.
As compensation for its services to the Fund, Keystone is entitled to a
fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the aggregate net asset value of shares of
the Fund computed as of the close of business on each business day.
All expenses (other than those specifically referred to as being borne
by Keystone) incurred in the operation of the Fund, and any public offering of
its shares, are borne by the Fund. To the extent that Keystone provides certain
of such services, the Fund promptly reimburses Keystone therefor. The fee
charged to the Fund is higher than that charged to most other investment
companies with different investment objectives and policies. The Fund's fee
structure is comparable, however, to that of other global and international
funds that are subject to the higher costs involved in managing a fund of
predominantly international securities.
Under the Advisory Agreement, any liability of Keystone in connection
with rendering services thereunder is limited to situations involving its
willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
duties.
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect until September 21, 1996,
and thereafter from year to year only so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by the Fund's Board of Trustees or by
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares. In either case, the terms of the
Advisory Agreement and continuance thereof must be approved by the vote of a
majority of Independent Trustees in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without
penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Fund or Keystone or may be terminated
by a vote of the Fund's shareholders. The Advisory Agreement will terminate
automatically upon its assignment.
SUBADVISER
Keystone has entered into a SubInvestment Advisory Agreement with
EquitiLink, located at Union House, Union Street, St. Helier, Jersey, Channel
Islands. Under the terms of the SubInvestment Advisory Agreement, EquitiLink
provides Keystone with investment research and advice. In addition, subject to
the supervision of the Board of Trustees and Keystone, EquitiLink may provide
investment supervision and furnish an investment program for such assets of the
Fund as Keystone may designate from time to time.
EquitiLink receives a monthly fee equal to (1) 20% of Keystone's net
fee for such month for services rendered in a non-discretionary capacity; plus
(2) 10% of Keystone's net fee for such month on that portion of the Fund's
assets for which EquitiLink provided services in a discretionary capacity.
STATE EXPENSE LIMITATIONS
The Fund is subject to certain annual state expense limitations, the
most restrictive of which is as follows:
2.5% of the first $30 million of Fund average daily net assets; 2.0% of
the next $70 million of Fund average daily net assets; and 1.5% of Fund
average daily net assets over $100 million.
Capital charges and certain expenses, including a portion of the Fund's
Distribution Plan fees, are not included in the calculation of the state expense
limitation. This limitation may be modified or eliminated in the future.
As a continuing condition of registration of shares in a state,
Keystone has agreed to reimburse the Fund annually for certain operating
expenses incurred by the Fund in excess of certain percentages of the Fund's
average daily net assets. However, Keystone is not required to reimburse the
Fund to the extent that such reimbursement would result in the Fund's inability
to qualify as a regulated investment company under the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code. This condition may be modified or eliminated in the
future.
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PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
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The Fund has entered into Principal Underwriting Agreements (the
"Underwriting Agreements") with the Principal Underwriter, a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone.
The Principal Underwriter, as agent, currently has the right to obtain
subscriptions for and to sell to the public shares of the Fund. In so doing, the
Principal Underwriter may retain and employ representatives to promote
distribution of the Fund's shares and may obtain orders from brokers, dealers or
others, acting as principals, for sales of shares. No such representative,
dealer or broker has any authority to act as agent for the Fund. The Principal
Underwriter has not undertaken to buy or to find purchasers for any specific
number of shares. The Principal Underwriter may receive payments from the Fund
pursuant to the Fund's Distribution Plans.
All subscriptions and sales of shares by the Principal Underwriter are at the
offering price of the shares, such price being in accordance with the provisions
of the Fund's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current prospectus and statement of
additional information. All orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund, and
the Fund reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject any order
received. Under the Underwriting Agreements, the Fund is not liable to anyone
for failure to accept any order.
The Fund has agreed under the Underwriting Agreements to pay all expenses in
connection with registration of its shares with the Commission as well as
auditing and filing fees in connection with registration of its shares under the
various state "blue-sky" laws.
From time to time, if in the Principal Underwriter's judgment it could benefit
the sales of Fund shares, the Principal Underwriter may provide to selected
dealers promotional materials and selling aids, including, but not limited to,
personal computers, related software and Fund data files.
The Principal Underwriter has agreed that it will, in all respects, duly
conform to all state and federal laws applicable to the sale of the shares. The
Principal Underwriter has also agreed that it will indemnify and hold harmless
the Fund, and each person who has been, is or may be a Trustee or officer of the
Fund, against expenses reasonably incurred by any of them in connection with any
claim, action, suit or proceeding to which any of them may be a party that
arises out of or is alleged to arise out of any misrepresentation or omission to
state a material fact on the part of the Principal Underwriter or any other
person for whose acts the Principal Underwriter is responsible or is alleged to
be responsible, unless such misrepresentation or omission was made in reliance
upon written information furnished by the Fund.
Each Underwriting Agreement will remain in effect as long as its terms and
continuance are approved by a majority of the Fund's Independent Trustees at
least annually at a meeting called for that purpose, and if its continuance is
approved annually by vote of a majority of Trustees, or by vote of a majority of
the outstanding shares.
The Underwriting Agreements may be terminated, without penalty, on 60 days'
written notice by the Fund's Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of
outstanding shares. The Underwriting Agreements will terminate automatically
upon their "assignment," as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
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DECLARATION OF TRUST
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MASSACHUSETTS BUSINESS TRUST
The Fund is a Massachusetts business trust established under a Declaration of
Trust dated July 27, 1994 (the "Declaration of Trust"). The Fund is similar in
most respects to a business corporation, with the exception of shareholder
liability as described below. A copy of the Declaration of Trust is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this statement of additional
information is a part. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the Declaration of Trust.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest of classes of shares. Each share of the Fund
represents an equal proportionate interest with each other share of that class.
Upon liquidation, shares are entitled to a pro rata share of the Fund based on
the relative net assets of each class. Shareholders have no preemptive or
conversion rights. Shares are redeemable and transferable. The Fund is
authorized to issue additional classes or series of shares. Currently, the Fund
issues Class A, B and C shares, but may issue additional classes or series of
shares.
SHAREHOLDER LIABILITY
Pursuant to certain decisions of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts,
shareholders of a Massachusetts business trust may, under certain circumstances,
be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the trust. If the
Fund were held to be a partnership, the possibility of the shareholders'
incurring financial loss for that reason appears remote because the Declaration
of Trust (1) contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for
obligations of the Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in
each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or
the Trustees; and (2) provides for indemnification out of the Fund's property
for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund.
VOTING RIGHTS
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Fund does not hold annual meetings. At
meetings called for the initial election of Trustees or to consider other
matters, shares are entitled to one vote per share. Shares generally vote
together as one class on all matters. Classes of shares of the Fund have equal
voting rights except that each class of shares has exclusive voting rights with
respect to its respective Distribution Plan. No amendment may be made to the
Declaration of Trust which adversely affects any class of shares without the
approval of a majority of the shares of that class. Shares 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 to be elected
at a meeting and, in such event, the holders of the remaining 50% or less of the
shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.
After an initial meeting as described above, no further meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees will be held, unless required
by law, unless and until such time as less than a majority of the Trustees
holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which time, the Trustees
then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
Except as set forth above, the Trustees shall continue to hold office
indefinitely, unless otherwise required by law, and may appoint successor
Trustees. A Trustee may be removed from or cease to hold office (as the case may
be) (1) at any time by two-thirds vote of the remaining Trustees; (2) when such
Trustee becomes mentally or physically incapacitated; or (3) at a special
meeting of shareholders by a two-thirds vote of the outstanding shares. Any
Trustee may voluntarily resign from office.
LIMITATION OF TRUSTEES' LIABILITY
The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee will not be liable for errors
of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the Declaration of Trust
protects a Trustee against any liability to which he would otherwise be subject
by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of his duties involved in the conduct of his office.
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STANDARDIZED TOTAL RETURN AND YIELD QUOTATIONS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total return quotations for a class of shares of the Fund as they may appear
from time to time in advertisements are calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return over one, five and ten year periods, or the time
periods for which such class of shares has been effective, whichever is
relevant, on a hypothetical $1,000 investment that would equate the initial
amount invested in the class to the ending redeemable value. To the initial
investment, all dividends and distributions are added and the maximum sales
charge deducted and all recurring fees charged to all shareholder accounts are
deducted. The ending redeemable value assumes a complete redemption at the end
of the relevant periods.
The cumulative total returns of Class A shares for the period from October 17,
1994 (commencement of operations) to March 31, 1996 was 1.22%. The compounded
average annual rates of return for Class A shares for the one year period ended
March 31, 1996 and the period from commencement of operations to March 31, 1996
were 12.22%, and 0.84%, respectively.
The cumulative total returns for Class B and Class C shares for the period
October 17, 1994 (commencement of operations) through fiscal year ended March
31, 1996 were 2.20% (including applicable contingent deferred sales charges),
and 6.20%, respectively. The compounded average annual rates of return for Class
B and Class C shares for the one year period ended March 31, 1996 were 14.13%
(including applicable contingent deferred sales charge) and 18.13%,
respectively. The compounded average annual rates of return for Class B and
Class C shares for the period beginning October 17, 1994 (commencement of
operations) through March 31, 1996 were 1,51% (including applicable contingent
deferred sales charges) and 4.22%, respectively. Past performance should not be
considered representative of results for any future period of time.
Current yield quotations as they may appear from time to time in
advertisements will consist of a quotation based on a 30-day period ended on the
date of the most recent balance sheet of the Fund, computed by dividing the net
investment income per share earned during the period by the maximum offering
price per share on the last day of the base period. The Fund does not presently
intend to advertise current yield.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, is the custodian of all securities and cash of the Fund
(the "Custodian"). The Custodian performs no investment management functions for
the Fund, but, in addition to its custodial services, is responsible for
accounting and related recordkeeping on behalf of the Fund.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Certified
Public Accountants, are the Fund's independent auditors.
KIRC, 101 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Keystone, is the Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing
agent.
As of April 30, 1996, to the best of the Fund's knowledge, no shareholder
owned 5% or more of the Fund's Class A shares.
As of April 30, 1996, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Attn: Book Entry,
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E 3rd FL, Jacksonville, FL 32246-6468, owned 44.10% of the
Fund's outstanding Class B shares.
As of April 30, 1996, Gruntal & Co., FBO 544-88017-29, 14 Wall Street, New
York, NY 10005, owned 13.78% of the Fund's outstanding Class C shares.
Except as otherwise stated in its prospectus or required by law, the Fund
reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in its prospectus
without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change fees for
services provided.
No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any information or
to make any representation not contained in the Fund's prospectus, statement of
additional information or in supplemental sales literature issued by the Fund or
the Principal Underwriter, and no person is entitled to rely on any information
or representation not contained therein.
The Fund's prospectus and statement of additional information omit certain
information contained in the Fund's Registration Statement filed with the
Commission, which may be obtained from the Commission's principal office in
Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fee prescribed by the rules and regulations
promulgated by the Commission.
The Fund is one of 15 different investment companies in the Keystone America
Fund Family, which offers a range of choices to serve shareholder needs. The
Keystone America Fund Family consists of the following Funds having the various
investment objectives described below:
KEYSTONE CAPITAL PRESERVATION AND INCOME FUND - Seeks high current income,
consistent with low volatility of principal, by investing in adjustable rate
securities issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
KEYSTONE FUND FOR TOTAL RETURN - Seeks total return from a combination of
capital growth and income from dividend paying common stocks, preferred stocks,
convertible bonds, other fixed-income securities and foreign securities (up to
50%).
KEYSTONE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES FUND - Seeks long-term capital growth from foreign
and domestic securities.
KEYSTONE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES FUND - Seeks income and capital preservation
from U.S. government securities.
KEYSTONE AMERICA HARTWELL EMERGING GROWTH FUND, INC. - Seeks capital
appreciation by investment primarily in small and medium-sized companies in a
relatively early stage of development that are principally traded in the
over-the-counter market.
KEYSTONE INTERMEDIATE TERM BOND FUND - Seeks income, capital preservation and
price appreciation potential from investment grade corporate bonds.
KEYSTONE OMEGA FUND - Seeks maximum capital growth from common stocks and
securities convertible into common stocks.
KEYSTONE SMALL COMPANY GROWTH FUND II - Seeks long-term capital growth by
investing substantially in equity securities of issuers with small market
capitalizations.
KEYSTONE STATE TAX FREE FUND - A mutual fund consisting of five separate series
of shares investing in different portfolio securities which seeks the highest
possible current income, exempt from federal income taxes and applicable state
taxes.
KEYSTONE STATE TAX FREE FUND - SERIES II - A mutual fund consisting of two
separate series of shares investing in different portfolio securities which
seeks the highest possible current income, exempt from federal income taxes and
applicable state taxes.
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC INCOME FUND - Seeks high yield and capital appreciation
potential from corporate bonds, discount bonds, convertible bonds, preferred
stock and foreign bonds.
KEYSTONE TAX FREE INCOME FUND - Seeks income exempt from federal income taxes
and capital preservation from the four highest grades of municipal bonds.
KEYSTONE WORLD BOND FUND - Seeks total return from interest income, capital
gains and losses and currency exchange gains and losses from investment in debt
securities denominated in U.S. and foreign currencies.
KEYSTONE FUND OF THE AMERICAS - Seeks long-term growth of capital through
investments in equity and debt securities in North America (the United States
and Canada) and Latin America (Mexico and countries in South and Central
America).
KEYSTONE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUND - Seeks long-term capital growth by
investing primarily in equity securities.
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APPENDIX
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This Appendix provides additional information about the various
securities in which the Fund may invest and investment techniques that the Fund
may employ. Specifically, the Appendix provides a more detailed explanation of
(i) stock and corporate bond ratings, (ii) high yield, high risk bonds, (iii)
money market instruments, and (iv) derivative instruments.
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
S&P'S EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND RANKINGS FOR COMMON STOCKS
Because the investment process involves assessment of various factors,
such as product and industry position, corporate resources and financial policy,
with results that make some common stocks more highly esteemed than others, S&P
believes that earnings and dividend performance is the end result of the
interplay of these factors and that, over the long run, the record of this
performance has a considerable bearing on relative quality. S&P rankings,
however, do not reflect all of the factors, tangible or intangible, that bear on
stock quality.
Growth and stability of earnings and dividends are deemed key elements
in establishing S&P earnings and dividend rankings for common stocks, which
capsulize the nature of this record in a single symbol.
S&P has established a computerized scoring system based on per-share
earnings and dividend records of the most recent ten years, a period deemed long
enough to measure a company's performance under varying economic conditions. S&P
measures growth, stability within the trend line and cyclicality. The ranking
system also makes allowances for company size, since large companies have
certain inherent advantages over small ones. From these scores for earnings and
dividends are determined.
The final score for each stock is measured against a scoring matrix
determined by analysis of the scores of a large and representative sample which
is reviewed and sometimes modified with the following ladder of rankings:
A+ Highest B+ Average C Lowest
A High B Below Average D In Reorganization
A Above Average B- Lower
S&P believes its rankings are not a forecast of future market price
performance, but are basically an appraisal of past performance of earnings and
dividends, and relative current standing.
MOODY'S COMMON STOCK RANKINGS
Moody's presents a concise statement of the important characteristics
of a company and an evaluation of the grade (quality) of its common stock. Data
presented includes: (i) capsule stock information which reveals short and long
term growth and yield afforded by the indicated dividend, based on a recent
price; (ii) a long term price chart which shows patterns of monthly stock price
movements and monthly trading volumes; (iii) a breakdown of a company's capital
account which aids in determining the degree of conservatism or financial
leverage in a company's balance sheet; (iv) interim earnings for the current
year to date, plus three previous years; (v) dividend information; (vi) company
background; (vii) recent corporate developments; (viii) prospects for a company
in the immediate future and the next few years; and (ix) a ten year comparative
statistical analysis.
This information provides investors with information on what a company
does, how it has performed in the past, how it is performing currently and what
its future performance prospects appear to be.
These characteristics are then evaluated and result in a grading, or
indication of quality. The grade is based on an analysis of each company's
financial strength, stability of earnings and record of dividend payments. Other
considerations include conservativeness of capitalization, depth and caliber of
management, accounting practices, technological capabilities and industry
position. Evaluation is represented by the following grades:
1. High Grade
2. Investment Grade
3. Medium Grade
4. Speculative Grade
MOODY'S PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Preferred stock ratings and their definitions are as follows:
1. aaa: An issue that is rated "aaa" is considered to be a top-quality
preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk
of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
2. aa: An issue that is rated "aa" is considered a high-grade preferred
stock. This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings
and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable
future.
3. a: An issue that is rated "a" is considered to be an upper-medium
grade preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater then in the
"aaa" and "aa" classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless,
expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
4. baa: An issue that is rated "baa" is considered to be a medium-grade
preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset
protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great
length of time.
5. ba: An issue that is rated "ba" is considered to have speculative
elements and its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset
protection may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods.
Uncertainty of position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
6. b: An issue that is rated "b" generally lacks the characteristics of
a desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other
terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
7. caa: An issue that is rated "caa" is likely to be in
arrears on dividend payments. This rating designation does not
purport to indicate the future status of payments.
8. ca: An issue that is rated "ca" is speculative in a high
degree and is likely to be in arrears on dividends with little
likelihood of eventual payments.
9. C: This is the lowest rated class of preferred or
preference stock. Issues so rated can be regarded as having
extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment
standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification: 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 rating category.
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
S&P CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
An S&P corporate bond rating is a current assessment of the
creditworthiness of an obligor, including obligors outside the U.S., with
respect to a specific obligation. This assessment may take into consideration
obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or lessees. Ratings of foreign obligors
do not take into account currency exchange and related uncertainties. The
ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by
S&P from other sources it considers reliable.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
1. Likelihood of default - capacity and willingness of the obligor as
to the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with
the terms of the obligation;
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and
3. Protection afforded by and relative position of the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): To provide more detailed indications of credit
quality, ratings from "AA" to "A" may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
Bond ratings are as follows:
1. AAA - Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
MOODY'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
Moody's ratings are as follows:
1. Aaa - Bonds that 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.
2. Aa - Bonds that 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.
3. A - Bonds that 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.
4. Baa - Bonds that 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.
5. Ba - Bonds that are rated BA are judged to have speculative
elements. Their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the
protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby
not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty
of position characterizes bonds in this class.
6. B - Bonds that 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.
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 rating
category.
Keystone considers the ratings of Moody's and S&P assigned to various
securities, but does not rely solely on ratings assigned by Moody's and S&P
because (i) Moody's and S&P assigned ratings are based largely on historical
financial data and may not accurately reflect the current financial outlook of
companies; and (ii) there can be large differences among the current financial
conditions of issuers within the same rating category.
BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE BONDS
Prior to the 1980's, corporate bonds were primarily issued to finance
growth and development. Below investment grade bonds were predominantly bonds
that often traded at discounts from par because the company's credit ratings had
been downgraded. The rapid growth of the noninvestment grade sector of the bond
market during the 1980s was largely attributable to the issuance of such bonds
to finance corporate reorganizations. This growth paralleled a long economic
expansion. An economic downturn could severely disrupt the market for high
yield, high risk bonds and adversely affect the value of outstanding bonds and
the ability of issuers to repay principal and interest.
In addition, investors should be aware of the following risks relating
to high yield, high risk debt securities:
1. Securities rated BB or lower by S&P or Ba or lower by Moody's are
considered predominantly speculative with respect to the ability of the issuer
to meet principal and interest payments.
2. The lower ratings of certain securities held by the Fund reflect a
greater possibility that adverse changes in the financial condition of the
issuer, or in general economic conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in
interest rates, may impair the ability of the issuer to make payments of
interest and principal, especially if the issuer is highly leveraged. Such
issuer's ability to meet its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by
specific corporate developments, or the issuer's inability to meet specific
projected business forecasts, or the unavailability of additional financing.
Also, an economic downturn or an increase in interest rates may increase the
potential for default by the issuers of these securities.
3. The value of certain securities held by the Fund may be more
susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic, company or industry
conditions and publicity than is the case for higher quality securities.
4. The values of certain securities, like those of other fixed income
securities, fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates. When interest
rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in bonds can be expected to
rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio invested in
bonds can be expected to decline. However, the prices of these bonds are
generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated bonds, but
more sensitive to adverse or positive economic changes or individual corporate
developments.
5. The secondary market for certain securities held by the Fund may be
less liquid at certain times than the secondary market for higher quality debt
securities, which may have an adverse effect on market price and the Fund's
ability to dispose of particular issues and may also make it more difficult for
the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its
assets.
6. Zero coupon bonds and PIKs involve additional special
considerations. For example, Zero coupon bonds do not require the periodic
payment of interest. PIK bonds are debt obligations that provide that the issuer
may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or in the form of
additional debt obligations. Such investments may experience greater fluctuation
in value due to changes in interest rates than debt obligations that pay
interest currently. Even though these investments do not pay current interest in
cash, the Fund is, nonetheless, required by tax laws to accrue interest income
on such investments and to distribute such amounts at least annually to
shareholders. Thus, the Fund could be required at times to liquidate investments
in order to fulfill its intention to distribute substantially all of its net
income as dividends.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
Money market securities are instruments with remaining maturities of
one year or less such as bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances,
commercial paper (including variable rate master demand notes), and obligations
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities,
some of which may be subject to repurchase agreements.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
Commercial paper, including commercial paper of foreign issuers, will
consist of issues rated at the time of purchase A-1 by S&P, or PRIME-1 by
Moody's; or, if not rated, will be issued by companies which have an outstanding
debt issue rated at the time of purchase Aaa, Aa or A by Moody's, or AAA, AA or
A by S&P, or will be determined by Keystone to be of comparable quality.
S&P RATINGS
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days. Ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from "A" for the
highest quality obligations to "D" for the lowest. The top category is as
follows:
1. A: Issues assigned this highest rating are regarded as
having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues in
this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to
indicate the relative degree of safety.
a. A-1: This designation indicates that the degree of safety
regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very
strong. Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety
characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign designation.
MOODY'S RATINGS
The term "commercial paper" as used by Moody's means promissory
obligations not having an original maturity in excess of nine months. Moody's
commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months. Moody's employs the following designation, judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated issuers.
1. The rating PRIME-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned
by Moody's. Issuers rated PRIME-1 (or related supporting institutions)
are deemed to have a superior capacity for repayment of short term
promissory obligations. Repayment capacity of PRIME-1 issuers is
normally evidenced by the following characteristics:
(a) leading market positions in well-established
industries;
(b) high rates of return on funds employed;
(c) conservative capitalization structures with
moderate reliance on debt and ample asset
protection;
(d) broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash
generation; and
(e) well established access to a range of financial
markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
In assigning ratings to issuers whose commercial paper obligations are
supported by the credit of another entity or entities, Moody's evaluates the
financial strength of the affiliated corporations, commercial banks, insurance
companies, foreign governments or other entities, but only as one factor in the
total rating assessment.
U.S. CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
U.S. Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a U.S.
bank in exchange for the deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to
pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer of the receipt
on the date specified on the certificate. The certificate usually
can be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity.
U.S. Certificates of deposit will be limited to U.S. dollar
denominated certificates of U.S. banks, including their branches
abroad, which are members of the Federal Reserve System or the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and of U.S. branches of
foreign banks, each of which have total assets at the time of
purchase in excess of $1 billion.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government include a
variety of Treasury securities that differ only in their interest rates,
maturities and dates of issuance and securities issued by the Government
National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). Treasury bills have maturities of one
year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years and Treasury
bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years at the date of
issuance. GNMA securities include GNMA mortgage pass-through certificates. Such
securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or
instrumentalities include securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal Housing
Administration, Farmers Home Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United
States, Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, Central
Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Loan Mortgage
Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime
Administration, The Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory
Board and Federal National Mortgage Association.
Some obligations of U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities,
such as securities of Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury. Others, such as bonds issued by the Federal
National Mortgage Association, a private corporation, are supported only by the
credit of the instrumentality. Because the U.S. government is not obligated by
law to provide support to an instrumentality it sponsors, the Fund will invest
in the securities issued by such an instrumentality only when Keystone
determines under standards established by the Board of Trustees that the credit
risk with respect to the instrumentality does not make its securities unsuitable
investments. While the Fund may invest in such instruments, U.S. government
securities do not include international agencies or instrumentalities in which
the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities participate, such as the
World Bank, Asian Development Bank or the Interamerican Development Bank, or
issues insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Derivatives have been variously defined to include forwards, futures,
options, mortgage-backed securities, other asset-backed securities and
structured securities, such as interest rate swaps, equity swaps, index swaps,
currency swaps and caps and floors. These basic vehicles can also be combined to
create more complex products, called hybrid derivatives. The following
discussion addresses options, futures, foreign currency transactions,
mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, structured securities, swaps,
caps, and floors.
OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
WRITING COVERED OPTIONS
The Fund writes only covered options. Options written by the Fund will
normally have expiration dates of not more than nine months from the date
written. The exercise price of the options may be below, equal to, or above the
current market values of the underlying securities at the times the options are
written.
Unless the option has been exercised, the Fund may close out an option
it has written by effecting a closing purchase transaction, whereby it purchases
an option covering the same underlying security and having the same exercise
price and expiration date ("of the same series") as the one it has written. If
the Fund desires to sell a particular security on which it has written a call
option, it will effect a closing purchase transaction prior to or concurrently
with the sale of the security. If the Fund is able to enter into a closing
purchase transaction, the Fund will realize a profit (or loss) from such
transaction if the cost of such transaction is less (or more) than the premium
received from the writing of the option.
An option position may be closed out only in a secondary market for an
option of the same series. Although the Fund will generally write only those
options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no
assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option at
any particular time, and for some options no secondary market may exist. In such
event it might not be possible to effect a closing transaction in a particular
option. If the Fund as a covered call option writer is unable to effect a
closing purchase transaction, it will not be able to sell the underlying
securities until the option expires or it delivers the underlying securities
upon exercise.
Because the Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company
under the Internal Revenue Code, the extent to which the Fund may write covered
call options and enter into so-called "straddle" transactions involving put and
call options may be limited.
Many options are traded on registered securities exchanges. Options
traded on such exchanges are issued by the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"),
a clearing corporation which assumes responsibility for the completion of
options transactions.
OPTION WRITING AND RELATED RISKS
The Fund may write covered call and put options. A call option gives
the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and the writer the obligation to
sell, the underlying security at the exercise price during the option period.
Conversely, a put option gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer
the obligation to buy, the underlying security at the exercise price during the
option period.
So long as the obligation of the writer continues, the writer may be
assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through whom the option was
sold. The exercise notice would require the writer to deliver, in the case of a
call, or take delivery of, in the case of a put, the underlying security against
payment of the exercise price. This obligation terminates upon expiration of the
option, or at such earlier time as the writer effects a closing purchase
transaction by purchasing an option of the same series as the one previously
sold. Once an option has been exercised, the writer may not execute a closing
purchase transaction. For options traded on national securities exchanges
("Exchanges"), to secure the obligation to deliver the underlying security in
the case of a call option, the writer of the option is required to deposit in
escrow the underlying security or other assets in accordance with the rules of
the OCC, an institution created to interpose itself between buyers and sellers
of options. Technically, the OCC assumes the order side of every purchase and
sale transaction on an Exchange and, by doing so, gives its guarantee to the
transaction.
The principal reason for writing options on a securities portfolio is
to attempt to realize, through the receipt of premiums, a greater return than
would be realized on the underlying securities alone. In return for the premium,
the covered call option writer has given up the opportunity for profit from a
price increase in the underlying security above the exercise price so long as
the option remains open, but retains the risk of loss should the price of the
security decline. Conversely, the put option writer gains a profit, in the form
of a premium, so long as the price of the underlying security remains above the
exercise price, but assumes an obligation to purchase the underlying security
from the buyer of the put option at the exercise price, even though the price of
the security may fall below the exercise price, at any time during the option
period. If an option expires, the writer realizes a gain in the amount of the
premium. Such a gain 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.
If a call option is exercised, the writer realizes a gain or loss from the sale
of the underlying security. If a put option is exercised, the writer must
fulfill his obligation to purchase the underlying security at the exercise
price, which will usually exceed the then market value of the underlying
security. In addition, the premium paid for the put effectively increases the
cost of the underlying security, thus reducing the yield otherwise available
from such securities.
Because the Fund can write only covered options, it may at times be
unable to write additional options unless it sells a portion of its portfolio
holdings to obtain new securities against which it can write options. This may
result in higher portfolio turnover and correspondingly greater brokerage
commissions and other transaction costs.
To the extent that a secondary market is available the covered option
writer may close out options it has written prior to the assignment of an
exercise notice by purchasing, on a closing purchase transaction, an option of
the same series as the option previously written. If the cost of such a closing
purchase, plus transaction costs, is greater than the premium received upon
writing the original option, the writer will incur a loss in the transaction.
PURCHASING PUT AND CALL OPTIONS
The Fund can close out a put option it has purchased by effecting a
closing sale transaction; for example, the Fund may close out a put option it
has purchased by selling a put option. If, however, a secondary market does not
exist at a time the Fund wishes to effect a closing sale transaction, the Fund
will have to exercise the option to realize any profit. In addition, in a
transaction in which the Fund does not own the security underlying a put option
it has purchased, the Fund would be required, in the absence of a secondary
market, to purchase the underlying security before it could exercise the option.
In each such instance, the Fund would incur additional transaction costs. The
Fund may also purchase call options for the purpose of offsetting previously
written call options of the same series.
The Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an
increase in the market value of securities of the type in which the Fund may
invest. The purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in return for the
premium paid, to purchase specified securities at a specified price during the
option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option
period, the value of such securities exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the
premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize a loss on
the purchase of the call option.
The Fund would normally purchase put options in anticipation of a
decline in the market value of securities in its portfolio (protective puts) or
securities of the type in which it is permitted to invest. The purchase of a put
option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell
specified securities at a specified price during the option period. The purchase
of protective puts is designed merely to offset or hedge against a decline in
the market value of the Fund's securities. Gains and losses on the purchase of
protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the
value of underlying portfolio securities. Put options may also be purchased by
the Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefitting from a decline in the
price of securities which the Fund does not own. The Fund would ordinarily
realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the underlying
securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover the premium
and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize a loss on the purchase
of the put option.
The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for
the same purposes as the purchase of options on securities. Options on
securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the
exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve
the actual purchase or sale of securities. In addition, securities index options
are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment
of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
OPTIONS TRADING MARKETS
Options in which the Fund will trade are generally listed on Exchanges.
Exchanges on which such options currently are traded include the Chicago Board
Options Exchange and the New York, American, Pacific, and Philadelphia Stock
Exchanges. Options on some securities may not be listed on any Exchange, but
traded in the over-the-counter market. Options traded in the over-the-counter
market involve the additional risk that securities dealers participating in such
transactions would fail to meet their obligations to the Fund. The use of
options traded in the over-the-counter market may be subject to limitations
imposed by certain state securities authorities. In addition to the limits on
its use of options discussed herein, the Fund is subject to the investment
restrictions described in the prospectus and the statement of additional
information.
The staff of the Commission currently is of the view that the premiums
which the Fund pays for the purchase of unlisted options, and the value of
securities used to cover unlisted options written by the Fund are considered to
be invested in illiquid securities or assets for the purpose of the Fund's
compliance with its policies pertaining to illiquid securities.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS APPLICABLE TO OPTIONS
ON TREASURY BONDS AND NOTES. Because trading interest in U.S. Treasury
bonds and notes tends to center on the most recently auctioned issues, new
series of options with expirations to replace expiring options on particular
issues will not be introduced indefinitely. Instead, the expirations introduced
at the commencement of options trading on a particular issue will be allowed to
run their course, with the possible addition of a limited number of new
expirations as the original ones expire. Options trading on each series of bonds
or notes will thus be phased out as new options are listed on the more recent
issues, and a full range of expiration dates will not ordinarily be available
for every series on which options are traded.
ON TREASURY BILLS. Because the deliverable U.S. Treasury bill changes
from week to week, writers of U.S. Treasury bill call options cannot provide in
advance for their potential exercise settlement obligations by acquiring and
holding the underlying security. However, if the Fund holds a long position in
U.S. Treasury bills with a principal amount corresponding to the option contract
size, the Fund may be hedged from a risk standpoint. In addition, the Fund will
maintain in a segregated account with the Fund's Custodian liquid assets
maturing no later than those which would be deliverable in the event of an
assignment of an exercise notice to ensure that it can meet its open option
obligations.
ON GNMA CERTIFICATES. Options on GNMA certificates are not currently
traded on any Exchange. However, the Fund may purchase and write such options in
the over the counter market or, should they commence trading, on any Exchange.
Since the remaining principal balance of GNMA certificates declines
each month as a result of mortgage payments, the Fund, as a writer of a covered
GNMA call holding GNMA certificates as "cover" to satisfy its delivery
obligation in the event of assignment of an exercise notice, may find that its
GNMA certificates no longer have a sufficient remaining principal balance for
this purpose. Should this occur, the Fund will enter into a closing purchase
transaction or will purchase additional GNMA certificates from the same pool (if
obtainable) or replacement GNMA certificates in the cash market in order to
remain covered.
A GNMA certificate held by the Fund to cover an option position in any
but the nearest expiration month may cease to present cover for the option in
the event of a decline in the GNMA coupon rate at which new pools are originated
under the FHA/VA loan ceiling in effect at any given time. Should this occur,
the Fund will no longer be covered, and the Fund will either enter into a
closing purchase transaction or replace the GNMA certificate with a certificate
which represents cover. When the Fund closes its position or replaces the GNMA
certificate, it may realize an unanticipated loss and incur transaction costs.
RISKS PERTAINING TO THE SECONDARY MARKET. An option position may be
closed out only in a secondary market for an option of the same series. Although
the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there
appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular option at any particular time,
and for some options no secondary market may exist. In such event, it might not
be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, with the
result that the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any
profit and might incur transaction costs in connection therewith. If the Fund as
a covered call option writer 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 it delivers the underlying security upon exercise.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market include the
following: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii)
restrictions imposed on transactions (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options or
underlying securities; (iv) interruption of the normal operations on an Exchange
or by a broker; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an Exchange, the OCC or a
broker to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more
Exchanges or a broker to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular
class or series of options), in which event the secondary market in that class
or series of options would cease to exist, although outstanding options that had
been issued as a result of trades would generally continue to be exercisable in
accordance with their terms.
The hours of trading for options on U.S. government securities may not
conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the
extent that the option markets close before the markets for the underlying
securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
The Fund intends to enter into currency and other financial futures
contracts as a hedge against changes in prevailing levels of interest or
currency exchange rates to seek relative stability of principal and to establish
more definitely the effective return on securities held or intended to be
acquired by the Fund or as a hedge against changes in the prices of securities
or currencies held by the Fund or to be acquired by the Fund. The Fund's hedging
may include sales of futures as an offset against the effect of expected
increases in interest or currency exchange rates or securities prices and
purchases of futures as an offset against the effect of expected declines in
interest or currency exchange rates.
The Fund intends to engage in options transactions that are related to
currency and other financial futures contracts for hedging purposes and in
connection with the hedging strategies described above.
Although techniques other than sales and purchases of futures contracts
and related options transactions could be used to reduce the Fund's exposure to
interest rate and/or market fluctuations, the Fund may be able to hedge its
exposure more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost through using futures
contracts and related options transactions. While the Fund does not intend to
take delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it holds, the Fund
does not intend to enter into such futures contracts for speculation.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
Futures contracts are transactions in the commodities markets rather
than in the securities markets. A futures contract creates an obligation by the
seller to deliver to the buyer the commodity specified in the contract at a
specified future time for a specified price. The futures contract creates an
obligation by the buyer to accept delivery from the seller of the commodity
specified at the specified future time for the specified price. In contrast, a
spot transaction creates an immediate obligation for the seller to deliver and
the buyer to accept delivery of and pay for an identified commodity. In general,
futures contracts involve transactions in fungible goods such as wheat, coffee
and soybeans. However, in the last decade an increasing number of futures
contracts have been developed which specify currencies, financial instruments or
financially based indexes as the underlying commodity.
U.S. futures contracts are traded only on national futures exchanges
and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument.
The principal financial futures exchanges in the U.S. are The Board of Trade of
the City of Chicago, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the International Monetary
Market (a division of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange), the New York Futures
Exchange and the Kansas City Board of Trade. Each exchange guarantees
performance under contract provisions through a clearing corporation, a
nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership, which is also
responsible for handling daily accounting of deposits or withdrawals of margin.
A futures commission merchant ("Broker") effects each transaction in connection
with futures contracts for a commission. Futures exchanges and trading are
regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC") and National Futures Association ("NFA").
OPTIONS ON CURRENCY AND OTHER FINANCIAL FUTURES
The Fund intends to purchase call and put options on currency and other
financial futures contracts and sell such options. Options on currency and other
financial futures contracts are similar to options on stocks except that an
option on a currency or other financial futures contract gives the purchaser the
right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures
contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position if the
option is a put) rather than to purchase or sell stock, currency or other
financial instruments at a specified exercise price at any time during the
period of the option. Upon exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures
position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be
accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's futures
margin account. This amount represents the amount by which the market price of
the futures contract at exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less
than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures
contract. If an option is exercised the last trading day prior to the expiration
date of the option, the settlement will be made entirely in cash equal to the
difference between the exercise price of the option and value of the futures
contract.
The Fund intends to use options on currency and other financial futures
contracts in connection with hedging strategies. In the future the Fund may use
such options for other purposes.
PURCHASE OF PUT OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
The purchase of protective put options on financial futures contracts
is analogous to the purchase of protective puts on individual stocks, where an
absolute level of protection is sought below which no additional economic loss
would be incurred by the Fund. Put options may be purchased to hedge a portfolio
of stocks or debt instruments or a position in the futures contract upon which
the put option is based.
PURCHASE OF CALL OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
The purchase of call options on currency and other financial futures
contracts represents a means of obtaining temporary exposure to market
appreciation at limited risk. It is analogous to the purchase of a call option
on an individual stock which can be used as a substitute for a position in the
stock itself. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the
futures contract upon which it is based, or upon the price of the underlying
financial instrument or index itself, the purchase of a call option may be less
risky than the ownership of the interest rate or index based futures contract or
the underlying securities. Call options on currency or other financial futures
contracts may be purchased to hedge against an interest rate increase or a
market advance when the Fund is not fully invested.
USE OF NEW INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES INVOLVING CURRENCY AND OTHER
FINANCIAL FUTURES CONTRACTS OR RELATED OPTIONS
The Fund may employ new investment techniques involving currency and
other financial futures contracts and related options. The Fund intends to take
advantage of new techniques in these areas which may be developed from time to
time and which are consistent with the Fund's investment objective. The Fund
believes that no additional techniques have been identified for employment by
the Fund in the foreseeable future other than those described above.
LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED
OPTIONS ON SUCH FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund intends that its futures contracts and related options
transactions will be entered into for traditional hedging purposes. That is,
futures contracts will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of
securities that the Fund owns or futures contracts will be purchased to protect
the Fund against an increase in the price of securities it intends to purchase.
The Fund does not intend to enter into futures contracts for speculation.
In instances involving the purchase or sale of futures contracts by the
Fund, an amount of cash and cash equivalents or securities equal to the market
value of the futures contracts will be deposited in a segregated account with
the Fund's custodian. In addition, in the case of a purchase, the Fund may be
required to make a deposit to a margin account with a Broker to collateralize
the position, and in the case of a sale, the Fund may be required to make daily
deposits to the buyer's margin account. The Fund would make such deposits in
order to insure that the use of such futures is unleveraged.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX TREATMENT
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is required to recognize as
income for each taxable year its net unrealized gains and losses on futures
contracts as of the end of the year as well as those actually realized during
the year. Any gain or loss recognized with respect to a futures contract is
considered to be 60% long term and 40% short term, without regard to the holding
period of the contract. In the case of a futures transaction classified as a
"mixed straddle," the recognition of losses may be deferred to a later taxable
year. The federal income tax treatment of gains or losses from transactions in
options on futures is unclear.
In order for the Fund to continue to qualify for federal income tax
treatment as a regulated investment company, at least 90% of its gross income
for a taxable year must be derived from qualifying income. Any net gain realized
from the closing out of futures contracts, for purposes of the 90% requirement,
will be qualifying income. In addition, gains realized on the sale or other
disposition of securities held for less than three months must be limited to
less than 30% of the Fund's annual gross income. The Internal Revenue Code
effectively treats both positions in certain hedging transactions as a single
transaction for the purpose of the 30% requirement. The provision provides that,
in the case of any "designated hedge," increases and decreases in the value of
positions of the hedge are to be netted for the purposes of the 30% requirement.
However, in certain situations, in order to avoid realizing a gain within a
three month period, the Fund may be required to defer the closing out of a
contract beyond the time when it would otherwise be advantageous to do so.
RISKS OF FUTURES CONTRACTS
Currency and other financial futures contracts prices are volatile and
are influenced, among other things, by changes in stock prices, market
conditions, prevailing interest rates and anticipation of future stock prices,
market movements or interest rate changes, all of which in turn are affected by
economic conditions, such as government fiscal and monetary policies and
actions, and national and international political and economic events.
At best, the correlation between changes in prices of futures contracts
and of the securities being hedged can be only approximate. The degree of
imperfection of correlation depends upon circumstances, such as variations in
speculative market demand for futures contracts and for securities, including
technical influences in futures contracts trading; differences between the
securities being hedged and the financial instruments and indexes underlying the
standard futures contracts available for trading, in such respects as interest
rate levels, maturities and creditworthiness of issuers, or identities of
securities comprising the index and those in the Fund's portfolio. A decision of
whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and
even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.
Because of the low margin deposits required, futures trading normally
involves an extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small
price movement in a futures contract may result in immediate and substantial
loss, as well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase,
10% of the value of the futures contract is deposited as margin, a 10% decrease
in the value of the futures contract would result in a total loss of the margin
deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the account were
then closed out, and a 15% decrease would result in a loss equal to 150% of the
original margin deposit. Thus, a purchase or sale of a futures contract may
result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract.
However, the Fund would presumably have sustained comparable losses if, instead
of entering into the futures contract, it had invested in the underlying
financial instrument. In order to be certain that the Fund has sufficient assets
to satisfy its obligations under a futures contract, the Fund will establish a
segregated account in connection with its futures contracts which will hold cash
or cash equivalents equal in value to the current value of the underlying
instruments or indices less the margins on deposit.
Most U.S. futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted
in futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit
establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary
either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a
trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of
contract, no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The
daily limit governs only price movement during a particular trading day and
therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may prevent the
liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally
moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no
trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and
subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.
RISKS OF OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
In addition to the risks described above for currency and other
financial futures contracts, there are several special risks relating to options
on futures contracts. The ability to establish and close out positions on such
options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary
market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any
particular option or at any particular time. The Fund will not purchase options
on any futures contract unless and until it believes that the market for such
options has developed sufficiently that the risks in connection with such
options are not greater than the risks in connection with the futures contracts.
Compared to the use of futures contracts, the purchase of options on such
futures involves less potential risk to the Fund because the maximum amount at
risk is the premium paid for the options (plus transaction costs). However,
there may be circumstances when the use of an option on a futures contract would
result in a loss to the Fund, even though the use of a futures contract would
not, such as when there is no movement in the level of the futures contract.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers. When the Fund
invests in foreign securities they usually will be denominated in foreign
currencies and the Fund temporarily may hold funds in foreign currencies. Thus,
the Fund's share value will be affected by changes in exchange rates.
FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS
As one way of managing exchange rate risk, the Fund may engage in
forward currency exchange contracts (agreements to purchase or sell currencies
at a specified price and date). Under the contract, the exchange rate for the
transaction (the amount of currency the Fund will deliver or receive when the
contract is completed) is fixed when the Fund enters into the contract. The Fund
usually will enter into these contracts to stabilize the U.S. dollar value of a
security it has agreed to buy or sell. The Fund also may use these contracts to
hedge the U.S. dollar value of a security it already owns, particularly if the
Fund expects a decrease in the value of the currency in which the foreign
security is denominated. Although the Fund will attempt to benefit from using
forward contracts, the success of its hedging strategy will depend on Keystone's
ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between foreign
currencies and the U.S. dollar. The value of the Fund's investments denominated
in foreign currencies will depend on the relative strength of those currencies
and the U.S. dollar, and the Fund may be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in the exchange rates or exchange control regulations between foreign
currencies and the dollar. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates also may
affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains and losses realized on
the sale of securities and net investment income and gains, if any, to be
distributed to shareholders by the Fund.
CURRENCY FUTURES CONTRACTS
Currency futures contracts are bilateral agreements under which two
parties agree to take or make delivery of a specified amount of a currency at a
specified future time for a specified price. Trading of currency futures
contracts in the U.S. is regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the CFTC
and NFA. Currently the only national futures exchange on which currency futures
are traded is the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange. Foreign currency futures trading is conducted in the same manner and
subject to the same regulations as trading in interest rate and index based
futures. The Fund intends to only engage in currency futures contracts for
hedging purposes, and not for speculation. The Fund may engage in currency
futures contracts for other purposes if authorized to do so by the Board. The
hedging strategies which will be used by the Fund in connection with foreign
currency futures contracts are similar to those described above for forward
foreign currency exchange contracts.
Currently currency futures contracts for the British Pound Sterling,
Canadian Dollar, Dutch Guilder, Deutsche Mark, Japanese Yen, Mexican Peso, Swiss
Franc and French Franc can be purchased or sold for U.S. dollars through the
International Monetary Market. It is expected that futures contracts trading in
additional currencies will be authorized. The standard contract sizes are
L125,000 for the Pound, 125,000 for the Guilder, Mark, Swiss and French Francs,
C$100,000 for the Canadian Dollar, Y12,500,000 for the Yen, and 1,000,000 for
the Peso. In contrast to Forward Currency Exchange Contracts which can be traded
at any time, only four value dates per year are available, the third Wednesday
of March, June, September and December.
FOREIGN CURRENCY OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS
Foreign currency options (as opposed to futures) are traded in a
variety of currencies in both the U.S. and Europe. On the Philadelphia Stock
Exchange, for example, contracts for half the size of the corresponding futures
contracts on the Chicago Board Options Exchange are traded with up to nine
months maturity in marks, sterling, yen, Swiss francs and Canadian dollars.
Options can be exercised at any time during the contract life and require a
deposit subject to normal margin requirements. Since a futures contract must be
exercised, the Fund must continually make up the margin balance. As a result, a
wrong price move could result in the Fund losing more than the original
investment as it cannot walk away from the futures contract as it can an option
contract.
The Fund will purchase call and put options and sell such options to
terminate an existing position. Options on foreign currency are similar to
options on stocks except that an option on an interest rate and/or index based
futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid,
to purchase or sell foreign currency, rather than to purchase or sell stock, at
a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option.
The Fund intends to use foreign currency option transactions in
connection with hedging strategies.
PURCHASE OF PUT OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The purchase of protective put options on a foreign currency is
analogous to the purchase of protective puts on individual stocks, where an
absolute level of protection is sought below which no additional economic loss
would be incurred by the Fund. Put options may be purchased to hedge a portfolio
of foreign stocks or foreign debt instruments or a position in the foreign
currency upon which the put option is based.
PURCHASE OF CALL OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The purchase of a call option on foreign currency represents a means of
obtaining temporary exposure to market appreciation at limited risk. It is
analogous to the purchase of a call option on an individual stock which can be
used as a substitute for a position in the stock itself. Depending on the
pricing of the option compared to either the foreign currency upon which it is
based, or upon the price of the foreign stock or foreign debt instruments, the
purchase of a call option may be less risky than the ownership of the foreign
currency or the foreign securities. The Fund would purchase a call option on a
foreign currency to hedge against an increase in the foreign currency or a
foreign market advance when the Fund is not fully invested.
The Fund may employ new investment techniques involving forward foreign
currency exchange contracts, foreign currency futures contracts and options on
foreign currencies in order to take advantage of new techniques in these areas
which may be developed from time to time and which are consistent with the
Fund's investment objective. The Fund believes that no additional techniques
have been identified for employment by the Fund in the foreseeable future other
than those described above.
CURRENCY TRADING RISKS
Currency exchange trading may involve significant risks. The four major
types of risk the Fund faces are exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, credit
risk and country risk.
EXCHANGE RATE RISK
Exchange rate risk results from the movement up and down of foreign
currency values in response to shifting market supply and demand. When the Fund
buys or sells a foreign currency, an exposure called an open position is
created. Until the time that position can be "covered" by selling or buying an
equivalent amount of the same currency, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the
exchange rate might move against it. Since exchange rate changes can readily
move in one direction, a position carried overnight or over a number of days
involves greater risk than one carried a few minutes or hours. Techniques such
as foreign currency forward and futures contracts and options on foreign
currency are intended to be used by the Fund to reduce exchange rate risk.
MATURITY GAPS AND INTEREST RATE RISK
Interest rate risk arises whenever there are mismatches or gaps in the
maturity structure of the Fund's foreign exchange currency holdings, which is
the total of its outstanding spot and forward or futures contracts.
Foreign currency transactions often involve borrowing short term and
lending longer term to benefit from the normal tendency of interest rates to be
higher for longer maturities. However in foreign exchange trading, while the
maturity pattern of interest rates for one currency is important, it is the
differential between interest rates for two currencies that is decisive.
CREDIT RISK
Whenever the Fund enters into a foreign exchange contract, it faces a
risk, however small, that the counterparty will not perform under the contract.
As a result there is a credit risk, although no extension of "credit" is
intended. To limit credit risk, the Fund intends to evaluate the
creditworthiness of each other party.
Credit risk exists because the Fund's counterparty may be unable or
unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligations as a result of bankruptcy or
insolvency or when foreign exchange controls prohibit payment. In any foreign
exchange transaction, each party agrees to deliver a certain amount of currency
to the other on a particular date. In establishing its hedges a Fund relies on
each contract being completed. If the contract is not performed, then the Fund's
hedge is eliminated, and the Fund is exposed to any changes in exchange rates
since the contract was originated. To put itself in the same position it would
have been in had the contract been performed, the Fund must arrange a new
transaction. However, the new transaction may have to be arranged at an adverse
exchange rate. The trustee for a bankrupt company may elect to perform those
contracts which are advantageous to the company but disclaim those contracts
which are disadvantageous, resulting in losses to the Fund.
Another form of credit risk stems from the time zone differences
between the U.S. and foreign nations. If the Fund sells sterling it generally
must pay pounds to a counterparty earlier in the day than it will be credited
with dollars in New York. In the intervening hours, the buyer can go into
bankruptcy or can be declared insolvent. Thus, the dollars may never be credited
to the Fund.
COUNTRY RISK
At one time or another, virtually every country has interfered with
international transactions in its currency. Interference has taken the form of
regulation of the local exchange market, restrictions on foreign investment by
residents or limits on inflows of investment funds from abroad. Governments take
such measures for example to improve control over the domestic banking system or
to influence the pattern of receipts and payments between residents and
foreigners. In those cases, restrictions on the exchange market or on
international transactions are intended to affect the level or movement of the
exchange rate. Occasionally a serious foreign exchange shortage may lead to
payment interruptions or debt servicing delays, as well as interference in the
exchange market. It has become increasingly difficult to distinguish foreign
exchange or credit risk from country risk.
Changes in regulations or restrictions usually do have an important
exchange market impact. Most disruptive are changes in rules which interfere
with the normal payments mechanism. If government regulations change and a
counterparty is either forbidden to perform or is required to do something
extra, then the Fund might be left with an unintended open position or an
unintended maturity mismatch. Dealing with such unintended long or short
positions could result in unanticipated costs to the Fund.
Other changes in official regulations influence international
investment transactions. If one of the factors affecting the buying or selling
of a currency changes, the exchange rate is likely to respond. Changes in such
controls often are unpredictable and can create a significant exchange rate
response.
Many major countries have moved toward liberalization of exchange and
payments restrictions in recent years or accepted the principle that
restrictions should be relaxed. A few industrial countries have moved in the
other direction. Important liberalizations were carried out by Switzerland, the
United Kingdom and Japan. They dismantled mechanisms for restricting either
foreign exchange inflows (Switzerland), outflows (Britain) or elements of both
(Japan). By contrast, France and Mexico have recently tightened foreign exchange
controls.
Overall, many exchange markets are still heavily restricted. Several
countries limit access to the forward market to companies financing documented
export or import transactions in an effort to insulate the market from purely
speculative activities. Some of these countries permit local traders to enter
into forward contracts with residents but prohibit certain forward transactions
with nonresidents. By comparison, other countries have strict controls on
exchange transactions by residents, but permit free exchange transactions
between local traders and non-residents. A few countries have established tiered
markets, funneling commercial transactions through one market and financial
transactions through another. Outside the major industrial countries, relatively
free foreign exchange markets are rare and controls on foreign currency
transactions are extensive.
Another aspect of country risk has to do with the possibility that the
Fund may be dealing with a foreign trader whose home country is facing a
payments problem. Even though the foreign trader intends to perform on its
foreign exchange contracts, the contracts are tied to other external liabilities
the country has incurred. As a result performance may be delayed, and can result
in unanticipated cost to the Fund. This aspect of country risk is a major
element in the Fund's credit judgment as to with whom it will deal and in what
amounts.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS
The Fund, if permitted by its investment policies, may also invest in
fixed rate and adjustable rate collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"),
including CMOs with rates that move inversely to market rates that are issued by
and guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government, its agencies
or instrumentalities. The principal governmental issuer of CMOs is FNMA. In
addition, FHLMC issues a significant number of CMOs. The Fund, if permitted to
invest in CMOs, will not invest in CMOs that are issued by private issuers. CMOs
are debt obligations collateralized by Mortgage Securities in which the payment
of the principal and interest is supported by the credit of, or guaranteed by,
the U.S. government or an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. government. The
secondary market for CMOs is actively traded.
CMOs are structured by redirecting the total payment of principal and
interest on the underlying Mortgage Securities used as collateral to create
classes with different interest rates, maturities and payment schedules. Instead
of interest and principal payments on the underlying Mortgage Securities being
passed through or paid pro rata to each holder (e.g., the Fund), each class of a
CMO is paid from and secured by a separate priority payment of the cash flow
generated by the pledged Mortgage Securities.
Most CMO issues have at least four classes. Classes with an earlier
maturity receive priority on payments to assure the early maturity. After the
first class is redeemed, excess cash flow not necessary to pay interest on the
remaining classes is directed to the repayment of the next maturing class until
that class is fully redeemed. This process continues until all classes of the
CMO issue have been paid in full. Among the CMO classes available are floating
(adjustable) rate classes, which have characteristics similar to ARMS, and
inverse floating rate classes whose coupons vary inversely with the rate of some
market index. The Fund, if allowed to purchase CMOs, may purchase any class of
CMO other than the residual (final) class.
INTEREST-RATE SWAP CONTRACTS
Interest rate swaps are OTC agreements between parties and
counterparties to make periodic payments to each other for a stated time,
generally entered into for the purpose of changing the nature or amount of
interest being received on debt securities held by one or both parties. The
calculation of these payments is based on an agreed-upon amount called the
"notional amount." The notional amount is not typically exchanged in swaps
(except in currency swaps). The periodic payments may be fixed or floating.
Floating payments change (positively or inversely) with fluctuations in interest
or currency rates or equity or commodity prices, depending on the swap
contract's terms. Swaps may be used to hedge against adverse changes in interest
rates, for instance. Thus, if permitted by its investment policies, the Fund may
have a portfolio of debt instruments (ARM's, for instance) the floating interest
rates of which adjust frequently because they are tied positively to changes in
market interest rates. The Fund would then be exposed to interest rate risk
because a decline in interest rates would reduce the interest receipts on its
portfolio. If the investment adviser believed interest rates would decline, the
Fund, if permitted by its investment policies, could enter into an interest rate
swap with another financial institution to hedge the interest rate risk. In the
swap contract, the Fund would agree to make payments based on a floating
interest rate in exchange for receiving payments based on a fixed interest rate.
Thereafter, if interest rates declined, the Fund's fixed rate receipts on the
swap would offset the reduction in its portfolio receipts. If interest rates
rose, the higher rates the Fund could obtain from new portfolio investments
(assuming sale of existing investments) would offset the higher rates it paid
under the swap agreement.
EQUITY SWAP CONTRACTS
The counterparty to an equity swap contract would typically be a bank,
investment banking firm or broker/dealer. For example, the counterparty would
generally agree to pay the Fund the amount, if any, by which the notional amount
of the equity swap contract would have increased in value if such notional
amount had been invested in the stocks comprising the S&P 500 Index in
proportion to the composition of the Index, plus the dividends that would have
been received on those stocks. The Fund would agree to pay to the counterparty a
floating rate of interest (typically the London Inter Bank Offered Rate) on the
notional amount of the equity swap contract plus the amount, if any, by which
that notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such
index stocks. Therefore, the return to the Fund on any equity swap contract
should be the gain or loss on the notional amount plus dividends on the stocks
comprising the S&P 500 Index less the interest paid by the Fund on the notional
amount. If permitted by its investment policies, the Fund will only enter into
equity swap contracts on a net basis, i.e., the two parties' obligations are
netted out, with the Fund paying or receiving, as the case may be, only the net
amount of any payments. Payments under equity swap contracts may be made at the
conclusion of the contract or periodically during its term.
If permitted by its investment policies, the Fund may also from time to
time enter into the opposite side of equity swap contracts (i.e., where the Fund
is obligated to pay the increase (net of interest) or received the decrease
(plus interest) on the contract) to reduce the amount of the Fund's equity
market exposure consistent with the Fund's investment objective(s) and policies.
These positions are sometimes referred to as "reverse equity swap contracts."
Equity swap contracts will not be used to leverage the Fund. Since the
Commission considers equity swap contracts and reverse equity swap contracts to
be illiquid securities, the Fund will not invest in equity swap contracts or
reverse equity swap contracts if the total value of such investments together
with that of all other illiquid securities that the Fund owns would exceed the
Fund's limitations on investments in illiquid securities.
The Fund does not believe that its obligations under equity swap
contracts or reverse equity swap contracts are senior securities and,
accordingly, the Fund will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing
restrictions. However, the net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's
obligations over its respective entitlement with respect to each equity swap
contract and each reverse equity swap contract will be accrued on a daily basis
and an amount of cash, U. S. Government Securities or other liquid high quality
debt securities having an aggregate market value at lease equal to the accrued
excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the Fund's Custodian.
CURRENCY SWAPS, INDEX SWAPS AND CAPS AND FLOORS
A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional
amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value differential among
them. An index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on a notional amount
based on changes in the values of reference indices. The purchase of an interest
rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds an
agree-upon interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of
an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser to receive payments of interest on
a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor. If
permitted by the Fund's investment policies, the investment adviser expects to
enter into these types of transactions on behalf of the Fund primarily to
preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its
portfolio or to protect against any increase in the price of securities the Fund
anticipates purchasing at a later date rather than for speculative purposes.
Accordingly, if permitted by the Fund's investment policies, the Fund intends to
use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative investments and will not
sell interest rate caps or floors unless it owns securities or other instruments
providing the income stream the Fund may be obligated to pay. Caps and floors
require segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation,
if any.
SPECIAL RISKS OF SWAPS, CAPS AND FLOORS
As with futures, options, forward contracts, and mortgage backed and
other asset-backed securities, the use of swap, cap and floor contracts exposes
the Fund to additional investment risk and transaction costs. These risks
include operational risk, market risk and credit risk.
Operational risk includes, among others, the risks that the investment
adviser will incorrectly analyze market conditions or will not employ
appropriate strategies and monitoring with respect to these instruments or will
be forced to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax
consequences.
Market risk includes, among others, the risks of imperfect correlations
between the expected values of the contracts, or their underlying bases, and
movements in the prices of the securities or currencies being hedged, and the
possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at
any time. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years with a large
number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as
agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market
has become relatively more illiquid. Nevertheless, a secondary market for swaps
is never assured, and caps and floors, which are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed, are much less
liquid than swaps.
Credit risk is primarily the risk that counterparties may be
financially unable to fulfill their contracts on a timely basis, if at all. If
there is a default by the counterparty to any such contract, the Fund will be
limited to contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the
transaction. There is no assurance that contract counterparties will be able to
meet contract obligations or that, in the event of default, the Fund will
succeed in pursuing contractual remedies. The Fund thus assumes the risk that it
may be delayed in or prevented from obtaining payments owed to it pursuant to
such contracts. The Fund will closely monitor the credit of swap counterparties
in order to minimize this risk. The Fund will not enter into any equity swap
contract or reverse equity swap contract unless, at the time of entering into
such transaction, the unsecured senior debt of the counterparty is rated at
least A by Moody's or S&P.
PAGE 9
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS--March 31, 1996
NUMBER
OF MARKET
SHARES VALUE
-------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS (91.3%)
[diamond] ARGENTINA (2.1%)
Oil (0.9%)
YPF SA 10,100 $ 202,505
-------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities (1.2%)
Central Costanera 93,200 270,280
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL ARGENTINA 472,785
==============================================================
[diamond] AUSTRALIA (18.3%)
Oil (3.4%)
Santos Ltd. 75,000 251,426
Woodside Petroleum 86,800 485,651
-------------------------------------------------------------
737,077
-------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Goods (2.2%)
MEMTEC Limited 18,823 485,394
-------------------------------------------------------------
Iron and Steel (5.0%)
Broken Hill Proprietary Co. Ltd. 36,267 516,359
CRA Limited 38,055 569,472
-------------------------------------------------------------
1,085,831
-------------------------------------------------------------
Metals and Mining (7.7%)
QNI Limited 150,000 339,923
Savage Resources 664,000 492,928
Western Mining Corp. 128,150 847,190
-------------------------------------------------------------
1,680,041
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL AUSTRALIA 3,988,343
==============================================================
[diamond] BOLIVIA (1.6%)
Utilities (1.6%)
Compania Bolivia De Energia 9,600 352,800
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] BRAZIL (1.3%)
Telecommunications (1.3%)
Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A.
ADR 5,500 273,625
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] CANADA (15.5%)
Oil (2.4%)
Arakis Energy Corporation (b) 44,600 $ 183,975
Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd. 10,050 339,054
-------------------------------------------------------------
523,029
-------------------------------------------------------------
Metals and Mining (10.5%)
Alcan Aluminum Ltd. 15,200 490,502
Inco Ltd. 17,800 561,349
Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc. 10,500 661,304
TECK Corp. 26,200 571,654
-------------------------------------------------------------
2,284,809
-------------------------------------------------------------
Precious Metals (2.6%)
TVX Gold, Inc. (b) 63,200 567,803
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL CANADA 3,375,641
==============================================================
[diamond] CHILE (4.4%)
Forest Products ( 1.2%)
Maderas Ysinteticos Sociedad 14,200 252,050
-------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities (3.2%)
Enersis S.A. 24,500 692,125
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL CHILE 944,175
==============================================================
[diamond] FINLAND (0.9%)
Telecommunications (0.9%)
Nokia Corp. 5,500 188,375
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] FRANCE (2.2%)
Oil (1.4%)
Total S.A. 4,525 305,476
-------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Service (0.8%)
Coflexip 3,920 167,342
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL FRANCE 472,818
==============================================================
(continued on next page)
PAGE 10
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- March 31, 1996
NUMBER
OF MARKET
SHARES VALUE
==============================================================
[diamond] HONG KONG (3.2%)
Telecommunications (2.1%)
Hong Kong Telecommunication 232,800 $ 465,058
- --------------------------------------------------------------
Building (1.1%)
Kumagai Gumi HK 260,000 231,963
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL HONG KONG 697,021
==============================================================
[diamond] KOREA (2.5%)
Utilities (2.4%)
Korea Electric Power Corp. 23,100 531,300
-------------------------------------------------------------
Iron and Steel (0.1%)
Pohang Iron and Steel 170 12,300
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL KOREA 543,600
==============================================================
[diamond] MEXICO (3.2%)
Precious Metals (3.2%)
Apasco SA 66,000 332,847
Industrias Penoles S.A.
de C.V. 85,000 367,751
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL MEXICO 700,598
==============================================================
[diamond] PERU (2.3%)
Telecommunications (2.3%)
CPT Telefonica Del Peru 238,000 490,774
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] SWEDEN (2.6%)
Electrical Products (2.6%)
Asea AB, Series B 5,521 568,902
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] UNITED KINGDOM (4.6%)
Iron and Steel (1.8%)
British Steel PLC 134,000 388,584
-------------------------------------------------------------
Metals and Mining (2.8%)
RTZ Corp. 41,539 600,566
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL UNITED KINGDOM 989,150
==============================================================
[diamond] UNITED STATES (26.6%)
Capital Goods (8.1%)
AGCO Corp. 30,600 $ 738,225
Caterpillar Inc. 8,400 571,200
Fluor Corp. 6,700 457,275
-------------------------------------------------------------
1,766,700
-------------------------------------------------------------
Metals and Mining (2.1%)
Phelps Dodge Corp. 6,700 459,788
-------------------------------------------------------------
Precious Metals (6.6%)
AMAX Gold Inc. 33,000 226,875
Homestake Mining Co. 28,600 554,125
Newmont Mining Corp. 4,800 271,800
Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corp. 24,000 384,000
-------------------------------------------------------------
1,436,800
-------------------------------------------------------------
Utility (2.6%)
Enron Global Power & Pipelines 22,100 569,075
-------------------------------------------------------------
Oil (2.8%)
Frontier Oil Exploration Co. (b) 100,000 312,500
Triton Energy Corp. 5,500 306,625
-------------------------------------------------------------
619,125
-------------------------------------------------------------
Oil Services (3.2%)
Schlumberger, Ltd. 8,900 704,213
-------------------------------------------------------------
Paper & Packaging (1.2%)
Weyerhaeuser Co. 5,600 258,300
-------------------------------------------------------------
[diamond] TOTAL UNITED STATES 5,814,001
==============================================================
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(COST--$16,570,229) 19,872,608
==============================================================
PREFERRED STOCKS (4.2%)
[diamond] BRAZIL (4.2%)
Iron and Steel (1.4%)
Vale do Rio Doce Navegacao S.A. 1,236,000 193,927
Marco Polo SA 700,000 118,332
-------------------------------------------------------------
312,259
-------------------------------------------------------------
PAGE 11
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS -- March 31, 1996
NUMBER
OF MARKET
SHARES VALUE
==============================================================
Oil (1.3%)
Petrol Brasilieros 2,330,000 $278,308
-------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities (1.5%)
Cemig CIA Energy 7,500,000 210,295
Electrobras 440,000 120,255
-------------------------------------------------------------
330,550
-------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS
(Cost--$880,013) 921,117
==============================================================
MATURITY
VALUE
-------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS (2.3%)
Investments in repurchase agreements,
in a joint trading account,
purchased 3/29/96, 5.557%,
maturing 4/1/96 (a) $ 509,079 509,000
-------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
(Cost--$509,000) 509,000
==============================================================
INVESTMENT COMPANY (1.8%)
[diamond] AUSTRALIA (1.8%)
First Resources Development Fund
(b) 600,000 384,465
-------------------------------------------------------------
MATURITY MARKET
VALUE VALUE
==============================================================
TOTAL REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY
(Cost--$464,864) $ 384,465
==============================================================
WARRANTS/RIGHTS (0.2%)
Australia (0.2%)
First Resources Development Fund,
options (b) 600,000 49,230
==============================================================
TOTAL WARRANTS/RIGHTS
(Cost--$0) 49,230
==============================================================
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
(Cost--$18,424,106) (c) 21,736,420
==============================================================
FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDINGS (0.1%)
(COST--$7,586) 7,455
==============================================================
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES--
NET (0.1%) 13,580
==============================================================
NET ASSETS (100.0%) $21,757,455
==============================================================
(a) The repurchase agreements are fully collateralized by U.S. government
and/or agency obligations based on market prices at March 31, 1996.
(b) Non-income-producing security.
(c) The cost of investments for federal income tax purposes is $18,424,106.
Gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments based on
identified tax cost, at March 31, 1996 are as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation $3,590,038
Gross unrealized depreciation (278,020)
----------
$3,312,018
==========
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PAGE 12
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
SCHEDULE OF FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Unrealized
Exchange U.S. Value at In Exchange Appreciation/
Date March 31, 1996 for U.S. $ (Depreciation)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts to Sell:
Contracts to Deliver
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/31/96 575,735 French Francs $ 113,000 $ 114,475 ($ 1,475)
03/31/96 2,814,174 Australian Dollars $2,122,000 $2,193,395 ($71,395)
-----------
($72,870)
-----------
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts to Buy:
Contracts to Receive
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03/31/96 100,918 Pound Sterling $ 153,749 $ 154,027 $ 278
-----------
Net Unrealized Depreciation on Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts ($72,592)
===========
See Notes to Financial Statements.
</TABLE>
PAGE 13
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS--CLASS A SHARES
(For a share outstanding throughout the year)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Period from October 7, 1994
Year Ended (commencement of operations)
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
=====================================================================================================
Net asset value beginning of year $ 9.02 $ 10.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.040) (0.002)
Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign
currency related transactions 1.760 (0.978)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income (loss) from investment operations 1.720 (0.980)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value end of year $ 10.74 $ 9.02
=====================================================================================================
Total return(a) 19.07% (9.80%)
Ratios/supplemental data
Ratios to average net assets:
Operating and management expenses 2.38%(c) 2.77%(b)
Net investment loss (0.41%) (0.07%)(b)
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 13%
Average commission rate paid $0.0025 N/A
Net assets end of year (thousands) $ 4,574 $ 4,890
=====================================================================================================
<FN>
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.
(b) Annualized
(c) "Ratio of total expenses to average net assets" for the year ended March 31,
1996 includes indirectly paid expenses. Excluding indirectly paid expenses
for the year ended March 31, 1996, the expense ratio would have been 2.37%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PAGE 14
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS--CLASS B SHARES
(For a share outstanding throughout the year)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Period from October 7, 1994
Year Ended (commencement of operations)
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
=====================================================================================================
Net asset value beginning of year $ 8.99 $ 10.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.130) (0.026)
Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign
currency related transactions 1.760 (0.984)
Total income from investment operations 1.630 (1.010)
Net asset value end of year $ 10.62 $ 8.99
=====================================================================================================
Total return(a) 18.13% (10.10%)
Ratios/supplemental data
Ratios to average net assets:
Operating and management expenses 3.13%(c) 3.55%(b)
Net investment income (loss) 1.16% (.80%)(b)
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 13%
Average commission rate paid $0.0025 N/A
Net assets end of year (thousands) $15,161 $14,688
=====================================================================================================
<FN>
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.
(b) Annualized
(c) "Ratio of total expenses to average net assets" for the year ended March 31,
1996 includes indirectly paid expenses. Excluding indirectly paid expenses
for the year ended March 31, 1996, the expense ratio would have been 3.12%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PAGE 15
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS--CLASS C SHARES
(For a share outstanding throughout the year)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Period from October 7, 1994
Year Ended (commencement of operations)
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
=====================================================================================================
Net asset value beginning of year $ 8.99 $ 10.00
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss) (0.100) (0.034)
Net gain (loss) on investment and foreign
currency related transactions 1.730 (0.976)
Total income from investment operations 1.630 (1.010)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value end of year $ 10.62 $ 8.99
=====================================================================================================
Total return(a) 18.13% (10.10%)
Ratios/supplemental data
Ratios to average net assets:
Operating and management expenses 3.13%(c) 3.51%(b)
Net investment income (loss) 1.16% (.93%)(b)
Portfolio turnover rate 40% 13%
Average commission rate paid $0.0025 N/A
Net assets end of year (thousands) $ 2,023 $ 1,393
=====================================================================================================
<FN>
(a) Excluding applicable sales charges.
(b) Annualized
(c) "Ratio of total expenses to average net assets" for the year ended March 31,
1996 includes indirectly paid expenses. Excluding indirectly paid expenses
for the year ended March 31, 1996, the expense ratio would have been 3.12%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PAGE 16
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES--
March 31, 1996
Assets:
=================================================================
Investments at market value
(identified cost--$18,424,106) (Note 1) $21,736,420
Foreign currency holdings
(identified cost--$7,586) (Note 1) 7,455
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total Investments
(identified cost--$18,431,692) 21,743,875
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Cash 338
Receivable for:
Investments sold 37,340
Dividends and interest 68,761
Fund shares sold 173,983
Deferred organization expense (Note 1) 34,076
Prepaid expenses 990
Foreign tax receivable 2,142
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets 22,061,505
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities:
Payable for:
Investments purchased 191,367
Net unrealized depreciation on forward foreign
currency exchange contracts 72,592
Fund shares redeemed 21,456
Foreign taxes withheld 2,557
Other accrued expenses 16,078
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 304,050
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets $21,757,455
=================================================================
Net assets represented by:
Paid-in-capital (Note 1) $19,347,224
Undistributed net investment income 3,718
Accumulated net realized losses on investment and
foreign currency related transactions (832,661)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and
foreign currency related transactions 3,311,766
Net unrealized depreciation on forward foreign
currency exchange contracts (72,592)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Total net assets $21,757,455
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value per share: (Note 2)
Class A Shares ($10.74 425,914 shares
outstanding) $ 4,573,576
Class B Shares ($10.62 1,427,520 shares
outstanding) 15,161,116
Class C Shares ($10.62 190,428 shares
outstanding) 2,022,763
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
$21,757,455
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Offering price per share:
Class A Shares (including sales charge of 5.75%)
(Note 1) $11.40
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares $10.62
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares $10.62
=================================================================
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS--
Year Ended March 31, 1996
=================================================================
Investment income (Note 1):
Interest $ 63,179
Dividends (net of withholding taxes of $29,052) 362,677
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total income 425,856
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses (Notes 1, 2 and 4):
Management fee 217,332
Shareholder Services 87,125
Accounting, Auditing and Legal 29,791
Custodian fees 29,732
Printing 28,702
Distribution Plan expenses 181,551
Registration fees 60,396
Amortization of organization expense 9,467
Miscellaneous expenses 3,027
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses 647,123
Less: Expenses paid indirectly (Note 5) (3,498)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net expenses 643,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment loss (217,769)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
related transactions (Note 3):
Realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions 279,944
Foreign currency related transactions (148,032)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain on investments and foreign
currency related transactions 131,912
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments and foreign currency related
transactions
Beginning of period (561,958)
End of period 3,311,766
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
3,873,724
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
forward foreign currency exchange contracts
Beginning of period 25,799
End of period (72,592)
---------------------------------------------------------------
(98,391)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Netchange in unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency related
transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts 3,775,333
---------------------------------------------------------------
Net gain on investments, foreign currency related
transactions and forward foreign currency
exchange contracts 3,907,245
---------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations $3,689,476
================================================================
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PAGE 17
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Period from October 7, 1994
Year Ended (commencement of operations)
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
Net Investment loss ($ 217,769) ($ 54,640)
Net realized gain (loss) on investment and foreign currency
related transactions 131,912 (1,120,540)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
investments, foreign currency related transactions and
foreign currency exchange contracts 3,775,333 (536,159)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
operations 3,689,476 (1,711,339)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital share transactions (Note 2):
Proceeds from shares sold--Class A Shares 1,145,130 5,752,543
Proceeds from shares sold--Class B Shares 2,628,135 17,241,435
Proceeds from shares sold--Class C Shares 672,747 1,573,595
Payments for shares redeemed--Class A Shares (2,328,932) (506,367)
Payments for shares redeemed--Class B Shares (4,711,542) (1,400,994)
Payments for shares redeemed--Class C Shares (308,032) (78,400)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from
capital share transactions (2,902,494) 22,581,812
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total increase in net assets 786,982 20,870,473
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets:
Beginning of period 20,970,473 100,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment
income and accumulated distributions in excess of net
investment income as follows: 1996--$3,718 and 1995--
($24,251)) (Note 1) $21,757,455 $20,970,473
==============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
PAGE 18
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1.) Significant Accounting Policies
Keystone Strategic Development Fund (the "Fund") is a Massachusetts business
trust for which Keystone Investment Management Company (formerly, Keystone
Custodian Funds, Inc.)("Keystone"), is the investment adviser. The Fund is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), as a
diversified, open-end investment company. The Fund seeks long term capital
growth by investing primarily in equity securities.
Equitilink International Management Limited ("EIML"), acts as sub-adviser to the
Fund. Subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board of Trustees and Keystone,
EIML provides investment supervision and furnishes an investment program for
certain assets of the Fund, as well as providing research and advice concerning
the purchase and sale of securities by the Fund.
Keystone is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone Investments, Inc.
(formerly, Keystone Group, Inc.) ("KII"), a Delaware corporation. KII is a
private corporation predominately owned by current and former members of
management of Keystone and its affiliates. Keystone Investor Resource Center,
Inc. ("KIRC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Keystone, is the Fund's transfer
agent.
The Fund currently offers three classes of shares. Class A shares are offered at
a public offering price which includes a maximum sales charge of 5.75% payable
at the time of purchase. Class B shares are sold subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge payable upon redemption which decreases depending on when
the shares were purchased and how long the shares have been held. Class C shares
are sold subject to a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon redemption
within one year of purchase. Class C shares are available only through dealers
who have entered into special distribution agreements with Keystone Investment
Distributors Company (formerly, Keystone Distributors, Inc.), ("KIDCO") the
Fund's principal underwriter.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The
policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles which
require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts
reported herein. Although actual results could differ from these estimates, any
such differences are expected to be immaterial to the net assets of the Fund.
A. Investments, including American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"), are usually
valued at the closing sales price or, in the absence of sales and for
over-the-counter securities, the mean of bid and asked quotations. Management
values the following securities at prices it deems in good faith to be fair by
or under the direction of the Board of Trustees: (a) securities (including
restricted securities) for which complete quotations are not readily available
and (b) listed securities if, in the opinion of management, the last sales price
does not reflect a current value or if no sale occurred. ADRs, which are
certificates representing shares of foreign securities deposited in domestic and
foreign banks, are traded and valued in United States dollars.
Short-term investments maturing in sixty days or less are valued at amortized
cost (original purchase cost as adjusted for amortization of premium or
accretion of discount) which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates
market. Short-term investments maturing in more than sixty days for which market
quotations are readily available are valued at current market value. Short-term
investments maturing in more than sixty days when purchased which are held on
the sixtieth day prior to maturity are valued at amortized cost (market value on
the sixtieth day adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount)
which, when combined with accrued interest, approximates market.
PAGE 19
Investments denominated in foreign currencies are adjusted daily to reflect
changes in exchange rates. These securities traded in foreign currency amounts
are translated into United States dollars as follows: market value of
investments, assets and liabilities at the daily rate of exchange; and purchases
and sales of investments, income and expenses at the rate of exchange prevailing
on the respective dates of such transactions. Net unrealized foreign exchange
gains/losses are a component of unrealized appreciation/depreciation of
investments.
B. The Fund enters into currency and other financial futures contracts as a
hedge against changes in interest or currency exchange rates. A futures contract
is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a specific amount of a
commodity, security,financial instrument, or, in the case of a stock index, cash
at a set price on a future date. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund
is required to deposit with a broker an amount ("initial margin") equal to a
certain percentage of the purchase price indicated in the futures contract.
Subsequent payments ("variation margin") are made or received by the Fund each
day, as the value of the underlying instrument or index fluctuates, and are
recorded for book purposes as unrealized gains or losses by the Fund. For
federal tax purposes, any futures contracts which remain open at fiscal year-end
are marked-to-market and the resultant net gain or loss is included in federal
taxable income.
C. Securities transactions are accounted for no later than one business day
after the trade date. Realized gains and losses are recorded on the identified
cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis and dividend income
is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions to shareholders are recorded
on the ex-dividend date.
D. The Fund has qualified, and intends to qualify in the future, as a regulated
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
("Internal Revenue Code"). Thus, the Fund is relieved of any federal income tax
liability by distributing all of its net taxable investment income and net
taxable capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. The Fund intends to avoid
excise tax liability by making the required distributions under the Internal
Revenue Code.
E. When the Fund enters into a repurchase agreement (a purchase of securities
whereby the seller agrees to repurchase the securities at a mutually agreed upon
date and price) the repurchase price of the securities will generally equal the
amount paid by the Fund plus a negotiated interest amount. The seller under the
repurchase agreement will be required to provide securities ("collateral") to
the Fund whose value will be maintained at an amount not less than the
repurchase price, and which generally will be maintained at 101% of the
repurchase price. The Fund monitors the value of collateral on a daily basis,
and if the value of the collateral falls below required levels, the Fund intends
to seek additional collateral from the seller or terminate the repurchase
agreement. If the seller defaults, the Fund would suffer a loss to the extent
that the proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities were less than the
repurchase price. Any such loss would be increased by any cost incurred on
disposing of such securities. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced against
the seller under the repurchase agreement, the realization on the collateral may
be delayed or limited. Repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will be
limited to transactions with dealers or domestic banks believed to present
minimal credit risks, and the Fund will take constructive receipt of all
securities underlying repurchase agreements until such agreements expire.
Pursuant to an exemptive order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the Fund, along with certain other Keystone funds, may transfer uninvested cash
balances into a joint trading account. These balances are invested in one or
more repurchase
PAGE 20
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
agreements that are fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury and/or Federal
Agency obligations.
F. From time to time the Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts to hedge certain foreign currency assets. Contracts are recorded at
market value. Realized gains and losses arising from such transactions are
included in net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions.
The Fund is subject to the credit risk that the other party will not complete
the obligations of the contract.
G. The Fund distributes net investment income and net capital gains, if any,
annually. Distributions are determined in accordance with income tax
regulations. Distributions from taxable net investment income and net capital
gains can exceed from book basis net investment income and net capital gains.
The significant differences between financial statement amounts available for
distribution and distributions made in accordance with income tax regulations
are due to differing treatment of 12b-1 expenses prior to April 1995 and
unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts.
H. Organizational expenses are being amortized to operations over a five-year
period on a straight-line basis. In the event any of the initial shares are
redeemed by any holder thereof during the five-year amortization period,
redemption proceeds will be reduced by any unamortized organization expense in
the same proportion as the number of initial shares being redeemed bears to the
number of initial shares outstanding at the time of redemption.
(2) Capital Share Transactions
The Trust Agreement authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest without par value. Transactions in shares of the Fund were
as follows:
Class A Shares
-------------------------------------------------
Year Ended Period from October 7, 1994
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 114,080 594,548
Shares redeemed (230,445) (55,269)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase/(decrease) (116,365) 539,279
===============================================================================
Class B Shares
-----------------------------------------------
Year Ended Period from October 7, 1994
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 263,001 1,787,714
Shares redeemed (469,950) (156,245)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase/(decrease) (206,949) 1,631,469
===============================================================================
Class C Shares
-----------------------------------------------
Year Ended Period from October 7, 1994
March 31, 1996 to March 31, 1995
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares sold 65,799 160,011
Shares redeemed (30,391) (8,991)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase 35,408 151,020
===============================================================================
The Fund bears some of the costs of selling its shares under a Distribution
Plan adopted with respect to its Class A, Class B and Class C shares pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under its Distribution Plans, the Fund pays KIDCO
a wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone, amounts that in total may not exceed each
Distribution Plan's maximum.
The Class A Distribution Plan provides for payments that are currently limited
to 0.25% annually of the average daily net asset value of Class A shares to pay
expenses of the distribution of Class A shares. Amounts paid by the Fund to
KIDCO under the Class A Distribution Plan are currently used to pay others, such
as dealers, service fees at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily
net asset value of shares maintained by such recipients and outstanding on the
books of the Fund for specified periods.
The Class B Distribution Plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 1.00%
of the average daily net asset value of Class B shares to pay expenses of the
PAGE 21
distribution of Class B shares. Amounts paid by the Fund under the Class B
Distribution Plans are currently used to pay others (dealers) a commission at
the time of purchase normally equal to 4.00% of the price paid for each share
sold plus the first year's service fee in advance of 0.25% of the price paid for
each Class B share sold. Beginning approximately 12 months after the purchase of
a Class B share, the dealer or other party will receive service fees at an
annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of such Class B shares
maintained by such others and remaining outstanding on the Fund's books for
specified periods. A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed, if
applicable, on Class B shares purchased on or after June 1, 1995 at rates
ranging from a maximum of 5% of amounts redeemed during the first 12 months
following the date of purchase to 1% of amounts redeemed during the sixth
twelve-month period following the date of purchase. Class B shares purchased on
or after June 1, 1995 that have been outstanding for eight years following the
month of purchase will automatically convert to Class A shares without a front
end sales charge or exchange fee. Class B shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995
will retain their existing conversion rights.
The Class C Distribution Plan provides for payments at an annual rate of up to
1.00% of the average daily net asset value of Class C shares; to pay expenses
for the distribution of Class C shares. Amounts paid by the Fund under the Class
C Distribution Plan are currently used to pay others (dealers) a commission at
the time of purchase in the amount of 0.75% of the price paid for each Class C
share sold, plus the first year's service fee in advance in the amount of 0.25%
of the price paid for each Class C share. Beginning approximately 15 months
after purchase, a commission at an annual rate of 0.75% (subject to applicable
limitations imposed by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.)
("NASD") and service fees at an annual rate of 0.25%, respectively, of the
average net asset value of each share sold by such others and remaining and
outstanding on the books of the Fund for specified periods.
Each of the Distribution Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of the
Independent Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares
of the respective class. However, after the termination of any Distribution
Plan, at the discretion of the Board of Trustees, payments to KIDCO may continue
as compensation for its services which have been earned while the Distribution
Plan was in effect.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid KIDCO $11,886, under
its Class A Distribution Plan; $144,420 for Class B shares sold prior to June 1,
1995 and $7,960 for Class B share on or after June 1, 1995 under its Class B
Distribution plans; and $17,285 under its Class C Distribution Plan.
Under the NASD Rule, the maximum uncollected amounts for which KIDCO may seek
payment from the Fund under its Class B Distribution Plans were $872,923 for
class B shares purchased prior to June 1, 1995 and $95,782 for Class B shares
purchased on or after June 1, 1995, and remaining outstanding on the Fund's
books as of March 31, 1996. The maximum uncollected amount for which KIDCO may
seek payment from the Fund under its Class C Distribution Plan was $119,301 as
of March 31, 1996.
Presently, the Fund's class-specific expenses are limited to Distribution Plan
expenses incurred by a class of shares.
(3.) Securities Transactions
Realized gains and losses are computed on the identified cost basis. Gains and
losses on foreign currency related transactions are treated as ordinary income
for federal income tax purposes. As of March 31, 1996 the Fund had a capital
loss carryover for federal income tax purposes of approximately $833,000, which
expires in the year 2003.
PAGE 22
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities excluding
short-term securities for the year ended March 31, 1996 were $8,692,047 and
$8,232,846, respectively.
(4.) Investment Management Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory and Management Agreement between
Keystone and the Fund, dated September 21, 1994, Keystone provides investment
management and administrative services to the Fund. In return, Keystone is paid
a management fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the aggregate net asset value of
the Fund. Keystone has entered into a Sub-Investment Advisory Agreement with
EIML, dated September 21, 1994, under which EIML provides investment research
and advice to the Fund in both a non-discretionary and a discretionary capacity.
For its services EIML receives from Keystone a monthly fee equal to (1) 20% of
Keystone's net fee for such month for services rendered in a non-discretionary
capacity, plus (2) 10% of Keystone's net fee for such month for services
rendered in a discretionary capacity.
For the year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid or accrued to Keystone
investment management and administrative service fees of $217,332, which
represented 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets. For the year ended
March 31, 1996, Keystone paid or accrued to EIML $43,466 for its services
rendered in a non-discretionary capacity.
During the year ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid or accrued to KII and KIRC
$8,622 for certain accounting and printing services, and $87,125 for shareholder
services.
The Fund is subject to certain state annual expense limits, the most restrictive
of which is as follows: 2.5% of the first $30 million of Fund assets, 2.0% of
the next $70 million of Fund assets, and 1.5% of Fund assets over $100 million.
Keystone has agreed to reimburse the Fund annually for certain operating
expenses incurred by the Fund in excess of the applicable state expense limit.
However, Keystone is not required to make such reimbursement to an extent which
would result in the Fund's inability to qualify as a regulated investment
company under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Certain officers and/or Directors of Keystone are also officers and/or Trustees
of the Fund. Officers of Keystone and affiliated Trustees receive no
compensation directly from the Fund. Currently, the Independent Trustees of the
Fund receive no compensation for their services.
The Fund has entered into an expense offset arrangement with its custodian. for
the year ended March 31, 1996 the Fund paid or incurred custody fees in the
amount of $29,732 and received credit of $3,498 pursuant to the expense offset
arrangement, resulting in a net custody expense of $26,234. The assets deposited
with the custodian under the expense offset arrangement could have been invested
in income-producing assets.
(5.) Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund intends to distribute to its shareholders dividends from net investment
income and net capital gains, if any, annually. Any taxable distribution which
is declared in October, November or December and paid by January 31 of the
following year will be includable in the taxable income of the shareholder in
the year declared.
PAGE 23
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Trustees and Shareholders of
Keystone Strategic Development Fund
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of the
Keystone Strategic Development Fund, including the schedule of investments as of
March 31, 1996, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended,
the statement of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for the year
then ended and for the period from October 7, 1994 (commencement of operations)
to March 31, 1995. These financial statements and financial highlights are the
responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of March
31, 1996 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Keystone Strategic Development Fund as of March 31, 1996, the results of its
operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets and financial
highlights for the year then ended and for the period from October 7, 1994
(commencement of operations) to March 31, 1995, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
April 26, 1996
