File Nos. 2-32773
811-01835
As Filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2008
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / X / --- Pre-Effective Amendment No. __ /___/ Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 / X / --- |
and/or
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
PIONEER VALUE FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 742-7825
Dorothy E. Bourassa, Secretary, Pioneer Value Fund,
60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
___ immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) _X_ on February 1, 2008 pursuant to paragraph (b) ___ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) ___ on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) ___ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) ___ on [date] pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
__ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
Prospectus
February 1, 2008
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
Basic information about the fund ............... 1 Management ..................................... 9 Buying, exchanging and selling shares ..........12 Dividends, capital gains and taxes .............43 Financial highlights ...........................45 |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency has approved or disapproved the fund's shares or determined r [LOGO] PIONEER whether this prospectus is accurate or complete. Investments(R) Any representation to the contrary is a crime. |
Basic information about the fund
Investment objective
Reasonable income and capital growth.
Principal investment strategies
The fund seeks to invest in a broad list of carefully selected, reasonably
priced securities rather than in securities whose prices reflect a premium
resulting from their current market popularity. The fund invests the major
portion of its assets in equity securities, primarily of U.S. issuers. For
purposes of the fund's investment policies, equity securities include common
stocks, convertible debt and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, depositary receipts,
warrants, rights, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and
preferred stocks.
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., the fund's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select the fund's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks securities selling at reasonable prices or at substantial discounts to their underlying values and then generally holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings and revenue growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, and a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer also considers a security's potential to provide a reasonable amount of income. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff and the staff of its affiliates who have access to a wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:
o Above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
o Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risks
o Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company
o Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash flow
and sales
o Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult periods
o Good prospects for dividend growth
The fund primarily invests in securities of U.S. issuers. The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of emerging markets issuers.
Basic information about the fund
Principal risks of investing in the fund
You could lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested
elsewhere if:
o The stock market goes down or performs poorly relative to other investments
(this risk may be greater in the short term)
o Value stocks fall out of favor with investors
o The fund's investments remain undervalued or do not have the potential
value originally expected
o Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
selected for capital appreciation
Risks of non-U.S. investments
Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
the securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in
emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one
region or country. These risks may include:
o Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to
less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices
o Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the U.S. market. Pioneer may not be able to sell the fund's portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
o Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the
fund's investments
o The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected
or may experience a downturn or recession
o Economic, political and social developments may adversely affect the
securities markets
o Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund's return
Market segment risks
To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to the industries in that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation. Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
The fund's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the fund by showing
how the fund has performed in the past. The fund's performance will vary from
year to year.
The fund's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your investment.
Fund performance
The chart shows the year-by-year performance of the fund's Class A shares.
Class B and Class C shares will have different performance.
The chart does not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy or sell fund shares. Any sales charge will reduce your return.
Annual return Class A shares (%)
(Year ended December 31)
[THE FOLLOWING DATA IS REPRESENTED BY A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
'98 -7.99 '99 1.61 '00 15.96 '01 -3.08 '02 -18.79 '03 28.54 '04 12.26 '05 5.66 '06 15.53 '07 0.04 |
The highest calendar quarterly return was 15.93% (03/31/2003 to 06/30/2003)
The lowest calendar quarterly return was -22.31% (06/30/1998 to 09/30/1998)
Basic information about the fund
Comparison with the Russell 1000 Value Index
The table shows the average annual total returns for each class of the fund over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Russell 1000 Value Index. This index measures the performance of large-cap U.S. value stocks.
Unlike the fund, the index is not managed and does not incur fees, expenses or taxes. You cannot invest directly in the index. The table:
o Reflects sales charges applicable to the class
o Assumes that you sell your shares at the end of the period
o Assumes that you reinvest all of your dividends and distributions
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 2007)
Since Inception 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Inception Date ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class A 09/30/69 Return before taxes -5.69 10.68 3.55 12.04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return after taxes on distributions -7.75 8.90 1.99 9.16 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return after taxes on distributions and sale of shares -2.51 9.01 2.54 9.17 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class B 07/01/96 Return before taxes -4.65 10.75 3.00 5.63 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class C+ 07/01/96 Return before taxes -0.91 10.79 3.02 5.63 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Russell 1000 Value Index (reflects no deduction for taxes) -0.17 14.63 7.68 14.04* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
+ The performance of Class C shares does not reflect the 1% front-end sales charge in effect prior to February 1, 2004. If you paid a 1% sales charge, your returns would be lower than those shown above.
* Index return information is not available for periods prior to December 31, 1978. Return of the index since the inception of Class B and Class C shares: 11.12%.
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to shareholders who hold fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
After-tax returns for Class B and Class C shares will vary from the after-tax returns presented for Class A shares.
Fees and expenses
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
Shareowner fees paid directly from your investment Class A Class B Class C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy shares as a percentage of offering price 5.75% None None ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum deferred sales charge (load) as a percent- age of offering price or the amount you receive when you sell shares, whichever is less None(1) 4% 1% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Annual fund operating expenses paid from the assets of the fund as a percentage of average daily net assets Class A Class B Class C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee(2) 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.17% 0.55% 0.48% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(3) 0.92% 2.05% 1.98% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Basic information about the fund
Example
This example helps you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that: a) you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods shown, b) you reinvest all dividends and distributions, c) your investment has a 5% return each year and d) the fund's expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, under these assumptions your costs would be:
If you sell your shares If you do not sell your shares ----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- Number of years you own your shares ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 3 5 10 1 3 5 10 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $663 $851 $1,055 $1,641 $663 $851 $1,055 $1,641 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B 608 943 1,203 2,088 208 643 1,103 2,088 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C 301 621 1,068 2,306 201 621 1,068 2,306 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
1 Class A purchases of $1 million or more and purchases by participants in certain group plans are not subject to an initial sales charge but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%. See "Buying, exchanging and selling shares."
2 The fund pays a management fee that is adjusted upward or downward based on its performance relative to an index. The fund's basic fee before any performance adjustment is 0.60% of average daily net assets. This fee is reduced at asset levels above $5 billion. See "Management."
3 Total annual fund operating expenses in the table have not been reduced by any expense offset arrangements.
Additional information about investment strategies and risks
The following sections provide additional information about the fund's investment strategies and risks. To learn more about these investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional information (SAI).
Debt securities
The fund may invest in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Generally the fund acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities issued by both U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and government issuers, including convertible debt securities. The fund invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the fund's investment objective of reasonable income and capital growth, to diversify the fund's portfolio or for greater liquidity.
Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund's portfolio include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.
Investments in REITs
The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in REITs. REITs are companies
that invest primarily in real estate or real estate related loans. Investing in
REITs involves unique risks. They are significantly affected by the market for
real estate and are dependent upon management skills and cash flow. In addition
to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of
any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests.
Cash management and temporary investments
Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. The fund may adopt a defensive strategy when Pioneer believes securities in which the fund normally
Basic information about the fund
invests have extraordinary risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances.
Short-term trading
The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an
investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if it no
longer meets the fund's investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading,
it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and
could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital
gains.
See "Financial highlights" for actual annual turnover rates.
Derivatives
The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities,
indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other
derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined
by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities,
currencies, indices or other financial instruments. Although there is no
specific limitation on investing in derivatives, the fund does not use
derivatives as a primary investment technique and generally limits their use to
hedging. However, the fund may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal
purposes, including:
o As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities,
interest rates or currency exchange rates
o As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities
o To increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be
considered speculative
Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the fund's exposure to the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund's other investments, the fund may not fully benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more difficult to value. The fund will only invest in derivatives to the extent Pioneer believes these investments do not prevent the fund from seeking its investment objective, but derivatives may not perform as intended.
Management
Pioneer, the fund's investment adviser,
selects the fund's investments and oversees the fund's operations.
Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredito Italiano S.p.A., one of the largest banking groups in Italy. Pioneer is part of the global asset management group providing investment management and financial services to mutual funds, institutional and other clients. As of December 31, 2007, assets under management were approximately $312 billion worldwide, including over $78 billion in assets under management by Pioneer.
Investment adviser
Pioneer's main office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
The firm's U.S. mutual fund investment history includes creating in 1928 one of the first mutual funds.
Pioneer has received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees, to hire and terminate a subadviser or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract for the fund without shareholder approval. Pioneer retains the ultimate responsibility to oversee and recommend the hiring, termination and replacement of any subadviser. To the extent that the Securities and Exchange Commission adopts a rule that would supersede the order, or would provide greater flexibility than the order, Pioneer and the fund intend to rely on such rule to permit Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees and any other applicable conditions of the rule, to hire and terminate a subadviser or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract for the fund without shareholder approval.
Portfolio management
Day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio is the responsibility of Aaron C. Clark, lead portfolio manager. Mr. Clark is supported by J. Rodman Wright and Bradley T. Galko, portfolio managers, and the domestic equity team. Members of this team manage other Pioneer funds investing primarily in U.S. equity securities. The portfolio managers and the team also may draw upon the research and investment management expertise of the global research teams, which provide fundamental and quantitative research on companies and include members from Pioneer's affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited. Mr. Clark, a vice president, joined Pioneer in 2004 as a portfolio manager. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Clark was a portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management from 1997 to 2004. Mr. Wright is a senior vice president of Pioneer and strategy director of the value team. He joined Pioneer in 1994 as an analyst. Mr. Galko, a vice president, joined Pioneer in 2001 as a senior analyst.
Management
The fund's statement of additional information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares of the fund.
Management fee
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for managing the fund and to cover the cost of
providing certain services to the fund.
Pioneer's fee varies based on:
o The fund's assets. Pioneer earns an annual basic fee equal to 0.60% of the
fund's average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5
billion and 0.550% on the excess over $10 billion.
o The fund's performance. The investment performance of the fund is compared
to the Russell 1000 Value Index. The basic fee can increase or decrease by
a maximum of 0.10%, depending on the performance of the fund's Class A
shares relative to the index. The performance comparison is made for a
rolling 36-month period.
Pioneer's fee increases or decreases depending upon whether the fund's performance is up and down more or less than that of the index during the rolling 36-month performance period. Each percentage point of difference between the performance of Class A shares and the index (to a maximum of -10 percentage points) is multiplied by a performance rate adjustment of 0.01%. As a result, the maximum annualized rate adjustment is -0.10% for the rolling 36-month performance period. In addition, Pioneer contractually limits any positive adjustment of your fund's management fee to 0.10% of the fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis (i.e. to a maximum of 0.70% after the performance adjustment).
This performance comparison is made at the end of each month. An appropriate percentage of this rate (based on the number of days in the current month) is then applied to the fund's average net assets for the entire performance period, giving a dollar amount that will be added to (or subtracted from) the basic fee.
Because the adjustment to the basic fee is based on the comparative performance of the fund and the performance record of the index, the controlling factor is not whether fund performance is up or down, but whether it is up or down more or less than the performance record of the index, regardless of general market performance. As a result, Pioneer could earn the maximum possible fee even if the fund's net asset value declines. Moreover, the comparative investment performance of the fund is based solely on the relevant performance period without regard to the cumulative performance over a longer or shorter period of time.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, the fund paid management fees equivalent to 0.50% of the fund's average daily net assets.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the management contract is available in the fund's semiannual report to shareholders, for the period ended March 31, 2007.
Distributor and transfer agent
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. is the fund's distributor. Pioneer Investment
Management Shareholder Services, Inc. is the fund's transfer agent. The fund
compensates the distributor and transfer agent for their services. The
distributor and the transfer agent are affiliates of Pioneer.
Disclosure of portfolio holdings
The fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the fund's
portfolio securities are described in the statement of additional information.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Net asset value
The fund's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities plus any other assets minus its accrued operating expenses and other liabilities. The fund calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).
The fund generally values its portfolio securities using closing market prices or readily available market quotations. When closing market prices or market quotations are not available or are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value methods to value its securities pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated only using market prices. For market prices and quotations, as well as for some fair value methods, the fund relies upon securities prices provided by pricing services.
The fund uses fair value pricing methods for a security, including a non-U.S. security, when Pioneer determines that the closing market price on the primary exchange where the security is traded no longer accurately reflects the value of the security at the time the fund calculates its net asset value. This may occur for a variety of reasons that affect either the relevant securities markets generally or the specific issuer. For example, with respect to non-U.S. securities held by the fund, developments relating to specific events in the securities markets or the specific issuer may occur between the time the primary market closes and the time the fund determines its net asset value. International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by the fund could change on a day you cannot buy or sell shares of the fund.
Certain types of securities, including those discussed in this paragraph, are priced using fair value pricing methods rather than market prices. The fund uses a pricing matrix to determine the value of fixed income securities that may not trade daily. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities and historical trading patterns in the market for fixed income securities. The fund values cash equivalent securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at amortized cost. To the extent that the fund invests in the shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not traded on an exchange (mutual funds), such shares are valued at their published net asset values per share as reported by the funds. The prospectuses of these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing methods to value its securities and the effects of using fair value methodology.
You buy or sell shares at the share price. When you buy Class A shares, you pay an initial sales charge unless you qualify for a waiver or reduced sales charge. When you sell Class B or Class C shares, you may pay a contingent deferred sales charge depending on how long you have owned your shares.
Choosing a class of shares
The fund offers three classes of shares through this prospectus. Each class has
different sales charges and expenses, allowing you to choose the class that
best meets your needs.
Factors you should consider include:
o How long you expect to own the shares
o The expenses paid by each class
o Whether you qualify for any reduction or waiver of sales charges
Your investment professional can help you determine which class meets your goals. Your investment firm may receive different compensation depending upon which class you choose. If you are not a U.S. citizen and are purchasing shares outside the U.S., you may pay different sales charges under local laws and business practices.
Distribution plans
The fund has adopted a distribution plan for each class of shares offered
through this prospectus in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment
Company Act of 1940. Under each plan, the fund pays distribution and service
fees to the distributor. Because these fees are an ongoing expense of the fund,
over time they increase the cost of your investment and your shares may cost
more than shares that are subject to other types of sales charges.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Additional payments to financial intermediaries
There are two principal ways you compensate the financial intermediary through which you buy shares of the fund - directly, by the payment of sales commissions, if any; and indirectly, as a result of the fund paying Rule 12b-1 fees. The fund also may pay intermediaries for administrative services and transaction processing.
Pioneer and its affiliates may make additional payments to your financial intermediary. These payments by Pioneer may provide your financial intermediary with an incentive to favor the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or assist the distributor in its efforts to promote the sale of the fund's shares. Financial intermediaries include broker-dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators and other types of intermediaries.
Pioneer makes these additional payments (sometimes referred to as "revenue sharing") to financial intermediaries out of its own assets. Revenue sharing is not an expense of the Pioneer funds. Pioneer may base these payments on a variety of criteria, including the amount of sales or assets attributable to the financial intermediary or as a per transaction fee.
Not all financial intermediaries receive additional compensation and the amount of compensation paid varies for each financial intermediary. In certain cases, these payments may be significant. Pioneer determines which firms to support and the extent of the payments it is willing to make, generally choosing firms that have a strong capability to effectively distribute shares of the Pioneer funds and that are willing to cooperate with Pioneer's promotional efforts. Pioneer also may compensate financial intermediaries (in addition to amounts that may be paid by the fund) for providing certain administrative services and transaction processing services.
Pioneer may benefit from revenue sharing if the intermediary features the Pioneer funds in its sales system (such as by placing certain Pioneer funds on its preferred fund list or giving access on a preferential basis to members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management). In addition, the financial intermediary may agree to participate in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as by helping to facilitate or provide financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the funds to the intermediary's sales force). To the extent intermediaries sell more shares of the Pioneer funds or retain shares of the Pioneer funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer receives greater management and other fees due to the increase in the Pioneer funds' assets. The intermediary may earn a profit on these payments if the amount of the payment exceeds the intermediary's costs.
The compensation that Pioneer pays to financial intermediaries is discussed in more detail in the fund's statement of additional information. Your intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this
prospectus. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than the discussion above and in the statement of additional information. You can ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from Pioneer or the Pioneer funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.
Pioneer and its affiliates may have other relationships with your financial intermediary relating to the provision of services to the funds, such as providing omnibus account services or effecting portfolio transactions for the Pioneer funds. If your intermediary provides these services, Pioneer or the Pioneer funds may compensate the intermediary for these services. In addition, your intermediary may have other relationships with Pioneer or its affiliates that are not related to the funds.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Comparing classes of shares
Class A Class B Class C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why you might Class A shares may You may prefer Class B You may prefer Class C prefer each class be your best alternative shares if you do not shares if you do not if you prefer to pay want to pay an initial wish to pay an initial an initial sales charge sales charge, or if sales charge and you and have lower annual you plan to hold your would rather pay higher expenses, or if you investment for at least annual expenses qualify for any reduction five years. over time. or waiver of the initial sales charge. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial Up to 5.75% of the None None sales charge offering price, which is reduced or waived for large purchases and certain types of investors. At the time of your purchase, your investment firm may receive a commission from the distributor of up to 5%, declining as the size of your invest- ment increases. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contingent None, except in certain Up to 4% is charged if A 1% charge if you sell deferred circumstances when you sell your shares. your shares within one sales charges the initial sales charge The charge is reduced year of purchase. Your is waived. over time and not investment firm may charged after five years. receive a commission Your investment firm from the distributor at may receive a commis- the time of your pur- sion from the distributor chase of up to 1%. at the time of your pur- chase of up to 4%. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Up to 0.25% of average Up to 1% of average Up to 1% of average service fees daily net assets. daily net assets. daily net assets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual expenses Lower than Class B or Higher than Class A Higher than Class A (including Class C. shares; Class B shares shares; Class C shares distribution and convert to Class A do not convert to any service fees) shares after other class of shares. eight years. You continue to pay higher annual expenses. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exchange Class A shares of other Class B shares of other Class C shares of other privilege Pioneer mutual funds. Pioneer mutual funds. Pioneer mutual funds. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum None $49,999 $999,999 purchase amount (per transaction) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Sales charges: Class A shares
You pay the offering price when you buy Class A shares unless you qualify to
purchase shares at net asset value. You pay a lower sales charge as the size of
your investment increases. You do not pay a sales charge when you reinvest
dividends or capital gain distributions paid by the fund. You do not pay a
contingent deferred sales charge when you sell shares purchased through
reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.
Sales charges for Class A shares
Sales charge as % of ------------------------ Offering Net amount Amount of purchase price invested ------------------------------------------------------------ Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 ---------------------------------------------------------- $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 ---------------------------------------------------------- $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 ---------------------------------------------------------- $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 ---------------------------------------------------------- $500,000 but less than $1 million 2.00 2.04 ---------------------------------------------------------- $1 million or more -0- -0- ---------------------------------------------------------- |
The dollar amount of the sales charge is the difference between the offering price of the shares purchased (based on the applicable sales charge in the table) and the net asset value of those shares. Since the offering price is calculated to two decimal places using standard rounding methodology, the dollar amount of the sales charge as a percentage of the offering price and of the net amount invested for any particular purchase of fund shares may be higher or lower due to rounding.
Reduced sales charges
You may qualify for a reduced Class A sales charge if you own or are purchasing
shares of Pioneer mutual funds. The investment levels required to obtain a
reduced sales charge are commonly referred to as "breakpoints." Pioneer offers
two principal means of taking advantage of breakpoints in sales charges for
aggregate purchases of Class A shares of the Pioneer funds over time if:
o The amount of shares you own of the Pioneer funds plus the amount you are
investing now is at least $50,000 (Rights of accumulation)
o You plan to invest at least $50,000 over the next 13 months (Letter of intent)
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Rights of accumulation
If you qualify for rights of accumulation, your sales charge will be based on
the combined value (at the current offering price) of all your Pioneer mutual
fund shares, the shares of your spouse and the shares of any children under the
age of 21.
Letter of intent
You can use a letter of intent to qualify for reduced sales charges in two
situations:
o If you plan to invest at least $50,000 (excluding any reinvestment of
dividends and capital gain distributions) in the fund's Class A shares
during the next 13 months
o If you include in your letter of intent the value (at the current offering
price) of all of your Class A shares of the fund and Class A, Class B or
Class C shares of all other Pioneer mutual fund shares held of record in
the amount used to determine the applicable sales charge for the fund
shares you plan to buy
Completing a letter of intent does not obligate you to purchase additional shares, but if you do not buy enough shares to qualify for the projected level of sales charges by the end of the 13-month period (or when you sell your shares, if earlier), the distributor will recalculate your sales charge. You must pay the additional sales charge within 20 days after you are notified of the recalculation or it will be deducted from your account (or your sale proceeds). Any share class for which no sales charge is paid cannot be included under the letter of intent. For more information regarding letters of intent, please contact your investment professional or obtain and read the statement of additional information.
Qualifying for a reduced Class A sales charge
In calculating your total account value in order to determine whether you have net sales charge breakpoints, you can include your Pioneer mutual fund shares, those of your spouse and the shares of any children under the age of 21. Pioneer will use each fund's current offering price to calculate your total account value. Certain trustees and fiduciaries may also qualify for a reduced sales charge.
To receive a reduced sales charge, you or your investment professional must, at the time of purchase, notify the distributor of your eligibility. In order to verify your eligibility for a discount, you may need to provide your investment professional or the fund with information or records, such as account numbers or statements, regarding shares of the fund or other Pioneer mutual funds held in all accounts by you, your spouse or children under the age of 21 with that investment professional or with any other financial intermediary. Eligible accounts may include joint accounts, retirement plan accounts, such as IRA and 401k accounts, and custodial accounts, such as ESA, UGMA and UTMA accounts.
It is your responsibility to confirm that your investment professional has notified the distributor of your eligibility for a reduced sales charge at the time of sale. If you or your investment professional do not notify the distributor of your eligibility, you will risk losing the benefits of a reduced sales charge.
For this purpose, Pioneer mutual funds include any fund for which the distributor is principal underwriter and, at the distributor's discretion, may include funds organized outside the U.S. and managed by Pioneer or an affiliate.
You can locate information regarding the reduction or waiver of sales charges, in a clear and prominent format and free of charge, on Pioneer's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com. The website includes hyperlinks that facilitate access to this information.
Class A purchases at a reduced initial sales charge or net asset value are also
available to:
Group plans if the sponsoring organization:
o recommends purchases of Pioneer mutual funds to,
o permits solicitation of, or
o facilitates purchases by its employees, members or participants.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Class A purchases at net asset value
You may purchase Class A shares at net asset value (without a sales charge) as follows. If you believe you qualify for any of the Class A sales charge waivers discussed below, contact your investment professional or the distributor. You are required to provide written confirmation of your eligibility. You may not resell these shares except to or on behalf of the fund.
Investments of $1 million or more and certain retirement plans
You do not pay a sales charge when you purchase Class A shares if you are investing $1 million or more, are a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan with at least $1 million in total plan assets or are a participant in certain employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004 with 100 or more eligible employees or at least $500,000 in total plan assets. However, you may pay a deferred sales charge if you sell your Class A shares within 18 months of purchase. The sales charge is equal to 1% of your investment or your sale proceeds, whichever is less.
Class A purchases at net asset value are available to:
o Current or former trustees and officers of the fund;
o Partners and employees of legal counsel to the fund (at the time of initial
share purchase);
o Directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of Pioneer and its
affiliates (at the time of initial share purchase);
o Directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of any subadviser
or a predecessor adviser (or their affiliates) to any investment company
for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (at the time of initial
share purchase);
o Officers, partners, employees or registered representatives of
broker-dealers (at the time of initial share purchase) which have entered
into sales agreements with the distributor;
o Employees of AmSouth Bank (at the time of initial share purchase) investing
through an account held with AmSouth Investment Services, Inc.;
o Members of the immediate families of any of the persons above;
o Any trust, custodian, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan of the
foregoing persons;
o Insurance company separate accounts;
o Certain wrap accounts for the benefit of clients of investment
professionals or other financial intermediaries adhering to standards
established by the distributor;
o Other funds and accounts for which Pioneer or any of its affiliates serve
as investment adviser or manager;
o Investors in connection with certain reorganization, liquidation or acquisition transactions involving other investment companies or personal holding companies;
o Certain unit investment trusts;
o Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans with at least $1
million in total plan assets;
o Participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts
established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004 with 100 or more
eligible employees or at least $500,000 in total plan assets;
o Participants in Optional Retirement Programs if (i) your employer has
authorized a limited number of mutual funds to participate in the program,
(ii) all participating mutual funds sell shares to program participants at
net asset value, (iii) your employer has agreed in writing to facilitate
investment in Pioneer mutual funds by program participants and (iv) the
program provides for a matching contribution for each participant
contribution;
o Participants in an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or employer-sponsored 457
plan if (i) your employer has made special arrangements for your plan to
operate as a group through a single broker, dealer or financial
intermediary and (ii) all participants in the plan who purchase shares of a
Pioneer mutual fund do so through a single broker, dealer or other
financial intermediary designated by your employer;
o Individuals receiving a distribution consisting of Class Y shares of a
Pioneer fund from a trust, fiduciary, custodial or other similar account
who purchase Class A shares of the same Pioneer fund within 90 days of the
date of the distribution;
o Shareholders of record (i.e., not held in the name of your broker or an
omnibus account) on the date of the reorganization of a predecessor Safeco
fund into a corresponding Pioneer fund, shareholders who owned shares in
the name of an omnibus account provider on that date that agrees with the
fund to distinguish beneficial holders in the same manner, and retirement
plans with assets invested in the predecessor Safeco fund on that date.
In addition, Class A shares may be purchased at net asset value through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to include the Pioneer funds in their program without the imposition of a sales charge. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs also may offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Reinstatement privilege for Class A and Class B shares
If you recently sold all or part of your Class A or Class B shares, you may be
able to reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds without a sales charge in
Class A shares of any Pioneer mutual fund. To qualify for reinstatement:
o You must send a written request to the transfer agent no more than 90 days
after selling your shares and
o The registration of the account in which you reinvest your sale proceeds
must be identical to the registration of the account from which you sold
your shares.
Your purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege are subject to limitations on investor transactions, including the limitation on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of a redemption. See "Excessive trading."
When you elect reinstatement, you are subject to the provisions outlined in the selected fund's prospectus, including the fund's minimum investment requirement. Your sale proceeds will be reinvested in shares of the fund at the Class A net asset value per share determined after the transfer agent receives your written request for reinstatement.
You may realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of your sale of fund shares, and special tax rules may apply if you elect reinstatement. Consult your tax adviser for more information.
Class A shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
Purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more, or by participants in a group plan which were not subject to an initial sales charge, may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge upon redemption. A contingent deferred sales charge is payable to the distributor in the event of a share redemption within 18 months following the share purchase at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions) or the total cost of such shares. However, the contingent deferred sales charge is waived for redemptions of Class A shares purchased by an employer-sponsored retirement plan described under Section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code that has at least $1 million in total plan assets (or that has 1,000 or more eligible employees for plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004).
Sales charges: Class B shares
You buy Class B shares at net asset value per share without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you sell your Class B shares within five years of purchase, you will pay the distributor a contingent deferred sales charge. The contingent deferred sales charge decreases as the number of years since your purchase increases.
On shares sold As a % of before the dollar amount subject end of year to the sales charge --------------------------------------- 1 4 --------------------------------------- 2 4 --------------------------------------- 3 3 --------------------------------------- 4 2 --------------------------------------- 5 1 --------------------------------------- 6+ 0 --------------------------------------- |
Shares purchased prior to December 1, 2004 remain subject to the contingent deferred sales charges in effect at the time you purchased those shares. Shares purchased as part of an exchange or acquired as a result of a reorganization of another fund into the fund remain subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that applied to the shares you originally purchased.
Conversion to Class A shares
Class B shares automatically convert into Class A shares. This helps you
because Class A shares pay lower expenses.
Your Class B shares will convert to Class A shares eight years after the date
of purchase except that:
o Shares purchased by reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions
will convert to Class A shares over time in the same proportion as other
shares held in the account
o Shares purchased by exchanging shares from another fund will convert on the
date that the shares originally acquired would have converted into Class A
shares
Currently, the Internal Revenue Service permits the conversion of shares to take place without imposing a federal income tax. Conversion may not occur if the Internal Revenue Service deems it a taxable event for federal tax purposes.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Sales charges: Class C shares
You buy Class C shares at net asset value per share without paying an initial sales charge. However, if you sell your Class C shares within one year of purchase, you will pay the distributor a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% of the current market value or the original cost of the shares you are selling, whichever is less.
Waiver or reduction of contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) It is your responsibility to confirm that your investment professional has notified the distributor of your eligibility for a reduced sales charge at the time of sale. If you or your investment professional do not notify the distributor of your eligibility, you will risk losing the benefits of a reduced sales charge.
Class A, Class B and Class C shares
The distributor may waive or reduce the CDSC for Class A shares that are
subject to a CDSC or for Class B or Class C shares if:
o The distribution results from the death of all registered account owners or a
participant in an employer-sponsored plan. For UGMAs, UTMAs and trust
accounts, the waiver applies only upon the death of all beneficial owners;
o You become disabled (within the meaning of Section 72 of the Internal Revenue
Code) after the purchase of the shares being sold. For UGMAs, UTMAs and
trust accounts, the waiver only applies upon the disability of all
beneficial owners;
o The distribution is made in connection with limited automatic redemptions as
described in "Systematic withdrawal plans" (limited in any year to 10% of
the value of the account in the fund at the time the withdrawal plan is
established);
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
o The distribution is from any type of IRA, 403(b) or employer-sponsored plan
described under Section 401(a) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code and, in
connection with the distribution, one of the following applies:
- It is part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments made
over the life expectancy of the participant or the joint life
expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary (limited in
any year to 10% of the value of the participant's account at the time
the distribution amount is established);
- It is a required minimum distribution due to the attainment of age
701/2, in which case the distribution amount may exceed 10% (based
solely on total plan assets held in Pioneer mutual funds);
- It is rolled over to or reinvested in another Pioneer mutual fund in
the same class of shares, which will be subject to the CDSC of the
shares originally held; or
- It is in the form of a loan to a participant in a plan that permits
loans (each repayment applied to the purchase of shares will be
subject to a CDSC as though a new purchase);
o The distribution is to a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement
plan described under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or to a
participant in an employer-sponsored 403(b) plan or employer-sponsored 457
plan if (i) your employer has made special arrangements for your plan to
operate as a group through a single broker, dealer or financial
intermediary and (ii) all participants in the plan who purchase shares of a
Pioneer mutual fund do so through a single broker, dealer or other
financial intermediary designated by your employer and is or is in
connection with:
- A return of excess employee deferrals or contributions;
- A qualifying hardship distribution as described in the Internal
Revenue Code. For Class B shares, waiver is granted only on payments
of up to 10% of total plan assets held by Pioneer for all
participants, reduced by the total of any prior distributions made in
that calendar year;
- Due to retirement or termination of employment. For Class B shares,
waiver is granted only on payments of up to 10% of total plan assets
held in a Pioneer mutual fund for all participants, reduced by the
total of any prior distributions made in the same calendar year; or
- From a qualified defined contribution plan and represents a
participant's directed transfer, provided that this privilege has been
preauthorized through a prior agreement with the distributor regarding
participant directed transfers (not available to Class B shares);
o The distribution is made pursuant to the fund's right to liquidate or
involuntarily redeem shares in a shareholder's account; or
o The selling broker elects, with the distributor's approval, to waive
receipt of the commission normally paid at the time of the sale.
Please see the fund's statement of additional information for more information regarding reduced sales charges and breakpoints.
Opening your account
If your shares are held in your investment firm's name, the options and services available to you may be different from those discussed in this prospectus. Ask your investment professional for more information.
If you invest in the fund through investment professionals or other financial intermediaries, including wrap programs and similar programs, additional conditions may apply to your investment in the fund, and the investment professional or intermediary may charge you a transaction-based or other fee for its services. These conditions and fees are in addition to those imposed by the fund and its affiliates. You should ask your investment professional or financial intermediary about its services and any applicable fees.
Account options
Use your account application to select options and privileges for your account.
You can change your selections at any time by sending a completed account
options form to the transfer agent. You may be required to obtain a signature
guarantee to make certain changes to an existing account.
Call or write to the transfer agent for account applications, account options forms and other account information:
Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 55014
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014
Telephone 1-800-225-6292
Telephone transaction privileges
If your account is registered in your name, you can buy, exchange or sell fund
shares by telephone. If you do not want your account to have telephone
transaction privileges, you must indicate that choice on your account
application or by writing to the transfer agent.
When you request a telephone transaction the transfer agent will try to confirm that the request is genuine. The transfer agent records the call, requires the caller to provide validating information for the account and sends you a written confirmation. The fund may implement other confirmation procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Online transaction privileges
If your account is registered in your name, you may be able to buy, exchange or
sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange
or sell your fund shares online.
To establish online transaction privileges:
o For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application
o For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen at www.pioneerinvestments.com
To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts.
General rules on buying, exchanging and selling your fund shares
Share price
If you place an order to purchase, exchange or sell shares with the transfer agent or an authorized agent by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), your transaction will be completed at the share price determined as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on that day. If your order is placed with the transfer agent or an authorized agent after 4:00 p.m., or your order is not in good order, your transaction will be completed at the share price next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund. The authorized agent is responsible for transmitting your order to the fund in a timely manner.
Good order means that:
o You have provided adequate instructions
o There are no outstanding claims against your account
o There are no transaction limitations on your account
o If you have any fund share certificates, you submit them and they are signed
by each record owner exactly as the shares are registered
o Your request includes a signature guarantee if you:
- Are selling over $100,000 or exchanging over $500,000 worth of shares
- Changed your account registration or address within the last 30 days
- Instruct the transfer agent to mail the check to an address different from
the one on your account
- Want the check paid to someone other than the account owner(s)
- Are transferring the sale proceeds to a Pioneer mutual fund account with a
different registration
Transaction limitations
Your transactions are subject to certain limitations, including the limitation
on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of a redemption.
See "Excessive trading."
Buying
You may buy fund shares from any investment firm that has a sales agreement with the distributor.
You can buy fund shares at the offering price. The distributor may reject any order until it has confirmed the order in writing and received payment. The fund reserves the right to stop offering any class of shares.
You may use securities you own to purchase shares of the fund provided that Pioneer, in its sole discretion, determines that the securities are consistent with
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
the fund's objective and policies and their acquisition is in the best interests of the fund. If the fund accepts your securities, they will be valued for purposes of determining the number of fund shares to be issued to you in the same way the fund will value the securities for purposes of determining its net asset value. For federal income tax purposes, you may be taxed in the same manner as if you sold the securities that you exchange for cash in an amount equal to the value of the fund shares that you receive in exchange. Your sales charge for purchases of fund shares will be based upon the value of the fund shares that you receive. Your broker may also impose a fee in connection with processing your purchase of fund shares with securities.
Minimum investment amounts
Your initial investment must be at least $1,000. Additional investments must be at least $100 for Class A shares and $500 for Class B or Class C shares. You may qualify for lower initial or subsequent investment minimums if you are opening a retirement plan account, establishing an automatic investment plan or placing your trade through your investment firm. The fund may waive the initial or subsequent investment minimums. Minimum investment amounts may be waived for share purchases made through certain mutual fund programs (e.g., asset based fee program accounts) sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers, that have entered into an agreement with Pioneer.
Maximum purchase amounts
Purchases of fund shares are limited to $49,999 for Class B shares and $999,999
for Class C shares. These limits are applied on a per transaction basis. Class
A shares are not subject to a maximum purchase amount.
Your initial investment for most types of retirement plan accounts must be at least $250. Additional investments for most types of retirement plans must be at least $100.
Identity verification
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering
activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify
and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When
you open an
account, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the fund to identify you.
The fund may close your account if we cannot adequately verify your identity. The redemption price will be the net asset value (less applicable sales charges) on the date of redemption.
Exchanging
You may exchange your shares for shares of the same class of another Pioneer
mutual fund.
Your exchange request must be for at least $1,000. The fund allows you to exchange your shares at net asset value without charging you either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. Shares you acquire as part of an exchange will continue to be subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that applies to the shares you originally purchased. When you ultimately sell your shares, the date of your original purchase will determine your contingent deferred sales charge.
Before you request an exchange, consider each fund's investment objective and policies as described in the fund's prospectus.
Selling
Your shares will be sold at net asset value per share next calculated after the fund or its authorized agent, such as a broker-dealer, receives your request in good order.
If the shares you are selling are subject to a deferred sales charge, it will be deducted from the sale proceeds. The fund generally will send your sale proceeds by check, bank wire or electronic funds transfer. Normally you will be paid within seven days. If you recently sent a check to purchase the shares being sold, the fund may delay payment of the sale proceeds until your check has cleared. This may take up to 10 calendar days from the purchase date.
If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account or certain IRAs, you may use any of the methods described below. If you are selling shares from a retirement account other than an IRA, you must make your request in writing.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Buying shares
Through your investment firm
Normally, your investment firm will send your purchase request to the fund's
distributor and/or transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for
more information. Your investment firm receives a commission from the
distributor, and may receive additional compensation from Pioneer, for your
purchase of fund shares.
By phone or online
You can use the telephone or online purchase privilege if you have an existing
non-retirement account. Certain IRAs can use the telephone purchase privilege.
If your account is eligible, you can purchase additional fund shares by phone
or online if:
o You established your bank account of record at least 30 days ago
o Your bank information has not changed for at least 30 days
o You are not purchasing more than $100,000 worth of shares per account per day
o You can provide the proper account identification information
When you request a telephone or online purchase, the transfer agent will electronically debit the amount of the purchase from your bank account of record. The transfer agent will purchase fund shares for the amount of the debit at the offering price determined after the transfer agent receives your telephone or online purchase instruction and good funds. It usually takes three business days for the transfer agent to receive notification from your bank that good funds are available in the amount of your investment.
In writing, by mail
You can purchase fund shares for an existing fund account by mailing a check to
the transfer agent. Make your check payable to the fund. Neither initial nor
subsequent investments should be made by third party check, travelers check, or
credit card check. Your check must be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank.
Include in your purchase request the fund's name, the account number and the
name or names in the account registration.
Exchanging shares
Through your investment firm
Normally, your investment firm will send your exchange request to the fund's
transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for more information about
exchanging your shares.
By phone or online
After you establish an eligible fund account, you can exchange fund shares by
phone or online if:
o You are exchanging into an existing account or using the exchange to
establish a new account, provided the new account has a registration
identical to the original account
o The fund into which you are exchanging offers the same class of shares
o You are not exchanging more than $500,000 worth of shares per account per
day
o You can provide the proper account identification information
In writing, by mail or by fax
You can exchange fund shares by mailing or faxing a letter of instruction to
the transfer agent. You can exchange fund shares directly through the fund only
if your account is registered in your name. However, you may not fax an
exchange request for more than $500,000. Include in your letter:
o The name, social security number and signature of all registered owners
o A signature guarantee for each registered owner if the amount of the
exchange is more than $500,000
o The name of the fund out of which you are exchanging and the name of the
fund into which you are exchanging
o The class of shares you are exchanging
o The dollar amount or number of shares you are exchanging
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Selling shares
Through your investment firm
Normally, your investment firm will send your request to sell shares to the
fund's transfer agent. Consult your investment professional for more
information. The fund has authorized the distributor to act as its agent in the
repurchase of fund shares from qualified investment firms. The fund reserves
the right to terminate this procedure at any time.
By phone or online
If you have an eligible non-retirement account, you may sell up to $100,000 per
account per day by phone or online. You may sell fund shares held in a
retirement plan account by phone only if your account is an eligible IRA (tax
penalties may apply). You may not sell your shares by phone or online if you
have changed your address (for checks) or your bank information (for wires and
transfers) in the last 30 days.
You may receive your sale proceeds:
o By check, provided the check is made payable exactly as your account is
registered
o By bank wire or by electronic funds transfer, provided the sale proceeds
are being sent to your bank address of record
In writing, by mail or by fax
You can sell some or all of your fund shares by writing directly to the fund
only if your account is registered in your name. Include in your request your
name, your social security number, the fund's name, your fund account number,
the class of shares to be sold, the dollar amount or number of shares to be
sold and any other applicable requirements as described below. The transfer
agent will send the sale proceeds to your address of record unless you provide
other instructions. Your request must be signed by all registered owners and be
in good order.
The transfer agent will not process your request until it is received in good order.
You may sell up to $100,000 per account per day by fax.
How to contact us
By phone
For information or to request a telephone transaction between 8:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m. (Eastern time) by speaking with a shareholder services representative
call
1-800-225-6292
To request a transaction using FactFone(SM) call 1-800-225-4321
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-225-1997
By mail
Send your written instructions to:
Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 55014
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5014
Pioneer website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
By fax
Fax your exchange and sale requests to:
1-800-225-4240
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Excessive trading
Frequent trading into and out of the fund can disrupt portfolio management
strategies, harm fund performance by forcing the fund to hold excess cash or to
liquidate certain portfolio securities prematurely and increase expenses for
all investors, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs.
An investor may use short-term trading as a strategy, for example, if the
investor believes that the valuation of the fund's portfolio securities for
purposes of calculating its net asset value does not fully reflect the then
current fair market value of those holdings. The fund discourages, and does not
take any intentional action to accommodate, excessive and short-term trading
practices, such as market timing. Although there is no generally applied
standard in the marketplace as to what level of trading activity is excessive,
we may consider trading in the fund's shares to be excessive for a variety of
reasons, such as if:
o You sell shares within a short period of time after the shares were
purchased;
o You make two or more purchases and redemptions within a short period of
time;
o You enter into a series of transactions that indicate a timing pattern or strategy; or
o We reasonably believe that you have engaged in such practices in connection with other mutual funds.
The fund's Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by fund investors. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, we monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading. If we determine that an investor or a client of a broker or other intermediary has engaged in excessive short-term trading that we believe may be harmful to the fund, we will ask the investor, broker or other intermediary to cease such activity and we will refuse to process purchase orders (including purchases by exchange) of such investor, broker or other intermediary or accounts that we believe are under their control. In determining whether to take such actions, we seek to act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the fund's shareholders.
While we use our reasonable efforts to detect excessive trading activity, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that market timers will not employ tactics designed to evade detection. If we are not successful, your return from an investment in the fund may be adversely affected. Frequently, fund shares are held through omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries such as brokers and retirement plan administrators, where the holdings of multiple shareholders, such as all the clients of a particular broker or other intermediary, are aggregated. Our ability to monitor trading practices by investors purchasing shares through omnibus accounts may be limited and dependent upon the cooperation of the broker or other intermediary in taking steps to limit this type of activity.
The fund may reject a purchase or exchange order before its acceptance or the issuance of shares. The fund may also restrict additional purchases or exchanges in an account. Each of these steps may be taken for any transaction, for any reason, without prior notice, including transactions that the fund believes are requested on behalf of market timers. The fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange request by any investor or financial institution if the fund believes that any combination of trading activity in the account or related accounts is potentially disruptive to the fund. A prospective investor whose purchase or exchange order is rejected will not achieve the investment results, whether gain or loss, that would have been realized if the order were accepted and an investment made in the fund. A fund and its shareholders do not incur any gain or loss as a result of a rejected order. The fund may impose further restrictions on trading activities by market timers in the future.
To limit the negative effects of excessive trading on the fund, the fund has
adopted the following restriction on investor transactions. If an investor
redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are a part of an exchange
transaction) from the fund, that investor shall be prevented (or "blocked")
from purchasing shares of the fund (including purchases that are a part of an
exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy
does not apply to systematic purchase or withdrawal plan transactions,
transactions made through employer-sponsored retirement plans described under
Section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code or employee benefit
plans, scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory
(required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs, rebalancing transactions
made through certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs, transactions by
insurance company separate accounts or transactions by other funds that invest
in the fund. This policy does not apply to purchase or redemption transactions
of less than $5,000 or to the Pioneer money market funds.
Purchases pursuant to the reinstatement privilege (for Class A and Class B shares) are subject to this policy.
We rely on financial intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts to apply to their customers either the fund's policy described above or their own policies or restrictions designed to limit excessive trading of fund shares. However, we do not impose this policy at the omnibus account level.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Account options
See the account application form for more details on each of the following
options.
Automatic investment plans
You can make regular periodic investments in the fund by setting up monthly
bank drafts, government allotments, payroll deductions, a Pioneer Investomatic
Plan and other similar automatic investment plans. You may use an automatic
investment plan to establish a Class A share account with a small initial
investment. If you have a Class B or Class C share account and your balance is
at least $1,000, you may establish an automatic investment plan.
Pioneer Investomatic Plan
If you establish a Pioneer Investomatic Plan, the transfer agent will make a
periodic investment in fund shares by means of a preauthorized electronic funds
transfer from your bank account. Your plan investments are voluntary. You may
discontinue your plan at any time or change the plan's dollar amount, frequency
or investment date by calling or writing to the transfer agent. You should
allow up to 30 days for the transfer agent to establish your plan.
Automatic exchanges
You can automatically exchange your fund shares for shares of the same class of
another Pioneer mutual fund. The automatic exchange will begin on the day you
select when you complete the appropriate section of your account application or
an account options form. In order to establish automatic exchange:
o You must select exchanges on a monthly or quarterly basis
o Both the originating and receiving accounts must have identical
registrations
o The originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000
You may have to pay income taxes on an exchange.
Distribution options
The fund offers three distribution options. Any fund shares you buy by
reinvesting distributions will be priced at the applicable net asset value per
share.
(1) Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by the fund will automatically be invested in additional fund shares.
(2) You may elect to have the amount of any dividends paid to you in cash and any capital gain distributions reinvested in additional shares.
(3) You may elect to have the full amount of any dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid to you in cash.
Options (2) or (3) are not available to retirement plan accounts or accounts with a current value of less than $500.
If your distribution check is returned to the transfer agent or you do not cash the check for six months or more, the transfer agent may reinvest the amount of the check in your account and automatically change the distribution option on your account to option (1) until you request a different option in writing. If the amount of a distribution check would be less than $10, the fund may reinvest the amount in additional fund shares instead of sending a check. Additional shares of the fund will be purchased at the then current net asset value.
Directed dividends
You can invest the dividends paid by one of your Pioneer mutual fund accounts
in a second Pioneer mutual fund account. The value of your second account must
be at least $1,000. You may direct the investment of any amount of dividends.
There are no fees or charges for directed dividends. If you have a retirement
plan account, you may only direct dividends to accounts with identical
registrations.
Systematic withdrawal plans
When you establish a systematic withdrawal plan for your account, the transfer
agent will sell the number of fund shares you specify on a periodic basis and
the proceeds will be paid to you or to any person you select. You must obtain a
signature guarantee to direct payments to another person after you have
established your systematic withdrawal plan. Payments can be made either by
check or by electronic transfer to a bank account you designate.
To establish a systematic withdrawal plan:
o Your account must have a total value of at least $10,000 when you establish
your plan
o You must request a periodic withdrawal of at least $50
o You may not request a periodic withdrawal of more than 10% of the value of
any Class B or Class C share account (valued at the time the plan is
implemented)
These requirements do not apply to scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory (required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs and certain retirement plans.
Systematic sales of fund shares may be taxable transactions for you. While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges.
Direct deposit
If you elect to take dividends or dividends and capital gain distributions in
cash, or if you establish a systematic withdrawal plan, you may choose to have
those cash payments deposited directly into your savings, checking or NOW bank
account.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Voluntary tax withholding
You may have the transfer agent withhold 28% of the dividends and capital gain
distributions paid from your fund account (before any reinvestment) and forward
the amount withheld to the Internal Revenue Service as a credit against your
federal income taxes. Voluntary tax withholding is not available for retirement
plan accounts or for accounts subject to backup withholding.
Shareowner services
Pioneer website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
The website includes a full selection of information on mutual fund investing.
You can also use the website to get:
o Your current account information
o Prices, returns and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds
o Prospectuses, statements of additional information and shareowner reports
for all the Pioneer mutual funds
o A copy of Pioneer's privacy notice
If you or your investment firm authorized your account for the online transaction privilege, you may buy, exchange and sell shares online.
FactFone(SM) 1-800-225-4321
You can use FactFone(SM) to:
o Obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual fund accounts
o Inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer
mutual funds
o Make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions for
your fund accounts
o Request account statements
If you plan to use FactFone(SM) to make telephone purchases and redemptions, first you must activate your personal identification number and establish your bank account of record. If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFone(SM).
Household delivery of fund documents
With your consent, Pioneer may send a single proxy statement, prospectus and
shareowner report to your residence for you and any other member of your
household who has an account with the fund. If you wish to revoke your consent
to this practice, you may do so by notifying Pioneer, by phone or in writing
(see "How to contact us"). Pioneer will begin mailing separate proxy
statements, prospectuses and shareowner reports to you within 30 days after
receiving your notice.
Confirmation statements
The transfer agent maintains an account for each investment firm or individual
shareowner and records all account transactions. You will be sent confirmation
statements showing the details of your transactions as they occur, except automatic investment plan transactions, which are confirmed quarterly. If you have more than one Pioneer mutual fund account registered in your name, the Pioneer combined account statement will be mailed to you each quarter.
Tax information
Early each year, the fund will mail you information about the tax status of the dividends and distributions paid to you by the fund.
TDD 1-800-225-1997
If you have a hearing disability and access to TDD keyboard equipment, you can
contact our telephone representatives with questions about your account by
calling our TDD number between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern time any weekday
that the New York Stock Exchange is open.
Privacy
The fund has a policy that protects the privacy of your personal information. A
copy of Pioneer's privacy notice was given to you at the time you opened your
account. The fund will send you a copy of the privacy notice each year. You may
also obtain the privacy notice by calling the transfer agent or through
Pioneer's website.
Shareowner account policies
Signature guarantees and other requirements
You are required to obtain a signature guarantee when:
o Requesting certain types of exchanges or sales of fund shares
o Redeeming shares for which you hold a share certificate
o Requesting certain types of changes for your existing account
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most broker-dealers, banks, credit unions (if authorized under state law) and federal savings and loan associations. You cannot obtain a signature guarantee from a notary public.
The Pioneer funds generally accept only medallion signature guarantees. A medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association, or other financial institution that is participating in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that are not participating in one of these programs are not accepted as medallion signature guarantees. The fund may accept other forms of guarantee from financial intermediaries in limited circumstances.
Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit additional documents to sell fund shares.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Minimum account size
The fund requires that you maintain a minimum account value of $500. If you
hold less than $500 in your account, the fund reserves the right to notify you
that it intends to sell your shares and close your account. You will be given
60 days from the date of the notice to make additional investments to avoid
having your shares sold. This policy does not apply to certain qualified
retirement plan accounts.
Telephone and website access
You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing
pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in
telephone or Internet service. On New York Stock Exchange holidays or on days
when the exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone
center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to
access pioneerinvestments.com or reach the fund by telephone, you should
communicate with the fund in writing.
Share certificates
The fund does not offer share certificates. Shares are electronically recorded.
Any existing certificated shares can only be sold by returning your certificate
to the transfer agent, along with a letter of instruction or a stock power (a
separate written authority transferring ownership) and a signature guarantee.
Other policies
The fund and the distributor reserve the right to:
o reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason, without prior notice
o charge a fee for exchanges or to modify, limit or suspend the exchange
privilege at any time without notice. The fund will provide 60 days' notice
of material amendments to or termination of the exchange privilege
o revise, suspend, limit or terminate the account options or services
available to shareowners at any time, except as required by the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission
The fund reserves the right to:
o suspend transactions in shares when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, or when the Securities and Exchange Commission determines an emergency or other circumstances exist that make it impracticable for the fund to sell or value its portfolio securities
o redeem in kind by delivering to you portfolio securities owned by the fund rather than cash. Securities you receive this way may increase or decrease in value while you hold them and you may incur brokerage and transaction charges and tax liability when you convert the securities to cash
o charge transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent fees, such as an account maintenance fee for small balance accounts, directly to accounts upon at least 30 days' notice. The fund may do this by deducting the fee from your distribution of dividends and/or by redeeming fund shares to the extent necessary to cover the fee
Dividends, capital gains and taxes
Dividends and capital gains
The fund generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in June and December. The fund may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. If you invest in the fund shortly before a distribution, generally you will pay a higher price per share and you will pay taxes on the amount of the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution in additional shares or receive it as cash.
Taxes
You will normally have to pay federal income taxes, and any state or local taxes, on the distributions you receive from the fund, whether you take the distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions from the fund's net capital gains (if any) are considered long-term capital gains and may be taxable to you at reduced rates depending upon their source and other factors. Distributions from the fund's net short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Other dividends are taxable either as ordinary income or, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, if so designated by the fund and certain other conditions, including holding period requirements, are met by the fund and the shareholder, as "qualified dividend income" taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate.
"Qualified dividend income" generally is income derived from dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be "qualified dividend income" if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market.
A portion of dividends received from the fund (but none of the fund's capital gain distributions) may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
When you sell or exchange fund shares you will generally recognize a capital gain or capital loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net amount of sale proceeds (or, in the case of an exchange, the fair market value of the shares) that you receive and your tax basis for the shares that you sell or exchange.
You must provide your social security number or other taxpayer identification number to the fund along with the certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service when you open an account. If you do not or if it is otherwise legally required to do so, the fund will withhold 28% "backup withholding" tax from your dividends and other distributions, sale proceeds and any other payments to you.
Dividends, capital gains and taxes
You should ask your tax adviser about any federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations relating to an investment in the fund. You may also consult the fund's statement of additional information for a more detailed discussion of qualified dividend income and other U.S. federal income tax considerations that may affect the fund and its shareowners.
Financial highlights
The financial highlights table helps you understand the fund's financial performance for the past five years.
Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned or lost on an investment in Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).
The information below has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included in the fund's annual report along with the fund's financial statements. The annual report is available upon request.
Financial highlights
Pioneer Value Fund
Class A shares
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended 9/30/07 9/30/06 9/30/05 9/30/04 9/30/03 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 18.55 $ 17.55 $ 18.83 $ 16.25 $ 15.29 Net asset value, beginning of period --------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- Increase from investment operations: Net investment income $ 0.29 $ 0.28 $ 0.14 $ 0.14 $ 0.11 Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions 2.60 1.09 2.26 2.62 3.20 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net increase from investment operations $ 2.89 $ 1.37 $ 2.40 $ 2.76 $ 3.31 Distributions to shareowners: Net investment income (0.30) (0.25) (0.12) (0.14) (0.24) Net realized gain (2.86) (0.12) (3.56) (0.04) (2.11) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.27) $ 1.00 $ (1.28) $ 2.58 $ 0.96 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, end of period $ 18.28 $ 18.55 $ 17.55 $ 18.83 $ 16.25 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total return* 17.49% 7.89% 13.81% 17.04% 22.94% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 0.92% 0.94% 0.98% 1.02% 1.19% Ratio of net investment income to average net assets+ 1.65% 1.44% 0.85% 0.72% 0.85% Portfolio turnover rate 34% 86% 53% 40% 40% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $3,569,146 $3,852,832 $3,997,849 $3,745,950 $3,424,962 Ratios assuming reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.92% 0.94% 0.97% 1.02% 1.19% Net investment income 1.65% 1.44% 0.86% 0.72% 0.85% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the
investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales
charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into
account.
+ Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
Pioneer Value Fund
Class B shares
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended 9/30/07 9/30/06 9/30/05 9/30/04 9/30/03 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- $17.36 $16.40 $17.87 $15.45 $14.71 Net asset value, beginning of period ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss) $ 0.10 $ 0.10 $ (0.04) $ (0.04) $ (0.13) Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions 2.39 1.00 2.13 2.50 3.08 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 2.49 $ 1.10 $ 2.09 $ 2.46 $ 2.95 Distributions to shareowners: Net investment income (0.12) (0.02) - - (0.10) Net realized gain (2.86) (0.12) (3.56) (0.04) (2.11) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.49) $ 0.96 $ (1.47) $ 2.42 $ 0.74 -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 16.87 $ 17.36 $ 16.40 $ 17.87 $ 15.45 -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total return* 16.18% 6.74% 12.66% 15.95% 21.11% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 2.05% 2.03% 2.03% 1.89% 2.69% Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets+ 0.53% 0.32% (0.21)% (0.15)% (0.66)% Portfolio turnover rate 34% 86% 53% 40% 40% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 30,378 $37,116 $51,164 $32,440 $21,666 Ratios assuming reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 2.02% 2.03% 2.02% 1.89% 2.68% Net investment income (loss) 0.56% 0.32% (0.20)% (0.15)% (0.65)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the
investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales
charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into
account.
+ Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
Financial highlights
Pioneer Value Fund
Class C shares
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended 9/30/07 9/30/06 9/30/05 9/30/04 9/30/03 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- $ 17.33 $ 16.39 $ 17.87 $ 15.49 $ 14.69 Net asset value, beginning of period ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- Increase (decrease) from investment operations: Net investment income (loss) $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ (0.04) $ (0.09) $ (0.12) Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions 2.43 1.02 2.12 2.51 3.13 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) from investment operations $ 2.50 $ 1.09 $ 2.08 $ 2.42 $ 3.01 Distributions to shareowners: Net investment income (0.13) (0.03) - - (0.10) Net realized gain (2.86) (0.12) (3.56) (0.04) (2.11) ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.49) $ 0.94 $ (1.48) $ 2.38 $ 0.80 -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Net asset value, end of period $ 16.84 $ 17.33 $ 16.39 $ 17.87 $ 15.49 -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total return* 16.31% 6.68% 12.60% 15.66% 21.61% Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 1.98% 2.03% 2.08% 2.21% 2.48% Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets+ 0.58% 0.34% (0.25)% (0.47)% (0.44)% Portfolio turnover rate 34% 86% 53% 40% 40% Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $ 12,606 $8,723 $8,926 $9,168 $6,349 Ratios assuming reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 1.96% 2.03% 2.07% 2.20% 2.47% Net investment income (loss) 0.60% 0.34% (0.24)% (0.46)% (0.43)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the
investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales
charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into
account.
+ Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Pioneer
Value Fund
You can obtain more free information about the fund from your investment firm or by writing to Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You may also call 1-800-225-6292.
The fund makes available the statement of additional information and shareowner reports, free of charge, on the fund's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com.
Shareowner reports
Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners, and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provide additional information about the fund's investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
Statement of additional information
The statement of additional information provides more detailed information
about the fund. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Visit our website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
You can also review and copy the fund's shareowner reports, prospectus and statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
(Investment Company Act file no. 811-01835)
[LOGO] PIONEER
Investments (R) Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. 60 State Street 18713-01-0208 Boston, MA 02109 (C)2008 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. www.pioneerinvestments.com Member SIPC |
Prospectus
February 1, 2008
Class Y Shares
Basic information about the fund ........ 1 Management .............................. 8 Buying, exchanging and selling shares ... 11 Dividends, capital gains and taxes ...... 29 Financial highlights .................... 31 |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities agency has approved or disapproved the fund's shares or determined whether this prospectus is accurate or [LOGO]PIONEER complete. Any representation to the contrary Investments(R) is a crime. |
Basic information about the fund
Investment objective
Reasonable income and capital growth.
Principal investment strategies
The fund seeks to invest in a broad list of carefully selected, reasonably
priced securities rather than in securities whose prices reflect a premium
resulting from their current market popularity. The fund invests the major
portion of its assets in equity securities, primarily of U.S. issuers. For
purposes of the fund's investment policies, equity securities include common
stocks, convertible debt and other equity instruments, such as exchange-traded
funds (ETFs) that invest primarily in equity securities, depositary receipts,
warrants, rights, equity interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and
preferred stocks.
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., the fund's investment adviser, uses a value approach to select the fund's investments. Using this investment style, Pioneer seeks securities selling at reasonable prices or at substantial discounts to their underlying values and then generally holds these securities until the market values reflect their intrinsic values. Pioneer evaluates a security's potential value, including the attractiveness of its market valuation, based on the company's assets and prospects for earnings and revenue growth. In making that assessment, Pioneer employs due diligence and fundamental research, an evaluation of the issuer based on its financial statements and operations, and a bottom-up analytic style. Pioneer also considers a security's potential to provide a reasonable amount of income. Pioneer relies on the knowledge, experience and judgment of its staff and the staff of its affiliates who have access to a wide variety of research. Pioneer focuses on the quality and price of individual issuers, not on economic sector or market-timing strategies. Factors Pioneer looks for in selecting investments include:
o Above average potential for earnings and revenue growth
o Favorable expected returns relative to perceived risks
o Management with demonstrated ability and commitment to the company
o Low market valuations relative to earnings forecast, book value, cash flow
and sales
o Turnaround potential for companies that have been through difficult periods
o Good prospects for dividend growth
The fund primarily invests in securities of U.S. issuers. The fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of emerging markets issuers.
Basic information about the fund
Principal risks of investing in the fund
You could lose money on your investment or not make as much as if you invested
elsewhere if:
o The stock market goes down or performs poorly relative to other investments
(this risk may be greater in the short term)
o Value stocks fall out of favor with investors
o The fund's investments remain undervalued or do not have the potential
value originally expected
o Stocks selected for income do not achieve the same return as securities
selected for capital appreciation
Risks of non-U.S. investments
Investing in non-U.S. issuers may involve unique risks compared to investing in
the securities of U.S. issuers. These risks are more pronounced for issuers in
emerging markets or to the extent that the fund invests significantly in one
region or country. These risks may include:
o Less information about non-U.S. issuers or markets may be available due to
less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices
o Many non-U.S. markets are smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the U.S. market. Pioneer may not be able to sell the fund's portfolio securities at times, in amounts and at prices it considers reasonable
o Adverse effect of currency exchange rates or controls on the value of the
fund's investments
o The economies of non-U.S. countries may grow at slower rates than expected
or may experience a downturn or recession
o Economic, political and social developments may adversely affect the
securities markets
o Withholding and other non-U.S. taxes may decrease the fund's return
Market segment risks
To the extent the fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a market segment, the fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to the industries in that segment, and may experience greater market fluctuation, than a fund without the same focus. For example, industries in the financial segment, such as banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers and real estate investment trusts (REITs), may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and general economic activity and are generally subject to extensive government regulation. Industries in the technology segment, such as information technology, communications equipment, computer hardware and software, and office and scientific equipment, are subject to risks of rapidly evolving technology, short product lives, rates of corporate expenditures, falling prices and profits, competition from new market entrants, and general economic conditions.
The fund's past performance
The bar chart and table indicate the risks of investing in the fund by showing
how the fund has performed in the past. The fund's performance will vary from
year to year.
The fund's past performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future. As a shareowner, you may lose or make money on your investment.
Fund performance
The chart shows the year-by-year performance of the fund's Class Y shares.
The performance of Class Y shares for the period prior to the commencement of operations of Class Y shares is the net asset value performance of the fund's Class A shares, which has not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses, including Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class A shares.
The chart does not reflect any sales charge you may pay when you buy or sell fund shares. Any sales charge will reduce your return.
You do not pay a sales charge on purchases or redemptions of Class Y shares.
Annual return Class Y shares (%)
(Year ended December 31)
[THE FOLLOWING DATA IS REPRESENTED AS A BAR CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL]
'98 -7.99 '99 1.61 '00 15.96 '01 -3.08 '02 -18.79 '03 28.54 '04 12.47 '05 6.23 '06 15.93 '07 0.43 |
The highest calendar quarterly return was 15.93% (03/31/2003 to 06/30/2003)
The lowest calendar quarterly return was -22.31% (06/30/1998 to 09/30/1998)
Basic information about the fund
Comparison with the Russell 1000 Value Index The table shows the average annual total returns for Class Y shares of the fund over time and compares these returns to the returns of the Russell 1000 Value Index. This index measures the performance of large-cap U.S. value stocks.
Unlike the fund, the index is not managed and does not incur fees, expenses or taxes. You cannot invest directly in the index. The table:
o Assumes that you sell your shares at the end of the period
o Assumes that you reinvest all of your dividends and distributions
The performance of Class Y shares for the period prior to the commencement of operations of Class Y shares is the net asset value performance of the fund's Class A shares, which has not been restated to reflect any differences in expenses, including Rule 12b-1 fees applicable to Class A shares.
You do not pay a sales charge on purchases or redemptions of Class Y shares.
Average annual total return (%)
(for periods ended December 31, 2007)
Since Inception 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Inception Date# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class Y 9/30/69 Return before taxes 0.43 12.32 4.31 12.26 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return after taxes on distributions -1.88 10.48 2.73 9.37 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return after taxes on distributions and sale of shares 1.54 10.44 3.20 9.38 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell 1000 Value Index (reflects no deduction for taxes) -0.17 14.63 7.68 14.04* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
# Inception date of the fund's Class A shares. Class Y shares commenced operations on August 10, 2004.
* Index return information is not available for periods prior to December 31, 1978.
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown, and the after-tax returns shown are not relevant to shareholders who hold fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
Fees and expenses
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the fund.
Shareowner fees paid directly from your investment Class Y -------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum sales charge (load) when you buy shares None -------------------------------------------------------------------- Maximum deferred sales charge (load) when you sell shares None |
Annual fund operating expenses paid from the assets of the fund as a percentage of average daily net assets Class Y -------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee(1) 0.50% -------------------------------------------------------- Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fee 0.00% -------------------------------------------------------- Other Expenses 0.04% -------------------------------------------------------- Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(2) 0.54% -------------------------------------------------------- |
Example
This example helps you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. It assumes that: a) you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods shown, b) you reinvest all dividends and distributions, c) your investment has a 5% return each year and d) the fund's expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, under these assumptions your costs would be:
Number of years you own your shares ------------------------------------ 1 3 5 10 -------------------------------------------------- Class Y $55 $173 $302 $677 -------------------------------------------------- |
1 The fund pays a management fee that is adjusted upward or downward based on its performance relative to an index. The fund's basic fee before any performance adjustment is 0.60% of average daily net assets. This fee is reduced at asset levels above $5 billion. See "Management."
2 Total annual fund operating expenses in the table have not been reduced by any expense offset arrangements.
Basic information about the fund
Additional information about investment strategies and risks
The following sections provide additional information about the fund's investment strategies and risks. To learn more about these investments and risks, you should obtain and read the statement of additional information (SAI).
Debt securities
The fund may invest in debt securities of corporate and government issuers. Generally the fund acquires debt securities that are investment grade, but the fund may invest up to 5% of its net assets in below investment grade debt securities issued by both U.S. and non-U.S. corporate and government issuers, including convertible debt securities. The fund invests in debt securities when Pioneer believes they are consistent with the fund's investment objective of reasonable income and capital growth, to diversify the fund's portfolio or for greater liquidity.
Debt securities are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal or interest payments on its obligations. Factors that could contribute to a decline in the market value of debt securities in the fund's portfolio include rising interest rates or a reduction in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer of the securities. A debt security is investment grade if it is rated in one of the top four categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or determined to be of equivalent credit quality by Pioneer. Debt securities rated below investment grade are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative. Below investment grade debt securities involve greater risk of loss, are subject to greater price volatility and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher quality debt securities.
Investments in REITs
The fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in REITs. REITs are companies
that invest primarily in real estate or real estate related loans. Investing in
REITs involves unique risks. They are significantly affected by the market for
real estate and are dependent upon management skills and cash flow. In addition
to its own expenses, the fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of
any management and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests.
Cash management and temporary investments
Normally, the fund invests substantially all of its assets to meet its investment objective. The fund may invest the remainder of its assets in securities with remaining maturities of less than one year or cash equivalents, or may hold cash. For temporary defensive purposes, including during periods of unusual cash flows, the fund may depart from its principal investment strategies and invest part or all of its assets in these securities or may hold cash. During such periods, the fund may not be able to achieve its investment objective. The fund may adopt a
defensive strategy when Pioneer believes securities in which the fund normally invests have extraordinary risks due to political or economic factors and in other extraordinary circumstances.
Short-term trading
The fund usually does not trade for short-term profits. The fund will sell an
investment, however, even if it has only been held for a short time, if it no
longer meets the fund's investment criteria. If the fund does a lot of trading,
it may incur additional operating expenses, which would reduce performance, and
could cause shareowners to incur a higher level of taxable income or capital
gains.
See "Financial highlights" for actual annual turnover rates.
Derivatives
The fund may, but is not required to, use futures and options on securities,
indices and currencies, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and other
derivatives. A derivative is a security or instrument whose value is determined
by reference to the value or the change in value of one or more securities,
currencies, indices or other financial instruments. Although there is no
specific limitation on investing in derivatives, the fund does not use
derivatives as a primary investment technique and generally limits their use to
hedging. However, the fund may use derivatives for a variety of non-principal
purposes, including:
o As a hedge against adverse changes in the market prices of securities,
interest rates or currency exchange rates
o As a substitute for purchasing or selling securities
o To increase the fund's return as a non-hedging strategy that may be
considered speculative
Even a small investment in derivatives can have a significant impact on the fund's exposure to the market prices of securities, interest rates or currency exchange rates. Therefore, using derivatives can disproportionately increase losses and reduce opportunities for gain. If changes in a derivative's value do not correspond to changes in the value of the fund's other investments, the fund may not fully benefit from or could lose money on the derivative position. In addition, some derivatives involve risk of loss if the person who issued the derivative defaults on its obligation. Certain derivatives may be less liquid and more difficult to value. The fund will only invest in derivatives to the extent Pioneer believes these investments do not prevent the fund from seeking its investment objective, but derivatives may not perform as intended.
Management
Pioneer, the fund's investment adviser,
selects the fund's investments and oversees the fund's operations.
Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredito Italiano S.p.A., one of the largest banking groups in Italy. Pioneer is part of the global asset management group providing investment management and financial services to mutual funds, institutional and other clients. As of December 31, 2007, assets under management were approximately $312 billion worldwide, including over $78 billion in assets under management by Pioneer.
Investment adviser
Pioneer's main office is at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. The
firm's U.S. mutual fund investment history includes creating in 1928 one of the
first mutual funds.
Pioneer has received an order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees, to hire and terminate a subadviser or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract for the fund without shareholder approval. Pioneer retains the ultimate responsibility to oversee and recommend the hiring, termination and replacement of any subadviser. To the extent that the Securities and Exchange Commission adopts a rule that would supersede the order, or would provide greater flexibility than the order, Pioneer and the fund intend to rely on such rule to permit Pioneer, subject to the approval of the fund's Board of Trustees and any other applicable conditions of the rule, to hire and terminate a subadviser or to materially modify an existing subadvisory contract for the fund without shareholder approval.
Portfolio management
Day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio is the responsibility of Aaron C. Clark, lead portfolio manager. Mr. Clark is supported by J. Rodman Wright and Bradley T. Galko, portfolio managers, and the domestic equity team. Members of this team manage other Pioneer funds investing primarily in U.S. equity securities. The portfolio managers and the team also may draw upon the research and investment management expertise of the global research teams, which provide fundamental and quantitative research on companies and include members from Pioneer's affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited. Mr. Clark, a vice president, joined Pioneer in 2004 as a portfolio manager. Prior to joining Pioneer, Mr. Clark was a portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management from 1997 to 2004. Mr. Wright is a senior vice president of Pioneer and strategy director of the value team. He joined Pioneer in 1994 as an analyst. Mr. Galko, a vice president, joined Pioneer in 2001 as a senior analyst.
The fund's statement of additional information provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers, and the portfolio managers' ownership of shares of the fund.
Management fee
The fund pays Pioneer a fee for managing the fund and to cover the cost of
providing certain services to the fund.
Pioneer's fee varies based on:
o The fund's assets. Pioneer earns an annual basic fee equal to 0.60% of the
fund's average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5
billion and 0.550% on the excess over $10 billion.
o The fund's performance. The investment performance of the fund is compared
to the Russell 1000 Value Index. The basic fee can increase or decrease by
a maximum of 0.10%, depending on the performance of the fund's Class A
shares relative to the index. The performance comparison is made for a
rolling 36-month period.
Pioneer's fee increases or decreases depending upon whether the fund's performance is up and down more or less than that of the index during the rolling 36-month performance period. Each percentage point of difference between the performance of Class A shares and the index (to a maximum of +/- 10 percentage points) is multiplied by a performance rate adjustment of 0.01%. As a result, the maximum annualized rate adjustment is +/- 0.10% for the rolling 36-month performance period. In addition, Pioneer contractually limits any positive adjustment of your fund's management fee to 0.10% of the fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis (i.e. to a maximum of 0.70% after the performance adjustment).
This performance comparison is made at the end of each month. An appropriate percentage of this rate (based on the number of days in the current month) is then applied to the fund's average net assets for the entire performance period, giving a dollar amount that will be added to (or subtracted from) the basic fee.
Because the adjustment to the basic fee is based on the comparative performance of the fund and the performance record of the index, the controlling factor is not whether fund performance is up or down, but whether it is up or down more or less than the performance record of the index, regardless of general market performance. As a result, Pioneer could earn the maximum possible fee even if the fund's net asset value declines. Moreover, the comparative investment performance of the fund is based solely on the relevant performance period without regard to the cumulative performance over a longer or shorter period of time.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, the fund paid management fees equivalent to 0.50% of the fund's average daily net assets.
Management
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees' approval of the management contract is available in the fund's semiannual report to shareholders, for the period ended March 31, 2007.
Distributor and transfer agent
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. is the fund's distributor. Pioneer Investment
Management Shareholder Services, Inc. is the fund's transfer agent. The fund
compensates the distributor and transfer agent for their services. The
distributor and the transfer agent are affiliates of Pioneer.
Disclosure of portfolio holdings
The fund's policies and procedures with respect to disclosure of the fund's
portfolio securities are described in the statement of additional information.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Net asset value
The fund's net asset value is the value of its portfolio of securities plus any other assets minus its accrued operating expenses and other liabilities. The fund calculates a net asset value for each class of shares every day the New York Stock Exchange is open when regular trading closes (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time).
The fund generally values its portfolio securities using closing market prices or readily available market quotations. When closing market prices or market quotations are not available or are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value methods to value its securities pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated only using market prices. For market prices and quotations, as well as for some fair value methods, the fund relies upon securities prices provided by pricing services.
The fund uses fair value pricing methods for a security, including a non-U.S. security, when Pioneer determines that the closing market price on the primary exchange where the security is traded no longer accurately reflects the value of the security at the time the fund calculates its net asset value. This may occur for a variety of reasons that affect either the relevant securities markets generally or the specific issuer. For example, with respect to non-U.S. securities held by the fund, developments relating to specific events in the securities markets or the specific issuer may occur between the time the primary market closes and the time the fund determines its net asset value. International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are closed. For this reason, the values of any international securities owned by the fund could change on a day you cannot buy or sell shares of the fund.
Certain types of securities, including those discussed in this paragraph, are priced using fair value pricing methods rather than market prices. The fund uses a pricing matrix to determine the value of fixed income securities that may not trade daily. A pricing matrix is a means of valuing a debt security on the basis of current market prices for other debt securities and historical trading patterns in the market for fixed income securities. The fund values cash equivalent securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at amortized cost. To the extent that the fund invests in the shares of other registered open-end investment companies that are not traded on an exchange (mutual funds), such shares are valued at their published net asset values per share as reported by the funds. The prospectuses of these funds explain the circumstances under which the funds will use fair value pricing methods to value its securities and the effects of using fair value methodology.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
You buy or sell Class Y shares at the share price.
Distribution of Class Y shares
The distributor incurs the expenses of distributing the fund's Class Y shares,
none of which are reimbursed by the fund or the Class Y shareowners.
Distribution expenses include fees paid to broker-dealers which have sales
agreements with the distributor and other parties, advertising expenses and the
cost of printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors.
Additional payments to financial intermediaries Pioneer and its affiliates may make additional payments to your financial intermediary. These payments by Pioneer may provide your financial intermediary with an incentive to favor the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or assist the distributor in its efforts to promote the sale of the fund's shares. Financial intermediaries include broker-dealers, banks (including bank trust departments), registered investment advisers, financial planners, retirement plan administrators and other types of intermediaries.
Pioneer makes these additional payments (sometimes referred to as "revenue sharing") to financial intermediaries out of its own assets. Revenue sharing is not an expense of the Pioneer funds. Pioneer may base these payments on a variety of criteria, including the amount of sales or assets attributable to the financial intermediary or as a per transaction fee.
Not all financial intermediaries receive additional compensation and the amount of compensation paid varies for each financial intermediary. In certain cases, these payments may be significant. Pioneer determines which firms to support and the extent of the payments it is willing to make, generally choosing firms that have a strong capability to effectively distribute shares of the Pioneer funds and that are willing to cooperate with Pioneer's promotional efforts. Pioneer also may compensate financial intermediaries (in addition to amounts that may be paid by the fund) for providing certain administrative services and transaction processing services.
Pioneer may benefit from revenue sharing if the intermediary features the Pioneer funds in its sales system (such as by placing certain Pioneer funds on its preferred fund list or giving access on a preferential basis to members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management). In addition, the financial intermediary may agree to participate in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as by helping to facilitate or provide financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the funds to the
intermediary's sales force). To the extent intermediaries sell more shares of the Pioneer funds or retain shares of the Pioneer funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer receives greater management and other fees due to the increase in the Pioneer funds' assets. The intermediary may earn a profit on these payments if the amount of the payment exceeds the intermediary's costs.
The compensation that Pioneer pays to financial intermediaries is discussed in more detail in the fund's statement of additional information. Your intermediary may charge you additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in this prospectus. Intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than the discussion above and in the statement of additional information. You can ask your financial intermediary about any payments it receives from Pioneer or the Pioneer funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.
Pioneer and its affiliates may have other relationships with your financial intermediary relating to the provision of services to the funds, such as providing omnibus account services or effecting portfolio transactions for the Pioneer funds. If your intermediary provides these services, Pioneer or the Pioneer funds may compensate the intermediary for these services. In addition, your intermediary may have other relationships with Pioneer or its affiliates that are not related to the funds.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Opening your account
If you are an individual or other non-institutional investor, open your Class Y share account by completing an account application and sending it to the transfer agent by mail or by fax. If you are any other type of investor, please call the transfer agent to obtain a Class Y share account application and an account number.
If you invest in the fund through investment professionals or other financial intermediaries, including wrap programs and similar programs, additional conditions may apply to your investment in the fund, and the investment professional or intermediary may charge you a transaction-based or other fee for its services. These conditions and fees are in addition to those imposed by the fund and its affiliates. You should ask your investment professional or financial intermediary about its services and any applicable fees.
The transfer agent must receive your account application before you send your initial check or federal funds wire. In addition, you must provide a bank wire address of record when you establish your account.
If your shares are held in your investment firm's name, the options and services available to you may be different from those discussed in this prospectus. Ask your investment professional financial intermediary for more information.
Account options
Use your account application to select options and privileges for your account.
You can change your selections at any time by sending a completed account
options form to the transfer agent. You may be required to obtain a signature
guarantee to make certain changes to an existing account.
Call or write to the transfer agent for account applications, account options forms and other account information:
Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 55150
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5150
Telephone 1-800-665-8839
Telephone transaction privileges
If your account is registered in your name, you can exchange or sell Class Y
shares by telephone. If you do not want your account to have telephone
transaction privileges, you must indicate that choice on your account
application or by writing to the transfer agent.
When you request a telephone transaction the transfer agent will try to confirm that the request is genuine. The transfer agent records the call, requires the caller to
provide validating information for the account and sends you a written confirmation. The fund may implement other confirmation procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
General rules on buying, exchanging and selling your fund shares
Share price
If you place an order to purchase, exchange or sell shares with the transfer agent or an authorized agent by the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time), your transaction will be completed at the share price determined as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange on that day. If your order is placed with the transfer agent or an authorized agent after 4:00 p.m., or your order is not in good order, your transaction will be completed at the share price next determined after your order is received in good order by the fund. The authorized agent is responsible for transmitting your order to the fund in a timely manner.
Good order means that:
o You have provided adequate instructions
o There are no outstanding claims against your account
o There are no transaction limitations on your account
o If you have any fund share certificates, you submit them and they are
signed by each record owner exactly as the shares are registered
o Your request includes a signature guarantee if you:
- Are selling over $100,000 worth of shares and
- Want the sale proceeds sent to an address other than your bank account
of record or
- Want the sale proceeds to be made payable to someone other than the
account's record owners or
- Changed your account registration, address of record or bank account of record within the last 30 days
- Are selling or exchanging over $5 million worth of shares
- Are transferring the sale proceeds to a Pioneer mutual fund account
with a different registration
Transaction limitations
Your transactions are subject to certain limitations, including the limitation on the purchase of the fund's shares within 30 calendar days of a redemption. See "Excessive trading."
Buying
You can buy Class Y shares at net asset value per share. The fund does not impose any initial, contingent deferred or asset based sales charge on Class Y shares. The distributor may reject any order until it has confirmed it in writing and received payment.
You may use securities you own to purchase shares of the fund provided that Pioneer, in its sole discretion, determines that the securities are consistent with the fund's objective and policies and their acquisition is in the best interests of the fund. If the fund accepts your securities, they will be valued for purposes of determining the number of fund shares to be issued to you in the same way the fund will value the securities for purposes of determining its net asset value. For federal income tax purposes, you may be taxed in the same manner as if you sold the securities that you use to purchase fund shares for cash in an amount equal to the value of the fund shares that you purchase. Your broker may also impose a fee in connection with processing your purchase of fund shares with securities.
Minimum investment amount
Your initial Class Y share investment must be at least $5 million. This amount
may be invested in one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds that currently offer
Class Y shares. There is no minimum additional investment amount. The fund may
waive the initial investment amount.
Waivers of the minimum investment amount The fund will accept an initial investment of less than $5 million if:
(a) The investment is made by a trust company or bank trust department which is initially investing at least $1 million in any of the Pioneer mutual funds and, at the time of the purchase, such assets are held in a fiduciary, advisory, custodial or similar capacity over which the trust company or bank trust department has full or shared investment discretion; or
(b) The investment is at least $1 million in any of the Pioneer mutual funds and the purchaser is an insurance company separate account; or
(c) The account is not represented by a broker-dealer and the investment is made by (1) an ERISA-qualified retirement plan that meets the requirements of Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code, (2) an employer-sponsored retirement plan that meets the requirements of Sections 403 or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code, (3) a private foundation that meets the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or (4) an endowment or other organization that meets the requirements of Section 509(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code; or
(d) The investment is made by an employer-sponsored retirement plan established for the benefit of (1) employees of Pioneer or its affiliates, or (2) employees or the affiliates of broker-dealers who have a Class Y shares sales agreement with the distributor; or
(e) The investment is made through certain mutual fund programs sponsored by qualified intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and investment advisers. In each case, the intermediary has entered into an agreement with Pioneer to
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
include Class Y shares of the Pioneer mutual funds in their program. The intermediary provides investors participating in the program with additional services, including advisory, asset allocation, recordkeeping or other services. You should ask your investment firm if it offers and you are eligible to participate in such a mutual fund program and whether participation in the program is consistent with your investment goals. The intermediaries sponsoring or participating in these mutual fund programs may also offer their clients other classes of shares of the funds and investors may receive different levels of services or pay different fees depending upon the class of shares included in the program. Investors should consider carefully any separate transaction and other fees charged by these programs in connection with investing in each available share class before selecting a share class; or
(f) The investment is made by another Pioneer fund
The fund reserves the right to waive the initial investment minimum in other circumstances.
Identity verification
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering
activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify
and record information that identifies each person who opens an account. When
you open an account, you will need to supply your name, address, date of birth,
and other information that will allow the fund to identify you.
The fund may close your account if we cannot adequately verify your identity. The redemption price will be the net asset value on the date of redemption.
Exchanging
You may exchange your Class Y shares for the Class Y shares of another Pioneer
mutual fund.
Your exchange request must be for at least $1,000. The fund allows you to exchange your Class Y shares at net asset value without charging you either an initial or contingent deferred sales charge.
Before you request an exchange, consider each fund's investment objective and policies as described in the fund's prospectus.
Selling
Your Class Y shares will be sold at net asset value per share next calculated after the fund or its authorized agent, such as a broker-dealer, receives your request in good order. If a signature guarantee is required, you must submit your request in writing.
The fund generally will send your sale proceeds by check, bank wire or electronic funds transfer. Normally you will be paid within seven days. If you recently
purchased the shares being sold, the fund may delay payment of the sale proceeds until your check has cleared. This may take up to 10 calendar days from the purchase date.
If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account or certain IRAs, you may use any of the methods described below. If you are selling shares from a retirement account other than an IRA, you must make your request in writing.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Buying shares
In writing, by mail
You can purchase Class Y shares by mailing a check to the transfer agent. Make your check payable to the fund. Neither initial nor subsequent investments should be made by third party check. Your check must be in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Include in your purchase request the fund's name, the account number and the name or names in the account registration.
If you are registering an account in the name of a corporation or other fiduciary, you must send your completed account set-up forms to the transfer agent prior to making your initial purchase.
By wire
If you have an existing Class Y account, you may wire funds to purchase Class Y
shares. Note, however, that:
o State Street Bank must receive your wire no later than 11:00 a.m. Eastern
time on the business day after the fund receives your request to purchase
shares
o If State Street Bank does not receive your wire by 11:00 a.m. Eastern time
on the next business day, your transaction will be canceled at your expense
and risk
o Wire transfers normally take two or more hours to complete and a fee may be
charged by the sending bank
o Wire transfers may be restricted on holidays and at certain other times
Instruct your bank to wire funds to:
Receiving Bank: State Street Bank and Trust Company 225 Franklin Street Boston, MA 02101 ABA Routing No. 011000028 For further credit to: Shareholder Name Existing Pioneer Account No. Value Fund |
Through your investment firm
Consult your investment professional for more information.
Exchanging shares
In writing, by mail or by fax
You can exchange Class Y shares by mailing or faxing a letter of instruction to
the transfer agent. You can exchange fund shares directly through the fund only
if your account is registered in your name. However, you may not fax an exchange
request for more than $5 million. Include in your letter:
o The name and signature of all registered owners
o A signature guarantee for each registered owner if the amount of the
exchange is more than $5 million
o The name of the fund out of which you are exchanging and the name of the
fund into which you are exchanging
o The dollar amount or number of Class Y shares you are exchanging
By phone
After you establish your Class Y account, you can exchange fund shares by phone
if:
o You are using the exchange to establish a new account, provided the new
account has a registration identical to the original account
o The fund into which you are exchanging offers Class Y shares
o You are not exchanging more than $5 million worth of shares per account per
day
o You can provide the proper account identification information
Through your investment firm
Consult your investment professional for more information about exchanging your
shares.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Selling shares
In writing, by mail or by fax
You can sell some or all of your Class Y shares by writing directly to the fund
only if your account is registered in your name. Include in your request your
name, the fund's name, your fund account number, the dollar amount or number of
Class Y shares to be sold and any other applicable requirements as described
below.
o The transfer agent will send the sale proceeds to your address of record
unless you provide other instructions
o Your request must be signed by all registered owners
o The transfer agent will not process your request until it is received in
good order
By fax
o You may sell up to $5 million per account per day if the proceeds are
directed to your bank account of record
o You may sell up to $100,000 per account per day if the proceeds are not
directed to your bank account of record
By phone or wire
o You may sell up to $5 million per account per day if the proceeds are
directed to your bank account of record
o You may sell up to $100,000 per account per day if the proceeds are not
directed to your bank account of record
You may sell fund shares held in a retirement plan account by phone only if your account is an IRA. You may not sell your shares by phone if you have changed your address (for checks) or your bank information (for wires and transfers) in the last 30 days.
You may receive your sale proceeds:
o By check, provided the check is made payable exactly as your account is
registered
o By bank wire or by electronic funds transfer, provided the sale proceeds
are being sent to your bank address of record
Through your investment firm
Consult your investment professional for more information. The fund has
authorized the distributor to act as its agent in the repurchase of fund shares
from qualified investment firms. The fund reserves the right to terminate this
procedure at any time.
How to contact us
By phone
For information or to request a telephone transaction between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m. (Eastern time) by speaking with a shareholder services representative call
1-800-665-8839
By mail
Send your written instructions to:
Pioneer Investment Management
Shareholder Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 55150
Boston, Massachusetts 02205-5150
Pioneer website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
By fax
Fax your exchange and sale requests to:
1-888-294-4485
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Excessive trading
Frequent trading into and out of the fund can disrupt portfolio management
strategies, harm fund performance by forcing the fund to hold excess cash or to
liquidate certain portfolio securities prematurely and increase expenses for all
investors, including long-term investors who do not generate these costs. An
investor may use short-term trading as a strategy, for example, if the investor
believes that the valuation of the fund's portfolio securities for purposes of
calculating its net asset value does not fully reflect the then current fair
market value of those holdings. The fund discourages, and does not take any
intentional action to accommodate, excessive and short-term trading practices,
such as market timing. Although there is no generally applied standard in the
marketplace as to what level of trading activity is excessive, we may consider
trading in the fund's shares to be excessive for a variety of reasons, such as
if:
o You sell shares within a short period of time after the shares were
purchased;
o You make two or more purchases and redemptions within a short period of
time;
o You enter into a series of transactions that indicate a timing pattern or strategy; or
o We reasonably believe that you have engaged in such practices in connection with other mutual funds.
The fund's Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares by fund investors. Pursuant to these policies and procedures, we monitor selected trades on a daily basis in an effort to detect excessive short-term trading. If we determine that an investor or a client of a broker or other intermediary has engaged in excessive short-term trading that we believe may be harmful to the fund, we will ask the investor, broker or other intermediary to cease such activity and we will refuse to process purchase orders (including purchases by exchange) of such investor, broker or other intermediary that we believe are under their control. In determining whether to take such actions, we seek to act in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the fund's shareholders.
While we use our reasonable efforts to detect excessive trading activity, there can be no assurance that our efforts will be successful or that market timers will not employ tactics designed to evade detection. If we are not successful, your return from an investment in the fund may be adversely affected. Frequently, fund shares are held through omnibus accounts maintained by financial intermediaries such as brokers and retirement plan administrators, where the holdings of multiple shareholders, such as all the clients of a particular broker or other intermediary, are aggregated. Our ability to monitor trading practices by investors purchasing shares through omnibus accounts may be limited and dependent upon the cooperation of the broker or other intermediary in taking steps to limit this type of activity.
The fund may reject a purchase or exchange order before its acceptance or an order prior to issuance of shares. The fund may also restrict additional purchases or exchanges in an account. Each of these steps may be taken for any transaction, for any reason, without prior notice, including transactions that the fund believes are requested on behalf of market timers. The fund reserves the right to reject any purchase or exchange request by any investor or financial institution if the fund believes that any combination of trading activity in the account or related accounts is potentially disruptive to the fund. A prospective investor whose purchase or exchange order is rejected will not achieve the investment results, whether gain or loss, that would have been realized if the order were accepted and an investment made in the fund. A fund and its shareholders do not incur any gain or loss as a result of a rejected order. The fund may impose further restrictions on trading activities by market timers in the future.
To limit the negative effects of excessive trading on the fund, the fund has
adopted the following restriction on investor transactions. If an investor
redeems $5,000 or more (including redemptions that are a part of an exchange
transaction) from the fund, that investor shall be prevented (or "blocked") from
purchasing shares of the fund (including purchases that are a part of an
exchange transaction) for 30 calendar days after the redemption. This policy
does not apply to systematic purchase or withdrawal plan transactions,
transactions made through employer-sponsored retirement plans described under
Section 401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code or employee benefit
plans, scheduled (Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) election) or mandatory
(required minimum distribution) withdrawals from IRAs, rebalancing transactions
made through certain asset allocation or "wrap" programs, transactions by
insurance company separate accounts or transactions by other funds that invest
in the fund. This policy does not apply to purchase or redemption transactions
of less than $5,000 or to the Pioneer money market funds.
We rely on financial intermediaries that maintain omnibus accounts to apply to their customers either the fund's policy described above or their own policies or restrictions designed to limit excessive trading of fund shares. However, we do not impose this policy at the omnibus account level.
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
Account options
Distribution options
The fund offers three distribution options. Any fund shares you buy by
reinvesting distributions will be priced at the applicable net asset value per
share.
(1) Unless you indicate another option on your account application, any dividends and capital gain distributions paid to you by the fund will automatically be invested in additional fund shares.
(2) You may elect to have the amount of any dividends paid to you in cash and any capital gain distributions reinvested in additional shares.
(3) You may elect to have the full amount of any dividends and/or capital gain distributions paid to you in cash.
Options (2) or (3) are not available to retirement plan accounts or accounts with a current value of less than $500.
If your distribution check is returned to the transfer agent or you do not cash the check for six months or more, the transfer agent may reinvest the amount of the check in your account and automatically change the distribution option on your account to option (1) until you request a different option in writing. If the amount of a distribution check would be less than $10, the fund may reinvest the amount instead of sending a check. Additional shares will be purchased at the then current net asset value.
Shareowner services
Pioneer website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
The website includes a full selection of information on mutual fund investing.
You can also use the website to get:
o Your current account information
o Prices, returns and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds
o Prospectuses, statements of additional information and shareowner reports
for all the Pioneer mutual funds
o A copy of Pioneer's privacy notice
FactFone(SM) 1-800-225-4321
You can use FactFone(SM) to:
o Obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual fund accounts
o Inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer
mutual funds
o Request account statements
If your account is registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party, you may not be able to use FactFone(SM) to obtain account information.
Confirmation statements
The transfer agent maintains an account for each investment firm or individual
shareowner and records all account transactions. You will be sent confirmation
statements showing the details of your transactions as they occur, except
automatic investment plan transactions, which are confirmed quarterly. If you
have more than one Pioneer mutual fund account registered in your name, the
Pioneer combined account statement will be mailed to you each quarter.
Tax information
Early each year, the fund will mail you information about the tax status of the dividends and distributions paid to you by the fund.
Privacy
The fund has a policy that protects the privacy of your personal information. A
copy of Pioneer's privacy notice was given to you at the time you opened your
account. The fund will send you a copy of the privacy notice each year. You may
also obtain the privacy notice by calling the transfer agent or through
Pioneer's website.
Shareowner account policies
Signature guarantees and other requirements
You are required to obtain a signature guarantee when:
o Requesting certain types of exchanges or sales of fund shares
o Requesting certain types of changes for your existing account
You can obtain a signature guarantee from most broker-dealers, banks, credit unions (if authorized under state law) and federal savings and loan associations. You cannot obtain a signature guarantee from a notary public.
The Pioneer funds generally accept only medallion signature guarantees. A medallion signature guarantee may be obtained from a domestic bank or trust company, broker, dealer, clearing agency, savings association, or other financial institution that is participating in a medallion program recognized by the Securities Transfer Association. Signature guarantees from financial institutions that are not participating in one of these programs are not accepted as medallion signature guarantees. The fund may accept other forms of guarantee from financial intermediaries in limited circumstances.
Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit additional documents to sell fund shares.
Minimum account size
The fund requires that you maintain a minimum account value of $500. If you hold
less than $500 in your account, the fund reserves the right to notify you that
it intends to sell your shares and close your account. You will be given 60 days
from
Buying, exchanging and selling shares
the date of the notice to make additional investments to avoid having your shares sold. This policy does not apply to certain qualified retirement plan accounts.
Telephone and website access
You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing
pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in
telephone or Internet service. On New York Stock Exchange holidays or on days
when the exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone
center accordingly. If you are unable to access pioneerinvestments.com or reach
the fund by telephone, you should communicate with the fund in writing.
Share certificates
The fund does not offer share certificates. Shares are electronically recorded.
Other policies
The fund and the distributor reserve the right to:
o reject any purchase or exchange order for any reason, without prior notice
o charge a fee for exchanges or to modify, limit or suspend the exchange
privilege at any time without notice. The fund will provide 60 days' notice
of material amendments to or termination of the exchange privilege
o revise, suspend, limit or terminate the account options or services
available to shareowners at any time, except as required by the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission
The fund reserves the right to:
o stop offering Class Y shares
o suspend transactions in shares when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is closed or restricted, or when the Securities and Exchange Commission determines an emergency or other circumstances exist that make it impracticable for the fund to sell or value its portfolio securities
o redeem in kind by delivering to you portfolio securities owned by the fund rather than cash. Securities you receive this way may increase or decrease in value while you hold them and you may incur brokerage and transaction charges and tax liability when you convert the securities to cash
o charge transfer, shareholder servicing or similar agent fees, such as an account maintenance fee for small balance accounts, directly to accounts upon at least 30 days' notice. The fund may do this by deducting the fee from your distribution of dividends and/or by redeeming fund shares to the extent necessary to cover the fee
Dividends, capital gains and taxes
Dividends and capital gains
The fund generally pays any distributions of net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in June and December. The fund may also pay dividends and capital gain distributions at other times if necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax. If you invest in the fund shortly before a distribution, generally you will pay a higher price per share and you will pay taxes on the amount of the distribution whether you reinvest the distribution in additional shares or receive it as cash.
Taxes
You will normally have to pay federal income taxes, and any state or local taxes, on the distributions you receive from the fund, whether you take the distributions in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions from the fund's net capital gains (if any) are considered long-term capital gains and may be taxable to you at reduced rates depending upon their source and other factors. Distributions from the fund's net short-term capital gains are taxable as ordinary income. Other dividends are taxable either as ordinary income or, for taxable years beginning on or before December 31, 2010, if so designated by the fund and certain other conditions, including holding period requirements, are met by the fund and the shareholder, as "qualified dividend income" taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate.
"Qualified dividend income" generally is income derived from dividends from U.S. corporations or certain foreign corporations that are either incorporated in a U.S. possession or eligible for tax benefits under certain U.S. income tax treaties. In addition, dividends that the fund receives in respect of stock of certain foreign corporations may be "qualified dividend income" if that stock is readily tradable on an established U.S. securities market.
A portion of dividends received from the fund (but none of the fund's capital gain distributions) may qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
When you sell or exchange fund shares you will generally recognize a capital gain or capital loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net amount of sale proceeds (or, in the case of an exchange, the fair market value of the shares) that you receive and your tax basis for the shares that you sell or exchange.
You must provide your social security number or other taxpayer identification number to the fund along with the certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service when you open an account. If you do not or if it is otherwise legally required to do so, the fund will withhold 28% "backup withholding" tax from your dividends and other distributions, sale proceeds and any other payments to you.
Dividends, capital gains and taxes
You should ask your tax adviser about any federal, state, local and foreign tax considerations relating to an investment in the fund. You may also consult the fund's statement of additional information for a more detailed discussion of qualified dividend income and other U.S. federal income tax considerations that may affect the fund and its shareowners.
Financial highlights
The financial highlights table helps you understand the fund's financial performance since the inception of Class Y shares.
Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned or lost on an investment in Class Y shares of the fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions).
The information below has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is included in the fund's annual report along with the fund's financial statements. The annual report is available upon request.
Financial highlights
Pioneer Value Fund
Class Y shares
8/11/04 (a) Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended to 9/30/07 9/30/06 9/30/05 9/30/04 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 18.67 $ 17.59 $ 18.84 $ 18.16 --------------------------------------------------- Increase from investment operations: Net investment income $ 0.39 $ 0.33 $ 0.12 $ 0.02 Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions 2.59 1.11 2.37 0.66 --------------------------------------------------- Net increase from investment operations $ 2.98 $ 1.44 $ 2.49 $ 0.68 Distributions to shareowners: Net investment income ( 0.37) ( 0.24) ( 0.18) - Net realized gain ( 2.86) ( 0.12) ( 3.56) - --------------------------------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in net asset value $ (0.25) $ 1.08 $ (1.25) $ 0.68 --------------------------------------------------- Net asset value, end of period $ 18.42 $ 18.67 $ 17.59 $ 18.84 =================================================== Total return* 17.92% 8.31% 14.40% 3.74%(b) Ratio of net expenses to average net assets+ 0.54% 0.55% 0.59% 0.61%** Ratio of net investment income to average net assets+ 2.04% 1.84% 1.50% 1.37%** Portfolio turnover rate 34% 86% 53% 40%(b) Net assets, end of period (in thousands) $238,308 $333,884 $311,272 $ 1,872 Ratios assuming reduction for fees paid indirectly: Net expenses 0.54% 0.55% 0.59% 0.61%** Net investment income 2.04% 1.84% 1.51% 1.37%** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(a) Class Y Shares were first publicly offered on August 11, 2004.
* Assumes initial investment at net asset value at the beginning of each
period, reinvestment of all distributions, the complete redemption of the
investment at net asset value at the end of each period, and no sales
charges. Total return would be reduced if sales charges were taken into
account.
(b) Not annualized.
** Annualized.
+ Ratios assuming no reduction for fees paid indirectly.
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
Pioneer
Value Fund
You can obtain more free information about the fund from your investment firm or by writing to Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You may also call 1-800-665-8839.
The fund makes available the statement of additional information and shareowner reports, free of charge, on the fund's website at www.pioneerinvestments.com.
Shareowner reports
Annual and semiannual reports to shareowners, and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, provide additional information about the fund's investments. The annual report discusses market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
Statement of additional information
The statement of additional information provides more detailed information about
the fund. It is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
Visit our website
www.pioneerinvestments.com
You can also review and copy the fund's shareowner reports, prospectus and statement of additional information at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-8090 for information. The Commission charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free from the Commission's EDGAR database on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the Commission's Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
(Investment Company Act file no. 811-01835)
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R) Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. 60 State Street Boston, MA 02109 18714-02-0208 (C)2008 Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. www.pioneerinvestments.com Member SIPC |
PIONEER VALUE FUND
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Y Shares
February 1, 2008
This statement of additional information is not a prospectus. It should be read in conjunction with the fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares prospectus and Class Y shares prospectus, each dated February 1, 2008, as supplemented or revised from time to time. A copy of each prospectus can be obtained free of charge by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. You can also obtain a copy of each prospectus from our website at: www.pioneerinvestments.com. The fund's financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007, including the independent registered public accounting firm's report thereon, are incorporated into this statement of additional information by reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page ---- 1. Fund History...............................................................................................2 2. Investment Policies, Risks and Restrictions................................................................2 3. Trustees and Officers.....................................................................................24 4. Investment Adviser........................................................................................34 5. Principal Underwriter and Distribution Plans..............................................................39 6. Shareholder Servicing/Transfer Agent......................................................................43 7. Custodian.................................................................................................44 8. Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.............................................................44 9. Portfolio Management......................................................................................44 10. Portfolio Transactions....................................................................................49 11. Description of Shares.....................................................................................50 12. Sales Charges.............................................................................................52 13. Redeeming Shares..........................................................................................59 14. Telephone and Online Transactions.........................................................................60 15. Pricing of Shares.........................................................................................61 16. Tax Status................................................................................................62 17. Financial Statements......................................................................................69 18. Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information.................................................................69 19. Appendix A - Description of Short-Term Debt, Corporate Bond and Preferred Stock Ratings...................................................................................74 20. Appendix B - Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.........................................................79 |
1. FUND HISTORY
The fund is a diversified open-end management investment company. The fund was originally organized as a Massachusetts corporation on March 18, 1969 and then reorganized as a Massachusetts business trust on February 15, 1985. It was reorganized as a Delaware statutory trust on May 1, 1996. Prior to April 2, 2001, the fund's name was "Pioneer II."
2. INVESTMENT POLICIES, RISKS AND RESTRICTIONS
The prospectuses present the investment objective and the principal investment strategies and risks of the fund. This section supplements the disclosure in the fund's prospectuses and provides additional information on the fund's investment policies or restrictions. Restrictions or policies stated as a maximum percentage of the fund's assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio investment to which the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing and illiquid securities). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies with the fund's restrictions and policies.
Equity Investments and Related Investments
Investments in Equity Securities
Equity securities, such as common stock, generally represent an ownership interest in a company. While equity securities have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities, equity securities have also experienced significantly more volatility in those returns. An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular equity security held by the fund. Also, the price of equity securities, particularly common stocks, are sensitive to general movements in the stock market. A drop in the stock market may depress the price of equity securities held by the fund.
Warrants and Stock Purchase Rights
The fund may invest in warrants, which are securities permitting, but not obligating, their holder to subscribe for other securities. Warrants do not carry with them the right to dividends or voting rights with respect to the securities that they entitle their holders to purchase, and they do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuer.
The fund may also invest in stock purchase rights. Stock purchase rights are instruments, frequently distributed to an issuer's shareholders as a dividend, that entitle the holder to purchase a specific number of shares of common stock on a specific date or during a specific period of time. The exercise price on the rights is normally at a discount from market value of the common stock at the time of distribution. The rights do not carry with them the right to dividends or to vote and may or may not be transferable. Stock purchase rights are frequently used outside of the United States as a means of raising additional capital from an issuer's current shareholders.
As a result, an investment in warrants or stock purchase rights may be considered more speculative than certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a warrant or a stock purchase right does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying securities, and
warrants and stock purchase rights expire worthless if they are not exercised on or prior to their expiration date.
Preferred Shares
The fund may invest in preferred shares. Preferred shares are equity securities, but they have many characteristics of fixed income securities, such as a fixed dividend payment rate and/or a liquidity preference over the issuer's common shares. However, because preferred shares are equity securities, they may be more susceptible to risks traditionally associated with equity investments than the fund's fixed income securities.
Investments in Initial Public Offerings
To the extent consistent with its investment objective, the fund may invest in initial public offerings ("IPOs") of equity securities. The market for such securities may be more volatile and entail greater risk of loss than investments in more established companies. Investments in initial public offerings may represent a significant portion of the fund's investment performance. The fund cannot assure that investments in initial public offerings will continue to be available to the fund or, if available, will result in positive investment performance. In addition, as the fund's portfolio grows in size, the impact of investments in initial public offerings on the overall performance of the fund is likely to decrease.
Non U.S. Investments
Debt Obligations of Non-U.S. Governments
The fund may invest in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments. An investment in debt obligations of non-U.S. governments and their political subdivisions (sovereign debt) involves special risks that are not present in corporate debt obligations. The non-U.S. issuer of the sovereign debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and the fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the past, certain non-U.S. countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their sovereign debt.
A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the sovereign debtor's policy toward its principal international lenders and local political constraints. Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from non-U.S. governments, multinational agencies and other entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The failure of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the cancellation of third-party commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to service its debts.
Eurodollar Instruments and Samurai and Yankee Bonds The fund may invest in Eurodollar instruments and Samurai and Yankee bonds. Eurodollar instruments are bonds of corporate and government issuers that pay interest and principal in U.S. dollars but are issued in markets outside the United States, primarily in Europe. Samurai bonds are yen-denominated bonds sold in Japan by non-Japanese issuers. Yankee bonds are U.S. dollar denominated bonds typically issued in the U.S. by non-U.S. governments and their agencies and non-U.S. banks and corporations. The fund may also invest in Eurodollar Certificates of Deposit ("ECDs"), Eurodollar Time Deposits ("ETDs") and Yankee Certificates of Deposit ("Yankee CDs"). ECDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by non-U.S. branches of domestic banks; ETDs are U.S. dollar-denominated deposits in a non-U.S. branch of a U.S. bank or in a non-U.S. bank; and Yankee CDs are U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a non-U.S. bank and held in the U.S. These investments involve risks that are different from investments in securities issued by U.S. issuers, including potential unfavorable political and economic developments, non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, seizure of non-U.S. deposits, currency controls, interest limitations or other governmental restrictions which might affect payment of principal or interest.
Investments in Emerging Markets. The fund may invest in securities of issuers in countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Emerging economies or securities markets will generally include, but not be limited to, countries included in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Index. The fund will generally focus on emerging markets that do not impose unusual trading requirements which tend to restrict the flow of investments. In addition, the fund may invest in unquoted securities, including securities of emerging market issuers.
Risks of Non-U.S. Investments
Investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers involves considerations and risks not typically associated with investing in the securities of issuers in the U.S. These risks are heightened with respect to investments in countries with emerging markets and economies. The risks of investing in securities of non-U.S. issuers generally, or in issuers with significant exposure to non-U.S. markets may be related, among other things, to (i) differences in size, liquidity and volatility of, and the degree and manner of regulation of, the securities markets of certain non-U.S. markets compared to the securities markets in the U.S.; (ii) economic, political and social factors; and (iii) foreign exchange matters, such as restrictions on the repatriation of capital, fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which the fund's portfolio securities are quoted or denominated, exchange control regulations and costs associated with currency exchange. The political and economic structures in certain countries, particularly emerging markets, may undergo significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed countries.
Non-U.S. Securities Markets and Regulations. There may be less publicly available information about non-U.S. markets and issuers than is available with respect to U.S. securities and issuers. Non-U.S. companies generally are not subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The trading markets for most non-U.S. securities are generally less liquid and subject to greater price volatility than the markets for comparable securities in the U.S. The markets for securities in certain emerging markets are in the earliest stages of their development. Even the markets for relatively widely traded securities in certain non-U.S. markets, including emerging market countries, may not be able to absorb, without price disruptions, a significant increase in
trading volume or trades of a size customarily undertaken by institutional investors in the U.S. Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and reduced liquidity. The less liquid a market, the more difficult it may be for the fund to accurately price its portfolio securities or to dispose of such securities at the times determined by Pioneer to be appropriate. The risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute in situations in which the fund's operations require cash, such as in order to meet redemptions and to pay its expenses.
Economic, Political and Social Factors. Certain countries, including emerging
markets, may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social
instability than in the U.S. and Western European countries. Such instability
may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military
involvement in political and economic decision making; (ii) popular unrest
associated with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions;
(iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries;
and (v) ethnic, religious and racial conflict. Such economic, political and
social instability could significantly disrupt the financial markets in such
countries and the ability of the issuers in such countries to repay their
obligations. Investing in emerging market countries also involves the risk of
expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the
imposition of restrictions on foreign investments and on repatriation of capital
invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other
confiscation in any emerging country, the fund could lose its entire investment
in that country.
Certain emerging market countries restrict or control foreign investment in their securities markets to varying degrees. These restrictions may limit the fund's investment in those markets and may increase the expenses of the fund. In addition, the repatriation of both investment income and capital from certain markets in the region is subject to restrictions such as the need for certain governmental consents. Even where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics of repatriation may affect certain aspects of the fund's operation.
Economies in individual countries may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rates of inflation, currency valuation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions. Many countries have experienced substantial, and in some cases extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and may continue to have, very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging countries.
Unanticipated political or social developments may affect the values of the fund's investments and the availability to the fund of additional investments in such countries. In the past, the economies, securities and currency markets of many emerging markets have experienced significant disruption and declines. There can be no assurance that these economic and market disruptions might not occur again.
Economies in emerging market countries generally are dependent heavily upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been, and may continue to be, affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.
Currency Risks. The value of the securities quoted or denominated in foreign currencies may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative currency exchange rates and by exchange control
regulations. The fund's investment performance may be negatively affected by a devaluation of a currency in which the fund's investments are quoted or denominated. Further, the fund's investment performance may be significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S. dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in another currency will increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in relation to the U.S. dollar.
Custodian Services and Related Investment Costs. Custodial services and other costs relating to investment in international securities markets generally are more expensive than in the U.S. Such markets have settlement and clearance procedures that differ from those in the U.S. In certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of the fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could cause the fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses to the fund due to a subsequent decline in value of the portfolio security or could result in possible liability to the fund. In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging countries may not fully protect the fund against loss or theft of its assets.
Withholding and Other Taxes. The fund will be subject to taxes, including withholding taxes, on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) that are or may be imposed by certain countries with respect to the fund's investments in such countries. These taxes will reduce the return achieved by the fund. Treaties between the U.S. and such countries may not be available to reduce the otherwise applicable tax rates.
Investments in Depositary Receipts
The fund may hold securities of non-U.S. issuers in the form of American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other similar instruments. Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in U.S. securities markets, and EDRs and GDRs and other similar global instruments in bearer form are designed for use in non-U.S. securities markets.
ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to receive securities of non-U.S. issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or correspondent bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities of non-U.S. issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, the fund will avoid currency risks during the settlement period for either purchases or sales. EDRs and GDRs are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying securities which they represent.
For purposes of the fund's investment policies, investments in ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and similar instruments will be deemed to be investments in the underlying equity securities of non-U.S. issuers. The fund may acquire depositary receipts from banks that do not have a contractual relationship with the issuer of the security underlying the depositary receipt to issue and secure such depositary receipt. To the extent the fund invests in such unsponsored depositary receipts there may be an increased possibility that the fund may not become aware of events affecting the underlying security and thus the value of the related depositary receipt. In addition, certain benefits (i.e., rights offerings) which may be associated with the security underlying the depositary receipt may not inure to the benefit of the holder of such depositary receipt.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The fund may engage in foreign currency transactions. These transactions may be conducted at the prevailing spot rate for purchasing or selling currency in the foreign exchange market. The fund also has authority to enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts involving currencies of the different countries in which the fund invests as a hedge against possible variations in the foreign exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. This is accomplished through contractual agreements to purchase or sell a specified currency at a specified future date and price set at the time of the contract.
Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of the fund, accrued in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities quoted in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that the fund will be engaged in hedging activities when adverse exchange rate movements occur or that its hedging activities will be successful. The fund will not attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions and will enter into such transactions only to the extent, if any, deemed appropriate by Pioneer.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not be possible for the fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally anticipated that the fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.
The fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign currency.
The cost to the fund of engaging in foreign currency transactions varies with such factors as the currency involved, the size of the contract, the length of the contract period, differences in interest rates between the two currencies and the market conditions then prevailing. Since transactions in foreign currency and forward contracts are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The fund may close out a forward position in a currency by selling the forward contract or by entering into an offsetting forward contract.
The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Using forward contracts to protect the value of the fund's portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange which the fund can achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of the fund's foreign assets.
While the fund will enter into forward contracts to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain other risks. While the fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the fund's portfolio holdings of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the fund. Such imperfect correlation may cause the fund to sustain losses which will prevent the fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the fund to risk of foreign exchange loss.
Over-the-counter markets for trading foreign forward currency contracts offer less protection against defaults than is available when trading in currency instruments on an exchange. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default on the contract would deprive the fund of unrealized profits or force the fund to cover its commitments for purchase or resale, if any, at the current market price.
If the fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign currency, the custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets. See "Asset Segregation."
Options on Foreign Currencies
The fund may purchase and write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that of transactions in forward contracts. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are quoted or denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In an attempt to protect against such decreases in the value of portfolio securities, the fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency declines, the fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount of dollars which exceeds the market value of such currency. This would result in a gain that may offset, in whole or in part, the negative effect of currency depreciation on the value of the fund's securities quoted or denominated in that currency.
Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency is projected for those securities to be acquired, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the fund may purchase call options on such currency. If the value of such currency increases, the purchase of such call options would enable the fund to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which is less than the market value of such currency. Such a purchase would result in a gain that may offset, at least partially, the effect of any currency related increase in the price of securities the fund intends to acquire. As in the case of other types of options transactions, however, the benefit the fund derives from purchasing foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent anticipated, the fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.
The fund may also write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes. For example, if the fund anticipated a decline in the dollar value of securities quoted or denominated in a foreign currency because of declining exchange rates, it could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a covered call option on the relevant currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised, and the decrease in value of portfolio securities will be partially offset by the amount of the premium received by the fund.
Similarly, the fund could write a put option on the relevant currency, instead of purchasing a call option, to hedge against an anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired. If exchange rates move in the manner projected, the put option will expire unexercised and allow the fund to offset such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. However, as in the case of other types of options transactions, the writing of a foreign currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, only if rates move in the expected direction. If unanticipated exchange rate fluctuations occur, the option may be exercised and the fund would be required to purchase or sell the underlying currency at a loss which may not be fully offset by the amount of the premium. As a result of writing options on foreign currencies, the fund also may be required to forgo all or a portion of the benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in currency exchange rates.
A call option written on foreign currency by the fund is "covered" if the fund owns the underlying foreign currency subject to the call, or if it has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash consideration. A call option is also covered if the fund holds a call on the same foreign currency for the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (a) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or (b) greater than the exercise price of the call written if the amount of the difference is maintained by the fund in cash or liquid securities. See "Asset Segregation."
The fund may close out its position in a currency option by either selling the option it has purchased or entering into an offsetting option. An exchange-traded options position may be closed out only on an options exchange which provides 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 on an exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time. For some options no secondary market on an exchange 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 would incur transaction costs upon the sale of underlying currencies pursuant to the exercise of put options. 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 currency (or security quoted or denominated in that currency) until the option expires or it delivers the underlying currency upon exercise.
The fund may also use options on currencies to cross-hedge, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in exchange rates of a different currency with a pattern of correlation. Cross-hedging may also include using a foreign currency as a proxy for the U.S. dollar, if Pioneer determines that there is a pattern of correlation between that currency and the U.S. dollar.
The fund may purchase and write over-the-counter options to the extent consistent with its limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Trading in over-the-counter options is subject to the risk that the other party will be unable or unwilling to close out options purchased or written by the fund.
Investment Company Securities and Real Estate Investment Trusts
Other Investment Companies
The fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent that such investments are consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies and permissible under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under one provision of the 1940 Act, a fund may not acquire the securities of another investment company if such purchase would result in (i) 3% or more of the total outstanding voting securities of any one investment company being held by the fund, (ii) 5% or more of the fund's total assets being invested in any one investment company, or (iii) 10% or more of the fund's total assets being invested in securities of other investment companies. However, there are several provisions of the 1940 Act and rules thereunder that allow more expansive investment in investment companies. In addition, these limitations do not apply to the purchase of shares of any investment company in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of substantially all the assets of another investment company. The fund may also invest without limit in money market funds.
The fund, as a holder of the securities of other investment companies, will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment companies' expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund's own operations.
Exchange Traded Funds
Subject to the limitations on investment in other investment companies, the fund may invest in exchange traded funds (ETFs). ETFs, such as SPDRs, iShares and various country index funds, are funds whose shares are traded on a national exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers' Automatic Quotation System (NASDAQ). ETFs may be based on underlying equity or fixed income securities. SPDRs, for example, seek to provide investment results that generally correspond to the performance of the component common stocks of the S&P 500. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors and only issue their shares in large blocks known as "creation units." The investor purchasing a creation unit then sells the individual shares on a secondary market. Therefore, the liquidity of ETFs depends on the adequacy of the secondary market. There can be no assurance that an ETF's investment objective will be achieved. ETFs based on an index may not replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weightings of securities in the index. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities. The fund, as a holder of the securities of the ETF, will bear its pro rata portion of the ETF's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the fund's own operations.
Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs")
REITs are companies that invest primarily in income producing real estate or real estate related loans or interests. REITs are generally classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs or a combination of equity and mortgage REITs. Equity REITs invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive income primarily from the collection of rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value. Mortgage REITs invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive income from the collection of interest payments. REITs are not taxed on income distributed to shareholders provided they comply with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The fund will indirectly bear its proportionate share of any management
and other expenses paid by REITs in which it invests in addition to the expenses paid by the fund. Debt securities issued by REITs are, for the most part, general and unsecured obligations and are subject to risks associated with REITs.
Investing in REITs involves certain unique risks in addition to those risks associated with investing in the real estate industry in general. An equity REIT may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties owned by the REIT. A mortgage REIT may be affected by changes in interest rates and the ability of the issuers of its portfolio mortgages to repay their obligations. REITs are dependent upon the skills of their managers and are not diversified. REITs are generally dependent upon maintaining cash flows to repay borrowings and to make distributions to shareholders and are subject to the risk of default by lessees or borrowers. REITs whose underlying assets are concentrated in properties used by a particular industry, such as health care, are also subject to risks associated with such industry.
REITs (especially mortgage REITs) are also subject to interest rate risks. When interest rates decline, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a REIT's investment in fixed rate obligations can be expected to decline. If the REIT invests in adjustable rate mortgage loans the interest rates on which are reset periodically, yields on a REIT's investments in such loans will gradually align themselves to reflect changes in market interest rates. This causes the value of such investments to fluctuate less dramatically in response to interest rate fluctuations than would investments in fixed rate obligations.
REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in a limited volume and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than larger company securities. Historically REITs have been more volatile in price than the larger capitalization stocks included in Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500").
Derivative Instruments
Options on Securities and Securities Indices
For hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return, the fund may purchase put and call options on any security in which it may invest or options on any securities index based on securities in which it may invest. The fund would also be able to enter into closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on options it has purchased.
Writing Call and Put Options on Securities. A call option written by the fund obligates the fund to sell specified securities to the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. All call options written by the fund are covered, which means that the fund will own the securities subject to the options as long as the options are outstanding, or the fund will use the other methods described below. The fund's purpose in writing covered call options is to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. However, the fund may forgo the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying security.
A put option written by the fund would obligate the fund to purchase specified securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. All put options written by the fund would be covered, which means that the fund would have segregated assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option. The purpose of
writing such options is to generate additional income for the fund. However, in return for the option premium, the fund accepts the risk that it may be required to purchase the underlying security at a price in excess of its market value at the time of purchase.
Call and put options written by the fund will also be considered to be covered to the extent that the fund's liabilities under such options are wholly or partially offset by its rights under call and put options purchased by the fund. In addition, a written call option or put may be covered by entering into an offsetting forward contract and/or by purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the fund's net exposure on its written option position.
Writing Call and Put Options on Securities Indices. The fund may also write
(sell) covered call and put options on any securities index composed of
securities in which it may invest. 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 segments of the securities market
rather than price fluctuations in a single security.
The fund may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index, or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without additional cash consideration (or for additional consideration if cash in such amount is segregated) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in its portfolio. The fund may cover call and put options on a securities index by segregating assets with a value equal to the exercise price.
Purchasing Call and Put Options. The fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities of the type in which it 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 either no gain or 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 in securities in which it may 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 to offset or hedge against a decline in the market value of the fund's securities. Put options may also be purchased by the fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a decline in the price of securities which it 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 more than cover the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the purchase of protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing changes in the value of the underlying portfolio securities.
The fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written. Obligations under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option. Such purchases are referred to as "closing purchase transactions."
Risks of Trading Options. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular exchange-traded option, or at any particular time. 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 or dispose of its segregated assets until the options expire or are exercised. Similarly, if the fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it will have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities.
Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the
following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options;
(ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing
transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may
be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual
or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v)
the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC")
may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one
or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled
at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class
or series of options), in which event the secondary market on that exchange (or
in that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that exchange, if any, that had been issued by the OCC as a result of
trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with
their terms.
The fund may purchase and sell both options that are traded on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges and options traded over-the-counter with broker-dealers who make markets in these options. The ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. Until such time as the staff of the SEC changes its position, the fund will treat purchased over-the-counter options and all assets used to cover written over-the-counter options as illiquid securities, except that with respect to options written with primary dealers in U.S. government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing purchase transaction at a formula price, the amount of illiquid securities may be calculated with reference to the formula.
Transactions by the fund in options on securities and indices will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities governing the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert. Thus, the number of options which the fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of Pioneer. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidations of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The successful use of protective puts for hedging purposes depends in part on the ability of Pioneer to predict future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and securities markets.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets.
In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between the fund's portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the fund in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of unanticipated movements in the price of the securities comprising the securities index on which the option is based.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
To hedge against changes in securities prices or currency exchange rates or to seek to increase total return, the fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write (sell) call and put options on any of such futures contracts. The fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. government securities), securities indices, foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices. The fund will engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging and non-hedging purposes as described below. All futures contracts entered into by the fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") or on non-U.S. exchanges.
Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).
When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or securities prices are rising, the fund, through the purchase of futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, the fund can sell futures contracts on a specified currency to protect against a decline in the value of such currency and a decline in the value of its portfolio securities which are denominated in such currency. The fund can purchase futures contracts on a foreign currency to establish the price in U.S. dollars of a security denominated in such currency that the fund has acquired or expects to acquire.
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency will usually be liquidated in this manner, the fund may instead make, or take, delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange on which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that, if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging Strategies. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to establish with more certainty the effective price, rate of return and currency exchange rate on portfolio securities and securities that the fund owns or proposes to acquire. The fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the futures market by selling futures contracts in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the value of the fund's portfolio securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery of securities held by the fund or securities with characteristics similar to those of the fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the fund may sell futures contracts in a foreign currency
in which its portfolio securities are denominated or in one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion of Pioneer, there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for the fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the fund may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging strategies. Although under some circumstances prices of securities in the fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts, Pioneer will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by having the fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting the fund's portfolio securities. When hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.
On other occasions, the fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures contracts. This may be done, for example, when the fund anticipates the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently available.
Options on Futures Contracts. The acquisition of put and call options on futures contracts will give the fund the right (but not the obligation) for a specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on a futures contract, the fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset a decline in the value of the fund's assets. By writing a call option, the fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium, to sell a futures contract (if the option is exercised), which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that the fund intends to purchase. However, the fund becomes obligated to purchase a futures contract (if the option is exercised) which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by the fund in writing options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the premium received. The fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the writing of options on futures.
The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series. There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The fund's ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
Financial Futures and Options Transactions. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") does not limit futures transactions and options thereon by registered investment companies, provided that the investment manager to the registered investment company claims an exclusion from regulation as a commodity pool operator. The fund is operated by persons who have claimed an exclusion, granted to operators of registered investment companies like the fund,
from registration as a "commodity pool operator" with respect to the fund under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore are not subject to registration or regulation with respect to the fund under the Commodity Exchange Act. As a result, the fund is not restricted in its ability to enter into futures transactions and options thereon under CFTC regulations. The fund however, has policies with respect to futures and options thereon as set forth below.
Other Considerations regarding Futures Contracts. The fund will engage in futures contracts and related options transactions only in accordance with CFTC regulations which permit principals of an investment company registered under the 1940 Act to engage in such transactions without registering as commodity pool operators.
The fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Futures contracts and related options involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options obligating the fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus, while the fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the fund than if it had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the fund may be exposed to risk of loss. It is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of non-U.S. securities because currency movements impact the value of different securities in differing degrees.
Equity Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
The fund may enter into equity swaps, caps, floors and collars to hedge assets or liabilities or to seek to increase total return. Equity swaps involve the exchange by a fund with another party of their respective commitments to make or receive payments based on notional equity securities. The purchase of an equity cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that the market value of a specified equity security or benchmark exceeds a predetermined level, to receive payments of a contractually-based amount from the party selling the cap. The purchase of an equity floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that the market value of a specified equity security or benchmark falls below a predetermined level, to receive payments of a contractually-based amount from the party selling the floor. A collar is a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of values. Investments in swaps, caps, floors and collars are highly specialized activities which involve investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio transactions. Investments in equity swaps, caps, floors and collars may be considered speculative because they involve significant risk of loss. If Pioneer is incorrect in its forecast of market values, these investments could negatively impact the fund's performance. These investments also are subject to default risk of the counterparty and may be less liquid than other portfolio securities. Moreover, investments in
swaps, caps, floors and collars may involve greater transaction costs than investments in other equity securities.
Debt Securities and Related Investments
Debt Securities Selection
In selecting debt securities for the fund, Pioneer gives primary consideration to the fund's investment objective, the attractiveness of the market for debt securities given the outlook of Pioneer for the equity markets and the fund's liquidity requirements. Once Pioneer determines to allocate a portion of the fund's assets to debt securities, Pioneer generally focuses on short-term instruments to provide liquidity and may invest in a range of fixed income securities if the fund is investing in such instruments for income or capital gains. Pioneer selects individual securities based on broad economic factors and issuer specific factors including the terms of the securities (such as yields compared to U.S. Treasuries or comparable issues), liquidity and rating, sector and issuer diversification.
Debt Securities Rating Criteria
Investment grade debt securities are those rated "BBB" or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("Standard & Poor's") or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Debt securities rated BBB are considered medium grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken the issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal.
Below investment grade debt securities are those rated "BB" and below by Standard & Poor's or the equivalent rating of other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. See "Appendix A" for a description of rating categories. The fund may invest in debt securities rated "C" or better, or comparable unrated securities as determined by Pioneer.
Below investment grade debt securities or comparable unrated securities are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered predominantly speculative and may be questionable as to principal and interest payments. Changes in economic conditions are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal payments and interest payments. The amount of high yield securities outstanding has proliferated as an increasing number of issuers have used high yield securities for corporate financing. An economic downturn could severely affect the ability of highly leveraged issuers to service their debt obligations or to repay their obligations upon maturity. Factors having an adverse impact on the market value of lower quality securities will have an adverse effect on the fund's net asset value to the extent that it invests in such securities. In addition, the fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings.
The secondary market for high yield securities may not be as liquid as the secondary market for more highly rated securities, a factor which may have an adverse effect on the fund's ability to dispose of a particular security when necessary to meet its liquidity needs. Under adverse market or economic conditions, the secondary market for high yield securities could contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. As a result, the fund could find it more difficult to sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of such
lower rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used in calculating the fund's net asset value.
Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated with lower quality debt securities of the type in which the fund may invest, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more than those for higher rated securities. In the lower quality segments of the debt securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers' creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner than do changes in higher quality segments of the debt securities market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility.
Lower rated and comparable unrated debt securities tend to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with the same maturities because the historical financial condition of the issuers of such securities may not have been as strong as that of other issuers. However, lower rated securities generally involve greater risks of loss of income and principal than higher rated securities. Pioneer will attempt to reduce these risks through portfolio diversification and by analysis of each issuer and its ability to make timely payments of income and principal, as well as broad economic trends and corporate developments.
For purposes of the fund's credit quality policies, if a security receives different ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, the fund will use the rating chosen by the portfolio manager as most representative of the security's credit quality. The ratings of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities that they undertake to rate and may not accurately describe the risk of the security. If a rating organization downgrades the quality rating assigned to one or more of the fund's portfolio securities, Pioneer will consider what actions, if any, are appropriate in light of the fund's investment objectives and policies including selling the downgraded security or purchasing additional investment grade securities of the appropriate credit quality as soon as it is prudent to do so.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. government securities in which the fund invests include debt obligations of
varying maturities issued by the U.S. Treasury or issued or guaranteed by an
agency, authority or instrumentality of the U.S. government, including the
Federal Housing Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration,
Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), General Services
Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Farm Credit Banks,
Federal Home Loan Banks ("FHLBs"), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
("FHLMC"), Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Maritime
Administration, Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory Board,
Resolution Trust Corporation and various institutions that previously were or
currently are part of the Farm Credit System (which has been undergoing
reorganization since 1987). Some U.S. government securities, such as U.S.
Treasury bills, Treasury notes and Treasury bonds, which differ only in their
interest rates, maturities and times of issuance, are supported by the full
faith and credit of the United States. Others are supported by: (i) the right of
the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, such as securities of the FHLBs;
(ii) the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's
obligations, such as securities of the FNMA; or (iii) only the credit of the
issuer. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide
financial support in the future to U.S. government agencies, authorities or
instrumentalities that are not supported by the full faith and credit of the
United States. Securities guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S.
government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities include: (i)
securities for which the payment of principal and
interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit issued by the U.S. government or any of its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities; and (ii) participations in loans made to non-U.S. governments or other entities that are so guaranteed. The secondary market for certain of these participations is limited and, therefore, may be regarded as illiquid.
U.S. government securities may include zero coupon securities that may be purchased when yields are attractive and/or to enhance portfolio liquidity. Zero coupon U.S. government securities are debt obligations that are issued or purchased at a significant discount from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the security will accrue and compound over the period until maturity or the particular interest payment date at a rate of interest reflecting the market rate of the security at the time of issuance. Zero coupon U.S. government securities do not require the periodic payment of interest. These investments benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but generally require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of cash. These investments may experience greater volatility in market value than U.S. government securities that make regular payments of interest. The fund accrues income on these investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio securities to satisfy the fund's distribution obligations, in which case the fund will forgo the purchase of additional income producing assets with these funds. Zero coupon U.S. government securities include STRIPS and CUBES, which are issued by the U.S. Treasury as component parts of U.S. Treasury bonds and represent scheduled interest and principal payments on the bonds.
Convertible Debt Securities
The fund may invest in convertible debt securities which are debt obligations convertible at a stated exchange rate or formula into common stock or other equity securities. Convertible securities rank senior to common stocks in an issuer's capital structure and consequently may be of higher quality and entail less risk than the issuer's common stock. As with all debt securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to increase when interest rates decline and, conversely, tend to decline when interest rates increase.
Other Investments and Investment Techniques
Short-Term Investments
For temporary defensive or cash management purposes, the fund may invest in all types of short-term investments including, but not limited to, (a) commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations; (b) obligations (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) of banks; (c) obligations issued or guaranteed by a governmental issuer, including governmental agencies or instrumentalities; (d) fixed income securities of non-governmental issuers; and (e) other cash equivalents or cash. Subject to the fund's restrictions regarding investment in non-U.S. securities, these securities may be denominated in any currency. Although these investments generally are rated investment grade or are determined by Pioneer to be of equivalent credit quality, the fund may also invest in these instruments if they are rated below investment grade in accordance with its investment objective, policies and restrictions.
Illiquid Securities
The fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid and other securities that are not readily marketable. If due to subsequent fluctuations in value or any other reasons, the value of the fund's illiquid securities exceeds this percentage limitation, the fund will consider what actions, if any, are necessary to maintain adequate liquidity. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days will be included for purposes of the foregoing limit. Securities subject to restrictions on resale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), are considered illiquid unless they are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or another exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and are determined to be liquid by Pioneer. Pioneer determines the liquidity of Rule 144A and other restricted securities according to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, Pioneer monitors the application of these guidelines and procedures. The inability of the fund to dispose of illiquid investments readily or at reasonable prices could impair the fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. If the fund sold restricted securities other than pursuant to an exception from registration under the 1933 Act such as Rule 144A, it may be deemed to be acting as an underwriter and subject to liability under the 1933 Act.
Repurchase Agreements
The fund may enter into repurchase agreements with broker-dealers, member banks of the Federal Reserve System and other financial institutions. Repurchase agreements are arrangements under which the fund purchases securities and the seller agrees to repurchase the securities within a specific time and at a specific price. The repurchase price is generally higher than the fund's purchase price, with the difference being income to the fund. Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, Pioneer reviews and monitors the creditworthiness of any institution which enters into a repurchase agreement with the fund. The counterparty's obligations under the repurchase agreement are collateralized with U.S. Treasury and/or agency obligations with a market value of not less than 100% of the obligations, valued daily. Collateral is held by the fund's custodian in a segregated, safekeeping account for the benefit of the fund. Repurchase agreements afford the fund an opportunity to earn income on temporarily available cash at low risk. In the event of commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement, the fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the fund has not perfected a security interest in the security, the fund may be required to return the security to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Reverse purchase agreements involve the sale of U.S. government securities to a bank with an agreement that the fund will buy back the securities at a fixed future date at a fixed price plus an agreed amount of "interest" which may be reflected in the repurchase price. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings by the fund. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities purchased by the fund with proceeds of the transaction may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the fund that it is obligated to repurchase. The fund will also continue to be subject to the risk of a decline in the market value of the securities sold under the agreements because it will reacquire those securities upon effecting their repurchase. To minimize the risk associated with reverse repurchase agreements, the fund will segregate assets in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price of the securities. The fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with banks that are approved in advance as being creditworthy by the Board of Trustees.
Short Sales Against the Box
The fund may sell securities "short against the box." A short sale involves the fund borrowing securities from a broker and selling the borrowed securities. The fund has an obligation to return securities identical to the borrowed securities to the broker. In a short sale against the box, the fund at all times owns an equal amount of the security sold short or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, with or without payment of additional consideration, an equal amount of the security sold short. The fund intends to use short sales against the box to hedge. For example when the fund believes that the price of a current portfolio security may decline, the fund may use a short sale against the box to lock in a sale price for a security rather than selling the security immediately. In such a case, any future losses in the fund's long position should be offset by a gain in the short position and, conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position.
If the fund effects a short sale against the box at a time when it has an unrealized gain on the security, it may be required to recognize that gain as if it had actually sold the security (a "constructive sale") on the date it effects the short sale. However, such constructive sale treatment may not apply if the fund closes out the short sale with securities other than the appreciated securities held at the time of the short sale provided that certain other conditions are satisfied. Uncertainty regarding the tax consequences of effecting short sales may limit the extent to which the fund may make short sales against the box.
Asset Segregation
The 1940 Act requires that the fund segregate assets in connection with certain types of transactions that may have the effect of leveraging the fund's portfolio. If the fund enters into a transaction requiring segregation, such as a forward commitment, the custodian or Pioneer will segregate liquid assets in an amount required to comply with the 1940 Act. Such segregated assets will be valued at market daily. If the aggregate value of such segregated assets declines below the aggregate value required to satisfy the 1940 Act, additional liquid assets will be segregated.
Portfolio Turnover
It is the policy of the fund not to engage in trading for short-term profits although portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions for the
fund. A high rate of portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater transaction costs which must be borne by the fund and its shareholders. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the fund's annual portfolio turnover rate.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The fund may lend portfolio securities to registered broker-dealers or other institutional investors deemed by Pioneer to be of good standing under agreements which require that the loans be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents or U.S. Treasury bills maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The fund continues to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned as well as the benefit of an increase and the detriment of any decrease in the market value of the securities loaned and would also receive compensation based on investment of the collateral. The fund may pay administrative and custodial fees in connection with loans of securities and may pay a portion of the income or fee earned thereon to the borrower, lending agent or other intermediary. The fund would not, however, have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but would call the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of consent on a material matter affecting the investment.
As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. If a borrower defaults, the value of the collateral may decline before the fund can dispose of it. The fund will lend portfolio securities only to firms that have been approved in advance by the Board of Trustees, which will monitor the creditworthiness of any such firms. At no time would the value of the securities loaned exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the fund's total assets.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities
The fund may purchase securities, including U.S. government securities, on a when-issued basis or may purchase or sell securities for delayed delivery. In such transactions, delivery of the securities occurs beyond the normal settlement period, but no payment or delivery is made by the fund prior to the actual delivery or payment by the other party to the transaction. The fund will not earn income on these securities until delivered. The purchase of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis involves the risk that the value of the securities purchased will decline prior to the settlement date. The sale of securities for delayed delivery involves the risk that the prices available in the market on the delivery date may be greater than those obtained in the sale transaction. The fund's obligations with respect to when-issued and delayed delivery transactions will be fully collateralized by segregating liquid assets with a value equal to the fund's obligations. See "Asset Segregation."
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
The Board of Trustees has adopted policies and procedures relating to disclosure of the fund's portfolio securities. These policies and procedures are designed to provide a framework for disclosing information regarding portfolio holdings, portfolio composition or other portfolio characteristics consistent with applicable federal securities laws and regulations and general principles of fiduciary duty relating to fund shareholders. While Pioneer may manage other funds and accounts that have substantially similar investment strategies, these policies and procedures only relate to the disclosure of portfolio information of registered management investment companies.
Generally, Pioneer will make the fund's portfolio information available to the public on a monthly basis with an appropriate delay based upon the nature of the information disclosed. Pioneer normally will publish the fund's full portfolio holdings thirty (30) days after the end of each month. Such information shall be made available on the fund's website (www.pioneerinvestments.com) and may be sent to rating agencies, reporting/news services and financial intermediaries, upon request. In addition, Pioneer generally makes publicly available information regarding the fund's top ten holdings (including the percentage of the fund's assets represented by each security), the percentage breakdown of the fund's investments by country, sector and industry, various volatility measures (such as beta, standard deviation, etc.), market capitalization ranges and other portfolio characteristics (such as alpha, average P/E ratio, etc.) three (3) business days after the end of each month.
Pioneer may provide the fund's full portfolio holdings or other information to certain entities prior to the date such information is made public, provided that certain conditions are met. The entities to which such disclosure may be made as of the date of this statement of additional information are rating agencies, plan sponsors, prospective separate account clients and other financial intermediaries (i.e., organizations evaluating the fund for purposes of investment by their clients, such as broker-dealers, investment advisers, banks, insurance companies, financial planning firms, plan sponsors, plan administrators, shareholder servicing organizations and pension consultants). As of the date of this statement of additional information, Pioneer had not provided the fund's portfolio holdings information to any entity prior to the date such information was made public. The third party must agree to a limited use of that information which does not conflict with the interests of the fund's shareholders, to use the information only for that authorized purpose, to keep such information confidential, and not to trade on such information. The Board of Trustees considered the disclosure of portfolio holdings information to these categories of entities to be consistent with the best interests of shareholders in light of the agreement to maintain the confidentiality of such information and only to use such information for the limited and approved purposes. Pioneer's compliance department, the local head of investment management and the global chief investment officer may, but only acting jointly, grant exemptions to this policy. Exemptions may be granted only if these persons determine that providing such information is consistent with the interests of shareholders and the third party agrees to limit the use of such information only for the authorized purpose, to keep such information confidential, and not to trade on such information. Although the Board will periodically be informed of exemptions granted, granting exemptions entails the risk that portfolio holdings information may be provided to entities that use the information in a manner inconsistent with their obligations and the best interests of the fund.
Compliance with the fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Trustees, including a review of any potential conflicts of interest in the disclosures made by Pioneer in accordance with the policy or the exceptions permitted under the policy. Any change to the policy to expand the categories of entities to which portfolio holdings may be disclosed or an increase in the purposes for which such disclosure may be made would be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees and, reflected, if material, in a supplement to the fund's statement of additional information.
The fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy is not intended to prevent the disclosure of any and all portfolio information to the fund's service providers who generally need access to such information in the performance of their contractual duties and responsibilities, such as Pioneer, the fund's custodian, fund accounting agent, principal underwriter, investment sub-adviser, if any, independent registered public accounting firm or counsel. In approving the policy, the Board of
Trustees considered that the service providers are subject to duties of confidentiality arising under law or contract that provide an adequate safeguard for such information. None of Pioneer, the fund, or any other party receive any compensation or other consideration from any arrangement pertaining to the release of the fund's portfolio holdings information.
In addition, the fund makes its portfolio holdings available semi-annually in shareholder reports filed on Form N-CSR and after the first and third fiscal quarters in regulatory filings on Form N-Q. These shareholder reports and regulatory filings are filed with the SEC, as required by the federal securities laws, and are generally available within seventy (70) days after the end of the fund's fiscal quarter.
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The fund has adopted certain fundamental investment restrictions which, along with the fund's investment objective, may not be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the fund. Statements in italics are not part of the restriction. For this purpose, a majority of the outstanding shares of the fund means the vote of the lesser of:
(i) 67% or more of the shares represented at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy, or
(ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the fund.
The fund may not:
(1) Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by applicable law, as amended and interpreted or modified from time to time by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction. Senior securities that the fund may issue in accordance with the 1940 Act include borrowing, futures, when-issued and delayed delivery securities and forward foreign currency exchange transactions.
(2) Borrow money, except on a temporary basis and to the extent permitted by applicable law, as amended and interpreted or modified from time to time by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction. Under current regulatory requirements, the fund may: (a) borrow from banks or through reverse repurchase agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed); (b) borrow up to an additional 5% of the fund's assets for temporary purposes; (c) obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the clearance of portfolio transactions; (d) purchase securities on margin to the extent permitted by applicable law; and (e) engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls that are accounted for as financings.
(3) Invest in real estate, except (a) that the fund may invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of real estate investment trusts, mortgage-backed securities and other securities that represent a similar indirect interest in real estate; and (b) the fund may acquire real estate or interests therein through exercising rights or remedies with regard to an instrument or security.
(4) Make loans, except that the fund may (i) lend portfolio securities in accordance with the fund's investment policies, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) purchase all or a portion of an issue of publicly distributed debt securities, bank loan participation interests, bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, debentures or other securities, whether or not the purchase is made upon the original issuance of the securities, (iv) participate in a credit facility whereby the
fund may directly lend to and borrow money from other affiliated funds to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or an exemption therefrom, and (v) make loans in any other manner consistent with applicable law, as amended and interpreted or modified from time to time by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
(5) Invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the fund may invest in currency instruments and currency contracts and financial instruments and financial contracts that might be deemed to be commodities and commodity contracts in accordance with applicable law. A futures contract, for example, may be deemed to be a commodity contract.
(6) Make any investment inconsistent with its classification as a diversified open-end investment company (or series thereof) under the 1940 Act. Currently, diversification means that, with respect to 75% of its total assets, the fund may not purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities and securities of investment companies), if
(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the fund's total assets, taken at market value, to be invested in the securities of such issuer, or
(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the fund.
(7) Act as an underwriter, except insofar as the fund technically may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities.
(8) Concentrate its investments in securities of companies in any particular industry. In the opinion of the SEC, investments are concentrated in a particular industry if such investments aggregate 25% or more of the fund's total assets. When identifying industries for purposes of its concentration policy, the fund will rely upon available industry classifications. As of the date of this SAI, the fund relied on MSCI Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) classifications. The fund's policy does not apply to investments in U.S. government securities.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions
The following restrictions have been designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the Board of Trustees without approval of shareholders:
(1) The fund will not purchase securities during the current fiscal year at any time that outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the fund's total assets.
(2) The fund may not engage in short sales, except short sales against the box.
(3) The fund may not invest in any investment company in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) of the 1940 Act, which would allow the fund to invest in other investment companies, or in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G) of the 1940 Act, which would allow the fund to invest in other Pioneer funds, in each case without being subject to the limitations discussed above under "Other Investment Companies" so long as another investment company invests in the fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(G). The fund has adopted this non-fundamental policy in order that the fund may be a permitted investment to the series of Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series, which invest all of their assets in other investment companies. If the series of Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series do not invest in the fund, then this non-fundamental restriction will not apply.
(4) The fund does not invest in companies for the purposes of exercising control or management.
(5) The fund will not engage in mortgaging, hypothecating or pledging of its assets except in connection with any borrowing permitted under investment restriction (2); thus the fund's borrowings involving mortgaging, hypothecating or pledging of its assets will not exceed 33 1/3% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed), notwithstanding any temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets.
(6) The fund will not purchase securities on margin.
As long as the fund is registered in the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria or Switzerland, the fund may not without the prior approval of its shareholders:
(i) Acquire the shares/units of any other pool of assets, irrespective of its legal form and type, which is invested according to the principle of risk-spreading. This restriction does not apply to a plan of merger or consolidation with or acquisition of substantially all the assets of such other pool of assets;
(ii) Purchase or sell real estate, or any interest therein, and real estate mortgage loans, except that the fund may invest in securities of corporate or governmental entities secured by real estate or marketable interests therein or securities issued by companies (other than real estate limited partnerships, real estate investment trusts and real estate funds) that invest in real estate or interests therein;
(iii) Borrow money in amounts exceeding 10% of the fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) taken at market value;
(iv) Pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber its assets except in connection with borrowings by the fund;
(v) Purchase securities on margin or make short sales;
(vi) Redeem its securities in-kind;
(vii) Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development leases or programs; or
(viii) Invest in participations of venture capital or private equity funds.
Further, as long as the fund is registered in Switzerland, the fund may not, under the laws of that country, without the prior approval of its shareholders:
(a) Purchase gold or silver bullion, coins or other precious metals or purchase or sell futures contracts or options on any such precious metals;
(b) Invest more than 10% of its total assets in the securities of any one issuer; provided, however, that this restriction does not apply to cash items and U.S. government securities;
(c) Write (sell) uncovered calls or puts or any combination thereof or purchase, in an amount exceeding 5% of its assets, calls, puts, straddles, spreads or any combination thereof; or
(d) Invest more than 5% of its total assets in financial instruments that are used for non-hedging purposes and which have a leverage effect.
In the case of a change in the laws of Germany, Austria or Switzerland applicable to the fund, the Trustees have the right to adjust the above restrictions relating to the fund's registration in these countries accordingly without the prior approval of the shareholders.
To the extent that an investment restriction imposed by a non-U.S. jurisdiction in which the fund offers shares differs from the equivalent restriction under the 1940 Act, the fund will invest its assets according to the more restrictive investment policy. Because these investment policies affect the fund's investments, all fund shareholders, regardless of country of domicile, will be invested in a fund, the assets of which are subject to the policies imposed both by the 1940 Act and the laws of the other jurisdictions in which the fund is registered. For example, the fund may be subject to laws of the Federal Republic of Germany regulating the fund's investments. In determining to register the fund in Germany, Pioneer and the Board of Trustees concluded that such registration would not adversely affect the fund's ability to adhere to its investment objectives, restrictions and policies.
The following table illustrates which investment restriction the fund would apply depending on the jurisdictions in which the fund is registered. In each case, the restrictions of the non-U.S. jurisdiction, if addressed by the non-U.S. restriction, are stricter than the equivalent U.S. restriction. As a result, as long as the fund is registered in the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria or Switzerland, the fund will adhere to the relevant restrictions of those countries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If registered in the U.S., Category of If registered in the U.S. Federal Republic of If registered in the U.S. investment restriction only Germany and/or Austria and Switzerland ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Senior securities Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction no. 1 applies no. 1 applies no. 1 applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Borrowing Fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental no. 2 applies restriction no. (iii) restriction no. (iii) applies applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments in real estate Fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental no. 3 applies restriction no. (ii) restriction no. (ii) applies applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lending Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction no. 4 applies no. 4 applies no. 4 applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commodities and commodity Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction Non-fundamental contracts no. 5 applies no. 5 applies restriction (a) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets of fund in any Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction one company no. 6(A) applies no. 6(A) applies no. 6(A) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Percentage ownership of Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction Non-fundamental company by fund no. 6(B) applies no. 6(B) applies restriction (b) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acting as underwriter Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction Fundamental restriction no. 7 applies no. 7 applies no. 7 applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Securities of other No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental investment companies restriction (i) applies restriction (i) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If registered in the U.S., Category of If registered in the U.S. Federal Republic of If registered in the U.S. investment restriction only Germany and/or Austria and Switzerland ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pledging, mortgaging, No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental hypothecating or otherwise restriction no. (iv) restriction no. (iv) encumbering assets applies applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Purchases on margin or make No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental short sales restriction (v) applies restriction (v) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Redemption of securities No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental in-kind restriction (vi) applies restriction (vi) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil, gas or other mineral No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental exploration or development restriction (vii) applies restriction (vii) applies leases or programs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call and put options No fundamental restriction No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental restriction (c) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Venture capital or private No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental Non-fundamental equity funds restriction (viii) applies restriction (viii) applies ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financial instruments used No fundamental restriction No fundamental restriction Non-fundamental for non-hedging which have a restriction (d) applies leverage effect ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
3. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the fund's affairs. The officers of the fund are responsible for the fund's operations. The Trustees and officers are listed below, together with their principal occupations during the past five years. Trustees who are interested persons of the fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act are referred to as Interested Trustees. Trustees who are not interested persons of the fund are referred to as Independent Trustees. Each of the Trustees (except Mr. Bock) serves as a trustee of each of the 77 U.S. registered investment portfolios for which Pioneer serves as investment adviser (the "Pioneer Funds"). Mr. Bock serves as Trustee of 76 of the 77 Pioneer Funds. The address for all Trustees and all officers of the fund is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Term of Position Held Office and Name, Age With the Length of Principal Occupation Other Directorships and Address Fund Service During Past Five Years Held by this Trustee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested Trustees: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John F. Chairman of Trustee since Deputy Chairman and a Director None Cogan, Jr. the Board, 1982. Serves of Pioneer Global Asset (81)* Trustee and until a Management S.p.A. ("PGAM"); President successor Non-Executive Chairman and a trustee is Director of Pioneer Investment elected or Management USA Inc. ("PIM-USA"); earlier Chairman and a Director of retirement or Pioneer; Chairman and Director removal. of Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (since 2006); Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management Limited (Dublin); President and a Director of Pioneer Alternative Investment Management (Bermuda) Limited and affiliated funds; Director of PIOGLOBAL Real Estate Investment Fund (Russia) (until June 2006); Director of Nano-C, Inc. (since 2003); Director of Cole Management Inc. (since 2004); Director of Fiduciary Counseling, Inc.; President and Director of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD") (until May 2006); President of all of the Pioneer Funds; and Of Counsel, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Independent Trustees: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David R. Bock Trustee Trustee since Executive Vice President and Director of The Enterprise (64) 2005. Serves Chief Financial Officer, I-trax, Social Investment Company until a Inc. (publicly traded health (privately-held affordable successor care services company) (2004 - housing finance company); trustee is present); Partner, Federal City and Director of New York elected or Capital Advisors (boutique Mortgage Trust (publicly earlier merchant bank)(1997 to 2004); traded mortgage REIT) retirement or and Executive Vice President and removal. Chief Financial Officer, Pedestal Inc. (internet-based mortgage trading company) (2000-2002) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary K. Bush Trustee Trustee since President, Bush International, Director of Brady (59) 1997. Serves LLC (international financial Corporation (industrial until a advisory firm) identification and successor specialty coated material trustee is products manufacturer); elected or Director of Briggs & earlier Stratton Co. (engine retirement or manufacturer); Director of removal. UAL Corporation (airline holding company) Director of Mantech International Corporation (national security, defense, and intelligence technology firm): and Member, Board of Governors, Investment Company Institute -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Margaret B.W. Trustee Trustee since Founding Director, None Graham (60) 1990. Serves Vice-President and Corporate until a Secretary, The Winthrop Group, successor Inc. (consulting firm); and trustee is Desautels Faculty of Management, elected or McGill University earlier retirement or removal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas J. Perna Trustee Trustee since Private investor (2004 - Director of Quadriserv Inc. (57) 2006. Serves present); and Senior Executive (technology products for until a Vice President, The Bank of New securities lending successor York (financial and securities industry) trustee is services) (1986 - 2004) elected or earlier retirement or removal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marguerite A. Trustee Trustee since President and Chief Executive Director of New America Piret (59) 1982. Serves Officer, Newbury, Piret & High Income Fund, Inc. until a Company, Inc. (investment (closed-end investment successor banking firm) company) trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Winthrop Trustee Trustee since President, John Winthrop & Co., None (71) 1985. Serves Inc. (private investment firm) until a successor trustee is elected or earlier retirement or removal. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fund Officers: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Directorships Held by this Officer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daniel K. Executive Since March Director, CEO and President of None Kingsbury Vice President 2007. Serves at Pioneer Investment Management (49)* the discretion USA Inc., Pioneer Investment of the Board Management, Inc. and Pioneer Institutional Asset Management, Inc. (since March 2007); Executive Vice President of all of the Pioneer Funds (since March 2007); Director of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. (since March 2007); Head of New Markets Division, Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A. (2000-2007) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dorothy E. Secretary Since 2003. Secretary of PIM-USA; Senior None Bourassa (60) Serves at the Vice President- Legal of discretion of Pioneer; Secretary/Clerk of most the Board of PIM-USA's subsidiaries; and Secretary of all of the Pioneer Funds since September 2003 (Assistant Secretary from November 2000 to September 2003) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Christopher J. Assistant Since 2003. Associate General Counsel of None Kelley (43) Secretary Serves at the Pioneer since January 2008 and discretion of Assistant Secretary of all of the Board the Pioneer Funds since September 2003; Vice President and Senior Counsel of Pioneer July 2002 to December 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vincent Nave Treasurer Since 2000. Vice President-Fund Accounting, None (62) Serves at the Administration and discretion of Controllership Services of the Board Pioneer; and Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark E. Assistant Since 2004. Deputy Treasurer of Pioneer None Bradley (48) Treasurer Serves at the since 2004 and Assistant discretion of Treasurer of all of the Pioneer the Board Funds since November 2004; Treasurer and Senior Vice President, CDC IXIS Asset Management Services from 2002 to 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luis I. Assistant Since 2000. Assistant Vice President-Fund None Presutti (42) Treasurer Serves at the Accounting, Administration and discretion of Controllership Services of the Board Pioneer; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gary Sullivan Assistant Since 2002. Fund Accounting Manager - Fund None (49) Treasurer Serves at the Accounting, Administration and discretion of Controllership Services of the Board Pioneer; and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Katherine Assistant Since 2003. Fund Administration Manager - None Kim Sullivan Treasurer Serves at the Fund Accounting, Administration (34) discretion of and Controllership Services the Board since June 2003 and Assistant Treasurer of all of the Pioneer Funds since September 2003; Assistant Vice President - Mutual Fund Operations of State Street Corporation from June 2002 to June 2003 (formerly Deutsche Bank Asset Management) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Teri W. Chief Compliance Since January Chief Compliance Officer of None Anderholm Officer 2007. Serves at Pioneer since December 2006 and (48) the discretion of all the Pioneer Funds since of the Board January 2007; Vice President and Compliance Officer, MFS Investment Management (August 2005 to December 2006); Consultant, Fidelity Investments (February 2005 to July 2005); Independent Consultant (July 1997 to February 2005) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
*Mr. Cogan is an Interested Trustee because he is an officer or director of the fund's investment adviser and certain of its affiliates.
The outstanding capital stock of PFD, Pioneer and PIMSS is indirectly wholly owned by UniCredito Italiano S.p.A. ("UniCredito Italiano"), one of the largest banking groups in Italy. Pioneer, the fund's investment adviser, provides investment management and financial services to mutual funds, institutional and other clients.
Board Committees
During the most recent fiscal year, the Board of Trustees held 8 meetings. Each Trustee attended at least 75% of such meetings.
The Board of Trustees has an Audit Committee, an Independent Trustees Committee, a Nominating Committee, a Valuation Committee and a Policy Administration Committee. Committee members are as follows:
Audit
David R. Bock, Margaret B. W. Graham and Marguerite A. Piret (Chair)
Independent Trustees
David R. Bock, Mary K. Bush, Margaret B.W. Graham (Chair), Thomas J. Perna,
Marguerite A. Piret and John Winthrop
Nominating
Mary K. Bush, Marguerite A. Piret, and John Winthrop (Chair)
Valuation
David R. Bock, Margaret B. W. Graham and Marguerite A. Piret (Chair)
Policy Administration
Mary K. Bush (Chair), Thomas J. Perna and John Winthrop
During the most recent fiscal year, the Audit, Independent Trustees, Nominating, Valuation, and Policy Administration Committees held 11, 9, 8, 4 and 6 meetings, respectively.
The Board of Trustees has adopted a charter for the Audit Committee. In accordance with its charter, the purposes of the Audit Committee are to:
|X| act as a liaison between the fund's independent registered public accounting firm and the full Board of Trustees of the fund;
|X| discuss with the fund's independent registered public accounting firm their judgments about the quality of the fund's accounting principles and underlying estimates as applied in the fund's financial reporting;
|X| review and assess the renewal materials of all related party contracts and agreements, including management advisory agreements, underwriting contracts, administration agreements, distribution contracts, and transfer agency contracts, among any other instruments and agreements that may be appropriate from time to time;
|X| review and approve insurance coverage and allocations of premiums between the management and the fund and among the Pioneer Funds;
|X| review and approve expenses under the administration agreement between Pioneer and the fund and allocations of such expenses among the Pioneer Funds; and
|X| receive on a periodic basis a formal written statement delineating all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the fund or Pioneer; to actively engage in a dialogue with the independent registered public accounting firm with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm; and to recommend that the Trustees take appropriate action in response to the independent registered public accounting firm's report to
satisfy itself of the independent registered public accounting firm's independence.
The Nominating Committee reviews the qualifications of any candidate recommended by the Independent Trustees to serve as an Independent Trustee and makes a recommendation regarding that person's qualifications. The Committee does not accept nominations from shareholders.
The Valuation Committee reviews the valuation assigned to certain securities by Pioneer in accordance with the fund's valuation procedures.
The Policy Administration Committee reviews the implementation of certain of the fund's administrative policies and procedures.
The Independent Trustees Committee reviews the fund's management contract and other related party contracts annually and is also responsible for any other action required to be taken, under the 1940 Act, by the Independent Trustees acting alone.
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that the Trust will indemnify the Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with any litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the Trust, unless it is determined in the manner specified in the Agreement and Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best interests of the Trust or the fund or that such indemnification would relieve any officer or Trustee of any liability to the Trust or the fund or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her duties.
Compensation of Officers and Trustees
The fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers. The Pioneer Funds, including the fund, compensate their Trustees. The Independent Trustees review and set their compensation annually, taking into consideration the committee and other responsibilities assigned to specific Trustees. The table under "Annual Fees, Expense and Other Information-Compensation of Officers and Trustees" sets forth the compensation paid to each of the Trustees. The compensation paid to the Trustees is then allocated among the funds as follows:
o each fund with assets less than $250 million pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $1,000.
o the remaining compensation of the Independent Trustees is allocated to each
fund with assets greater than $250 million based on the fund's net assets.
o the Interested Trustees receive an annual fee of $500 from each fund,
except in the case of funds with net assets of $50 million or less, which
pay each Interested Trustee an annual fee of $200. Pioneer reimburses the
funds for the fees paid to the Interested Trustees.
See "Compensation of Officers and Trustees" in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other
Information."
Sales Loads. The fund offers its shares to Trustees and officers of the fund and employees of Pioneer and its affiliates without a sales charge in order to encourage investment in the fund by individuals who are responsible for its management and because the sales to such persons do not entail any sales effort by the fund, brokers or other intermediaries.
Other Information
Material Relationships of the Independent Trustees. For purposes of the statements below:
o the immediate family members of any person are their spouse, children in the person's household (including step and adoptive children) and any dependent of the person.
o an entity in a control relationship means any person who controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the named person. For example, UniCredito Italiano is an entity that is in a control relationship with Pioneer.
o a related fund is a registered investment company or an entity exempt from the definition of an investment company pursuant to Sections 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act, for which Pioneer or any of its affiliates act as investment adviser or for which PFD or any of its affiliates act as principal underwriter. For example, the fund's related funds include all of the Pioneer Funds and any non-U.S. funds managed by Pioneer or its affiliates.
As of December 31, 2007, none of the Independent Trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, beneficially owned any securities issued by Pioneer, UniCredito Italiano or any other entity in a control relationship to Pioneer or PFD. During the calendar years 2006 and 2007, none of the Independent Trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, had any direct or indirect interest (the value of which exceeded $120,000), whether by contract, arrangement or otherwise, in Pioneer, UniCredito Italiano, or any other entity in a control relationship to Pioneer or PFD. During the calendar years 2006 and 2007, none of the Independent Trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, had an interest in a transaction or a series of transactions in which the aggregate amount involved exceeded $120,000 and to which any of the following were a party (each a "fund related party"):
o the fund
o an officer of the fund
o a related fund
o an officer of any related fund
o Pioneer
o PFD
o an officer of Pioneer or PFD
o any affiliate of Pioneer or PFD
o an officer of any such affiliate
During the calendar years 2006 and 2007, none of the Independent Trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, had any relationship (the value of which exceeded $120,000) with any fund related party, including, but not limited to, relationships arising out of (i) the payment for property and services, (ii) the provision of legal services, (iii) the provision of investment banking services (other than as a member of the underwriting syndicate) or (iv) the provision of consulting services.
During the calendar years 2006 and 2007, none of the Independent Trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, served as a member of a board of directors on which an officer of any of the following entities also serves as a director:
o Pioneer
o PFD
o UniCredito Italiano
o any other entity in a control relationship with Pioneer or PFD
None of the fund's Trustees or officers has any arrangement with any other person pursuant to which that Trustee or officer serves on the Board of Trustees. During the calendar years 2006 and 2007, none of the Independent Trustees, nor any of their immediate family members, had any position, including as an officer, employee, director or partner, with any of the following:
o the fund
o any related fund
o Pioneer
o PFD
o any affiliated person of the fund, Pioneer or PFD
o UniCredito Italiano
o any other entity in a control relationship to the fund, Pioneer or PFD
Share Ownership. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for annual information on the ownership of fund shares by the Trustees, the fund's officers and owners in excess of 5% of any class of shares of the fund and a table indicating the value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owns in the fund and in all the Pioneer Funds.
Code of Ethics. The Board of Trustees has approved a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that covers the fund, Pioneer and certain of Pioneer's affiliates. The code of ethics establishes procedures for personal investing and restricts certain transactions. Employees subject to the code of ethics may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund.
Proxy Voting Policies. Information regarding how the fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is publicly available to shareowners without charge at http://www.pioneerinvestments.com and on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The fund's "Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures" are attached as "Appendix B".
4. INVESTMENT ADVISER
The fund has contracted with Pioneer to act as its investment adviser. Pioneer is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredito Italiano. Certain Trustees or officers of the fund are also directors and/or officers of certain of UniCredito Italiano's subsidiaries (see management biographies above). Pioneer has entered into an agreement with its affiliate, Pioneer Investment Management Limited ("PIML"), pursuant to which PIML provides certain services and personnel to Pioneer.
As the fund's investment adviser, Pioneer provides the fund with investment research, advice and supervision and furnishes an investment program for the fund consistent with the fund's investment objective and policies, subject to the supervision of the fund's Trustees.
Pioneer determines what portfolio securities will be purchased or sold, arranges for the placing of orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place those orders, maintains books and records with respect to the fund's securities transactions, and reports to the Trustees on the fund's investments and performance.
Under the terms of its management contract with the fund, Pioneer pays all the operating expenses, including executive salaries and the rental of office space, relating to its services for the fund, with the exception of the following, which are paid by the fund: (i) charges and expenses for fund accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related overhead, including, to the extent such services are performed by personnel of Pioneer or its affiliates, office space and facilities, and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (ii) the charges and expenses of auditors; (iii) the charges and expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend disbursing agent, registrar or any other agent appointed by the fund; (iv) issue and transfer taxes chargeable to the fund in connection with securities transactions to which the fund is a party; (v) insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and corporate fees payable by the fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies; (vi) fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registrations of the fund and/or its shares with federal regulatory agencies, state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign jurisdictions, including the preparation of prospectuses and statements of additional information for filing with such regulatory authorities; (vii) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (viii) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the fund and the Trustees; (ix) any fees paid by the fund in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act; (x) compensation of Independent Trustees; (xi) the cost of preparing and printing share certificates; (xii) interest on borrowed money, if any; and (xiii) any other expense that the fund, Pioneer or any other agent of the fund may incur (A) as a result of a change in the law or regulations, (B) as a result of a mandate from the Board of Trustees with associated costs of a character generally assumed by similarly structured investment companies or (C) that is similar to the expenses listed above, and that is approved by the Board of Trustees (including a majority of the Independent Trustees) as being an appropriate expense of the fund. In addition, the fund pays all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the fund in connection with its securities transactions.
The Trustees' approval of and the terms, continuance and termination of the management contract are governed by the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as applicable (the "Advisers Act"). Pursuant to the management contract, Pioneer will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss sustained by reason of the adoption of any investment policy or the purchase, sale or retention of any securities on the recommendation of Pioneer. Pioneer, however, is not protected against liability by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the management contract. Either party to the management contract may, without penalty, terminate the management contract by vote of its Board of Trustees or Directors, as the case may be, or by vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the fund or Pioneer, as the case may be, upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the other party.
Advisory Fee. As compensation for its management services and expenses incurred, the fund pays Pioneer a management fee that is comprised of two components. The first component is an annual basic fee (the "basic fee") equal to 0.60% of the fund's average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5 billion and 0.550% on the excess over $10 billion. The second component is a performance fee adjustment.
Performance Fee Adjustment. The basic fee is subject to upward or downward adjustment depending on whether, and to what extent, the investment performance of the Class A shares of the fund for the relevant performance period exceeds, or is exceeded by, the investment record (the "record") of the index determined by the fund to be appropriate over the same period. The Trustees have designated the Russell 1000 Value Index (the "Index") for this purpose. The Index is made up of those stocks contained within the Russell 1000 Index (a widely recognized measure of the performance of the 1,000 largest stocks, based on capitalization) with lower price-to-book ratios and lower forecasted growth values.
The performance period consists of the current month and the prior 35 months. Each percentage point of difference (up to a maximum difference of +/- 10 percentage points) would result in a performance rate adjustment of 0.01%. The maximum rate adjustment is therefore +/- 0.10%. An appropriate percentage of this rate (based upon the number of days in the current month) is then multiplied by the average daily net assets of the fund over the entire performance period, giving the dollar amount that will be added to (or subtracted from) the basic fee. Pioneer contractually limits any positive adjustment of the fund's management fee to 0.10% of the fund's average daily net assets on an annual basis (i.e., to a maximum of 0.70% after the performance adjustment).
Performance Adjustment Example
The following hypothetical example illustrates the application of the performance adjustment.
For purposes of the example, any dividends or capital gain distributions paid by the fund are treated as if reinvested in shares of the fund at net asset value, and any dividends paid on the stocks in the Index are treated as if reinvested in the Index.
The example also makes these assumptions:
Fund's Fund's For the investment Index's performance relative to the performance period performance cumulative change Index ------------------ ----------- ----------------- ----- First day $10 100 Last day $13 123 Absolute change +$3 +$23 Actual change +30% +23% + 7 percentage points |
Based on these assumptions, the fund calculates Pioneer's management fee rate for the last month of the performance period as follows:
|X| The portion of the annual basic fee rate of 0.60% (0.60% of the fund's average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5 billion and 0.550% on the excess over $10 billion) applicable to that month is multiplied by the fund's average daily net assets for the month. This results in the dollar amount of the basic fee.
|X| The +7 percentage point difference between the performance of the fund's Class A shares and the record of the Index is multiplied by the performance rate adjustment of 0.01% producing a rate of 0.07%.
|X| The 0.07% rate (adjusted for the number of days in the month) is multiplied by the fund's average daily net assets for the performance period. This results in the dollar amount of the performance adjustment. |X| The dollar amount of the performance adjustment is added to the dollar amount of the basic fee producing the adjusted management fee.
The example also makes these assumptions:
Fund's Fund's For the investment Index's performance relative to the performance period performance cumulative change Index ------------------ ----------- ----------------- ----- First day $10 100 Last day $11 120 Absolute change +$1 +$20 Actual change +10% +20% -10 percentage points |
Based on these assumptions, the fund calculates Pioneer's management fee rate for the last month of the performance period as follows:
|X| The portion of the annual basic fee rate of 0.60% (0.60% of the fund's
average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575 on the next $5 billion and
0.550% on the excess over $10 billion) applicable to that month is
multiplied by the fund's average daily net assets for the month. This
results in the dollar amount of the basic fee.
|X| The -10 percentage point difference between the performance of the fund's
Class A shares and the record of the Index is multiplied by the performance
rate adjustment of 0.01% producing a rate of 0.10%.
|X| The - 0.10% rate (adjusted for the number of days in the month) is
multiplied by the fund's average daily net assets for the performance
period. This results in the dollar amount of the performance adjustment.
|X| The dollar amount of the performance adjustment is subtracted from the dollar amount of the basic fee producing the adjusted management fee.
If the record of the Index during the performance period exceeded the fund's performance, the dollar amount of the performance adjustment would be deducted from the dollar amount of the basic fee.
Because the adjustment to the basic fee is based on the comparative performance of the fund and the record of the Index, the controlling factor is not whether fund performance is up or down, but whether it is up or down more or less than the record of the Index. Moreover, the comparative investment performance of the fund is based solely on the relevant performance period without regard to the cumulative performance over a longer or shorter period of time.
From time to time, the Trustees may determine that another securities index is a more appropriate benchmark than the Index for purposes of evaluating the performance of the fund. In such event, a successor index may be substituted for the Index in prospectively calculating the performance based adjustment to the basic fee. However, the calculation of the performance adjustment for any portion of the performance period prior to the adoption of the successor index would still be based upon the fund's performance compared to the Index. The fund has been advised that
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission takes the position that the Board may not substitute a new Index without shareholder approval. Consequently, until the position of the staff changes, the fund would submit any change in the Index to shareholders for their approval.
It is not possible to predict the effect of the performance adjustment on the overall compensation to Pioneer in the future since it will depend on the performance of the fund relative to the record of the Index.
The board approved a performance adjustment to the fund's management fee, having determined that it would be appropriate to increase Pioneer's compensation and that the amount of the increase should be greater when the fund's performance exceeds that of an objective index and, conversely, lower when the fund's performance is poorer than the record of that index. The Index was deemed appropriate for this comparison because it is composed of stocks similar to the securities in which the fund is permitted to invest. The board believes that a performance adjustment is appropriate for the fund and that providing incentives to Pioneer based on its performance benefits shareholders.
Under the terms of the management contract, the fund pays management fees at a rate equal to the basic fee plus or minus the amount of the performance adjustment for the current month and the preceding 35 months. At the end of each succeeding month, the performance period will roll forward one month so that it is always a 36-month period consisting of the current month and the prior 35 months as described above. The fund uses average daily net assets when calculating the rolling 36-month period.
Effective Date of Performance Adjustment
On April 17, 2003, the fund's shareholders approved, effective May 1, 2003, the adoption of the Index as the benchmark for the fund's performance fee adjustment. Previously, the fund used the Lipper Growth and Income Fund Index (the "Old Benchmark") as its performance benchmark.
The basic fee is computed and accrued daily, the performance fee adjustment is calculated once per month and the entire management fee is paid monthly.
See the table in Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information for management fees paid to Pioneer during recently completed fiscal years.
Expense Limit
Pioneer has agreed that through the second anniversary of the closing of the
Reorganization, Pioneer will limit the expenses (excluding extraordinary
expenses) of the Investor Class shares to 1.10% of average daily net assets.
Administration Agreement. The fund has entered into an administration agreement with Pioneer pursuant to which certain accounting, administration and legal services are performed by Pioneer and pursuant to which Pioneer receives a fee at the annual rate of 0.0225% of the fund's average daily net assets. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for fees the fund paid to Pioneer for administration and related services.
Potential Conflicts of Interest. The fund is managed by Pioneer which also serves as investment adviser to other Pioneer mutual funds and other accounts with investment objectives identical or similar to those of the fund. Securities frequently meet the investment objectives of the fund, the other Pioneer mutual funds and such other accounts. In such cases, the decision to recommend a
purchase to one fund or account rather than another is based on a number of factors. The determining factors in most cases are the amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those securities and the market for them. Other factors considered in the investment recommendations include other investments which each fund or account presently has in a particular industry and the availability of investment funds in each fund or account.
It is possible that at times identical securities will be held by more than one fund and/or account. However, positions in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may likewise vary. To the extent that more than one of the Pioneer mutual funds or a private account managed by Pioneer seeks to acquire the same security at about the same time, the fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price for the security. Similarly, the fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio security if Pioneer decides to sell on behalf of another account the same portfolio security at the same time. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the same time by more than one fund or account, the resulting participation in volume transactions could produce better executions for the fund. In the event more than one account purchases or sells the same security on a given date, the purchases and sales will normally be made as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis in proportion to the amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each account. Although the other Pioneer mutual funds may have the same or similar investment objectives and policies as the fund, their portfolios do not generally consist of the same investments as the fund or each other, and their performance results are likely to differ from those of the fund.
Personal Securities Transactions. The fund, Pioneer, and PFD have adopted a code of ethics under Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act which is applicable to officers, trustees/directors and designated employees of Pioneer and certain of Pioneer's affiliates. The code permits such persons to engage in personal securities transactions for their own accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by the fund, and is designed to prescribe means reasonably necessary to prevent conflicts of interest from arising in connection with personal securities transactions. The code is on public file with and available from the SEC.
5. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER AND DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Principal Underwriter
PFD, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the principal underwriter for the fund in connection with the continuous offering of its shares. PFD is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of PIM-USA.
The fund entered into an underwriting agreement with PFD which provides that PFD will bear expenses for the distribution of the fund's shares, except for expenses incurred by PFD for which it is reimbursed or compensated by the fund under the distribution plans (discussed below). PFD bears all expenses it incurs in providing services under the underwriting agreement. Such expenses include compensation to its employees and representatives and to securities dealers for distribution-related services performed for the fund. PFD also pays certain expenses in connection with the distribution of the fund's shares, including the cost of preparing, printing and distributing advertising or promotional materials, and the cost of printing and distributing prospectuses and supplements to prospective shareholders. The fund bears the cost of registering
its shares under federal and state securities law and the laws of certain non-U.S. countries. Under the underwriting agreement, PFD will use its best efforts in rendering services to the fund.
See "Sales Charges" for the schedule of initial sales charge reallowed to dealers as a percentage of the offering price of the fund's Class A shares.
See the tables under "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for commissions retained by PFD and reallowed to dealers in connection with PFD's offering of the fund's Class A and Class C shares during recently completed fiscal years.
The fund will not generally issue fund shares for consideration other than cash. At the fund's sole discretion, however, it may issue fund shares for consideration other than cash in connection with a bona fide reorganization, statutory merger or other acquisition of portfolio securities.
It is the fund's general practice to repurchase its shares of beneficial interest for cash consideration in any amount; however, the redemption price of shares of the fund may, at Pioneer's discretion, be paid in portfolio securities. The fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to which the fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net asset value during any 90-day period for any one shareholder. Should the amount of redemptions by any shareholder exceed such limitation, the fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or portfolio securities. In the latter case, the securities are taken at their value employed in determining the fund's net asset value. You may incur additional costs, such as brokerage fees and taxes, and risks, including a decline in the value of the securities you receive, if the fund makes an in-kind distribution. The selection of such securities will be made in such manner as the Board of Trustees deems fair and reasonable; however, the fund will not distribute illiquid securities in kind.
Distribution Plans
The fund has adopted a plan of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A shares (the "Class A Plan"), a plan of distribution with respect to its Class B shares (the "Class B Plan") and a plan of distribution with respect to its Class C shares (the "Class C Plan") (together, the "Plans"), pursuant to which certain distribution and service fees are paid to PFD. The fund has not adopted a plan of distribution with respect to its Class Y shares. Because of the Plans, long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the maximum sales charge permitted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") regarding investment companies. Currently under the Class A Plan, PFD is reimbursed for distribution expenses, and the distribution expenses of PFD are expected to substantially exceed the distribution fees paid by the fund in a given year. The Class B Plan and Class C Plan are compensation plans, which means that the amount of payments under the plans are not linked to PFD's expenditures, and, consequently, PFD can make a profit under each of those plans.
Class A Plan. Pursuant to the Class A Plan the fund currently reimburses PFD for
its actual expenditures to finance any activity primarily intended to result in
the sale of Class A shares or to provide services to holders of Class A shares,
provided the categories of expenses for which reimbursement is made are approved
by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees has approved the following
categories of expenses that may be reimbursed under the Class A Plan: (i) a
service fee to be paid to qualified broker-dealers in an amount not to exceed
0.25% per annum of the fund's daily net assets attributable to Class A shares;
(ii) reimbursement to PFD for its expenditures for broker-dealer commissions and
employee compensation on certain sales of the fund's Class A shares with no
initial sales charge; and (iii) reimbursement to PFD for expenses
incurred in providing services to Class A shareholders and supporting broker-dealers and other organizations (such as banks and trust companies) in their efforts to provide such services. The expenses of the fund pursuant to the Class A Plan are accrued daily at a rate which may not exceed the annual rate of 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares.
The Class A Plan does not provide for the carryover of reimbursable expenses beyond 12 months from the time the fund is first invoiced for an expense. The limited carryover provision in the Class A Plan may result in an expense invoiced to the fund in one fiscal year being paid in the subsequent fiscal year and thus being treated for purposes of calculating the maximum expenditures of the fund as having been incurred in the subsequent fiscal year. In the event of termination or non-continuance of the Class A Plan, the fund has 12 months to reimburse any expense which it incurs prior to such termination or non-continuance, provided that payments by the fund during such 12-month period shall not exceed 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares during such period. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the amount, if any, of carryover of distribution expenses as of the end of the most recent calendar year.
Class B Plan. PFD pays the selling broker-dealer a commission on the sale of Class B shares equal to 3.75% of the amount invested. This commission is paid at the time of sale of the Class B shares. In order to be entitled to a commission, the selling broker-dealer must have entered into sales agreements with PFD. At the time of the sale of a Class B share, PFD may also advance to the broker-dealer, from PFD's own assets, the first-year service fee payable under the Class B Plan at a rate up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares. If such an advance is made, the broker-dealer would not receive any further service fee until the 13th month following the purchase of Class B shares. As compensation for advancing the service fee, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase.
The Class B Plan provides that the fund shall pay to PFD, as the fund's distributor for its Class B shares:
o a distribution fee equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. The distribution fee compensates PFD for its distribution services with respect to Class B shares. PFD pays the commissions to broker-dealers discussed above and also pays:
o the cost of printing prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes and the preparation and printing of sales literature and
o other distribution-related expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary to provide distribution-related services, or personnel, travel, office expenses and equipment.
o a service fee equal to 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. PFD in turn pays the service fee to broker-dealers at a rate of up to 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares owned by shareholder for whom that broker-dealer is the holder or dealer of record. This service fee compensates the broker-dealer for providing personal services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the broker-dealer with respect to Class B shares. PFD may from time to time require that dealers, in addition to providing these services, meet certain criteria in order to receive service fees. PFD is entitled to retain all service fees with respect to Class B shares
for which there is no dealer of record or with respect to which a dealer is not otherwise entitled to a service fee. Such service fees are paid to PFD for personal services and/or account maintenance services that PFD or its affiliates perform for shareholder accounts.
PFD also receives contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs") attributable to Class B shares to compensate PFD for its distribution expenses. When a broker-dealer sells Class B shares and elects, with PFD's approval, to waive its right to receive the commission normally paid at the time of the sale, PFD may cause all or a portion of the distribution fees described above to be paid to the broker-dealer.
Since PFD pays commissions to broker-dealers at the time of the sale of Class B shares but only receives compensation for such expenses over time through the distribution fee and CDSC, the Class B Plan and underwriting agreement permit PFD to finance the payment of commissions to broker-dealers. In order to facilitate such financing, the fund has agreed that the distribution fee will not be terminated or modified (including a modification in the rules relating to the conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares) with respect to Class B shares:
o issued prior to the date of any termination or modification;
o attributable to Class B shares issued through one or a series of exchanges of shares of another investment company for which PFD acts as principal underwriter which were initially issued prior to the date of such termination or modification; or
o issued as a dividend or distribution upon Class B shares initially issued or attributable to Class B shares issued prior to the date of any such termination or modification.
The foregoing limitation does not apply to Class B shares issued after the termination or modification. The foregoing limitation on terminating or modifying the Class B Plan also does not apply to a termination or modification:
o if a change in the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations under the 1940 Act, the Conduct Rules of FINRA or an order of any court or governmental agency requires such termination or modification (e.g. if the Conduct Rules were amended to establish a lower limit on the maximum aggregate sales charges that could be imposed on sales of fund shares);
o if the fund (or any successor) terminates the Class B Plan and all payments under the plan and neither the fund (nor any successor) establishes another class of shares which has substantially similar characteristics to the Class B shares of the fund; or
o at any time by the Board of Trustees. However, the Board of Trustees may terminate or modify the Class B Plan only if the fund and Pioneer agree that none of the fund, PFD or any of their affiliates will pay, after the date of termination or modification, a service fee with respect to the fund's Class B shares and the termination or modification of the distribution fee applies equally to all Class B shares outstanding from time to time.
In the underwriting agreement, the fund agrees that subsequent to the issuance of a Class B share, the fund will not waive or change any CDSC (including a change in the rules applicable to conversion of Class B shares into another class) in respect of such Class B share, except:
o as provided in the fund's prospectus or statement of additional information; or
o as required by a change in the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the Conduct Rules of FINRA or any order of any court or governmental agency.
Class C Plan. Commissions on the sale of Class C shares of up to 0.75% of the amount invested in Class C shares are paid to broker-dealers who have sales agreements with PFD. PFD may also advance to dealers the first-year service fee payable under the Class C Plan at a rate up to 0.25% of the purchase price of such shares. As compensation for such advance of the service fee, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase.
The Class C Plan provides that the fund will pay PFD, as the fund's distributor for its Class C shares, a distribution fee accrued daily and paid quarterly, equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares and will pay PFD a service fee equal to 0.25% of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. PFD will in turn pay to securities dealers that enter into a sales agreement with PFD a distribution fee and a service fee at rates of up to 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively, of the fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares owned by investors for whom that securities dealer is the holder or dealer of record. The service fee is intended to be in consideration of personal services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the dealer with respect to Class C shares. PFD will advance to dealers the first-year service fee at a rate equal to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefore, PFD may retain the service fee paid by the fund with respect to such shares for the first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional annual distribution fees and service fees of up to 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively, of the net asset value of such shares. Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other criteria in order to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all service fees payable under the Class C Plan for which there is no dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not been met as partial consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class C Plan is to compensate PFD for its distribution services with respect to Class C shares of the fund. PFD pays commissions to dealers as well as expenses of printing prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses with respect to the preparation and printing of sales literature and other distribution-related expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary to provide distribution-related services, or personnel, travel, office expenses and equipment. The Class C Plan also provides that PFD will receive all CDSCs attributable to Class C shares. When a broker-dealer sells Class C shares and elects, with PFD's approval, to waive its right to receive the commission normally paid at the time of the sale, PFD may cause all or a portion of the distribution fees described above to be paid to the broker-dealer.
General
In accordance with the terms of each Plan, PFD provides to the fund for review by the Trustees a quarterly written report of the amounts expended under the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
No interested person of the fund, nor any Trustee of the fund who is not an interested person of the fund, has any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans except to the extent that PFD and certain of its employees may be deemed to have such an interest as a result of
receiving a portion of the amounts expended under the Plans by the fund and except to the extent certain officers may have an interest in PFD's ultimate parent, UniCredito Italiano, or in UniCredito Italiano's subsidiaries.
Each Plan's adoption, terms, continuance and termination are governed by Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Board of Trustees believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will benefit the fund and its current and future shareholders. The Plans may not be amended to increase materially the annual percentage limitation of average net assets which may be spent for the services described therein without approval of the shareholders of the fund affected thereby, and material amendments of the Plans must also be approved by the Trustees as provided in Rule 12b-1.
See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for fund expenses under each Plan and CDSCs paid to PFD for the most recently completed fiscal year.
Upon redemption, Class A shares may be subject to a 1% CDSC, Class B shares are subject to a CDSC at a rate declining from a maximum 4%, and Class C shares may be subject to a 1% CDSC, in each case, of the lower of the cost or market value of the shares. Class Y shares are not subject to a CDSC.
6. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING/TRANSFER AGENT
The fund has contracted with PIMSS, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, to act as shareholder servicing and transfer agent for the fund.
Under the terms of its contract with the fund, PIMSS services shareholder accounts, and its duties include: (i) processing sales, redemptions and exchanges of shares of the fund; (ii) distributing dividends and capital gains associated with the fund's portfolio; and (iii) maintaining account records and responding to shareholder inquiries.
PIMSS receives an annual fee of $24.35 for each shareholder account from the fund as compensation for the services described above. PIMSS is also reimbursed by the fund for its cash out-of-pocket expenditures. The fund may compensate entities which have agreed to provide certain sub-accounting services such as specific transaction processing and recordkeeping services. Any such payments by the fund would be in lieu of the per account fee which would otherwise be paid by the fund to PIMSS.
7. CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, is the custodian of the fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safekeeping and controlling the fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and collecting interest and dividends on the fund's investments.
8. INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Ernst & Young LLP, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5072, the fund's independent registered public accounting firm, provides audit services, tax return review, and assistance and consultation with respect to the review of filings with the SEC.
9. PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Additional Information About the Portfolio Managers
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers. The table below indicates, for each portfolio manager of the fund, information about the accounts other than the fund over which the portfolio manager has day-to-day investment responsibility. All information on the number of accounts and total assets in the table is as of September 30, 2007. For purposes of the table, "Other Pooled Investment Vehicles" may include investment partnerships, undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities ("UCITS") and other non-U.S. investment funds and group trusts, and "Other Accounts" may include separate accounts for institutions or individuals, insurance company general or separate accounts, pension funds and other similar institutional accounts but generally do not include the portfolio manager's personal investment accounts or those which the manager may be deemed to own beneficially under the code of ethics. Certain funds and other accounts managed by the portfolio manager may have substantially similar investment strategies.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Type of Number of Total Assets Number of Assets Portfolio Account Accounts Managed Accounts Managed for Manager Managed Managed for which which Advisory Fee Advisory Fee is is Performance- Performance- Based Based ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aaron C. Clark Other Registered 0 $0 N/A N/A Investment Companies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Pooled 1 $707,050,000 N/A N/A Investment Vehicles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Accounts 0 $0 N/A N/A ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Type of Number of Total Assets Number of Assets Portfolio Account Accounts Managed Accounts Managed for Manager Managed Managed for which which Advisory Fee Advisory Fee is is Performance- Performance- Based Based ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J. Rodman Other Registered 4 $4,182,461,000 1 $2,790,040,000 Wright Investment Companies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Pooled 1 $1,038,213,000 N/A N/A Investment Vehicles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Accounts 4 $58,942,000 N/A N/A ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Type of Number of Total Assets Number of Assets Portfolio Account Accounts Managed Accounts Managed for Manager Managed Managed for which which Advisory Fee Advisory Fee is is Performance- Performance- Based Based ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bradley T. Other Registered 3 $200,492,000 N/A N/A Galko Investment Companies ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Pooled 2 $3,847,052,000 N/A N/A Investment Vehicles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Accounts 0 $0 N/A N/A ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Potential Conflicts of Interest. When a portfolio manager is responsible for the management of more than one account, the potential arises for the portfolio manager to favor one account over another. The principal types of potential conflicts of interest that may arise are discussed below. For the reasons outlined below, Pioneer does not believe that any material conflicts are likely to arise out of a portfolio manager's responsibility for the management of the fund as well as one or more other accounts. Although Pioneer has adopted procedures that it believes are reasonably designed to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws and to mitigate the potential for conflicts of interest to affect its portfolio management decisions, there can be no assurance that all conflicts will be identified or that all procedures will be effective in mitigating the potential for such risks. Generally, the risks of such conflicts of interest are increased to the extent that a portfolio manager has a financial incentive to favor one account over another. Pioneer has structured its compensation arrangements in a manner that is intended to limit such
potential for conflicts of interest. See "Compensation of Portfolio Managers" below.
o A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in allocating new investment opportunities that have limited supply, such as initial public offerings and private placements. If, for example, an initial public offering was expected to appreciate in value significantly shortly after the offering was allocated to a single account, that account may be expected to have better investment performance than other accounts that did not receive an allocation of the initial public offering. Generally, investments for which there is limited availability are allocated based upon a range of factors including available cash and consistency with the accounts' investment objectives and policies. This allocation methodology necessarily involves some subjective elements but is intended over time to treat each client in an equitable and fair manner. Generally, the investment opportunity is allocated among participating accounts on a pro rata basis. Although Pioneer believes that its practices are reasonably designed to treat each client in an equitable and fair manner, there may be instances where a fund may not participate, or may participate to a lesser degree than other clients, in the allocation of an investment opportunity.
o A portfolio manager could favor one account over another in the order in which trades for the accounts are placed. If a portfolio manager determines to purchase a security for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions. The less liquid the market for the security or the greater the percentage that the proposed aggregate purchases or sales represent of average daily trading volume, the greater the potential for accounts that make subsequent purchases or sales to receive a less favorable price. When a portfolio manager intends to trade the same security on the same day for more than one account, the trades typically are "bunched," which means that the trades for the individual accounts are aggregated and each account receives the same price. There are some types of accounts as to which bunching may not be possible for contractual reasons (such as directed brokerage arrangements). Circumstances may also arise where the trader believes that bunching the orders may not result in the best possible price. Where those accounts or circumstances are involved, Pioneer will place the order in a manner intended to result in as favorable a price as possible for such client.
o A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager's compensation is tied to the performance of that account to a greater degree than other accounts managed by the portfolio manager. If, for example, the portfolio manager receives a bonus based upon the performance of certain accounts relative to a benchmark while other accounts are disregarded for this purpose, the portfolio manager will have a financial incentive to seek to have the accounts that determine the portfolio manager's bonus achieve the best possible performance to the possible detriment of other accounts. Similarly, if Pioneer receives a performance-based advisory fee, the portfolio manager may favor that account, whether or not the performance of that account directly determines the portfolio manager's compensation.
o A portfolio manager could favor an account if the portfolio manager has a beneficial interest in the account, in order to benefit a large client or to compensate a client that had poor returns. For example, if the portfolio manager held an interest in an investment partnership that was one of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager, the portfolio manager would have an economic incentive to favor the account in which the portfolio manager held an interest.
o If the different accounts have materially and potentially conflicting investment objectives or strategies, a conflict of interest could arise. For example, if a portfolio manager purchases a security for one account and sells the same security for another account, such trading pattern may disadvantage either the account that is long or short. In making portfolio manager assignments, Pioneer seeks to avoid such potentially conflicting situations. However, where a portfolio manager is responsible for accounts with differing investment objectives and policies, it is possible that the portfolio manager will conclude that it is in the best interest of one account to sell a portfolio security while another account continues to hold or increase the holding in such security.
Compensation of Portfolio Managers. Pioneer has adopted a system of compensation for portfolio managers that seeks to align the financial interests of the portfolio managers with those of shareholders of the accounts (including Pioneer funds) the portfolio managers manage, as well as with the financial performance of Pioneer. The compensation program for all Pioneer portfolio managers includes a base salary (determined by the rank and tenure of the employee) and an annual bonus program, as well as customary benefits that are offered generally to all full-time employees. Base compensation is fixed and normally reevaluated on an annual basis. Pioneer seeks to set base compensation at market rates, taking into account the experience and responsibilities of the portfolio manager. The bonus plan is intended to provide a competitive level of annual bonus compensation that is tied to the portfolio manager achieving superior investment performance and align the interests of the investment professional with those of shareholders, as well as with the financial performance of Pioneer. Any bonus under the plan is completely discretionary, with a maximum annual bonus that may be in excess of base salary. The annual bonus is based upon a combination of the following factors:
o Quantitative Investment Performance. The quantitative investment performance calculation is based on pre-tax investment performance of all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager (which includes the fund and any other accounts managed by the portfolio manager) over a one-year period (20% weighting) and four-year period (80% weighting), measured for periods ending on December 31. The accounts, which include the fund, are ranked against a group of mutual funds with similar investment objectives and investment focus (60%) and a broad-based securities market index measuring the performance of the same type of securities in which the accounts invest (40%), which, in the case of the fund, is the Russell 1000 Value Index. As a result of these two benchmarks, the performance of the portfolio manager for compensation purposes is measured against the criteria that are relevant to the portfolio manager's competitive universe.
o Qualitative Performance. The qualitative performance component with
respect to all of the accounts managed by the portfolio manager
includes objectives, such as effectiveness in the areas of teamwork,
leadership, communications and marketing, that are mutually
established and evaluated by each portfolio manager and management.
o Pioneer Results and Business Line Results. Pioneer's financial
performance, as well as the investment performance of its investment
management group, affect a portfolio manager's actual bonus by a
leverage factor of plus or minus (+/-) a predetermined percentage.
The quantitative and qualitative performance components comprise 80% and 20%, respectively, of the overall bonus calculation (on a pre-adjustment basis). A portion of the annual bonus is deferred for a specified period and may be invested in one or more Pioneer funds.
Certain portfolio managers may participate in other programs designed to reward and retain key contributors. Senior executives or other key employees may be granted performance units based on the stock price performance of UniCredito Italiano and the financial performance of Pioneer Global Asset Management S.p.A., which are affiliates of Pioneer. Portfolio managers also may participate in a deferred compensation program, whereby deferred amounts are invested in one or more Pioneer funds.
Share Ownership by Portfolio Managers. The following table indicates as of September 30, 2007 the value, within the indicated range, of shares beneficially owned by the portfolio managers of the fund.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Portfolio Manager Beneficial Ownership of the Fund* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aaron C. Clark E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J. Rodman Wright E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bradley T. Galko C ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
*Key to Dollar Ranges
A. None
B. $1 - $10,000
C. $10,001 - $50,000
D. $50,001 - $100,000
E. $100,001 - $500,000
F. $500,001 - $1,000,000
G. Over $1,000,000
10. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of the fund by Pioneer pursuant to authority contained in the fund's management contract. Securities purchased and sold on behalf of the fund normally will be traded in the over-the-counter market on a net basis (i.e. without commission) through dealers acting for their own account and not as brokers or otherwise through transactions directly with the issuer of the instrument. The cost of securities purchased from underwriters includes an underwriter's commission or concession, and the prices at which securities are purchased and sold from and to dealers include a dealer's markup or markdown. Pioneer normally seeks to deal directly with the primary market makers unless, in its opinion, better prices are available elsewhere. Pioneer seeks to obtain the best execution on portfolio trades. The price of securities and any commission rate paid are always factors, but frequently not the only factors, in judging best execution. In selecting brokers or dealers, Pioneer considers various relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the size and type of the transaction; the nature and character of the markets for the security to be purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability and financial condition of the dealer; the dealer's execution services rendered on a continuing basis; and the reasonableness of any dealer spreads. Transactions in non-U.S. equity securities are executed by broker-dealers in non-U.S. countries in which commission rates may not be negotiable (as such rates are in the U.S.).
Pioneer may select broker-dealers that provide brokerage and/or research services to the fund and/or other investment companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer over which it or its
affiliates exercise investment discretion. In addition, consistent with Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, if Pioneer determines in good faith that the amount of commissions charged by a broker-dealer is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker, the fund may pay commissions to such broker-dealer in an amount greater than the amount another firm may charge. Such services may include advice concerning the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities; the availability of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; providing stock quotation services, credit rating service information and comparative fund statistics; furnishing analyses, electronic information services, manuals and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and performance of accounts and particular investment decisions; and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Pioneer maintains a listing of broker-dealers who provide such services on a regular basis. However, because many transactions on behalf of the fund and other investment companies or accounts managed by Pioneer are placed with broker-dealers (including broker-dealers on the listing) without regard to the furnishing of such services, it is not possible to estimate the proportion of such transactions directed to such dealers solely because such services were provided. Pioneer believes that no exact dollar value can be calculated for such services.
The research received from broker-dealers may be useful to Pioneer in rendering investment management services to the fund as well as other investment companies or other accounts managed by Pioneer, although not all such research may be useful to the fund. Conversely, such information provided by brokers or dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other accounts may be useful to Pioneer in carrying out its obligations to the fund. The receipt of such research has not reduced Pioneer's normal independent research activities; however, it enables Pioneer to avoid the additional expenses which might otherwise be incurred if it were to attempt to develop comparable information through its own staff.
The fund may participate in third-party brokerage and/or expense offset arrangements to reduce the fund's total operating expenses. Pursuant to third-party brokerage arrangements, the fund may incur lower expenses by directing brokerage to third-party broker-dealers which have agreed to use part of their commission to pay the fund's fees to service providers unaffiliated with Pioneer or other expenses. Since the commissions paid to the third party brokers reflect a commission cost that the fund would generally expect to incur on its brokerage transactions but not necessarily the lowest possible commission, this arrangement is intended to reduce the fund's operating expenses without increasing the cost of its brokerage commissions. Since use of such directed brokerage is subject to the requirement to achieve best execution in connection with the fund's brokerage transactions, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will be utilized. Pursuant to expense offset arrangements, the fund may incur lower transfer agency expenses due to interest earned on cash held with the transfer agent. See "Financial highlights" in the prospectus(es).
See the table in "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for aggregate brokerage and underwriting commissions paid by the fund in connection with its portfolio transactions during recently completed fiscal years. The Board of Trustees periodically reviews Pioneer's performance of its responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on behalf of the fund.
11. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
As an open-end management investment company, the fund continuously offers its shares to the public and under normal conditions must redeem its shares upon the demand of any shareholder at the next determined net asset value per share less any applicable CDSC. See "Sales Charges." When issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the prospectus and statement of additional information, shares of the fund are fully paid and non-assessable. Shares will remain on deposit with the fund's transfer agent and certificates will not normally be issued.
The Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of April 26, 1996 (the "Declaration of Trust"), as amended from time to time, permits the Board of Trustees to authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest which may be divided into such separate series as the Trustees may establish. Currently, the Trust consists of only one series. The Trustees may, however, establish additional series of shares and may divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests in the fund. The Declaration of Trust further authorizes the Trustees to classify or reclassify any series of the shares into one or more classes. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have authorized the issuance of the following classes of shares of the fund, designated as Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, Class R shares and Class Y shares. Class R shares have not been issued as of the date of this statement of additional information. Each share of a class of the fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the fund allocable to that class. Upon liquidation of the fund, shareholders of each class of the fund are entitled to share pro rata in the fund's net assets allocable to such class available for distribution to shareholders. The Trust reserves the right to create and issue additional series or classes of shares, in which case the shares of each class of a series would participate equally in the earnings, dividends and assets allocable to that class of the particular series.
The shares of each class represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the fund. Each class has equal rights as to voting, redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each class bears different distribution and transfer agent fees and may bear other expenses properly attributable to the particular class. Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class R shareholders have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 Plan as applied to that Class of shares and adopted by holders of those shares in connection with the distribution of shares.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and may vote in the election of Trustees and on other matters submitted to a meeting of shareholders. Although Trustees are not elected annually by the shareholders, shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more Trustees. The fund is not required, and does not intend, to hold annual shareholder meetings although special meetings may be called from time to time, including for the purpose of electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental investment restrictions or approving a management contract.
The shares of each series of the Trust are entitled to vote separately to approve investment advisory agreements or changes in investment restrictions, but shareholders of all series vote together in the election and selection of Trustees and accountants. Shares of all series of the Trust vote together as a class on matters that affect all series of the Trust in substantially the same manner. As to matters affecting a single series or class, shares of such series or class will vote separately. No amendment adversely affecting the rights of shareholders may be made to the Declaration of Trust without the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trust's shares. Shares have no preemptive or conversion rights, except that under certain circumstances Class B shares may convert to Class A shares.
As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust's operations are governed by the Declaration of Trust. A copy of the Trust's Certificate of Trust dated April 26, 1996 as amended, is on file with the office of the Secretary of State of Delaware. Generally, Delaware statutory trust shareholders are not personally liable for obligations of the Delaware statutory trust under Delaware law. The Delaware Statutory Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that a shareholder of a Delaware statutory trust shall be entitled to the same limitation of liability extended to shareholders of private for-profit corporations. The Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Trust is organized under the Delaware Act and that the Declaration of Trust is to be governed by Delaware law. There is nevertheless a possibility that a Delaware statutory trust, such as the Trust, might become a party to an action in another state whose courts refuse to apply Delaware law, in which case the Trust's shareholders could become subject to personal liability.
To guard against this risk, the Declaration of Trust (i) contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and
provides that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each agreement,
obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Trust or its Trustees,
(ii) provides for the indemnification out of Trust property of any shareholders
held personally liable for any obligations of the Trust or any series of the
Trust and (iii) provides that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense
of any claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust
and satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss beyond his or her investment because of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which all of the following factors are present: (1)
a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the liability arose under tort law
or, if not, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect; and (3) the
Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations. In light of Delaware law,
the nature of the Trust's business and the nature of its assets, the risk of
personal liability to a fund shareholder is remote.
In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust provides that a shareholder of the Trust may bring a derivative action on behalf of the fund only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders eligible to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust, or 10% of the outstanding shares of the series or class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and investigate the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or other advisers in considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the fund for the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such action.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trust shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit or proceeding, threatened against or otherwise involving such Trustee or officer, directly or indirectly, by reason of being or having been a Trustee or officer of the Trust. The Declaration of Trust does not authorize the Trust to indemnify any Trustee or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's duties.
The Declaration of Trust provides that any Trustee who is not an "interested person" of Pioneer shall be considered to be independent for purposes of Delaware law notwithstanding the fact that such Trustee receives compensation for serving as a Trustee of the Trust or other investment companies for which Pioneer acts as investment adviser.
12. SALES CHARGES
The fund continuously offers the following classes of shares designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Y as described in the prospectus. The fund offers its shares at a reduced sales charge to investors who meet certain criteria that permit the fund's shares to be sold with low distribution costs. These criteria are described below or in the prospectus.
Class A Share Sales Charges
You may buy Class A shares at the public offering price, including a sales charge, as follows:
Sales Charge as a % of ---------------------- Offering Net Amount Dealer Amount of Purchase Price Invested Reallowance Less than $50,000 5.75 6.10 5.00 $50,000 but less than $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00 $100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00 $250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00 $500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.75 $1,000,000 or more 0.00 0.00 see below |
The schedule of sales charges above is applicable to purchases of Class A shares of the fund by (i) an individual, (ii) an individual and his or her spouse and children under the age of 21 and (iii) a trustee or other fiduciary of a trust estate or fiduciary account or related trusts or accounts including pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts qualified under Sections 401 or 408 of the Code although more than one beneficiary is involved. The sales charges applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of the fund by a person listed above is determined by adding the value of shares to be purchased to the aggregate value (at the then current offering price) of shares of any of the other Pioneer mutual funds previously purchased and then owned, provided PFD is notified by such person or his or her broker-dealer each time a purchase is made which would qualify. Pioneer mutual funds include all mutual funds for which PFD serves as principal underwriter. At the sole discretion of PFD, holdings of funds domiciled outside the U.S., but which are managed by affiliates of Pioneer, may be included for this purpose.
No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1 million or more, or for purchases by participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans described below subject to a CDSC of 1% which may be imposed in the event of a redemption of Class A shares within 18 months of purchase (one year of purchase for shares purchased prior to February 1, 2004). PFD may, in its discretion, pay a commission to broker-dealers who initiate and are responsible for such purchases as follows:
Accounts Other than Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans 1.00% Up to $4 million 0.50% Next $46 million 0.25% Over $50 million |
Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans 0.50% Up to $50 million 0.25% Over $50 million |
These commissions shall not be payable if the purchaser is affiliated with the broker-dealer or if the purchase represents the reinvestment of a redemption made during the previous 12 calendar months. Broker-dealers who receive a commission in connection with Class A share purchases at net asset value by employer-sponsored retirement plans with at least $1 million in total plan assets (or that has 1,000 or more eligible participants for employer-sponsored retirement plans with accounts established with Pioneer on or before March 31, 2004) will be required to return any commissions paid or a pro rata portion thereof if the retirement plan redeems its shares within 18 months of purchase.
If an investor eligible to purchase Class R shares is otherwise qualified to purchase Class A shares at net asset value or at a reduced sales charge, Class A shares may be selected where the investor does not require the distribution and account services needs typically required by Class R share investors and/or the broker-dealer has elected to forgo the level of compensation that Class R shares provides.
Letter of Intent ("LOI"). Reduced sales charges are available for purchases of $50,000 or more of Class A shares (excluding any reinvestments of dividends and capital gain distributions) made within a 13-month period pursuant to an LOI which may be established by completing the Letter of Intent section of the Account Application. The reduced sales charge will be the charge that would be applicable to the purchase of the specified amount of Class A shares as if the shares had all been purchased at the same time. A purchase not made pursuant to an LOI may be included if the LOI is submitted to PIMSS within 90 days of such purchase. You may also obtain the reduced sales charge by including the value (at current offering price) of all your Class A shares in the fund and all other Pioneer mutual funds held of record as of the date of your LOI in the amount used to determine the applicable sales charge for the Class A shares to be purchased under the LOI. Five percent of your total intended purchase amount will be held in escrow by PIMSS, registered in your name, until the terms of the LOI are fulfilled. When you sign the Account Application, you agree to irrevocably appoint PIMSS your attorney-in-fact to surrender for redemption any or all shares held in escrow with full power of substitution. An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase, or the fund to sell, the amount specified in the LOI. Any share class for which no sales charge is paid cannot be included under the LOI.
If the total purchases, less redemptions, exceed the amount specified under the LOI and are in an amount that would qualify for a further quantity discount, all transactions will be recomputed on the expiration date of the LOI to effect the lower sales charge. Any difference in the sales charge resulting from such recomputation will be either delivered to you in cash or invested in additional shares at the lower sales charge. The dealer, by signing the Account Application, agrees to return to PFD, as part of such retroactive adjustment, the excess of the commission previously reallowed or paid to the dealer over that which is applicable to the actual amount of the total purchases under the LOI.
If the total purchases, less redemptions, are less than the amount specified under the LOI, you must remit to PFD any difference between the sales charge on the amount actually purchased and the amount originally specified in the LOI. When the difference is paid, the shares held in escrow will be deposited to your account. If you do not pay the difference in sales charge within 20 days after written request from PFD or your dealer, PIMSS, after receiving instructions from PFD, will redeem the appropriate number of shares held in escrow to realize the difference and release any excess.
Class B Shares
You may buy Class B shares at the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales charge; however, Class B shares redeemed within five years of purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below. The charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of purchase until the time of redemption of Class B shares. In processing redemptions of Class B shares, the fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC and then shares held longest during the five-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible CDSC.
The CDSC for Class B shares subject to a CDSC upon redemption will be determined as follows:
CDSC as a % of Dollar Year Since Purchase Amount Subject to CDSC First 4.0 Second 4.0 Third 3.0 Fourth 2.0 Fifth 1.0 Sixth and thereafter 0.0 |
Shares purchased prior to December 1, 2004 remain subject to the contingent deferred sales charges in effect at the time you purchased those shares. Shares purchased as part of an exchange or acquired as a result of a reorganization of another fund into the fund remain subject to any CDSC that applied to the shares you originally purchased.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the fund in connection with the sale of Class B shares, including the payment of compensation to broker-dealers.
Class B shares will automatically convert into Class A shares eight years after the purchase date, except as noted below. Class B shares acquired by exchange from Class B shares of another Pioneer mutual fund will convert into Class A shares based on the date of the initial purchase and the applicable CDSC. Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions will convert into Class A shares over time in the same proportion as other shares held in the account. For this purpose, Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be attributed to particular purchases of Class B shares in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees may determine from time to time. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is subject to the continuing availability of a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") or an opinion of counsel that such conversions will not constitute taxable events for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will not occur if such ruling or opinion is not available and, therefore, Class B shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for an indeterminate period.
Class C Shares
You may buy Class C shares at net asset value per share next computed after receipt of a purchase order without the imposition of an initial sales charge; however, Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC of 1%. The charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gain distributions. Class C shares do not convert to any other class of fund shares.
In processing redemptions of Class C shares, the fund will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC and then shares held for the longest period of time during the one-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares, including the payment of compensation to broker-dealers.
Class Y Shares
No front-end, deferred or asset based sales charges are applicable to Class Y shares.
Additional Payments to Dealers
The financial intermediaries through which shares are purchased may receive all or a portion of the sales charges and Rule 12b-1 fees discussed above. In addition to those payments, Pioneer or one or more of its affiliates (collectively, "Pioneer Affiliates") may make additional payments to financial intermediaries in connection with the promotion and sale of shares of Pioneer funds. Pioneer Affiliates make these payments from their own resources, which include resources that derive from compensation for providing services to the Pioneer funds. These additional payments are described below. The categories described below are not mutually exclusive. The same financial intermediary may receive payments under more than one or all categories. Many financial intermediaries that sell shares of Pioneer funds receive one or more types of these payments. The financial intermediary typically initiates requests for additional compensation. Pioneer negotiates these arrangements individually with financial intermediaries and the amount of payments and the specific arrangements may differ significantly. A financial intermediary also may receive different levels of compensation with respect to sales or assets attributable to different types of clients of the same intermediary or different Pioneer funds. Where services are provided, the costs of providing the services and the overall array of services provided may vary from one financial intermediary to another. Pioneer Affiliates do not make an independent assessment of the cost of providing such services. While the financial intermediaries may request additional compensation from Pioneer to offset costs incurred by the financial intermediary in servicing its clients, the financial intermediary may earn a profit on these payments, since the amount of the payment may exceed the financial intermediary's costs. In this context, "financial intermediary" includes any broker, dealer, bank (including bank trust departments), insurance company, transfer agent, registered investment adviser, financial planner, retirement plan administrator and any other financial intermediary having a selling, administrative and shareholder servicing or similar agreement with a Pioneer Affiliate.
A financial intermediary's receipt of additional compensation may create conflicts of interest between the financial intermediary and its clients. Each type of payment discussed below may
provide your financial intermediary with an economic incentive to actively promote the Pioneer funds over other mutual funds or cooperate with the distributor's promotional efforts. The receipt of additional compensation for Pioneer Affiliates may be an important consideration in a financial intermediary's willingness to support the sale of the Pioneer funds through the financial intermediary's distribution system. Pioneer Affiliates are motivated to make the payments described above since they promote the sale of Pioneer fund shares and the retention of those investments by clients of financial intermediaries. In certain cases these payments could be significant to the financial intermediary. The financial intermediary may charge additional fees or commissions other than those disclosed in the prospectus. Financial intermediaries may categorize and disclose these arrangements differently than Pioneer Affiliates do. To the extent financial intermediaries sell more shares of the funds or retain shares of the funds in their clients' accounts, Pioneer Affiliates benefit from the incremental management and other fees paid to Pioneer Affiliates by the funds with respect to those assets.
Revenue Sharing Payments. Pioneer Affiliates make revenue sharing payments as incentives to certain financial intermediaries to promote and sell shares of Pioneer funds. The benefits Pioneer Affiliates receive when they make these payments include, among other things, entry into or increased visibility in the financial intermediary's sales system, participation by the intermediary in the distributor's marketing efforts (such as helping facilitate or providing financial assistance for conferences, seminars or other programs at which Pioneer personnel may make presentations on the funds to the intermediary's sales force), placement on the financial intermediary's preferred fund list, and access (in some cases, on a preferential basis over other competitors) to individual members of the financial intermediary's sales force or management. Revenue sharing payments are sometimes referred to as "shelf space" payments because the payments compensate the financial intermediary for including Pioneer funds in its fund sales system (on its "shelf space"). Pioneer Affiliates compensate financial intermediaries differently depending typically on the level and/or type of considerations provided by the financial intermediary.
The revenue sharing payments Pioneer Affiliates make may be calculated on sales of shares of Pioneer funds ("Sales-Based Payments"); although there is no policy limiting the amount of Sales-Based Payments any one financial intermediary may receive, the total amount of such payments normally does not exceed 0.25% per annum of those assets. Such payments also may be calculated on the average daily net assets of the applicable Pioneer funds attributable to that particular financial intermediary ("Asset-Based Payments"); although there is no policy limiting the amount of Asset-Based Payments any one financial intermediary may receive, the total amount of such payments normally does not exceed 0.15% per annum of those assets. Sales-Based Payments primarily create incentives to make new sales of shares of Pioneer funds and Asset-Based Payments primarily create incentives to retain previously sold shares of Pioneer funds in investor accounts. Pioneer Affiliates may pay a financial intermediary either or both Sales-Based Payments and Asset-Based Payments.
Administrative and Processing Support Payments. Pioneer Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Pioneer fund shares for certain administrative services, including record keeping and sub-accounting shareholder accounts, to the extent that the funds do not pay for these costs directly. Pioneer Affiliates also may make payments to certain financial intermediaries that sell Pioneer fund shares in connection with client account maintenance support, statement preparation and transaction processing. The types of payments that Pioneer Affiliates may make under this category include, among others, payment of ticket charges per purchase or exchange order placed by a financial intermediary, payment of networking fees in connection with certain mutual fund trading systems, or one-time payments
for ancillary services such as setting up funds on a financial intermediary's mutual fund trading system.
Other Payments. From time to time, Pioneer Affiliates, at their expense, may provide additional compensation to financial intermediaries which sell or arrange for the sale of shares of the Pioneer funds. Such compensation provided by Pioneer Affiliates may include financial assistance to financial intermediaries that enable Pioneer Affiliates to participate in and/or present at conferences or seminars, sales or training programs for invited registered representatives and other employees, client entertainment, client and investor events, and other financial intermediary-sponsored events, and travel expenses, including lodging incurred by registered representatives and other employees in connection with client prospecting, retention and due diligence trips. Other compensation may be offered to the extent not prohibited by federal or state laws or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. Pioneer Affiliates make payments for entertainment events they deem appropriate, subject to Pioneer Affiliates' guidelines and applicable law. These payments may vary depending upon the nature of the event or the relationship.
As of January 1, 2007, Pioneer anticipates that the following broker-dealers or their affiliates will receive additional payments as described in the fund's prospectuses and statement of additional information:
A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc.
ADP Clearing & Outsourcing Services
AIG VALIC
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
AmSouth Investment Services, Inc.
AXA Advisors, LLC
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Chevy Chase Securities, Inc.
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
Citistreet Equities LLC
Commonwealth Financial Network
D.A. Davidson & Co.
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.
Eisner Retirement Solutions LLC
Ferris, Baker Watts Inc.
Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC
First Clearing, LLC
First Command Financial Planning, Inc.
H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc.
Hewitt Financial Services LLC
ING
J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L Lyons, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Jefferson National Securities Corporation
Legend Equities Corporation
Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.
Linsco/Private Ledger Corp.
McDonald Investments Inc.
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
Mesirow Financial, Inc.
MetLife Securities Inc.
Morgan Stanley DW Inc.
Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc.
Mutual Services Corporation
N.I.S. Financial Services, Inc.
National Financial Services LLC
National Investor Services Corp.
Nationwide Securities, Inc.
OneAmerica Securities, Inc.
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
Pershing LLC
PFS Investments Inc
Prudential Financial
Primevest Financial Services, Inc.
Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
RBC Dain Rauscher Inc.
Reliance Securities, LLC
Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc.
Scott and Stringfellow, Inc.
Scottrade, Inc.
Securities America, Inc.
Southwest Securities, Inc.
Sterne Agee & Leach, Inc.
Stifel Nicholas & Company, Inc.
Symetra Investment Services, Inc.
UnionBanc Investment Services LLC
UBS Financial Services Inc.
Wachovia Securities
Wells Fargo Investments, LLC
Please contact your financial intermediary for details about any payments it receives from Pioneer Affiliates or the funds, as well as about fees and/or commissions it charges.
13. REDEEMING SHARES
Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed during any period in which any of the following conditions exist: the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is closed or trading on the Exchange is restricted; an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the fund to fairly determine the value of the net assets of its portfolio; or the SEC, by order, so permits.
Redemptions and repurchases are taxable transactions for shareholders that are subject to U.S. federal income tax. The net asset value per share received upon redemption or repurchase may be more or less than the cost of shares to an investor, depending on the market value of the portfolio at the time of redemption or repurchase.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan(s) ("SWP") (Class A, B, and C shares). A SWP is designed to provide a convenient method of receiving fixed payments at regular intervals from fund share
accounts having a total value of not less than $10,000. You must also be reinvesting all dividends and capital gain distributions to use the SWP option.
Periodic payments of $50 or more will be deposited monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually directly into a bank account designated by the applicant or will be sent by check to the applicant, or any person designated by the applicant. Payments can be made either by check or electronic funds transfer to a bank account designated by you. Withdrawals from Class B and Class C share accounts are limited to 10% of the value of the account at the time the SWP is established. See "Qualifying for a reduced sales charge" in the prospectus. If you direct that withdrawal payments be paid to another person, want to change the bank where payments are sent or designate an address that is different from the account's address of record after you have opened your account, a medallion signature guarantee must accompany your instructions. Withdrawals under the SWP are redemptions that may have tax consequences for you.
While you are making systematic withdrawals from your account, you may pay unnecessary initial sales charges on additional purchases of Class A shares or contingent deferred sales charges. SWP redemptions reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of shares in your account. In addition, the amounts received by a shareholder cannot be considered as yield or income on his or her investment because part of such payments may be a return of his or her investment.
A SWP may be terminated at any time (1) by written notice to PIMSS or from PIMSS to the shareholder; (2) upon receipt by PIMSS of appropriate evidence of the shareholder's death; or (3) when all shares in the shareholder's account have been redeemed.
You may obtain additional information by calling PIMSS at 1-800-225-6292.
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A and Class B Shares). Subject to the provisions outlined in the prospectus, you may reinvest all or part of your sale proceeds from Class A and Class B shares without a sales charge into Class A shares of a Pioneer mutual fund. However, the distributor will not pay your investment firm a commission on any reinvested amount.
14. TELEPHONE AND ONLINE TRANSACTIONS
You may purchase, exchange or sell Class A, Class B or Class C shares by
telephone or online. Class Y shares may not be purchased by telephone, and Class
Y shareowners are not eligible for on line transaction privileges. See the
prospectus for more information. For personal assistance, call 1-800-225-6292
between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Class Y account holders should contact
Pioneer's Group Plans Department at 1-800-665-8839 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m.) Eastern time on weekdays. Computer-assisted telephone transactions may be
available to shareholders who have prerecorded certain bank information (see
"FactFone(SM)"). You are strongly urged to consult with your investment
professional prior to requesting any telephone or online transaction.
Telephone Transaction Privileges. To confirm that each transaction instruction received by telephone is genuine, the fund will record each telephone transaction, require the caller to provide validating information for the account and send you a written confirmation of each telephone transaction. Different procedures may apply to accounts that are registered to non-U.S. citizens or that are held in the name of an institution or in the name of an investment broker-dealer or other third party. If reasonable procedures, such as those described above, are not followed, the fund
may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. In all other cases, neither the fund, PIMSS nor PFD will be responsible for the authenticity of instructions received by telephone; therefore, you bear the risk of loss for unauthorized or fraudulent telephone transactions.
Online Transaction Privileges. If your account is registered in your name, you may be able buy, exchange or sell fund shares online. Your investment firm may also be able to buy, exchange or sell your fund shares online.
To establish online transaction privileges:
|X| For new accounts, complete the online section of the account application
|X| For existing accounts, complete an account options form, write to the
transfer agent or complete the online authorization screen on
www.pioneerinvestments.com
To use online transactions, you must read and agree to the terms of an online transaction agreement available on the Pioneer website. When you or your investment firm requests an online transaction the transfer agent electronically records the transaction, requires an authorizing password and sends a written confirmation. The fund may implement other procedures from time to time. Different procedures may apply if you have a non-U.S. account or if your account is registered in the name of an institution, broker-dealer or other third party. You may not be able to use the online transaction privilege for certain types of accounts, including most retirement accounts.
Telephone and Website Online Access. You may have difficulty contacting the fund by telephone or accessing www.pioneerinvestments.com during times of market volatility or disruption in telephone or Internet services. On Exchange holidays or on days when the Exchange closes early, Pioneer will adjust the hours for the telephone center and for online transaction processing accordingly. If you are unable to access www.pioneerinvestments.com or to reach the fund by telephone, you should communicate with the fund in writing.
FactFone(SM). FactFone(SM) is an automated inquiry and telephone transaction system available to Pioneer mutual fund shareholders by dialing 1-800-225-4321. FactFone(SM) allows shareholder access to current information on Pioneer mutual fund accounts and to the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual funds. In addition, you may use FactFone(SM) to make computer-assisted telephone purchases, exchanges or redemptions from your Pioneer mutual fund accounts, access your account balances and last three transactions and order a duplicate statement if you have activated your PIN. Telephone purchases or redemptions require the establishment of a bank account of record. Computer-assisted Class Y share telephone purchases, exchanges and redemptions and certain other FactFone(SM) features for Class Y shareholders are not currently available through FactFone(SM). You are strongly urged to consult with your investment professional prior to requesting any telephone transaction. Shareholders whose accounts are registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other third party may not be able to use FactFone(SM). Call PIMSS for assistance.
FactFone(SM) allows shareholders to hear the following recorded fund information:
o net asset value prices for all Pioneer mutual funds;
o annualized 30-day yields on Pioneer's fixed income funds;
o annualized 7-day yields and 7-day effective (compound) yields for Pioneer's money market funds; and
o dividends and capital gain distributions on all Pioneer mutual funds.
Yields are calculated in accordance with SEC mandated standard formulas.
All performance numbers communicated through FactFone(SM) represent past performance, and figures include the maximum applicable sales charge. A shareholder's actual yield and total return will vary with changing market conditions. The value of each class of shares (except for Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund, Pioneer Institutional Money Market Fund, Pioneer Tax Free Money Market Fund and Pioneer Treasury Reserves Fund, which each seek to maintain a stable $1.00 share price) will also vary, and such shares may be worth more or less at redemption than their original cost.
15. PRICING OF SHARES
The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is determined as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day on which the Exchange is open for trading. As of the date of this statement of additional information, the Exchange is open for trading every weekday except for the days the following holidays are observed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is also determined on any other day on which the level of trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high that the current net asset value per share might be materially affected by changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The fund is not required to determine its net asset value per share on any day on which no purchase orders in good order for fund shares are received and no shares are tendered and accepted for redemption.
The fund generally values its portfolio securities using closing market prices or readily available market quotations. Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange rates employed by the fund's independent pricing services. Generally, trading in non-U.S. securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the net asset value of the fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange. When closing market prices or market quotations are not available or are considered by Pioneer to be unreliable, the fund uses fair value pricing methods to value its securities in accordance with procedures approved by the fund's Trustees. The fund also may use fair value pricing methods to value its securities, including a non-U.S. security, when Pioneer determines that the closing market price on the primary exchange where the security is traded no longer accurately reflects the value of the security due to factors affecting one or more relevant securities markets or the specific issuer. Valuing securities using fair value methods may cause the net asset value of the fund's shares to differ from the net asset value that would be calculated using closing market prices. International securities markets may be open on days when the U.S. markets are closed. For this reason, the value of any international securities owned by the fund could change on a day you cannot buy or sell shares of the fund. In connection with making fair value determinations of the value of fixed income securities, the fund's Trustees may use a pricing matrix. Cash equivalent securities with
remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which is a method of determining a security's fair value.
The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is computed by taking the value of all of the fund's assets attributable to a class, less the fund's liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing the result by the number of outstanding shares of that class. For purposes of determining net asset value, expenses of the classes of the fund are accrued daily and taken into account. The fund's maximum offering price per Class A share is determined by adding the maximum sales charge to the net asset value per Class A share. Class B shares are offered at net asset value without the imposition of an initial sales charge (Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a CDSC).
16. TAX STATUS
The fund is treated as a separate entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The fund has elected to be treated, and has qualified and intends to continue to qualify each year, as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), so that it will not pay U.S. federal income tax on income and capital gains distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code, the fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies, and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership (as defined in Section 851(h) of the Code) (the "90% income test") and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year: (a) at least 50% of the value of the fund's total assets is represented by (1) cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and (2) other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the fund's total assets and to not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more than 25% of the value of the fund's total assets is invested in (1) the securities (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer, (2) the securities (other than securities of other regulated investment companies) of two or more issuers that the fund controls and that are engaged in the same, similar, or related trades or businesses, or (3) the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships.
For purposes of the 90% income test, the character of income earned by certain entities in which the fund invests that are not treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes (e.g., partnerships (other than qualified publicly traded partnerships) or trusts that have not elected to be classified as corporations under the "check-the-box" regulations) will generally pass through to the fund. Consequently, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company, the fund may be required to limit its equity investments in such entities that earn fee income, rental income or other nonqualifying income.
If the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company and properly distributes
to its shareholders each taxable year an amount equal to or exceeding the sum of
(i) 90% of its "investment company taxable income" as that term is defined in
the Code (which includes, among other things, dividends, taxable interest, and
the excess of any net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital
losses, as reduced by certain deductible expenses) without regard to the
deduction for dividends paid and (ii) 90% of the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest income, if any, over certain disallowed deductions, the fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any income of the fund, including "net capital gain" (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), distributed to shareholders. However, if the fund meets such distribution requirements, but chooses to retain some portion of its taxable income or gains, it generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates on the amount retained. The fund may designate certain amounts retained as undistributed net capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, who (i) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their proportionate shares of the undistributed amount so designated, (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the income tax paid by the fund on that undistributed amount against their federal income tax liabilities and to claim refunds to the extent such credits exceed their liabilities and (iii) will be entitled to increase their tax basis, for federal income tax purposes, in their shares by an amount equal to the excess of the amount of undistributed net capital gain included in their respective income over their respective income tax credit. The fund intends to distribute at least annually all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction), net tax-exempt interest income, and net capital gain. If, for any taxable year, the fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company or does not satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, it will be treated as a U.S. corporation subject to U.S. federal income tax, thereby subjecting any income earned by the fund to tax at the corporate level and to a further tax at the shareholder level when such income is distributed.
Under the Code, the fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on a portion of its undistributed ordinary income and capital gain net income if it fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to the year ending October 31. The fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner and accordingly does not expect to be subject to the excise tax.
The fund generally distributes any net short- and long-term capital gains in November. The fund generally pays dividends from any net investment income in June and December. Dividends from income and/or capital gains may also be paid at such other times as may be necessary for the fund to avoid U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Unless a shareholder specifies otherwise, all distributions from the fund to that shareholder will be automatically reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the fund. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, all dividends generally are taxable whether a shareholder takes them in cash or reinvests them in additional shares of the fund. In general, assuming that the fund has sufficient earnings and profits, dividends from net investment income and net short-term capital gains are taxable either as ordinary income or, if so designated by the fund and certain other conditions are met, as "qualified dividend income" taxable to individual shareholders at a maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate.
Dividend income distributed to individual shareholders will qualify for the maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate on dividends to the extent that such dividends are attributable to "qualified dividend income." Qualified dividend income generally means dividend income received from the fund's investments in common and preferred stock of U.S. companies and stock of certain qualified foreign corporations, provided that certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the fund and the shareholders. Dividends received by the fund from REITs generally are not expected to qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income. If 95% or more of the fund's gross income, calculated without taking into account long-term capital gains, consists of qualified dividend income, the fund may designate all distributions of such income as qualified dividend income.
A foreign corporation is treated as a qualified foreign corporation for this purpose if it is incorporated in a possession of the United States or it is eligible for the benefits of certain income tax treaties with the United States and meets certain additional requirements. Certain foreign corporations that are not otherwise qualified foreign corporations will be treated as qualified foreign corporations with respect to dividends paid by them if the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. Passive foreign investment companies are not qualified foreign corporations for this purpose.
A dividend that is attributable to qualified dividend income of the fund that is paid by the fund to an individual shareholder will not be taxable as qualified dividend income to such shareholder if (1) the dividend is received with respect to any share of the fund held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share became ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the shareholder is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property, or (3) the shareholder elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest. The "ex-dividend" date is the date on which the owner of the share at the commencement of such date is entitled to receive the next issued dividend payment for such share even if the share is sold by the owner on that date or thereafter.
Distributions by the fund in excess of the fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of (and in reduction of) the shareholder's tax basis in its shares and any such amount in excess of that basis will be treated as gain from the sale of shares, as discussed below.
Dividends received by the fund from U.S. corporations in respect of any share of stock with a tax holding period of at least 46 days during the 91-day period beginning on the date that is 45 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend and that is held in an unleveraged position and distributed and designated by the fund (except for capital gain dividends received from a regulated investment company) may be eligible for the 70% dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations under the Code. Certain preferred stock must have a holding period of at least 91 days during the 181-day period beginning on the date that is 90 days before the date on which the stock becomes ex-dividend as to that dividend in order to be eligible. Any corporate shareholder should consult its tax adviser regarding the possibility that its tax basis in its shares may be reduced, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, by reason of "extraordinary dividends" received with respect to the shares and, to the extent such basis would be reduced below zero, current recognition of income may be required. In order to qualify for the deduction, corporate shareholders must meet the minimum holding period requirement stated above with respect to their fund shares, taking into account any holding period reductions from certain hedging or other transactions or positions that diminish their risk of loss with respect to their fund shares, and, if they borrow to acquire or otherwise incur debt attributable to fund shares, they may be denied a portion of the dividends-received deduction. The entire dividend, including the otherwise deductible amount, will be included in determining the excess, if any, of a corporation's adjusted current earnings over its alternative minimum taxable income, which may increase a corporation's alternative minimum tax liability.
Distributions from net capital gains, if any, that are designated as capital gain dividends by the fund are taxable as long-term capital gains for U.S. federal income tax purposes without regard to the length of time the shareholder has held shares of the fund. Capital gain dividends distributed by the fund to individual shareholders generally will qualify for reduced U.S. federal income tax
rates (currently, a maximum rate of 15%, with lower rates applying to taxpayers in the 10% and 15% rate brackets) on long-term capital gains, subject to certain limited exceptions. A shareholder should also be aware that the benefits of the favorable tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be affected by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders. Under current law, the reduced maximum 15% U.S. federal income tax rate on qualified dividend income and long-term capital gains will not apply in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.
The U.S. federal income tax status of all distributions, including the portion of such distributions which may qualify for treatment as qualified dividend income, will be reported to shareholders annually.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, any dividend declared by the fund as of a record date in October, November or December and paid during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which it is declared. In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the fund may be "spilled back" and treated for certain purposes as paid by the fund during such taxable year. In such case, shareholders generally will be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made. For purposes of calculating the amount of a regulated investment company's undistributed income and gain subject to the 4% excise tax described above, such "spilled back" dividends are treated as paid by the regulated investment company when they are actually paid.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the fund is permitted to carry forward a net capital loss for any year to offset its capital gains, if any, for up to eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent subsequent capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not result in U.S. federal income tax liability to the fund and are not expected to be distributed as such to shareholders. See "Annual Fee, Expense and Other Information" for the fund's available capital loss carryforwards.
At the time of an investor's purchase of fund shares, a portion of the purchase price may be attributable to realized or unrealized appreciation in the fund's portfolio or undistributed taxable income of the fund. Consequently, subsequent distributions by the fund with respect to these shares from such appreciation or income may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below the investor's cost for such shares and the distributions economically represent a return of a portion of the investment.
Redemptions and exchanges generally are taxable events for shareholders that are subject to tax. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with reference to their individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in fund shares is properly treated as a sale for tax purposes, as the following discussion assumes, and the tax treatment of any gains or losses recognized in such transactions. In general, if fund shares are sold, the shareholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the shareholder's adjusted basis in the shares. Such gain or loss generally will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and otherwise generally will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Any loss recognized by a shareholder upon the redemption, exchange or other disposition of shares with a tax holding period of six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares (including any amounts credited to the shareholder as undistributed capital gains). Losses on redemptions or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules in the event of other investments in the fund
(including those made pursuant to reinvestment of dividends and/or capital gain distributions) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a redemption or other disposition of shares. In such a case, the disallowed portion of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal tax basis of the shares acquired in the other investments.
Gain may be increased (or loss reduced) upon a redemption of Class A shares of the fund within 90 days after their purchase followed by any purchase (including purchases by exchange or by reinvestment), without payment of an additional sales charge, of Class A shares of the fund or of another Pioneer fund (or any other shares of a Pioneer fund generally sold subject to a sales charge).
Under Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to fund shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder, or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, in any single taxable year (or greater amounts over a combination of years), the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Shareholders who own portfolio securities directly are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement but, under current guidance, shareholders of regulated investment companies are not excepted. A shareholder who fails to make the required disclosure to the IRS may be subject to substantial penalties. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether or not the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult with their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.
Shareholders that are exempt from U.S. federal income tax, such as retirement plans that are qualified under Section 401 of the Code, generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on fund dividends or distributions, or on sales or exchanges of fund shares unless the fund shares are "debt-financed property" within the meaning of the Code. However, in the case of fund shares held through a non-qualified deferred compensation plan, fund dividends and distributions received by the plan and sales and exchanges of fund shares by the plan generally are taxable to the employer sponsoring such plan in accordance with the U.S. federal income tax laws that are generally applicable to shareholders receiving such dividends or distributions from regulated investment companies such as the fund.
A plan participant whose retirement plan invests in the fund, whether such plan is qualified or not, generally is not taxed on fund dividends or distributions received by the plan or on sales or exchanges of fund shares by the plan for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, distributions to plan participants from a retirement plan account generally are taxable as ordinary income, and different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement distributions and certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers for more information.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the fund in connection with certain transactions involving foreign currency-denominated debt securities, certain options and futures contracts relating to foreign currency, foreign currency forward contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary income and losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to shareholders. Under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, any gains from such transactions that are not directly related to the fund's principal business of investing in stock or securities (or its options contracts or futures contracts with respect to stock or securities) may have to be limited in order to enable the fund to satisfy the 90% income test. If the net foreign exchange loss for a year were to exceed the fund's
investment company taxable income (computed without regard to such loss), the resulting ordinary loss for such year would not be deductible by the fund or its shareholders in future years.
If the fund acquires any equity interest (under Treasury regulations that may be promulgated in the future, generally including not only stock but also an option to acquire stock such as is inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations (i) that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties, or capital gains) or (ii) where at least 50% of the corporation's assets (computed based on average fair market value) either produce or are held for the production of passive income ("passive foreign investment companies"), the fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by the fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. A "qualified electing fund" election or a "mark to market" election may generally be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but such elections could require the fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment companies, as described above) without the concurrent receipt of cash. In order to satisfy the distribution requirements and avoid a tax on the fund, the fund may be required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have continued to hold, potentially resulting in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. These investments could also result in the treatment of gains from the sale of stock of passive foreign investment companies as ordinary income. In order for the fund to make a "qualified electing fund" election with respect to a "passive foreign investment company", the passive foreign investment company would have to agree to provide certain tax information to the fund on an annual basis, which it might not agree to do. The fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to limit its tax liability or maximize its return from these investments.
The fund may invest in or hold debt obligations of issuers not currently paying interest or who are in default. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present special tax issues for the fund. Federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the fund may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a workout context are taxable. These and other issues will be addressed by the fund, in the event it invests in or holds such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes sufficient income to preserve its status as a regulated investment company and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
If the fund invests in certain pay-in-kind securities, zero coupon securities, deferred interest securities or, in general, any other securities with original issue discount (or with market discount if the fund elects to include market discount in income currently), the fund generally must accrue income on such investments for each taxable year, which generally will be prior to the receipt of the corresponding cash payments. However, the fund must distribute to its shareholders, at least annually, all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid), including such accrued income, to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Code and avoid U.S. federal income and excise taxes. Therefore, the fund may have to dispose of its portfolio securities, potentially under disadvantageous circumstances, to generate cash, or may have to borrow the cash, to satisfy distribution requirements. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund.
Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by the fund on certain securities, indices and foreign currencies, as well as certain forward foreign currency contracts, may cause the fund to recognize gains or losses from marking-to-market even though such options may not have lapsed or been closed out or exercised, or such futures or forward contracts may not have been performed or closed out. The tax rules applicable to these contracts may affect the characterization of some capital gains and losses realized by the fund as long-term or short-term. Certain options, futures and forward contracts relating to foreign currency may be subject to Section 988 of the Code, as described above, and accordingly may produce ordinary income or loss. Additionally, the fund may be required to recognize gain if an option, futures contract, forward contract, short sale or other transaction that is not subject to the mark-to-market rules is treated as a "constructive sale" of an "appreciated financial position" held by the fund under Section 1259 of the Code. Any net mark-to-market gains and/or gains from constructive sales may also have to be distributed to satisfy the distribution requirements referred to above even though the fund may receive no corresponding cash amounts, possibly requiring the disposition of portfolio securities or borrowing to obtain the necessary cash. Such a disposition of securities may potentially result in additional taxable gain or loss to the fund. Losses on certain options, futures or forward contracts and/or offsetting positions (portfolio securities or other positions with respect to which the fund's risk of loss is substantially diminished by one or more options, futures or forward contracts) may also be deferred under the tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also affect the characterization of capital gains or losses from straddle positions and certain successor positions as long-term or short-term. Certain tax elections may be available that would enable the fund to ameliorate some adverse effects of the tax rules described in this paragraph. The tax rules applicable to options, futures, forward contracts and straddles may affect the amount, timing and character of the fund's income and gains or losses and hence of its distributions to shareholders.
The fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries, including taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains with respect to its investments in those countries. Any such taxes would, if imposed, reduce the yield on or return from those investments. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. The fund does not expect to satisfy the requirements for passing through to its shareholders any share of foreign taxes paid by the fund, with the result that shareholders will not include such taxes in their gross incomes and will not be entitled to a tax deduction or credit for such taxes on their own tax returns.
The fund is required to withhold (as "backup withholding") 28% of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain distributions and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges or repurchases of fund shares, paid to shareholders who have not complied with certain IRS regulations. In order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders, other than certain exempt entities, must certify on their Account Applications, or on separate IRS Forms W-9, that the Social Security Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number they provide is their correct number and that they are not currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup withholding. The fund may nevertheless be required to backup withhold if it receives notice from the IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or dividend income.
The description of certain federal tax provisions above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., generally, U.S. citizens or residents or U.S. corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and who are subject to U.S. federal income tax and hold their shares as capital assets. Except as otherwise provided, this description does not
address the special tax rules that may be applicable to particular types of investors, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, securities dealers, other regulated investment companies, or tax-exempt or tax-deferred plans, accounts or entities. Investors other than U.S. persons may be subject to different U.S. federal income tax treatment, including a non-resident alien U.S. withholding tax at the rate of 30% or any lower applicable treaty rate on amounts treated as ordinary dividends from the fund (other than, for taxable years of the fund commencing prior to January 1, 2008, certain dividends designated by the fund as (i) interest-related dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the fund's "qualified net interest income," or (ii) short-term capital gain dividends, to the extent such dividends are derived from the fund's "qualified short-term gain") or, in certain circumstances, unless an effective IRS Form W-8BEN or other authorized withholding certificate is on file, to backup withholding at the rate of 28% on certain other payments from the fund. "Qualified net interest income" is the fund's net income derived from U.S.-source interest and original issue discount, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. "Qualified short-term gain" generally means the excess of the net short-term capital gain of the fund for the taxable year over its net long-term capital loss, if any. Backup withholding will not be applied to payments that have been subject to the 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate) withholding tax on shareholders who are neither citizens nor residents of the United States. The fund does not expect to be a "U.S. real property holding corporation" as defined in Section 897(c)(2) of the Code. If the fund were to be classified as a U.S. real property holding corporation (or if it would be so classified, were it not for certain exceptions), then distributions by the fund to non-U.S. shareholders might be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, and non-U.S. shareholders might be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns to report distributions received from the fund. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers on these matters and on state, local, foreign and other applicable tax laws.
If, as anticipated, the fund qualifies as a regulated investment company under the Code, it will not be required to pay any Massachusetts income, corporate excise or franchise taxes.
17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fund's financial statements and financial highlights for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 appearing in the fund's annual report, filed with the SEC on November 29, 2007 (Accession No. 0000078758-07-000022) are incorporated by reference into this statement of additional information. Those financial statements and financial highlights have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as indicated in their report thereon, and are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report, given on the authority of Ernst & Young LLP as experts in accounting and auditing.
The fund's annual report includes the financial statements referenced above and is available without charge upon request by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292.
18. ANNUAL FEE, EXPENSE AND OTHER INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portfolio Turnover ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fund's annual portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended September 30, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34% 86% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Share Ownership ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of December 31, 2007, the Trustees and officers of the fund owned beneficially in the aggregate less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the fund. The following is a list of the holders of 5% or more of any class of the fund's outstanding shares as of December 31, 2007: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Record Holder Share Class Number of Shares % of Class ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PFPC A 49,496,795.049 24.13 FBO Primerica Shareholder Services 211 S Gulf Road King of Prussia, PA 19406 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFS LLC FEBO C 195,380.786 25.16 Regions Bk DBA Kenneburt Co 250 Riverchase Pkwy E Fl 5 Birmingham, AL 35244-1832 ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- MLPF&S C 42,363.305 5.45 FBO its customers Mutual Fund Administration 4800 Deer Lake Drive East 2nd Fl Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class Y ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brown Brothers Harriman & Co Y 776,047.71 6.29 As FBO its customers Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310-1606 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brown Brothers Harriman & Co Y 672,432.646 5.45 As FBO its customers Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310-1606 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brown Brothers Harriman & Co Y 781,648.404 6.33 As FBO its customers Global Distribution Center 525 Washington Blvd Jersey City, NJ 07310-1606 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFS LLC FEBO Y 4,755,784.626 38.57 Regions Bk DBA Kenneburt Co 250 Riverchase Pkwy E Fl 5 Birmingham, AL 35244-1832 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFS LLC FEBO Y 2,468,045.048 20.01 Regions Bk DBA Kenneburt Co 250 Riverchase Pkwy E Fl 5 Birmingham, AL 35244-1832 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NFS LLC FEBO Y 1,132,180.019 9.18 Regions Bk DBA Kenneburt Co 250 Riverchase Pkwy E Fl 5 Birmingham, AL 35244-1832 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The following table indicates the value of shares that each Trustee beneficially owned in the fund and Pioneer Funds in the aggregate as of September 30, 2007. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules. The share value of any closed-end fund is based on its closing market price on September 30, 2007. The share value of any open-end Pioneer Fund is based on the net asset value of the class of shares on September 30, 2007. The dollar ranges in this table are in accordance with SEC requirements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Dollar Range of Securities in All Registered Investment Equity Securities in Companies Overseen by Trustee in the Name of Trustee the Fund Pioneer Family of Funds --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested Trustees --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John F. Cogan, Jr. Over $100,000 Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Independent Trustees --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David R. Bock None Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary K. Bush None Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Margaret B.W. Graham $1 to $10,000 Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas J. Perna None Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marguerite A. Piret $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Winthrop $50,001 - $100,000 Over $100,000 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Compensation of Officers and Trustees
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the compensation of each Trustee of the fund.
Pension or Retirement Total Compensation Aggregate Benefits Accrued from the Fund and Compensation as Part of Fund Other Pioneer Name of Trustee from Fund** Expenses Funds*** Interested Trustees: John F. Cogan, Jr.* $500.00 $0.00 $35,300.00 Independent Trustees: David R. Bock $10,833.81 $0.00 $162,586.50 Mary K. Bush $10,542.88 $0.00 $160,250.00 Margaret B.W. Graham $12,147.83 $0.00 $174,250.00 Thomas J. Perna $10,547.55 $0.00 $160,537.50 Marguerite A. Piret $15,613.48 $0.00 $201,750.00 John Winthrop $10,498.28 $0.00 $160,500.00 ---------- ----------- Total $70,683.83 $0.00 $1,055,174.00 |
* Under the management contract, Pioneer reimburses the fund for any Interested Trustee fees paid by the fund. ** For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. *** For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007. There are 77 U.S. registered investment portfolios in the Pioneer Family of Funds.
Approximate Management Fees the Fund Paid or Owed Pioneer
The following table shows the dollar amount of gross investment management fees incurred by the fund, along with the net amount of fees that were paid after applicable fee waivers or expense reimbursements, if any. The data is for the past three fiscal years or shorter period if the fund has been in operation for a shorter period.
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30,
2007 2006 2005 Gross Fee $21,421,516 $22,694,459 $21,310,162 Incurred Net Fee Paid $21,146,244 $22,636,134 $21,215,716 |
Fees the Fund Paid to Pioneer under the Administration Agreement
For the Fiscal Years Ended
September 30,
2007 2006 2005 $917,300 $874,906 $782,002 |
As of September 30, 2007 the carryover of distribution expenses under the Class A Plan was:
Underwriting Expenses and Commissions
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 2005 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approximate Net $256,297 $181,584 $368,791 Underwriting Expenses Retained by PFD ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approximate Commissions $1,378,908 $1,879,849 $2,242,785 Reallowed to Dealers (Class A shares) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approximate Commissions $0 $0 $0 Reallowed to Dealers (Class C shares) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Approximate Brokerage and $2,837,000 $6,786,000 $4,709,000 Underwriting Commissions (Portfolio Transactions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Fund Expenses under the Distribution Plans
For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2007
Class A Plan Class B Plan Class C Plan $9,429,026 $340,083 $94,715 |
20. APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM DEBT, CORPORATE BOND AND PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS(1)
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") Prime Rating System
Moody's short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor senior financial obligations and contracts. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.
Moody's employs the following designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
Prime-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
Leading market positions in well-established industries.
High rates of return on funds employed.
Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample
asset protection. Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges
and high internal cash generation. Well-established access to a range of
financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above, but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation than is the case for Prime-2 securities. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3: Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt-protection measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
In addition, in certain countries the prime rating may be modified by the issuer's or guarantor's senior unsecured long-term debt rating.
Moody's Debt Ratings
Aaa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edged." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments may be very moderate, and thereby not well safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's assigns ratings to individual debt securities issued from medium-term note (MTN) programs, in addition to indicating ratings to MTN programs themselves. Notes issued under MTN programs with such indicated ratings are rated at issuance at the rating applicable to all pari passu notes issued under the same program, at the program's relevant indicated rating, provided such notes do not exhibit any of the characteristics listed below. For notes with any of the following characteristics, the rating of the individual note may differ from the indicated rating of the program:
1) Notes containing features which link the cash flow and/or market value to the
credit performance of any third party or parties.
2) Notes allowing for negative coupons, or negative principal.
3) Notes containing any provision which could obligate the investor to make any
additional payments.
Market participants must determine whether any particular note is rated, and if so, at what rating level.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Standard & Poor's Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
A-1: A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2: A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3: A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C: A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D: A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Standard & Poor's Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
o Likelihood of payment-capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
o Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
o 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.
The issue rating definitions are expressed in terms of default risk. As such, they pertain to senior obligations of an entity. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation applies when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.) Accordingly, in the case of junior debt, the rating may not conform exactly with the category definition.
AAA: An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong.
AA: An obligation rated AA differs from the highest rated obligations only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A: An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB: An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CCC: An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC: An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C: A subordinated debt or preferred stock obligation rated C is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been
filed or similar action taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued. A C also will be assigned to a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or sinking fund payments, but that is currently paying.
D: An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
r: This symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit risks. It highlights risks to principal or volatility of expected returns which are not addressed in the credit rating.
N.R.: This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy.
Local Currency and Foreign Currency Risks
Country risk considerations are a standard part of Standard & Poor's analysis for credit ratings on any issuer or issue. Currency of repayment is a key factor in this analysis. An obligor's capacity to repay foreign currency obligations may be lower than its capacity to repay obligations in its local currency due to the sovereign government's own relatively lower capacity to repay external versus domestic debt. These sovereign risk considerations are incorporated in the debt ratings assigned to specific issues. Foreign currency issuer ratings are also distinguished from local currency issuer ratings to identify those instances where sovereign risks make them different for the same issuer.
The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent ratings available at the date of this statement of additional information for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance. While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated do not necessarily represent ratings which will be given to these securities on the date of the fund's fiscal year-end.
20. Appendix B
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of Pioneer Investment Management, Inc.
VERSION DATED July, 2004
Overview
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer") is a fiduciary that owes each of its client's duties of care and loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client's behalf, including proxy voting. When Pioneer has been delegated proxy-voting authority for a client, the duty of care requires Pioneer to monitor corporate events and to vote the proxies. To satisfy its duty of
loyalty, Pioneer must place its client's interests ahead of its own and must cast proxy votes in a manner consistent with the best interest of its clients. Pioneer will vote all proxies presented in a timely manner.
The Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are designed to complement Pioneer's investment policies and procedures regarding its general responsibility to monitor the performance and/or corporate events of companies that are issuers of securities held in accounts managed by Pioneer. Pioneer's Proxy Voting Policies summarize Pioneer's position on a number of issues solicited by companies held by Pioneer's clients. The policies are guidelines that provide a general indication on how Pioneer would vote but do not include all potential voting scenarios.
Pioneer's Proxy Voting Procedures detail monitoring of voting, exception votes, and review of conflicts of interest and ensure that case-by-case votes are handled within the context of the overall guidelines (i.e. best interest of client). The overriding goal is that all proxies for US and non-US companies that are received promptly will be voted in accordance with Pioneer's policies or specific client instructions. All shares in a company held by Pioneer-managed accounts will be voted alike, unless a client has given us specific voting instructions on an issue or has not delegated authority to us or the Proxy Voting Oversight Group determines that the circumstances justify a different approach.
Pioneer does not delegate the authority to vote proxies relating to its clients to any of its affiliates, which include other subsidiaries of UniCredito.
Any questions about these policies and procedures should be directed to the Proxy Coordinator.
Proxy Voting Procedures
Proxy Voting Service
Pioneer has engaged an independent proxy voting service to assist in the voting
of proxies. The proxy voting service works with custodians to ensure that all
proxy materials are received by the custodians and are processed in a timely
fashion. To the extent applicable, the proxy voting service votes all proxies in
accordance with the proxy voting policies established by Pioneer. The proxy
voting service will refer proxy questions to the Proxy Coordinator (described
below) for instructions under circumstances where: (1) the application of the
proxy voting guidelines is unclear; (2) a particular proxy question is not
covered by the guidelines; or (3) the guidelines call for specific instructions
on a case-by-case basis. The proxy voting service is also requested to call to
the Proxy Coordinator's attention specific proxy questions that, while governed
by a guideline, appear to involve unusual or controversial issues. Pioneer
reserves the right to attend a meeting in person and may do so when it
determines that the company or the matters to be voted on at the meeting are
strategically important to its clients.
Proxy Coordinator
Pioneer's Director of Investment Operations (the "Proxy Coordinator")
coordinates the voting, procedures and reporting of proxies on behalf of
Pioneer's clients. The Proxy Coordinator will deal directly with the proxy
voting service and, in the case of proxy questions referred by the proxy voting
service, will solicit voting recommendations and instructions from the Director
of Portfolio Management US or, to the extent applicable, investment
sub-advisers. The Proxy Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that these
questions and referrals are responded to in a timely fashion and for
transmitting appropriate voting instructions to the proxy voting service.
The Proxy Coordinator is responsible for verifying with the Compliance Department whether Pioneer's voting power is subject to any limitations or guidelines issued by the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries).
Referral Items
From time to time, the proxy voting service will refer proxy questions to the
Proxy Coordinator that are described by Pioneer's policy as to be voted on a
case-by-case basis, that are not covered by Pioneer's guidelines or where
Pioneer's guidelines may be unclear with respect to the matter to be voted on.
Under such certain circumstances, the Proxy Coordinator will seek a written
voting recommendation from the Director of Portfolio Management US. Any such
recommendation will include: (i) the manner in which the proxies should be
voted; (ii) the rationale underlying any such decision; and (iii) the disclosure
of any contacts or communications made between Pioneer and any outside parties
concerning the proxy proposal prior to the time that the voting instructions are
provided. In addition, the Proxy Coordinator will ask the Compliance Department
to review the question for any actual or apparent conflicts of interest as
described below under "Conflicts of Interest." The Compliance Department will
provide a "Conflicts of Interest Report," applying the criteria set forth below
under "Conflicts of Interest," to the Proxy Coordinator summarizing the results
of its review. In the absence of a conflict of interest, the Proxy Coordinator
will vote in accordance with the recommendation of the Director of Portfolio
Management US.
If the matter presents a conflict of interest for Pioneer, then the Proxy Coordinator will refer the matter to the Proxy Voting Oversight Group for a decision. In general, when a conflict of interest is present, Pioneer will vote according to the recommendation of the Director of Portfolio Management US where such recommendation would go against Pioneer's interest or where the conflict is deemed to be immaterial. Pioneer will vote according to the recommendation of its proxy voting service when the conflict is deemed to be material and the Pioneer's internal vote recommendation would favor Pioneer's interest, unless a client specifically requests Pioneer to do otherwise. When making the final determination as to how to vote a proxy, the Proxy Voting Oversight Group will review the report from the Director of Portfolio Management US and the Conflicts of Interest Report issued by the Compliance Department.
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest occurs when Pioneer's interests interfere, or appear to
interfere with the interests of Pioneer's clients. Occasionally, Pioneer may
have a conflict that can affect how its votes proxies. The conflict may be
actual or perceived and may exist when the matter to be voted on concerns:
o An affiliate of Pioneer, such as another company belonging to the UniCredito Italiano S.p.A. banking group (a "UniCredito Affiliate");
o An issuer of a security for which Pioneer acts as a sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker, or other similar capacity (including those securities specifically declared by PGAM to present a conflict of interest for Pioneer);
o An issuer of a security for which UniCredito has informed Pioneer that a UniCredito Affiliate acts as a sponsor, advisor, manager, custodian, distributor, underwriter, broker, or other similar capacity; or
o A person with whom Pioneer (or any of its affiliates) has an existing, material contract or business relationship that was not entered into in the ordinary course of Pioneer's business.
o Pioneer will abstain from voting with respect to companies directly or indirectly owned by UniCredito Italiano Group, unless otherwise directed by a client. In addition, Pioneer will inform PGAM Global Compliance and the PGAM Independent Directors before exercising such rights.
Any associate involved in the proxy voting process with knowledge of any apparent or actual conflict of interest must disclose such conflict to the Proxy Coordinator and the Compliance Department. The Compliance Department will review each item referred to Pioneer to determine whether an actual or potential conflict of interest with Pioneer exists in connection with the proposal(s) to be voted upon. The review will be conducted by comparing the apparent parties affected by the proxy proposal being voted upon against the Compliance Department's internal list of interested persons and, for any matches found, evaluating the anticipated magnitude and possible probability of any conflict of interest being present. For each referral item, the determination regarding the presence or absence of any actual or potential conflict of interest will be documented in a Conflicts of Interest Report to the Proxy Coordinator.
Securities Lending
In conjunction with industry standards Proxies are not available to be voted
when the shares are out on loan through either Pioneer's lending program or a
client's managed security lending program. However, Pioneer will reserve the
right to recall lent securities so that they may be voted according to the
Pioneer's instructions. If a portfolio manager would like to vote a block of
previously lent shares, the Proxy Coordinator will work with the portfolio
manager and Investment Operations to recall the security, to the extent
possible, to facilitate the vote on the entire block of shares.
Share-Blocking
"Share-blocking" is a market practice whereby shares are sent to a custodian
(which may be different than the account custodian) for record keeping and
voting at the general meeting. The shares are unavailable for sale or delivery
until the end of the blocking period (typically the day after general meeting
date).
Pioneer will vote in those countries with "share-blocking." In the event a
manager would like to sell a security with "share-blocking", the Proxy
Coordinator will work with the Portfolio Manager and Investment Operations
Department to recall the shares (as allowable within the market time-frame and
practices) and/or communicate with executing brokerage firm. A list of countries
with "share-blocking" is available from the Investment Operations Department
upon request.
Record Keeping
The Proxy Coordinator shall ensure that Pioneer's proxy voting service:
o Retains a copy of the proxy statement received (unless the proxy statement is available from the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system);
o Retains a record of the vote cast;
o Prepares Form N-PX for filing on behalf of each client that is a registered investment company; and
o Is able to promptly provide Pioneer with a copy of the voting record upon its request.
The Proxy Coordinator shall ensure that for those votes that may require additional documentation (i.e. conflicts of interest, exception votes and case-by-case votes) the following records are maintained:
o A record memorializing the basis for each referral vote cast;
o A copy of any document created by Pioneer that was material in making the decision on how to vote the subject proxy; and
o A copy of any conflict notice, conflict consent or any other written communication (including emails or other electronic communications) to or from the client (or in the case of an employee benefit plan, the plan's trustee or other fiduciaries) regarding the subject proxy vote cast by, or the vote recommendation of, Pioneer.
Pioneer shall maintain the above records in the client's file for a period not less than ten (10) years.
Disclosure
Pioneer shall take reasonable measures to inform its clients of the process or
procedures clients must follow to obtain information regarding how Pioneer voted
with respect to assets held in their accounts. In addition, Pioneer shall
describe to clients its proxy voting policies and procedures and will furnish a
copy of its proxy voting policies and procedures upon request. This information
may be provided to clients through Pioneer's Form ADV (Part II) disclosure, by
separate notice to the client, or through Pioneer's website.
Proxy Voting Oversight Group
The members of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group are Pioneer's: Director of
Portfolio Management US, Head of Investment Operations, and Director of
Compliance. Other members of Pioneer will be invited to attend meetings and
otherwise participate as necessary. The Head of Investment Operations will chair
the Proxy Voting Oversight Group.
The Proxy Voting Oversight Group is responsible for developing, evaluating, and changing (when necessary) Pioneer's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The group meets at least annually to evaluate and review these policies and procedures and the services of its third-party proxy voting service. In addition, the Proxy Voting Oversight Group will meet as necessary to vote on referral items and address other business as necessary.
Amendments
Pioneer may not amend its Proxy Voting Policies And Procedures without the prior
approval of the Proxy Voting Oversight Group and its corporate parent, Pioneer
Global Asset Management S.p.A
Proxy Voting Policies
Pioneer's sole concern in voting proxies is the economic effect of the proposal on the value of portfolio holdings, considering both the short- and long-term impact. In many instances, Pioneer believes that supporting the company's strategy and voting "for" management's proposals builds portfolio value. In other cases, however, proposals set forth by management may have a negative
effect on that value, while some shareholder proposals may hold the best prospects for enhancing it. Pioneer monitors developments in the proxy-voting arena and will revise this policy as needed.
All proxies that are received promptly will be voted in accordance with the specific policies listed below. All shares in a company held by Pioneer-managed accounts will be voted alike, unless a client has given us specific voting instructions on an issue or has not delegated authority to us. Proxy voting issues will be reviewed by Pioneer's Proxy Voting Oversight Group, which consists of the Director of Portfolio Management US, the Director of Investment Operations (the Proxy Coordinator), and the Director of Compliance.
Pioneer has established Proxy Voting Procedures for identifying and reviewing conflicts of interest that may arise in the voting of proxies.
Clients may request, at any time, a report on proxy votes for securities held in
their portfolios and Pioneer is happy to discuss our proxy votes with company
management. Pioneer retains a proxy voting service to provide research on proxy
issues and to process proxy votes.
Administrative
While administrative items appear infrequently in U.S. issuer proxies, they are
quite common in non-U.S. proxies.
We will generally support these and similar management proposals:
o Corporate name change.
o A change of corporate headquarters.
o Stock exchange listing.
o Establishment of time and place of annual meeting.
o Adjournment or postponement of annual meeting.
o Acceptance/approval of financial statements.
o Approval of dividend payments, dividend reinvestment plans and other dividend-related proposals.
o Approval of minutes and other formalities.
o Authorization of the transferring of reserves and allocation of income.
o Amendments to authorized signatories.
o Approval of accounting method changes or change in fiscal year-end.
o Acceptance of labor agreements.
o Appointment of internal auditors.
Pioneer will vote on a case-by-case basis on other routine business; however,
Pioneer will oppose any routine business proposal if insufficient information is
presented in advance to allow Pioneer to judge the merit of the proposal.
Pioneer has also instructed its proxy voting service to inform Pioneer of its
analysis of any administrative items inconsistent, in its view, with supporting
the value of Pioneer portfolio holdings so that Pioneer may consider and vote on
those items on a case-by-case basis.
Auditors
We normally vote for proposals to:
o Ratify the auditors. We will consider a vote against if we are concerned about the auditors' independence or their past work for the company. Specifically, we will oppose the ratification of auditors and withhold votes from audit committee members if non-audit fees paid by the company to the auditing firm exceed the sum of audit fees plus audit-related fees plus permissible tax fees according to the disclosure categories proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
o Restore shareholder rights to ratify the auditors.
We will normally oppose proposals that require companies to:
o Seek bids from other auditors.
o Rotate auditing firms, except where the rotation is statutorily required or where rotation would demonstrably strengthen financial disclosure.
o Indemnify auditors.
o Prohibit auditors from engaging in non-audit services for the company.
Board of Directors
On issues related to the board of directors, Pioneer normally supports
management. We will, however, consider a vote against management in instances
where corporate performance has been very poor or where the board appears to
lack independence.
General Board Issues
Pioneer will vote for:
o Audit, compensation and nominating committees composed of independent directors exclusively.
o Indemnification for directors for actions taken in good faith in accordance with the business judgment rule. We will vote against proposals for broader indemnification.
o Changes in board size that appear to have a legitimate business purpose and are not primarily for anti-takeover reasons.
o Election of an honorary director.
We will vote against:
o Minimum stock ownership by directors.
o Term limits for directors. Companies benefit from experienced directors, and shareholder control is better achieved through annual votes.
o Requirements for union or special interest representation on the board.
o Requirements to provide two candidates for each board seat.
We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues:
o Separate chairman and CEO positions. We will consider voting with shareholders on these issues in cases of poor corporate performance.
Elections of Directors
In uncontested elections of directors we will vote against:
o Individual directors with absenteeism above 25% without valid reason. We support proposals that require disclosure of director attendance.
o Insider directors and affiliated outsiders who sit on the audit, compensation, stock option or nominating committees. For the purposes of our policy, we accept the definition of affiliated directors provided by our proxy voting service.
We will also vote against:
o Directors who have failed to act on a takeover offer where the majority of shareholders have tendered their shares.
o Directors who appear to lack independence or are associated with very poor corporate performance.
We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues:
o Re-election of directors who have implemented or renewed a dead-hand or modified dead-hand poison pill (a "dead-hand poison pill" is a shareholder rights plan that may be altered only by incumbent or "dead " directors. These plans prevent a potential acquirer from disabling a poison pill by obtaining control of the board through a proxy vote).
o Contested election of directors.
o Prior to phase-in required by SEC, we would consider supporting election of a majority of independent directors in cases of poor performance.
o Mandatory retirement policies.
o Directors who have ignored a shareholder proposal that has been approved by shareholders for two consecutive years.
Takeover-Related Measures
Pioneer is generally opposed to proposals that may discourage takeover attempts.
We believe that the potential for a takeover helps ensure that corporate
performance remains high.
Pioneer will vote for:
o Cumulative voting.
o Increase ability for shareholders to call special meetings.
o Increase ability for shareholders to act by written consent.
o Restrictions on the ability to make greenmail payments.
o Submitting rights plans to shareholder vote.
o Rescinding shareholder rights plans ("poison pills").
o Opting out of the following state takeover statutes:
o Control share acquisition statutes, which deny large holders voting rights on holdings over a specified threshold.
o Control share cash-out provisions, which require large holders to acquire shares from other holders.
o Freeze-out provisions, which impose a waiting period on large holders before they can attempt to gain control.
o Stakeholder laws, which permit directors to consider interests of non-shareholder constituencies.
o Disgorgement provisions, which require acquirers to disgorge profits on purchases made before gaining control.
o Fair price provisions.
o Authorization of shareholder rights plans.
o Labor protection provisions.
o Mandatory classified boards.
We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues:
o Fair price provisions. We will vote against provisions requiring supermajority votes to approve takeovers. We will also consider voting against proposals that require a supermajority vote to repeal or amend the provision. Finally, we will consider the mechanism used to determine the fair price; we are generally opposed to complicated formulas or requirements to pay a premium.
o Opting out of state takeover statutes regarding fair price provisions. We will use the criteria used for fair price provisions in general to determine our vote on this issue.
o Proposals that allow shareholders to nominate directors.
We will vote against:
o Classified boards, except in the case of closed-end mutual funds.
o Limiting shareholder ability to remove or appoint directors. We will support proposals to restore shareholder authority in this area. We will review on a case-by-case basis proposals that authorize the board to make interim appointments.
o Classes of shares with unequal voting rights.
o Supermajority vote requirements.
o Severance packages ("golden" and "tin" parachutes). We will support proposals to put these packages to shareholder vote.
o Reimbursement of dissident proxy solicitation expenses. While we ordinarily support measures that encourage takeover bids, we believe that management should have full control over corporate funds.
o Extension of advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals.
o Granting board authority normally retained by shareholders (e.g., amend charter, set board size).
o Shareholder rights plans ("poison pills"). These plans generally allow shareholders to buy additional shares at a below-market price in the event of a change in control and may deter some bids.
Capital Structure
Managements need considerable flexibility in determining the company's financial
structure, and Pioneer normally supports managements' proposals in this area. We
will, however, reject proposals that impose high barriers to potential
takeovers.
Pioneer will vote for:
o Changes in par value.
o Reverse splits, if accompanied by a reduction in number of shares.
o Share repurchase programs, if all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
o Bond issuance.
o Increases in "ordinary" preferred stock.
o Proposals to have blank-check common stock placements (other than shares issued in the normal course of business) submitted for shareholder approval.
o Cancellation of company treasury shares.
We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues:
o Reverse splits not accompanied by a reduction in number of shares, considering the risk of delisting.
o Increase in authorized common stock. We will make a determination considering, among other factors:
o Number of shares currently available for issuance;
o Size of requested increase (we would normally approve increases of up to 100% of current authorization);
o Proposed use of the additional shares; and
o Potential consequences of a failure to increase the number of shares outstanding (e.g., delisting or bankruptcy).
o Blank-check preferred. We will normally oppose issuance of a new class of blank-check preferred, but may approve an increase in a class already outstanding if the company has demonstrated that it uses this flexibility appropriately.
o Proposals to submit private placements to shareholder vote.
o Other financing plans.
We will vote against preemptive rights that we believe limit a company's financing flexibility.
Compensation
Pioneer supports compensation plans that link pay to shareholder returns and
believes that management has the best understanding of the level of compensation
needed to attract and retain qualified people. At the same time, stock-related
compensation plans have a significant economic impact and a direct effect on the
balance sheet. Therefore, while we do not want to micromanage a company's
compensation programs, we will place limits on the potential dilution these
plans may impose.
Pioneer will vote for:
o 401(k) benefit plans.
o Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), as long as shares allocated to ESOPs are less than 5% of outstanding shares. Larger blocks of stock in ESOPs can serve as a takeover defense. We will support proposals to submit ESOPs to shareholder vote.
o Various issues related to the Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA), including:
o Amendments to performance plans to conform with OBRA;
o Caps on annual grants or amendments of administrative features;
o Adding performance goals; and
o Cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans.
o Establish a process to link pay, including stock-option grants, to performance, leaving specifics of implementation to the company.
o Require that option repricings be submitted to shareholders.
o Require the expensing of stock-option awards.
o Require reporting of executive retirement benefits (deferred compensation, split-dollar life insurance, SERPs, and pension benefits).
o Employee stock purchase plans where the purchase price is equal to at least 85% of the market price, where the offering period is no greater than 27 months and where potential dilution (as defined below) is no greater than 10%.
We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues:
o Executive and director stock-related compensation plans. We will consider the following factors when reviewing these plans:
o The program must be of a reasonable size. We will approve plans where the combined employee and director plans together would generate less than 15% dilution. We will reject plans with 15% or more potential dilution.
Dilution = (A + B + C) / (A + B + C + D), where A = Shares reserved for plan/amendment, B = Shares available under continuing plans, C = Shares granted but unexercised and D = Shares outstanding.
o The plan must not:
o Explicitly permit unlimited option repricing authority or that have repriced in the past without shareholder approval.
o Be a self-replenishing "evergreen" plan, plans that grant discount options and tax offset payments.
o We are generally in favor of proposals that increase participation beyond executives.
o We generally support proposals asking companies to adopt rigorous vesting provisions for stock option plans such as those that vest incrementally over, at least, a three- or four-year period with a pro rata portion of the shares becoming exercisable on an annual basis following grant date.
o We generally support proposals asking companies to disclose their window period policies for stock transactions. Window period policies ensure that employees do not exercise options based on insider information contemporaneous with quarterly earnings releases and other material corporate announcements.
o We generally support proposals asking companies to adopt stock holding periods for their executives.
o All other employee stock purchase plans.
o All other compensation-related proposals, including deferred compensation plans, employment agreements, loan guarantee programs and retirement plans.
o All other proposals regarding stock compensation plans, including extending the life of a plan, changing vesting restrictions, repricing options, lengthening exercise periods or accelerating distribution of awards and pyramiding and cashless exercise programs.
We will vote against:
o Pensions for non-employee directors. We believe these retirement plans reduce director objectivity.
o Elimination of stock option plans.
We will vote on a case-by case basis on these issues:
o Limits on executive and director pay.
o Stock in lieu of cash compensation for directors.
Corporate Governance
Pioneer will vote for:
o Confidential Voting.
o Equal access provisions, which allow shareholders to contribute their opinion to proxy materials.
o Proposals requiring directors to disclose their ownership of shares in the company.
We will vote on a case-by-case basis on the following issues:
o Change in the state of incorporation. We will support reincorporations supported by valid business reasons. We will oppose those that appear to be solely for the purpose of strengthening takeover defenses.
o Bundled proposals. We will evaluate the overall impact of the proposal.
o Adopting or amending the charter, bylaws or articles of association.
o Shareholder appraisal rights, which allow shareholders to demand judicial review of an acquisition price.
We will vote against:
o Shareholder advisory committees. While management should solicit shareholder input, we prefer to leave the method of doing so to management's discretion.
o Limitations on stock ownership or voting rights.
o Reduction in share ownership disclosure guidelines.
Mergers and Restructurings
Pioneer will vote on the following and similar issues on a case-by-case basis:
o Mergers and acquisitions.
o Corporate restructurings, including spin-offs, liquidations, asset sales, joint ventures, conversions to holding company and conversions to self-managed REIT structure.
o Debt restructurings.
o Conversion of securities.
o Issuance of shares to facilitate a merger.
o Private placements, warrants, convertible debentures.
o Proposals requiring management to inform shareholders of merger opportunities.
We will normally vote against shareholder proposals requiring that the company be put up for sale.
Mutual Funds
Many of our portfolios may invest in shares of closed-end mutual funds or
exchange-traded funds. The non-corporate structure of these investments raises
several unique proxy voting issues.
Pioneer will vote for:
o Establishment of new classes or series of shares.
o Establishment of a master-feeder structure.
Pioneer will vote on a case-by-case on:
o Changes in investment policy. We will normally support changes that do not affect the investment objective or overall risk level of the fund. We will examine more fundamental changes on a case-by-case basis.
o Approval of new or amended advisory contracts.
o Changes from closed-end to open-end format.
o Authorization for, or increase in, preferred shares.
o Disposition of assets, termination, liquidation, or mergers.
o Classified boards of closed-end mutual funds, but will typically support such proposals.
Social Issues
Pioneer will abstain on stockholder proposals calling for greater disclosure of
corporate activities with regard to social issues. "Social Issues" may generally
be described as shareholder proposals for a company to:
o Conduct studies regarding certain issues of public concern and interest;
o Study the feasibility of the company taking certain actions with regard to such issues; or
o Take specific action, including ceasing certain behavior and adopting company standards and principles, in relation to issues of public concern and interest.
We believe these issues are important and should receive management attention. Pioneer will vote against proposals calling for substantial changes in the company's business or activities. We will also normally vote against proposals with regard to contributions, believing that management should control the routine disbursement of funds.
PART C - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
(a)(1) Agreement and Declaration of Trust(1)
(a)(2) Certificate of Trust(1)
(a)(3) Amendment to Agreement and Declaration of Trust(4)
(a)(4) Amended Certificate of Trust(4)
(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws(6)
(c) None
(d) Management Contract(*)
(e)(1) Underwriting Agreement(4)
(e)(2) Dealer Sales Agreement(*)
(f) None
(g)(1) Custodian Agreement with Brown Brothers
Harriman & Co.(5)
(g)(2) Amended Appendix A to Custodian Agreement(*)
(h)(1) Investment Company Service Agreement(5)
(h)(2) Amendment to Investment Company Service Agreement(*)
(h)(3) Administration Agreement(6)
(h)(4) Amended Exhibit 1 to Administrative Agreement(*)
(i)(1) Legal Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell(1)
(j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm(*)
(k) None
(l) None
(m)(1) Class A Distribution Plan(2)
(m)(2) Class B Distribution Plan(3)
(m)(3) Class C Distribution Plan(1)
(o) Not applicable.
(p)(1) Pioneer Funds Code of Ethics(5)
(p)(2) Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. Code of Ethics(5)
(p)(3) Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. Code of Ethics(5)
N/A Powers of Attorney(*)
(1) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to the Registration Statement (File No. 2-32773) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 1, 1996 (Accession No. 0000078758-96-000017).
(2) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 to the Registration Statement (File No. 2-32773) as filed with the SEC on November 27, 2000 (Accession No. 0001016964-00-000172).
(3) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibit filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to the Registration Statement (File No. 2-32773) as filed with the SEC on January 29, 2001 (Accession No. 0000078758-01- 000001).
(4) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.56 to the Registration Statement (File No. 2-32773) as filed with the SEC on January 25, 2002 (Accession No. 0001016964-02- 000006).
(5) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 65 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-32773) as filed with the SEC on January 27, 2006 (Accession No. 0001077452-06-000004)
(6) Previously filed. Incorporated herein by reference from the exhibits filed with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 66 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File No. 2-32773) as filed with the SEC on January 25, 2007 (Accession No. 0000078758-07-000003)
(*) Filed herewith.
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Fund
None. Item 25. Indemnification Except for the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended from time to time (the "Declaration"), dated April 26, 1996, establishing the Fund as |
a statutory trust under Delaware law, there is no contract, arrangement or statute under which any Trustee, officer, underwriter or affiliated person of the Fund is insured or indemnified. The Declaration provides that every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or an officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall be indemnified by the Fund or the appropriate Fund series to the fullest extent permitted by law against liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee, officer, employee or agent and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be available to Trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Fund pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Fund has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Fund of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling person of the Fund in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Fund will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. ("Pioneer Investments") is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, and is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of UniCredito Italiano S.p.A. ("UniCredito"). Pioneer Investments manages investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates or charitable organizations and other corporations or business entities.
To the knowledge of the Fund, none of Pioneer Investments' directors or executive officers is or has been during their employment with Pioneer Investments engaged in any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature for the past two fiscal years, except as noted below. Certain directors and officers, however, may hold or may have held various positions with, and engage or have engaged in business for, the investment companies that Pioneer Investments manages and/or other UniCredito subsidiaries.
OTHER BUSINESS, PROFESSION, VOCATION OR EMPLOYMENT OF SUBSTANTIAL NATURE WITHIN LAST TWO NAME OF DIRECTOR/OFFICER FISCAL YEARS John F. Cogan, Jr. Of Counsel, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP, 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 |
Item 27. Principal Underwriters
(a) Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. acts as principal underwriter for the following investment companies:
Pioneer Bond Fund
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund
Pioneer Equity Income Fund
Pioneer Equity Opportunity Fund
Pioneer Europe Select Equity Fund
Pioneer Fund
Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund
Pioneer High Yield Fund
Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series
Pioneer Independence Fund
Pioneer International Equity Fund
Pioneer International Value Fund
Pioneer Money Market Trust
Pioneer Mid Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund
Pioneer Protected Principal Trust
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Research Fund
Pioneer Select Growth Fund
Pioneer Select Value Fund
Pioneer Series Trust I
Pioneer Series Trust II
Pioneer Series Trust III
Pioneer Series Trust IV
Pioneer Series Trust V
Pioneer Series Trust VI
Pioneer Series Trust VII
Pioneer Short Term Income Fund
Pioneer Small Cap Value Fund
Pioneer Strategic Income Fund
Pioneer Tax Free Income Fund
Pioneer Value Fund
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust
(b) Directors and executive officers of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.:
POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH POSITIONS AND OFFICES WITH NAME UNDERWRITER FUND Steven M. Graziano Director and Executive Vice President None Mark D. Goodwin Executive Vice President None Julia Hoik Senior Vice President None Natale Algiere Senior Vice President None Michael B. Glenn Senior Vice President None Richard L. Sardelli Senior Vice President None John P. Davy Senior Vice President None Alexander Sarafianos Senior Vice President None Anthony J. Koenig Treasurer None Dorothy E. Bourassa Senior Vice President and Clerk Secretary |
The principal business address of each of these individuals is 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1820.
(c) Not applicable.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts and records are maintained at the Fund's office at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109; contact the Treasurer.
Item 29. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 30. Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Fund certifies that it meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement under Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Boston and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 24th day of January, 2008.
PIONEER VALUE FUND
By: /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury Daniel K. Kingsbury Executive Vice President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on January 24, 2008:
Signature Title /s/John F. Cogan, Jr. Chairman of the Board, John F. Cogan, Jr. President(Principal Executive Officer) and Trustee Vincent Nave* Chief Financial Officer Vincent Nave and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) David R. Bock* Trustee David R. Bock Mary K. Bush* Trustee Mary K. Bush Margaret B. W. Graham* Trustee Margaret B. W. Graham Thomas J. Perna* Trustee Thomas J. Perna Marguerite A. Piret* Trustee Marguerite A. Piret John Winthrop* Trustee John Winthrop *By: /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury Dated: January 24, 2008 Daniel K. Kingsbury Attorney-in-fact |
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Document Title (d) Management Contract (e)(2) Dealer Sales Agreement (g)(2) Amended Appendix A to Custodian Agreement (h)(2) Amendment to Investment Company Service Agreement (h)(4) Amended Exhibit 1 to Administrative Agreement (j) Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm N/A Powers of Attorney |
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT, dated as of this 1st day of May, 2003 (as amended and
restated effective January 1, 2005, to reduce the fee payable pursuant to
Section 8, and July 2, 2007, to reduce the fee payable pursuant to Section 8 and
to eliminate reference in Section 8(a) to an index no longer applicable by the
terms of that Section) between Pioneer Value Fund, a Delaware business trust
(the "Trust"), and Pioneer Investment Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "Manager").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement for the purpose of registering its shares for public offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").
WHEREAS, the parties hereto deem it mutually advantageous that the Manager should be engaged, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees and officers, to manage the Trust.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits set forth herein, the Trust and the Manager do hereby agree as follows:
1. The Manager will regularly provide the Trust with investment research, advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment program for the Trust, consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Trust. The Manager will determine from time to time what securities shall be purchased for the Trust, what securities shall be held or sold by the Trust and what portion of the Trust's assets shall be held uninvested as cash, subject always to the provisions of the Trust's Certificate of Trust, Agreement and Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and its registration statements under the 1940 Act and under the 1933 Act covering the Trust's shares, as filed with the Commission, and to the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Trust, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect, and subject, further, to such policies and instructions as the Board of Trustees of the Trust may from time to time establish. To carry out such determinations, the Manager will exercise full discretion and act for the Trust in the same manner and with the same force and effect as the Trust itself might or could do with respect to purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases, sales or other transactions.
2. The Manager will, to the extent reasonably required in the conduct of the business of the Trust and upon the Trust's request, furnish to the Trust research, statistical and advisory reports upon the industries, businesses, corporations or securities as to which such requests shall be made, whether or not the Trust shall at the time have any investment in such industries, businesses, corporations or securities. The Manager will use its best efforts in the preparation of such reports and will endeavor to consult the persons and sources believed by it to have information available with respect to such industries, businesses, corporations or securities.
3. The Manager will maintain all books and records with respect to the Trust's securities transactions required by subparagraphs (b)(5), (6), (9) and (10) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those records being maintained by the custodian or transfer agent appointed by the Trust) and preserve such records for the periods prescribed therefor by Rule 31a-2 under the 1940 Act. The Manager will also provide to the Board of Trustees such periodic and special reports as the Board may reasonably request.
4. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Manager, at its own expense, shall furnish to the Trust office space in the offices of the Manager, or in such other place as may be agreed upon from time to time, and all necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for managing the Trust's affairs and investments, and shall arrange, if desired by the Trust, for members of the Manager's organization to serve as officers or agents of the Trust.
5. The Manager shall pay directly or reimburse the Trust for: (i) the
compensation (if any) of the Trustees who are "affiliated persons" (as defined
in the 1940 Act) of the Manager and all officers of the Trust as such; and
(ii) all expenses not hereinafter specifically assumed by the Trust where such
expenses are incurred by the Manager or by the Trust in connection with the
management of the affairs of, and the investment and reinvestment of the
assets of, the Trust.
6. The Trust shall assume and shall pay: (i) charges and expenses for
fund accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related overhead, including,
to the extent such services are performed by personnel of the Manager or its
affiliates, office space and facilities, and personnel compensation, training
and benefits; (ii) the charges and expenses of auditors; (iii) the charges and
expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend disbursing
agent, registrar or any other agent appointed by the Trust; (iv) issue and
transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust in connection with securities
transactions to which the Trust is a party; (v) insurance premiums, interest
charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and
corporate fees payable by the Trust to federal, state or other governmental
agencies; (vi) fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
registrations of the Trust and/or its shares with federal regulatory agencies,
state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign jurisdictions, including the
preparation of prospectuses and statements of additional information for filing
with such regulatory authorities; (vii) all expenses of shareholders' and
Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses,
notices, proxy statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental
agencies; (viii) charges and expenses of legal counsel to the Trust and the
Trustees; (ix) any fees paid by the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1
promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the 1940 Act; (x) compensation of
those Trustees of the Trust who are not affiliated with, or "interested persons"
of, the Manager, the Trust (other than as Trustees), Pioneer Investment
Management USA Inc. or Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.; (xi) the cost of
preparing and printing share certificates; (xii) interest on borrowed money, if
any; and (xiii) any other expense that the Trust, the Manager or any other agent
of the Trust may incur (A) as a result of a change in the law or regulations,
(B) as a result of a mandate from the Board of Trustees with associated costs of
a character generally assumed by similarly structured investment companies or
(C) that is similar to the expenses listed above, and that is approved by the
Board of Trustees (including a majority of the Independent Trustees) as being an
appropriate expense of the Trust.
7. In addition to the expenses described in Section 6 above, the Trust shall pay all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the Trust in connection with securities transactions to which the Trust is a party.
8. The Trust shall pay to the Manager, as compensation for the Manager's services and expenses assumed hereunder, a fee as set forth below. Management fees payable hereunder shall be computed daily and paid monthly in arrears.
a) The fee payable hereunder shall be composed of the Basic Fee (defined below) and a Performance Adjustment (defined below) to the Basic Fee based upon the investment performance of the Trust in relation to the investment record of a securities index determined by the Trustees of the Trust to be appropriate over the same period. The Trustees have designated the Russell 1000 Value Index (the "Index") for this purpose.
b) From time to time, the Trustees may by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust voting in person, including a majority of its Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such parties, determine 1) that another securities index is a more appropriate benchmark than the Index for purposes of evaluating the performance of the Trust; and/or 2) that a Class of shares of the Trust other than Class A is most appropriate for use in calculating the Performance Adjustment. After ten days' written notice to the Manager, a successor index (the "Successor Index") may be substituted for the Index in prospectively calculating the Performance Adjustment; and/or a different Class of shares may be substituted in calculating the Performance Adjustment. However, the calculation of that portion of the Performance Adjustment attributable to any portion of the performance period prior to the adoption of the Successor Index will still be based upon the Trust's performance compared to the Index. The use of a different Class of shares for purposes of calculating the Performance Adjustment shall apply to the entire performance period so long as such Class was outstanding at the beginning of such period. In the event that such Class of shares was not outstanding for all or a portion of the Performance Period, it may only be used in calculating that portion of the Performance Adjustment attributable to the period during which such Class was outstanding and any prior portion of the Performance Period shall be calculated using Class A shares.
c) The Basic Fee is equal to a fee at the annual rate of 0.60% per annum of the Trust's average daily net assets up to $5 billion, 0.575% on the next $5 billion and 0.550% on the excess over $10 billion.
d) The Performance Adjustment consists of an adjustment to the monthly Basic Fee to be made by applying a Performance Adjustment rate to the average net assets of the Trust over the Performance Period. The resulting dollar figure will be added to or subtracted from the Basic Fee depending on whether the Trust experienced better or worse performance than the Index.
The Performance Adjustment rate is 0.01% for each percentage point, rounded to the nearer point (the higher point if exactly one-half point), that the Trust's investment performance for the Performance Period was better or worse than the performance of the Index as then constituted. The maximum Performance Adjustment is 0.10%.
The Performance Period shall consist of a rolling 36-month period consisting of the most recently completed month and the previous 35 months.
The Trust's investment performance will be measured by comparing the (i) opening net asset value of one Class A share of the Trust on the first business day of the performance period with (ii) the closing net asset value of one Class A share of the Trust as of the last business day of such period. In computing the investment performance of the Trust and the investment record of the Index, distributions of realized capital gains, the value of capital gains taxes per share paid or payable on undistributed realized long-term capital gains accumulated to the end of such period and dividends paid out of investment income on the part of the Trust, and all cash distributions of the companies whose stock comprise the Index, will be treated as reinvested in accordance with Rule 205-1 or any other applicable rule under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as the same from time to time may be amended.
The computation of the Performance Adjustment will not be cumulative. A positive fee adjustment will apply even though the performance of the Trust over some period of time shorter than the performance period has been behind that of the Index, and, conversely, a negative fee adjustment will apply for the month even though the performance of the Trust over some period of time shorter than the performance period has been ahead of that of the Index.
e) An appropriate percentage (based on the number of days in the current month) of the annual Performance Adjustment rate shall be multiplied by the average of the net assets of the Trust (computed in the manner set forth in the Declaration of Trust of the Trust adjusted as provided above, if applicable) determined as of the close of business on each business day through out the performance period. The resulting dollar amount is added to or deducted from the Basic Fee.
f) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Manager will limit the maximum annual fee payable hereunder for any fiscal year by limiting any positive adjustment of the Basic Fee to 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net assets for the current fiscal year.
9. The Management Fee payable hereunder shall be computed daily and paid monthly in arrears. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, the Basic Fee then in effect shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a percentage of the total number of days in such month. The amount of any Performance Adjustment to the Basic Fee will be computed on the basis of and applied to net assets averaged over the 36-month period ending on the last business day on which this Agreement is in effect.
10. The Manager may from time to time agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in advance of the time such fee or a portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or undertake to pay or reimburse the Trust for all or a portion of its expenses not otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Manager. Any such fee reduction or undertaking may be discontinued or modified by the Manager at any time.
11. It is understood that the Manager may employ one or more sub-investment advisers (each a "Subadviser") to provide investment advisory services to the Trust by entering into a written agreement with each such Subadviser; provided, that any such agreement first shall be approved by the vote of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, the Manager or any such Subadviser, and otherwise approved in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act or an exemption therefrom. The authority given to the Manager in Sections 1 through 13 hereof may be delegated by it under any such agreement; provided, that any Subadviser shall be subject to the same restrictions and limitations on investments and brokerage discretion as the Manager. The Trust agrees that the Manager shall not be accountable to the Trust or the Trust's shareholders for any loss or other liability relating to specific investments directed by any Subadviser, even though the Manager retains the right to reverse any such investment because, in the event a Subadviser is retained, the Trust and the Manager will rely almost exclusively on the expertise of such Subadviser for the selection and monitoring of specific investments.
12. The Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss sustained by reason of the adoption of any investment policy or the purchase, sale, or retention of any security on the recommendation of the Manager, whether or not such recommendation shall have been based upon its own investigation and research or upon investigation and research made by any other individual, firm or corporation, but nothing contained herein will be construed to protect the Manager against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement.
13. Nothing in this Agreement will in any way limit or restrict the Manager or any of its officers, directors, or employees from buying, selling or trading in any securities for its or their own accounts or other accounts. The Manager may act as an investment adviser to any other person, firm or corporation, and may perform management and any other services for any other person, association, corporation, firm or other entity pursuant to any contract or otherwise, and take any action or do any thing in connection therewith or related thereto; and no such performance of management or other services or taking of any such action or doing of any such thing shall be in any manner restricted or otherwise affected by any aspect of any relationship of the Manager to or with the Trust or deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation of the Manager to the Trust except as otherwise imposed by law. The Trust recognizes that the Manager, in effecting transactions for its various accounts, may not always be able to take or liquidate investment positions in the same security at the same time and at the same price.
14. In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the account of the Trust, neither the Manager nor any of its directors, officers or employees will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as permitted by the 1940 Act. The Manager shall arrange for the placing of all orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the Trust's account with brokers or dealers selected by the Manager. In the selection of such brokers or dealers and the placing of such orders, the Manager is directed at all times to seek for the Trust the most favorable execution and net price available except as described herein. It is also understood that it is desirable for the Trust that the Manager have access to supplemental investment and market research and security and economic analyses provided by brokers who may execute brokerage transactions at a higher cost to the Trust than may result when allocating brokerage to other brokers on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and efficient execution. Therefore, the Manager is authorized to place orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the Trust with such brokers, subject to review by the Trust's Trustees from time to time with respect to the extent and continuation of this practice. It is understood that the services provided by such brokers may be useful to the Manager in connection with its or its affiliates' services to other clients. In addition, subject to the Manager's obligation to seek the most favorable execution and net price available, the Manager may consider the sale of the Trust's shares in selecting brokers and dealers.
15. On occasions when the Manager deems the purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients, the Manager may, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased in order to obtain the best execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. In such event, allocation of the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will be made by the Manager in the manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to such clients.
16. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and shall remain in force until December 31, 2004 and from year to year thereafter, but only so long as its continuance is approved in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act or an exemption therefrom, subject to the right of the Trust and the Manager to terminate this contract as provided in Section 17 hereof.
17. Either party hereto may, without penalty, terminate this Agreement by vote of its Board of Trustees or Directors, as the case may be, or by vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust or the Manager, as the case may be, and the giving of 60 days' written notice to the other party.
18. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "assignment" shall have the meaning given it by Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
19. The Trust agrees that in the event that neither the Manager nor any of its affiliates acts as an investment adviser to the Trust, the name of the Trust will be changed to one that does not contain the name "Pioneer" or otherwise suggest an affiliation with the Manager.
20. The Manager is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Trust for any purpose. If any occasion should arise in which the Manager gives any advice to its clients concerning the shares of the Trust, the Manager will act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf of the Trust.
21. This Agreement states the entire agreement of the parties hereto, and is intended to be the complete and exclusive statement of the terms hereof. It may not be added to or changed orally and may not be modified or rescinded except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in accordance with the 1940 Act, when applicable.
22. This Agreement and all performance hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
23. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms or provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
24. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers and their seal to be hereto affixed as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: PIONEER VALUE FUND By: By: ------------------------------- Name: Dorothy E. Bourassa Name: Daniel K. Kingsbury Title: Secretary Title Executive Vice President ATTEST: PIONEER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT, INC. By: By: ------------------------------- Name: Margaret C. Begley Name: Dorothy E. Bourassa Title: Assistant Secretary Title Senior Vice President |
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R)
SALES AGREEMENT
TO:
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EXACT LEGAL NAME OF FIRM
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EXACT LEGAL NAME OF FIRM (cont.)
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EXACT LEGAL NAME OF FIRM (cont.)
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STREET ADDRESS
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STREETADDRESS (cont.)
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CITY
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STATE ZIP
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ATTENTION
|_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_| ATTENTION (cont.)
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PHONE FAX
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EMAIL
|_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_| EMAIL(continued)
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., Member of the UniCredito Italiano Banking Group, Register of Banking Groups, has been appointed to serve as principal underwriter as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the" 1940 Act"), for the shares ("Shares") of the investment company portfolios from time to time included in the Pioneer Family of Funds. The specified portfolios are hereafter referred to individually as a "Fund" and collectively as the "Funds."
We hereby are inviting you to participate in the selling group and, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, to make available to your customers the Shares. By your acceptance hereof, you agtee to purchase Shares only from us or from your customers, and to act only as agent for your customers or dealet for your own account, with no authority to act as agent for the Funds, for us or for any other dealer in any respect.
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R)
Orders received from you will be accepted only at the public offering price (as defined below in Section 2) applicable to each order. When acting as agent for your customers, you agree to place orders for Shares upon the receipt of, and in the same amount as, orders from your customers. We will not accept a conditional order from you on any basis. You are authorized to: (i) place orders directly with a Fund for the purchase of Shares,and (ij) tender Shares directly to a Fund for redemption, in each case subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Fund prospectus (the "Prospectus," which for purposes of this agreement includes the Statement of Additional Information incorporated therein) and any operating procedures and policies established by us from time to time.
You shall be responsible for the accuracy, timeliness and completeness of any order transmitted by you on behalf of your customers. In addition, you agree to guarantee the signatures of your customers when such guarantee is required by the Funds or their transfer agent, and you agree to indemnify and hold harmless all persons, including us and the Funds' transfer agent, from and against any and all loss, cost, damage, or expense suffered or incurred in reliance on such signature guarantee.
The public offering price shall be the net asset value per Share plus any sales charge payable upon the purchase of such Shares as described in the Prospectus. The public offering price may reflect scheduled variations in, or the elimination of, the sales charge on sales of the Shares either generally to the public or in connection with special purchase plans, as described in the Prospectus. You agree that you will apply any scheduled variation in, or elimination of, the sales charge uniformly to all offerees in the classes specified in the Prospectus. The sales charge applicable to any sale of Shares by you and the dealer concession or commission applicable to any order from you for the purchase of Shares accepted by us shall be as set forth in the Prospectus.
A contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") is applicable to redemptions of certain Shares, as described in the Prospectus. You agree that you will sell Shares subject to a CDSC and held in omnibus accounts only if you are a NETWORKING participant with the National Securities Clearing Corporation and if such accounts are established pursuant to a NETWORKING Agreement.
Reduced sales charges may apply to certain transactions as described in the Prospectus. To obtain any such reduction, you must notify us when the sale that would qualify for such reduction takes place.
(a) As consideration for your providing distribution and marketing services in the promotion of the sale of Shares subject to a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and for providing personal services to, and/or the maintenance of the accounts of, your customers who invest in and own such Shares, we shall pay such fee, if any, to you as is described in the Prospectus and otherwise established by us from time to time on Shares which are owned by you as nominee for your customers or which are owned by those customers of your firm whose records, as maintained by such Fund or its agent, designate your firm as the customer's dealer of record. Any fee payable hereunder shall be computed and accrued daily and for each calendar quarter shall be based on the average daily net asset value of the relevant Shares which remain outstanding on the books of a Fund during such quarter. No such fee will be paid to you with respect to Shares redeemed or repurchased by such Fund within seven business days after the date of confirmation of a purchase. No such fee will be paid to you if the amount of such fee based upon the aggregate value of your customers' Shares for the quarter will be less than $5.00.
(b) The provisions of this Section 3 may be terminated with respect to any Shares in connection with the termination of this agreement, and in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act or the rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") and thereafter no such fee will be paid to you.
(c) You agree to furnish us and the Trustees of any Fund with such information as shall reasonably be requested by the Trustees with respect to the fees paid to you pursuant to this Section 3.
(d) Consistent with NASD policies as amended or interpreted from time to time
(i) you waive payment of amounts due from us which are funded by fees we
receive under such distribution plans until we are in receipt of the fees
on the relevant Shares, and (ii) our liability for amounts payable to you
is limited solely to the proceeds of the fees received by us on the
relevant Shares.
If any Shares sold to or through you hereunder are redeemed by a Fund or repurchased by us as agent for a Fund within seven business days after confirmation of the original purchase, you agree to promptly refund the full sales charge or other concession applicable to such Shares paid to you and you will forfeit the right to receive any compensation on such Shares.
If you purchase Shares from any customer in connection with repurchase arrangements offered by a Fund, you agree to pay such of Shares is subject to the timely receipt by the Fund's transfer agent of all required documents in good order. If such documents are not received within a reasonable time after the order is placed, the order is subject to cancellation, in which case you agree to be responsible for any loss resulting to the Fund or to us from such cancellation.
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R)
Payment for Shares sold through you shall be made on or before the settlement date specified in the applicable confirmation, and by check payable to the order of such Fund or, if applicable, by Federal Funds wire for credit to such Fund, in accordance with the procedures and conditions described in the Prospectus. Each Fund reserves the right to delay issuance of Shares until such check has cleared. If we do not timely receive payment, we reserve the right, without notice, to cancel the sale. Unless other instructions are received by us on or before the settlement date, orders accepted by us may be placed in an Open Account in your name. If such payment or instructions are not timely received by us, we may hold you responsible for any expense or loss, including loss of profit, suffered by us or by such Fund resulting from your failure to make such payment.
(a) No person is authorized to make or rely on any representations concerning Shares except those contained in the Prospectus and in any sales literature or other material issued by us supplemental to such Prospectus, and used in conformity with applicable rules or conditions. Shares shall only be offered by means of the Prospectus, and you shall be obligated to deliver such Prospectus to your customers in accordance with all applicable federal and state securities laws. All offerings of Shares by you shall be subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus (including the condition relating to minimum purchases) and to the terms and conditions herein set forth. We will furnish additional copies of the Prospectuses and such sales literature and other material issued by us in reasonable quantities upon request. You will provide all customers with the Prospectus and any required point of sale disclosure document(s) prior to or at the time such customer purchases Shares pursuant to federal securities laws and promptly will forward to us any customer request for a copy of the applicable Statement of Additional Information. In the event that you offer Shares outside the United States, you agree to comply with the applicable laws, rules and regulations of the foreign government having jurisdiction over such sales, including any regulations of United States military authorities applicable to solicitations to military personnel.
(b) As distributor of the Shares, we shall have the authority to take such action as we may reasonably determine advisable in respect of all matters pertaining to the distribution of such Shares.
(c) We shall have the unconditional right to accept or reject orders for the purchase of Shares. It is understood that for the purposes hereof no Share shall be considered to have been sold by you and no compensation will be payable to you with respect to any order for Shares which is rejected by a Fundor us. Any consideration that you may receive in connection with a rejected purchase order will be returned promptly. The Fund's transfer agent will transmit confirmations of all accepted purchase orders for Shares to the investor or to you, if authorized.
(d) You agree that it is your responsibility to determine the suitability of any Shares as investments for your customers, and that we have no responsibility for such determination.
In accordance with NASD Notice to Members 03-50 (reminding members of their responsibility to ensure that they have in place policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and prevent the occurrence of mutual fund transactions that would violate Rule 22c-1 under the 1940 Act, NASD Conduct Rule 2110 and other applicable rules and regulations), you represent that you have reviewed your policies and procedures to ensure that they are reasonably designed with respect to preventing violations of law and reasonably designed to detect and prevent excessive trading activity. You represent that you will be responsible for the collection and payment to the Fund of any redemption fees based upon the terms outlined in the Prospectus. You agree to provide any information we may request pursuant to Rule 22c-2 under the 1940 Act.
You agree that, in the event that it should corne to your attention that any of your customers is engaging in a pattern of purchases, redemptions and/or exchanges of Shares that appears to evidence excessive trading activity, you shall take such action as is consistent with your policies and procedures to prevent such activity from continuing.
This agreement is conditioned upon your representation and warranty that you (i) are a member of the NASD, (ii) not required by applicable law to be a member of the NASD, or (iii) are a foreign dealer or other entity not eligible for membership in the NASD. You and we agree to abide by the applicable rules and regulations of the NASD and all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations.
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R)
Nothing herein shall make you a partner with us or render our relationship an association. You are responsible for your own conduct, for the employment, control and conduct of your employees and agents and for injury to such employees or agents or to others through such employees or agents. You assume full responsibility for your employees and agents under applicable laws and agree to pay all employer taxes relating thereto.
Each of us agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the other party and its affiliates, employees and agents against all losses, costs, fines, . liabilities, damages and expenses (including reasonable legal and accounting fees) arising out of (j) such party's negligence or willful misconduct in carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this agreement, and/or (ii) any breach by such party of any material provision of this agreement. Such indemnification shall survive the termination of this agreement.
|12| COMPIANCE WITH ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS AND ECONOMIC SANCTIONS PROGRAMS.
Each of us agrees to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, regulations, rules and government guidance, including, if applicable the reporting, record keeping and compliance requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act ("BSA"), as amended by The International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act (the "PATRIOT Act"), its implementing regulations, and applicable rules adopted thereunder. As required by the PATRIOT Act, you certify to the extent applicable that you have a comprehensive anti-money laundering compliance program that includes policies, procedures and internal controls for complying with the BSA; policies, procedures and internal controls for identifying, evaluating and reporting suspicious activity; a designated compliance officer or officers; training for appropriate employees; and an independent audit function. Each of us further agrees to comply with the economic sanctions programs administered by the U.s. Treasury Departm ent's Office of Foreign Assets Control to the extent applicable. You agree that any order to purchase Shares shall constitute your continued certification of the matters to which you have certified in this Section.
Each of us agrees to comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 15 u.s.e. ss.ss. 6801 et seq., as may be amended from time to time, and any regulations adopted thereto, including Regulation S-P of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as with any other applicable federal or state privacy laws and regulations. The parties agree that any Non-Public Personal Information, as the term is defined in Regulation S-P,that may be disclosed hereunder is disclosed for the specific purpose of permitting the other party to perform the services set forth in this agreement. Each party agrees that, with respect to such information, it will comply with Regulation S-P and that it will not disclose any Non-Public Personal Information received in connection with this agreement to any other party, except to the extent required to carry out the services set forth in this agreement or as otherwise permitted by law.
We and each Fund reserve the right, in our discretion upon notice to you, to amend, modify or terminate this agreement at any time, to change the sales charges, commissions, concessions and other fees described in the applicable Prospectus, or to suspend sales or withdraw the offering of Shares. If you do not object to the amendment within 15 days from the date notice of any amendment has been sent to you, the amendment will become a part of this agreement. Your objection must be in writing and be received by us within such 15 days.
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R)
This agreement supersedes any and all prior agreements between us. All communications to us should be sent to the address below. Any notice to you shall be duly given if mailed or sent electronically to you at the address specified by you above. This agreement shall be construed under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts without giving effect to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof.
Unless the box below is checked, this document constitutes an amendment to and restatement of the Sales Agreement currently in effect between you and us.
|_| Please confirm your agreement hereto by signing and returning the enclosed counterpart of this agreement to: Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1820, Attention: Compliance Department.
Your submission and our acceptance of an order for Shares, or receipt by us of an executed copy of this agreement from you, represents your acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms and conditions of this agreement.
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
/s/Kevin A. Rowell Kevin A. Rowell, Executive Vice President |
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EXACT LEGAL NAME OF FIRM
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EXACT LEGAL NAME OF FIRM (cont.)
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EXACT LEGAL NAME OF FIRM (cont.)
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NAME
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TITLE
|_||_|/|_||_|/|_||_||_||_| |_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_||_| DATE [month/date/year] FIRM CRD NUMBER 5 |
For Pioneer Use Only
Compliance Review _________________________________________
Dealer No. ________________________________________________
NASD Member _______________________________________________
Disclosure ________________________________________________
[LOGO]PIONEER
Investments(R)
Securities offered through Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., 60 State Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Underwriter of Pioneer mutual funds, Member SIPC
(C)2006 PioneerInvestments. o www.pioneerfunds.com I8071-00-1105
APPENDIX A
TO
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
AND
EACH OF THE OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
LISTED ON APPENDIX "A" THERETO
Dated as of April 13, 2007
The following is a list of Funds for which the Custodian shall serve under the Custodian Agreement dated as of July 1, 2001 (the "Agreement"):
PIONEER BOND FUND
PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS FUND
PIONEER EQUITY INCOME FUND
PIONEER EQUITY OPPORTUNITY FUND
PIONEER EUROPE SELECT EQUITY FUND
PIONEER DIVERSIFIED HIGH INCOME TRUST
PIONEER FLOATING RATE TRUST
PIONEER FUND
PIONEER FUNDAMENTAL GROWTH FUND
PIONEER GLOBAL HIGH YIELD FUND
PIONEER GROWTH SHARES
PIONEER HIGH INCOME TRUST
PIONEER HIGH YIELD FUND
PIONEER IBBOTSON ASSET ALLOCATION SERIES, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER IBBOTSON AGGRESSIVE ALLOCATION FUND
PIONEER IBBOTSON CONSERVATIVE ALLOCATION FUND
PIONEER IBBOTSON GROWTH ALLOCATION FUND
PIONEER IBBOTSON MODERATE ALOCAITON FUND
PIONEER INDEPENDENCE FUND
PIONEER INTEREST SHARES
PIONEER INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
PIONEER INTERNATIONAL VALUE FUND
PIONEER MID CAP GROWTH FUND
PIONEER MID CAP VALUE FUND
PIONEER MONEY MARKET TRUST, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER CASH RESERVES FUND
PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME TRUST
PIONEER MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME ADVANTAGE TRUST
PIONEER PROTECTED PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND
PIONEER PROTECTED PRINCIPAL PLUS FUND II
PIONEER REAL ESTATE SHARES
PIONEER RESEARCH FUND
PIONEER SELECT EQUITY FUND
PIONEER SELECT VALUE FUND
PIONEER SERIES TRUST I, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER OAK RIDGE LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
PIONEER OAK RIDGE SMALL CAP GROWTH FUND
PIONEER SERIES TRUST II, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER AM PAC GROWTH FUND
PIONEER AMT-FREE CA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
PIONEER AMT-FREE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
PIONEER GROWTH LEADERS FUND
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
PIONEER SMALL AND MID CAP GROWTH FUND
PIONEER TAX FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
PIONEER SERIES TRUST III, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER CULLEN VALUE FUND
PIONEER SERIES TRUST IV, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER CLASSIC BALANCED FUND
PIONEER GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
PIONEER INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUND
PIONEER INTERNATIONAL CORE EQUITY FUND
PIONEER TREASURY RESERVES FUND
PIONEER SERIES TRUST V, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER GLOBAL SELECT EQUITY FUND
PIONEER HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL FUND
PIONEER OAK RIDGE ALL CAP GROWTH FUND
PIONEER SELECT RESEARCH GROWTH FUND
PIONEER SELECT RESEARCH VALUE FUND
PIONEER SERIES TRUST VI, a series trust consisting of
PIONEER FLOATING RATE FUND
PIONEER SHORT TERM INCOME FUND
PIONEER SMALL CAP VALUE FUND
PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
PIONEER TAX ADVANTAGED BALANCED TRUST
PIONEER TAX FREE INCOME FUND
PIONEER VALUE FUND
PIONEER VARIABLE CONTRACTS TRUST, a series trust consisting of:
PIONEER AMERICA INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER BOND VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER CORE BOND VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER CULLEN VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER EMERGING MARKETS VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER EQUITY INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER EQUITY OPPORTUNITY VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER FUND VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER GLOBAL HIGH YIELD VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER GROWTH SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER HIGH YIELD VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER IBBOTSON AGGRESSIVE ALLOCATION VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER IBBOTSON GROWTH ALLOCATION VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER IBBOTSON MODERATE ALLOCATION VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER INTERNATIONAL VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER MID CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER MONEY MARKET VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER OAK RIDGE LARGE CAP GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER REAL ESTATE SHARES VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER SMALL AND MID CAP GROWTH VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER SMALL CAP VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER STRATEGIC INCOME VCT PORTFOLIO
PIONEER VALUE VCT PORTFOLIO
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Appendix to be executed in its name and on its behalf.
Each of the open-end management BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO. investment companies listed on this Appendix "A" By: /s/ Christopher J. Kelley By: /s/ James R. Kent Name: Christopher J. Kelley Name: James R. Kent Title: Assistant Secretary Title: Managing Director |
PIONEER FAMILY OF FUNDS
AMENDMENT
TO
MASTER INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
As of May 5, 2007
WHEREAS, each Customer listed on Exhibit A hereto, as amended from time to time (each a "Customer"), and Pioneer Investment Management Shareholder Services, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation with its principal place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("PIMSS") have entered into a Master Investment Company Service Agreement, dated Mach 4, 2003 (the "Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, each Customer and PIMSS desires to amend the Agreement to (i) reflect the current transfer agent per account fee schedule; and (ii) clarify the Customers' policy relative to Deposit Accounts in Paragraph 9 of the Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, the Agreement is amended as follows:
1. Existing Exhibit B (Account Fees) is replaced in its entirety with Exhibit B (Account Fees) attached hereto, dated May 5, 2007 with effect from January 1, 2007; and
2. Paragraph 9 is restated in its entirety as follows:
"9. MAINTENANCE OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS. PIMSS shall maintain on behalf of Customer such deposit accounts as are necessary or desirable from time to time to enable PIMSS to carry out the provisions of this Agreement. Any interest earned on such deposit accounts maintained by PIMSS (or any Sub-Transfer Agent) on behalf of Customer(s) shall be used to offset fees charged by PIMSS (or any Sub Transfer Agent)."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of this 5th day of May, 2007.
EACH CUSTOMER LISTED ON EXHIBIT A PIONEER INVESTMENT ATTACHED HERETO (SEVERALLY AND MANAGEMENT SHAREHOLDER NOT JOINTLY) SERVICES, INC. By: /s/ Vincent Nave By: /s/ Tracy Connelly Name: Vincent Nave Name: Tracy Connelly Title: Treasurer Title: Senior Vice President |
EXHIBIT A
AMENDMENT
TO
MASTER INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Dated as of May 5, 2007
Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pioneer Series Trust II, a series trust consisting of: Pioneer AmPac Growth Fund Pioneer AMT-Free CA Municipal Bond Fund Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund Pioneer Growth Leaders Fund Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Pioneer Small and Mid Cap Growth Fund Pioneer Tax Free Money Market Fund ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
EXHIBIT B - TO AMENDMENT TO MASTER INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
ACCOUNT FEES
A. OPEN EQUITY FUND ACCOUNTS
$24.35 per account
B. OPEN FIXED INCOME FUND ACCOUNTS
$ 27.40 per account
C. OPEN MONEY MARKET FUND ACCOUNTS (EXCLUSIVE OF PIONEER INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUND)
$27.00 per account
D. OPEN VARIABLE ANNUITY FUND ACCOUNTS and PIONEER INSTITUTIONAL MONEY MARKET FUND
$1,500.00 per CUSIP
E. ALL FUNDS-CLOSED ACCOUNTS
$8.00 per account
Effective as of January 1, 2007
Administration Agreement dated October 1, 2006, amended as of April 13, 2007
Exhibit 1
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
Funds
Open-end Funds
Pioneer Bond Fund
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund
Pioneer Equity Income Fund
Pioneer Equity Opportunity Fund
Pioneer Europe Select Equity Fund
Pioneer Fund
Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund
Pioneer Global High Yield Fund
Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer High Yield Fund
Pioneer Ibbotson Asset Allocation Series
Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation Fund*
Pioneer Ibbotson Conservative Allocation Fund*
Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation Fund*
Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation Fund*
Pioneer Independence Fund
Pioneer International Equity Fund
Pioneer International Value Fund
Pioneer Mid Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund
Pioneer Money Market Trust
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund
Pioneer Protected Principal Trust
Pioneer Protected Principal Plus Fund
Pioneer Protected Principal Plus Fund II
Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Research Fund
Pioneer Select Equity Fund
Pioneer Select Value Fund
Pioneer Series Trust I
Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Series Trust II
Pioneer AmPac Growth Fund
Pioneer AMT-Free CA Municipal Bond Fund
Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Bond Fund
Pioneer Growth Leaders Fund
Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund
Pioneer Small and Mid Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Tax Free Money Market Fund
Pioneer Series Trust III
Pioneer Cullen Value Fund
Pioneer Series Trust IV
Pioneer Classic Balanced Fund
Pioneer Government Income Fund
Pioneer Institutional Money Market Fund
Pioneer International Core Equity Fund
Pioneer Treasury Reserves Fund
Pioneer Series Trust V
Pioneer Global Select Equity Fund
Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund
Pioneer Oak Ridge All Cap Growth Fund
Pioneer Select Research Growth Fund
Pioneer Select Research Value Fund
Pioneer Series Trust VI
Pioneer Floating Rate Fund
Pioneer Short Term Income Fund
Pioneer Small Cap Value Fund
Pioneer Strategic Income Fund
Pioneer Tax Free Income Fund
Pioneer Value Fund
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust:
Pioneer America Income VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Bond VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Core Bond VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Cullen Value VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Equity Income VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Equity Opportunity VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Fund VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Global High Yield VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Growth Opportunities VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Growth Shares VCT Portfolio
Pioneer High Yield VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation VCT Portfolio*
Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation VCT Portfolio*
Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation VCT Portfolio*
Pioneer International Value VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Mid Cap Value VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Money Market VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth VCT Portfolio
Pioneer Real Estate Shares VCT Portfolio Pioneer Small and Mid Cap Growth VCT Portfolio Pioneer Small Cap Value VCT Portfolio Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio Pioneer Value VCT Portfolio
Closed-end Funds
Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust*
Pioneer Floating Rate Trust*
Pioneer High Income Trust*
Pioneer Interest Shares
Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust*
Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust*
Pioneer Tax Advantaged Balanced Trust*
* Certain Accounting Services provided by a third party.
Updated as of April 13, 2007.
By: /s/ Vincent Nave Name: Vincent Nave Title: Treasurer of Each Fund Listed Above |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial Highlights" in the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares' Prospectuses and "Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings," "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm," and "Financial Statements" in the Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares' Statement of Additional Information and to the incorporation by reference of our reports, dated November 16, 2007, on the financial statements and financial highlights of Pioneer Value Fund included in the Annual Report to the Shareowners for the year ended September 30, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Post-Effective Amendment Number 67 to the Registration Statement (Form N-1A, 2-32773) of Pioneer Value Fund.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Boston, Massachusetts January 23, 2008 |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned trustee or officer of the investment companies listed on Annex A for which Pioneer Investment Management, Inc. or one of its affiliates acts as investment adviser (each, a "Trust" and collectively, the "Trusts"), hereby constitute and appoint Dorothy E. Bourassa, John F. Cogan, Jr., Daniel K. Kingsbury and Vincent Nave, and each of them acting singly, to be my true, sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them to sign for me, in my name, (i) any Registration Statement on Form N-1A, N-2 or any other applicable registration form under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and/or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all amendments thereto filed by each Trust, of which I am now, or am on the date of such filing, a Trustee or officer of the Trust, (ii) any application, notice or other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (iii) any and all other documents and papers relating thereto, and generally to do all such things in my name and on behalf of me to enable each Trust to comply with the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys, or each of them, to any and all Registration Statements and amendments to said Registration Statements, including any amendments to establish a new series of a Trust, and any other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of each Trust.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunder set my hand as of this 16th day of April, 2007.
/s/ Mary K. Bush /s/ David R. Bock -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Mary K. Bush David R. Bock /s/ John F. Cogan, Jr. /s/ Margaret B.W. Graham -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- John F. Cogan, Jr. Margaret B.W. Graham /s/ Daniel K. Kingsbury /s/ Thomas J. Perna -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Daniel K. Kingsbury Thomas J. Perna /s/ Stephen K. West /s/ Marguerite A. Piret -------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Stephen K. West Marguerite A. Piret /s/ Vincent Nave /s/ John Winthrop Vincent Nave John Winthrop |
POWER OF ATTORNEY ANNEX A Pioneer Bond Fund * Pioneer Series Trust III: Pioneer Diversified High Income Trust Pioneer Cullen Value Fund Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund Pioneer Series Trust IV: * Pioneer Equity Income Fund Pioneer Classic Balanced Fund Pioneer Equity placeOpportunity Fund Pioneer Government Income Fund Pioneer Europe Select Equity Fund Pioneer Institutional Money Market Fund Pioneer Floating Rate Trust Pioneer International Core Equity Fund Pioneer Fund * Pioneer Treasury Reserves Fund Pioneer Fundamental Growth Fund Pioneer Series Trust V: Pioneer Global High Yield Fund Pioneer Global Select Equity Fund Pioneer Growth Shares Pioneer High Income Municipal Fund Pioneer High Income Trust Pioneer Oak Ridge All Cap Growth Fund Pioneer High Yield Fund Pioneer Select Research Growth Fund Pioneer Ibbotson Allocation Series: * Pioneer Select Research Value Fund Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation Fund Pioneer Series Trust VI: Pioneer Ibbotson Conservative Allocation Fund Pioneer Floating Rate Fund Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation Fund Pioneer Short Term Income Fund * Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation Fund Pioneer Small Cap Value Fund Pioneer Independence Fund Pioneer Strategic Income Fund Pioneer Interest Shares Pioneer Tax Advantaged Balanced Trust Pioneer International Equity Fund Pioneer Tax Free Income Fund * Pioneer International Value Fund Pioneer Value Fund * Pioneer Mid Cap Growth Fund Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust: * Pioneer Mid Cap Value Fund * Pioneer America Income VCT Portfolio Pioneer Money Market Trust: * Pioneer Bond VCT Portfolio Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund Pioneer Core Bond VCT Portfolio Pioneer Municipal High Income Trust Pioneer Cullen Value VCT Portfolio Pioneer Municipal High Income Advantage Trust Pioneer Emerging Markets VCT Portfolio Pioneer Protected Principal Trust: Pioneer Equity Income VCT Portfolio Pioneer Protected Principal Plus Fund Pioneer Equity placeOpportunity VCT Portfolio Pioneer Protected Principal Plus Fund II Pioneer Fund VCT Portfolio Pioneer Real Estate Shares Pioneer Global High Yield VCT Portfolio Pioneer Research Fund Pioneer Growth Opportunities VCT Portfolio Pioneer Select Equity Fund Pioneer Growth Shares VCT Portfolio Pioneer Select Value Fund Pioneer High Yield VCT Portfolio Pioneer Series Trust I: * Pioneer Ibbotson Aggressive Allocation VCT Portfolio Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth Fund Pioneer Ibbotson Growth Allocation VCT Portfolio Pioneer Oak Ridge Small Cap Growth Fund Pioneer Ibbotson Moderate Allocation VCT Portfolio Pioneer Series Trust II: * Pioneer International Value VCT Portfolio Pioneer AmPac Growth Fund Pioneer Mid Cap Value VCT Portfolio Pioneer AMT-Free CA Municipal Fund Pioneer Money Market VCT Portfolio Pioneer AMT-Free Municipal Fund Pioneer Oak Ridge Large Cap Growth VCT Portfolio Pioneer Growth Leaders Fund Pioneer Real Estate Shares VCT Portfolio Pioneer Growth Opportunities Fund Pioneer Small and Mid Cap Growth VCT Portfolio Pioneer Small and Mid Cap Growth Fund Pioneer Small Cap Value VCT Portfolio Pioneer Strategic Growth Fund Pioneer Strategic Income VCT Portfolio Pioneer Tax Free Money Market Fund Pioneer Value VCT Portfolio * Mr. Kingbury and Mr. West are not Trustees of this Trust. |