AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JUNE 27, 2007
FILE NO. 033-65137 FILE NO. 811-7455 ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------- FORM N-1A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [ ] POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 25 |X| AND/OR REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ] AMENDMENT NO. 26 |X| (CHECK APPROPRIATE BOX OR BOXES) ---------------------- |
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
|X| immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
on pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on or at such later date as the Commission shall order pursuant to
paragraph (a)(3)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
The current prospectus contained in Part A of Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 under the Securities Act of 1933, and No. 25 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, filed on January 30, 2007, is incorporated by reference herein. This Post-Effective Amendment is being filed for the sole purpose of completing the registration of additional series in the trust, which series are contained in two separate prospectuses, and to include updated financial information for the new series, as required.
[logo]
PHOENIX
Prospectus
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
PHOENIX BOND FUND
PHOENIX CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND
PHOENIX CORE BOND FUND
PHOENIX EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUND
PHOENIX HIGH YIELD FUND
PHOENIX MONEY MARKET FUND
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR FIXED INCOME FUND
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND
: : Wouldn't you rather have this : : document e-mailed to you? TRUST NAME: : : Eligible shareholders can sign up for PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST : June 27, 2007 : E-Delivery at phoenixfunds.com ...................................................................................................... |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus contains important information that you should know before investing in the Phoenix Opportunities Trust Funds. Please read it carefully and retain it for future reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Phoenix Bond Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 1 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 4 Management of the Fund................................................. 5 Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 8 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 11 Management of the Fund................................................. 12 Phoenix Core Bond Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 14 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 17 Management of the Fund................................................. 18 Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 21 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 25 Management of the Fund................................................. 26 Phoenix High Yield Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 28 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 31 Management of the Fund................................................. 32 Phoenix Money Market Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 35 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 39 Management of the Fund................................................. 40 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 41 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 45 Management of the Fund................................................. 46 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 48 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 52 Management of the Fund................................................. 53 Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies.......................... 55 Additional Investment Techniques.......................................... 60 Pricing of Fund Shares.................................................... 65 Sales Charges............................................................. 67 Your Account.............................................................. 74 How to Buy Shares......................................................... 76 How to Sell Shares........................................................ 77 Things You Should Know When Selling Shares................................ 78 Account Policies.......................................................... 79 Investor Services and Other Information................................... 82 Tax Status of Distributions............................................... 84 Financial Highlights...................................................... 85 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Bond Fund has an investment objective of high total return from both current income and capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of bonds. Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds, at least 65% of which are rated at the time of investment Baa3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") or BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"). However, the fund may invest in high yield-high risk fixed income securities (junk bonds). As of March 31, 2007, the average rating of the fund's portfolio was Aa3 or AA-. "Bonds" are fixed income debt securities of various types of issuers, including corporate bonds, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, U.S. Government securities and other short-term instruments. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in bonds may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > The subadviser uses a value-driven style that focuses on issue and sector selection, measured interest rate anticipation and trading opportunities. > Securities selected for fund investment may be of any maturity or duration. Duration measures the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income security by assessing and weighting the present value of a security's payment pattern. Normally, the fund's dollar-weighted average duration will vary between two and eight years. The subadviser may adjust the fund's dollar-weighted average duration based on changing expectations for the federal funds rate, the shape of the yield curve, swap spreads, mortgage prepayments, credit spreads, and capital market liquidity. For instance, if the federal funds rate is expected to rise, the subadviser may choose to move the fund's dollar-weighted average duration to the lower end of the band. Within this context, it is expected that the fund's dollar-weighted average maturity will range between three and fifteen years. On March 31, 2007, the average duration of the fund's securities was 4.60 years and the average maturity was 5.63 years. Typically, for a fund maintaining an average duration of 4.60 years, a one percent increase in interest rates would cause a 4.60% decrease in the value of the fund's fixed income assets. Similarly, a one percent decrease in interest rates typically would cause the value of the fund's fixed income assets to increase by 4.60%. |
Phoenix Bond Fund 1
> Securities may be reviewed for sale due to anticipated changes in interest rates, changes in the creditworthiness of issuers, or general financial or market developments. > The subadviser's investment strategies may result in a higher portfolio turnover rate for the fund. A high portfolio turnover rate increases costs to the fund, negatively affects fund performance, and may increase capital gain distributions, resulting in greater tax liability to you. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: When the subadviser determines that market conditions warrant, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing, without limit, in cash and cash equivalents. In such instances, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) RISK - The risk that lower rated securities generally have a higher incidence of default and may be less liquid than higher rated securities.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities.
o MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, causing them to fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK - The risk that although backed by the U.S. Government, these securities are subject to price fluctuations.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
2 Phoenix Bond Fund
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Bond Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class I Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 12.83 1998 7.66 1999 1.57 2000 8.67 2001 5.60 2002 9.70 2003 6.99 2004 4.54 2005 2.09 2006 4.58 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 4.23% (quarter ending December 31, 1997) and the lowest return for a quarter was -2.25% (quarter ending June 30, 2004). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 1.44%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS --------------------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class I ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes 4.58% 5.55% 6.37% -- -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 2.95% 3.75% 4.06% -- -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return After Taxes on Distributions 2.94% 3.69% 4.03% -- -- -- and Sale of Fund Shares(4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes -0.61% 4.21% -- 4.49% -- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class B ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes -0.43% 4.45% -- -- 4.30% -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes 3.56% 4.44% -- -- -- 4.30% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lehman Aggregate Bond Index(5) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% 5.73% 5.73% 5.73% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction
of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a
full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares since July 1, 1998.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one
class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class I); after-tax returns for other
classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax
situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not
relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred
arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade
fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The
index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its
performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the
active management of an actual portfolio.
Phoenix Bond Fund 3
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS I CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None 4.75% None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None None(a) 5.00%(b) 1.00%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None None Redemption Fee None None None None Exchange Fee None None None None ------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS I CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) None 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% Other Expenses 0.40% 0.44% 0.81% 1.95% ----- ----- ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(e) 0.90% 1.19% 2.31% 3.45% ===== ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(e) The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through January 31, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed 0.90% for Class I Shares, 1.15% for Class A Shares, 1.90% for Class B Shares and 1.90% for Class C Shares. Actual Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, after expense reimbursement, were 0.82% for Class I Shares, 1.11% for Class A Shares, 1.88% for Class B Shares and 1.88% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
4 Phoenix Bond Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I $84 $262 $455 $1,014 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $587 $823 $1,078 $1,806 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $633 $918 $1,230 $2,347 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $447 $1,056 $1,788 $3,721 |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $233 $718 $1,230 $2,347 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $347 $1,056 $1,788 $3,721 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Note: The examples do not include the effects of the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser; therefore, your actual expenses may be lower than those shown.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
SCM Advisors LLC ("SCM Advisors") is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 909 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94133. SCM Advisors acts as subadviser to six mutual funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of March 31, 2007, SCM Advisors had approximately $12.1 billion in assets under management. SCM Advisors has been an investment adviser since 1989.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. SCM Advisors, as subadviser, is responsible for day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and SCM Advisors manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
Phoenix Bond Fund 5
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rate:
The adviser has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through January 31, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values for the fund. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I Class A Class B Class C Shares Shares Shares Shares -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.90% 1.15% 1.90% 1.90% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
During the last fiscal year, the fund paid total management fees of $385,870. The ratio of management fees to average net assets for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 was 0.50%.
Phoenix pays SCM Advisors a subadvisory fee at the following rate:
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is available in the fund's 2007 semiannual report, covering the period October 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
A team of investment professionals led by Albert Gutierrez is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. The members of the investment team and their areas of responsibility and expertise are as follows:
AL ALAIMO, CFA, CPA. Mr. Alaimo has served on the fund's portfolio management team since 2005. He also serves as a Portfolio Manager for the Phoenix High Yield Fund. He is Fixed Income Portfolio Manager and Director of Research at SCM Advisors focused primarily on
6 Phoenix Bond Fund
cable and satellite television, media, printing, packaging, consumer products, food and restaurants. Prior to joining SCM Advisors in 2001, Mr. Alaimo was Managing Director with Banc of America Securities LLC (1996-2001). He has 21 years of investment experience.
ROBERT L. BISHOP, CFA. Mr. Bishop has served on the fund's portfolio management team since 2005. He is Portfolio Manager and Trader of Fixed Income at SCM Advisors focused primarily on quantitative techniques, corporate bonds, credit derivatives and structured securities. Prior to joining SCM Advisors in 2002, Mr. Bishop was in Corporate Bond Sales with Merrill Lynch (1989-2002). He has 27 years of investment experience.
ANDREW S. CHOW, CFA. Mr. Chow has served on the fund's portfolio management team since 2005. He is a Portfolio Manager and Trader of Fixed Income at SCM Advisors focused primarily on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, convertibles and structured products. Prior to joining SCM Advisors in 2002, Mr. Chow was a Portfolio Manager for ING Pilgrim (2000-2002). He has 20 years of investment experience.
ALBERT GUTIERREZ, CFA. Mr. Gutierrez has led the fund's portfolio management team since 2002. He also serves as lead portfolio manager for the Phoenix High Yield Fund. He is Chief Investment Officer of Fixed Income at SCM Advisors and has been with SCM Advisors since 2002. Prior to joining SCM Advisors, Mr. Gutierrez headed portfolio management, trading and investment systems at American General Investment Management, managing $75 billion in client assets (2000-2002) and was in a similar capacity at Conseco Capital Management (1988-2000). He has 24 years of investment experience.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
Phoenix Bond Fund 7
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund has an investment objective to obtain a high level of current income exempt from California state and local income taxes, as well as federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> The fund invests in municipal securities that are tax exempt in California. California law requires that at least 50% of the fund's assets be invested in California tax-exempt state and local issues or tax-exempt federal obligations at the end of each quarter of its taxable year in order to be eligible to pay dividends to California residents that are exempt from California income taxes. Under normal circumstances, as a matter of fundamental policy, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds, the income from which is exempt from California state income tax and federal income tax, and may invest 100% of its assets in such securities. The term "bonds" includes municipal bonds, notes and lease obligations and tax-exempt commercial paper. Issuers include states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. > Debt obligations may be of any maturity and will be rated within the four highest rating categories by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations at the time of investment, or if unrated, those that the subadviser determines, pursuant to procedures reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, to be of comparable quality. > Securities are selected using an analytical approach that focuses on the relative value of the security considering its credit rating, and the security's coupon rate, call features, maturity and average life. > Issuers are selected based on sector (utility, healthcare, transportation, etc.), and the geographic opportunity presented by areas and regions that are experiencing economic growth. > The portion of the fund's assets not invested in tax-exempt securities may be invested in taxable fixed income securities. Income from these investments may be subject to federal, state and local taxes. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: When, in the subadviser's opinion, abnormal market or economic conditions warrant, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by holding taxable securities, retaining cash or investing part
8 Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Fund
or all of its assets in cash equivalents. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
The fund may buy other types of securities or employ other portfolio management techniques. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for more detailed information about these and other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CALIFORNIA BONDS RISK - The risk that certain regulatory controls or changes in California will negatively affect the value of securities issued by the State of California.
o CONCENTRATION RISK - The risk that if the fund concentrates its investments in a single state, its portfolio will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers located in that state than would a more geographically diverse portfolio of securities.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities.
o LONG-TERM MATURITIES/DURATIONS RISK - The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.
o MUNICIPAL MARKET RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of municipal securities, causing them to fluctuate in value to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o PUERTO RICO BONDS RISK - The risk that certain regulatory controls or changes in Puerto Rico will negatively affect the value of securities issued by the territory of Puerto Rico.
o TAX-EXEMPT SECURITIES RISK - The risk that tax-exempt securities may not provide a higher after-tax return than taxable securities.
o UNRATED SECURITIES RISK - The risk that unrated securities may be more difficult to analyze.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 9
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, a series of a trust by the same name ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare with those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 8.37 1998 5.06 1999 -3.73 2000 13.30 2001 3.41 2002 9.00 2003 4.00 2004 3.57 2005 2.37 2006 4.16 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 5.94% (quarter ending September 30, 2002) and the lowest return for a quarter was -2.44% (quarter ending June 30, 2004). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 0.57%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes -0.79% 3.58% 4.35% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(3) -0.96% 3.31% 4.09% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(3)(4) 0.92% 3.52% 4.21% and Sale of Fund Shares ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(5) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Brothers California Municipal Bond Index(6) 5.13% 5.61% 5.88% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares.
(3) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
10 Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
(4) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(5) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(6) The Lehman Brothers California Municipal Bond Index measures long term investment grade, tax-exempt and fixed rate bonds issued in California. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
Class I Shares have been in existence only since September 29, 2006; therefore, performance information for Class I Shares is not included since this class of shares has not had a full calendar year of investment operations.
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS I SHARES SHARES ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) None Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None Redemption Fee None None Exchange Fee None None -------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS I SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.45% 0.45% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(b) 0.25% None Other Expenses(c) 0.40% 0.40% ---- ---- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(d) 1.10% 0.85% ==== ==== |
(b) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(c) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended April 30, 2007.
(d) The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through September 30, 2007, so that such expenses do not exceed 0.85% for Class A Shares and 0.60% for Class I Shares. The adviser will voluntarily extend this expense limitation until January 31, 2008. Actual Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, after expense reimbursement, were 0.87% for Class A Shares and 0.64% for Class I Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 11
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $582 $808 $1,052 $1,752 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I $81 $252 $439 $978 |
Note: The examples do not include the effects of the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser; therefore, your actual expenses may be lower than those shown.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc., ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Goodwin"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Goodwin acts as subadviser for 17 mutual funds and manages fixed income assets for individuals and institutions. As of April 1, 2007, Goodwin had approximately $17.6 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Goodwin, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Goodwin manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates.
12 Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.45% 0.40% 0.35% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through September 30, 2007 and will voluntarily extend this expense limitation until January 31, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values for the fund. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Class I Shares Shares -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0.85% 0.60% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Goodwin a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
TIMOTHY M. HEANEY, CFA. Mr. Heaney is the Portfolio Manager of the fund and as such is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. He has managed the fund since September 1997 and previously co-managed the fund from March 1996. Mr. Heaney is Managing Director, Fixed Income of Goodwin. Previously, he was associated with Phoenix, an affiliate of Goodwin, and was Managing Director, Fixed Income (since 1997), Director, Fixed Income Research (1996 to 1997) and Investment Analyst (1995 to 1996). He served as Investment Analyst of Phoenix Life Insurance Company from 1992 until 1994. Mr. Heaney also co-manages DTF Tax-Free Income Inc., a closed-end fund.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio manager, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts he manages and his ownership of shares of the fund.
Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 13
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Core Bond Fund has an investment objective to seek both current income and capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in investment grade bonds of U.S. issuers. "Bonds" are fixed income debt securities of various types of issuers, including corporate bonds, short-term instruments, U.S. Government securities, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and municipal securities. Investment grade bonds are those with credit ratings, at the time of acquisition, within the four highest rating categories of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or if unrated, those that the subadviser determines, pursuant to procedures reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, are of comparable quality. The fund intends to maintain an average credit quality of "A" or better as rated by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. or Standard & Poor's. If after the time of investment a security's rating declines, the fund is not obligated to sell the security. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in bonds may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > Securities are selected using a sector rotation approach. The subadviser seeks to adjust the portion of fund investment in various sectors (such as U.S. corporates, foreign corporates, U.S. Governments and foreign governments, as well as asset-backed, mortgage-backed and municipal bonds) and the selections within sectors to obtain higher relative returns. The subadviser selects those sectors that it believes offer attractive values. Securities within sectors are selected based on general economic and financial conditions and the issuer's business, management, cash, assets, earnings and stability. Securities selected for investment are those that the subadviser believes offer the best potential for total return based on risk-reward tradeoff. > Interest rate risk is managed by a duration neutral strategy. The subadviser attempts to maintain the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. Duration measures the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income security by assessing and weighting the present value of the security's payment pattern. Generally, the longer the maturity the greater the duration and therefore the greater effect interest rate changes have on the price of the security. By maintaining the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of the fund's benchmark, the subadviser believes that the fund's exposure to interest rate risk is more 14 Phoenix Core Bond Fund |
consistent with its benchmark's risk profile than that of a fund that attempts to predict future interest rate changes. On March 31, 2007, the modified adjusted duration of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index was 4.50 years; the modified adjusted duration of the fund was 4.61 years. Typically, for a fund maintaining a modified adjusted duration of 4.61 years, a one percent increase in interest rates would cause a 4.61% decrease in the value of the fund's fixed income assets. Similarly, a one percent decrease in interest rates typically would cause the value of the fund's fixed income assets to increase by 4.61%. > Securities selected for fund investment may be of any maturity. However, the subadviser attempts to maintain a maturity composition similar to that of its benchmark in an effort to maintain an interest rate risk profile consistent with the benchmark. Maturity composition refers to the percentage of securities within specific maturity ranges as well as the aggregate weighted average fund maturity. On March 31, 2007, the average maturity of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index was 6.86 years; the average adjusted maturity of the fund was 5.84 years. > Generally, securities are sold when the subadviser believes the issue has realized its value or to take advantage of attractive values in other sectors. Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund. |
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK - The risk that the prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than those of their domestic counterparts.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities.
o MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, causing them to fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o MUNICIPAL MARKET RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of municipal securities, causing them to fluctuate in value to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK - The risk that although backed by the U.S. Government, these securities are subject to price fluctuations.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
Phoenix Core Bond Fund 15
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Core Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Core Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Series Fund ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Core Bond Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Core Bond Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 9.19 1998 6.56 1999 -2.96 2000 9.39 2001 7.58 2002 5.22 2003 2.81 2004 2.79 2005 1.72 2006 6.06 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the 10-year period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 4.39% (quarter ending September 30, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter was -2.62% (quarter ending June 30, 2004). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 1.32%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS ---------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 1.02% 2.70% 4.26% -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) -0.66% 0.75% 1.99% -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions 0.61% 1.13% 2.21% -- and Sale of Fund Shares(4)(5) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 1.19% 2.94% 3.98% -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 5.30% 2.95% -- 4.08% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(6) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% 6.29% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Class C Shares since October 11, 1999.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes
16 Phoenix Core Bond Fund
will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss realized on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(6) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 5.00%(b) 1.00%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None Redemption Fee None None None Exchange Fee None None None --------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.45% 0.45% 0.45% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% Other Expenses(e) 0.54% 0.54% 0.54% ----- ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(f) 1.24% 1.99% 1.99% ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(e) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.
(f) The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through February 28, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed 1.00% for Class A Shares, 1.75% for Class B Shares and 1.75% for Class C Shares. Actual Total Annual Operating Expenses, after expense reimbursement, were 1.08% for Class A Shares, 1.84% for Class B Shares and 1.83% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
Phoenix Core Bond Fund 17
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same.
In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $595 $850 $1,124 $1,904 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $601 $821 $1,068 $2,113 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $302 $624 $1,073 $2,317 |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $201 $621 $1,068 $2,113 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $202 $624 $1,073 $2,317 |
Note: The examples do not include the effects of the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser; therefore, your actual expenses may be lower than those shown.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Goodwin"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Goodwin acts as subadviser for
18 Phoenix Core Bond Fund
17 mutual funds and manages fixed income assets for individuals and institutions. As of April 1, 2007, Goodwin had approximately $17.6 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Goodwin, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Goodwin manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.45% 0.40% 0.35% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The adviser has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through February 28, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values for the fund. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.00% 1.75% 1.75% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Goodwin a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
Phoenix Core Bond Fund 19
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
CYNTHIA A. BEAULIEU and CHRISTOPHER J. KELLEHER, CFA, CPA have served as co-portfolio managers of the fund since 2005 and as such are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio.
Ms. Beaulieu is Managing Director of Goodwin. She serves as Portfolio Manager for institutional client portfolios and is responsible for managing the investment activity of several insurance company portfolios. Previously, she was associated with Phoenix, an affiliate of Goodwin, and has been with Phoenix since 1994. Since joining Phoenix, Ms. Beaulieu has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including trading, credit research and portfolio management. She has 15 years of investment experience.
Mr. Kelleher is Senior Managing Director of Goodwin. Mr. Kelleher also serves as portfolio manager for the Phoenix Institutional Bond Fund. He is responsible for institutional fixed income management. Previously, he was associated with Phoenix, an affiliate of Goodwin, and has been with Phoenix since 1986. He has 22 years of investment experience.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
20 Phoenix Core Bond Fund
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund has an investment objective of high current income and a secondary objective of long-term capital appreciation. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objectives. The fund's investment objectives may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in emerging market bonds, which are debt obligations of emerging markets issuers. An issuer is deemed to be an emerging markets issuer if it is organized under the laws of an emerging market country, its principal securities trading market is in an emerging market country, or at least 50% of its assets, gross revenue or profit, at the time of investment, has been derived from emerging market country activities. The subadviser considers emerging markets to be any country that is defined as an emerging or developing economy by the World Bank, International Finance Corporation, or The United Nations or its authorities. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in emerging markets bonds may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws. Generally, the fund invests in issuers in three or more countries; however, it may concentrate more than 25% of its assets in issuers of a single country. > Fund investments are predominantly in high yield-high risk debt securities ("junk bonds"). To reduce currency risk, the fund invests primarily in U.S. dollar denominated debt securities. > The fund may invest in equity securities of any capitalization and may enter into credit default, interest rate, total return and cross currency swap agreements. > The subadviser selects securities and countries for investment that it believes have strong fundamentals such as cash flow and economic stability. Securities may be evaluated for sale if the security underperforms based on original expectations or if there are changes in the original fundamentals. > Interest rate risk is managed by a duration neutral strategy. The subadviser attempts to maintain the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its benchmark, the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus. Duration measures the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income security by assessing and weighting the present value of the security's payment pattern. Generally, the longer the maturity the greater the duration Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund 21 |
and; therefore, the greater effect interest rate changes have on the price of the security. By maintaining the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of the fund's benchmark, the subadviser believes that the fund's exposure to interest rate risk is more consistent with its benchmark's risk profile than that of a fund that attempts to predict future interest rate changes. On March 31, 2007, the modified adjusted duration of the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus was 7.78 years; the modified adjusted duration of the fund was 6.07 years. Typically, for a fund maintaining a modified adjusted duration of 6.07 years, a one percent increase in interest rates would cause a 6.07% decrease in the value of the fund's fixed income assets. Similarly, a one percent decrease in interest rates typically would cause the value of the fund's fixed income assets to increase by 6.07%. > Securities selected for portfolio investment may be of any maturity. However, the subadviser attempts to maintain a maturity composition similar to that of its benchmark in an effort to maintain an interest rate risk profile consistent with its benchmark. Maturity composition refers to the percentage of securities within specific maturity ranges as well as the aggregate weighted average portfolio maturity. On March 31, 2007, the average maturity of the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus was 14.1 years; the average adjusted maturity of the fund was 10.8 years. > The subadviser's investment strategies may result in a high portfolio turnover rate for the fund. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs to the fund, negatively affects fund performance, and may increase capital gain distributions, resulting in a greater tax liability to you. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: If the adviser does not believe that market conditions are favorable to the fund's principal investment strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing, without limit, in U.S. debt securities, including short-term money market instruments. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objectives.
Please refer to "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o DERIVATIVES RISK - The risk that derivative contracts are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its contractual obligations).
o EMERGING MARKETS RISK - The risk that prices of emerging markets securities may be more volatile than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.
22 Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund
o EQUITY SECURITIES RISK - The risk that the prices of equity securities are generally more volatile than those of fixed income securities.
o FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK - The risk that the prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than those of their domestic counterparts.
o HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) RISK - The risk that lower rated securities generally have a higher incidence of default and may be less liquid than higher rated securities.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities.
o LONG-TERM MATURITIES/DURATIONS RISK - The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.
o NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK - The risk that if a fund invests a greater proportion of its assets in a small number of issuers, changes in the price of those securities may cause the fund's return to fluctuate more than that of a diversified investment company.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund 23
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 13.13 1998 -32.88 1999 40.04 2000 1.12 2001 5.57 2002 12.05 2003 31.88 2004 8.80 2005 9.58 2006 8.79 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 16.84% (quarter ending December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter was -35.96% (quarter ending September 30, 1998). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 1.72%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS ------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 3.62% 12.79% 7.62% -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 1.58% 9.99% 3.24% -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions 2.29% 9.32% 3.52% -- and Sale of Fund Shares(4)(5) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 3.99% 13.04% 7.32% -- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 7.94% 12.99% -- 5.98% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(6) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% 5.85% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus(7) 10.49% 15.25% 11.02% 10.45% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Class C Shares since March 26, 1998.
24 Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss realized on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(6) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(7) The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Plus measures traded external debt instruments in emerging markets. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 5.00%(b) 1.00%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None Redemption Fee None None None Exchange Fee None None None --------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% Other Expenses(e) 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.65% 2.40% 2.40% ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(e) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.
Example
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund 25
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $635 $971 $1,329 $2,337 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $644 $951 $1,285 $2,561 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $343 $748 $1,280 $2,736 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $244 $751 $1,285 $2,561 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $243 $748 $1,280 $2,736 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc. ("Halbis") is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018. Halbis is a wholly owned subsidiary of Halbis Partners (UK) Limited, which is wholly owned by HSBC Group Investment Businesses Limited. HSBC Group Investment Businesses Limited is wholly owned by HSBC Investment Bank Holdings PLC, which is wholly owned by HSBC Holdings PLC. As of March 31, 2007, Halbis had approximately $8.5 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser, and for the general operations of the fund. Halbis, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Halbis manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
26 Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
$1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.75% 0.70% 0.65% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Halbis a subadvisory fee that is 50% of the gross management fee as calculated based on the average daily net assets of the fund.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
A team of investment professionals led by Peter N. Marber manages the fund; each individual is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio.
MICHAEL GAGLIARDI. Mr. Gagliardi has served on the fund's portfolio management team since December 2005. He is a Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager for Halbis. Prior to joining Halbis, Mr. Gagliardi was CEO of The Atlantic Advisors, LLC, a leading independent global emerging markets funds management company, which was acquired by Halbis in June 2005. Prior to The Atlantic Advisors, LLC, he was CEO of Wasserstein Perella Emerging Markets from 1993 through 1999.
PETER N. MARBER. Mr. Marber has served as lead portfolio manager of the fund since December 2005. He is the Head of Global Emerging Markets Fixed Income for Halbis. Prior to joining Halbis, Mr. Marber was President of The Atlantic Advisors, LLC, a leading independent global emerging markets funds management company, which was acquired by Halbis in June 2005. Prior to founding The Atlantic Advisors LLC, Mr. Marber was a founding partner and President of Wasserstein Perella Emerging Markets where he built and managed global operations from 1993 through 1999.
DENISE S. SIMON. Ms. Simon has served on the fund's portfolio management team since December 2005. She is a Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager for Halbis. Prior to joining Halbis, Ms. Simon was Managing Director and senior portfolio manager of The Atlantic Advisors, LLC, a leading independent global emerging markets funds management company, which was acquired by Halbis in June 2005. Prior to The Atlantic Advisors, LLC, Ms. Simon was a senior portfolio manager at Wasserstein Perella Emerging Markets where she managed global funds for some of the world's largest institutional and high net worth investors from 1998 through 1999.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund 27
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
Phoenix High Yield Fund has a primary investment objective to seek high current income and a secondary objective of capital growth. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objectives. The fund's investment objectives may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in a diversified portfolio of high yield fixed income securities. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in high yield fixed income securities may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > The subadviser uses an investment process that focuses on adding value through issue selection, sector/industry selection and opportunistic trading. o The subadviser evaluates market conditions in the context of broad macroeconomic trends. The subadviser generally overweights those sector/industries where well-valued companies can be identified and whose business profiles (and credit measures) are viewed to be improving. o The subadviser considers credit research an integral component of its higher quality high yield investment process. The manager invests across the credit rating spectrum with an emphasis on securities that are moving up the credit rating scale of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization and generally those rated Ba/BB and B/B by Moody's, Standard & Poor's or Fitch, at the time of investment. If after the time of investment a security's rating declines, the fund is not obligated to sell the security. o Principally, securities are selected from a broad universe of domestic high yield corporate bonds, although it may invest in other types of high yield securities. > The subadviser attempts to maintain the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its style benchmark. Duration measures the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income security by assessing and weighting the present value of the security's payment pattern. Generally, the longer the maturity the greater the duration and, therefore, the greater effect interest rate changes have on the price of the security. On March 31, 2007, the modified adjusted duration of the Lehman Brothers High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index was 4.37 years; the modified adjusted duration of the fund was 3.94 years. Typically, for a fund maintaining a modified adjusted duration of 3.94 years, a one percent increase in interest rates would cause a 3.94% decrease in the value of the fund's assets. Similarly, a 28 Phoenix High Yield Fund |
one percent decrease in interest rates typically would cause the value of the fund's assets to increase by 3.94%. > The subadviser's investment strategies may result in a higher portfolio turnover rate for the fund. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs to the fund, negatively affects fund performance, and may increase capital gain distributions, resulting in greater tax liability to you. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: If the adviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by holding cash or investing, without limit, in cash equivalents or other fixed income securities. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objectives.
Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) RISK - The risk that lower rated securities generally have a higher incidence of default and may be less liquid than higher rated securities.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities.
o LONG-TERM MATURITIES/DURATIONS RISK - The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.
o MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, causing them to fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK - The risk that although backed by the U.S. Government, these securities are subject to price fluctuations.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
Phoenix High Yield Fund 29
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix High Yield Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix High Yield Fund, a series of Phoenix Series Fund ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix High Yield Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix High Yield Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 13.61 1998 -6.72 1999 11.73 2000 -9.82 2001 -6.61 2002 -2.99 2003 18.65 2004 7.96 2005 1.75 2006 8.11 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the 10-year period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 7.16% (quarter ending June 30, 1997) and the lowest return for a quarter was -13.86% (quarter ending September 30, 1998). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 2.75%.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS ---------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes 2.98% 5.42% 2.65% -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 0.56% 2.70% -0.72% -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return After Taxes on Distributions 1.87% 2.95% 0.14% -- and Sale of Fund Shares(4)(5) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class B ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes 3.43% 5.66% 2.37% -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Class C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Return Before Taxes 7.40% 5.68% -- 0.99% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(6) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% 5.83% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Lehman Brothers High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index(7) 10.76% 10.20% 6.63% 5.79% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
30 Phoenix High Yield Fund
(3) Class C Shares since February 27, 1998.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss realized on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(6) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(7) The Lehman Brothers High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that measures fixed rate non-investment grade debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. corporations. No single issuer accounts for more than 2% of market cap. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 5.00%(b) .00%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None Redemption Fee None None None Exchange Fee None None None ------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.65% 0.65% 0.65% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% Other Expenses(e) 0.47% 0.47% 0.47% ----- ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.37% 2.12% 2.12% ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(e) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.
Phoenix High Yield Fund 31
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $608 $888 $1,189 $2,043 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $615 $864 $1,139 $2,261 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $315 $664 $1,139 $2,452 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $215 $664 $1,139 $2,261 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $215 $664 $1,139 $2,452 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
SCM Advisors LLC ("SCM Advisors") is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 909 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94133. SCM Advisors acts as subadviser to six mutual funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of March 31, 2007, SCM Advisors had approximately $12.1 billion in assets under management. SCM Advisors has been an investment adviser since 1989.
32 Phoenix High Yield Fund
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. SCM Advisors, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and SCM Advisors manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.65% 0.60% 0.55% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays SCM Advisors a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
AL ALAIMO, CFA, CPA and ALBERT GUTIERREZ, CFA manage the fund. Mr. Gutierrez is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio and is supported by Mr. Alaimo.
Mr. Alaimo has served on the fund's portfolio management team since November 2005. He also serves on the portfolio management team for the Phoenix Bond Fund. Mr. Alaimo is Fixed Income Portfolio Manager and Director of Research at SCM Advisors focused primarily on cable and satellite television, media, printing, packaging, consumer products, food and restaurants. Prior to joining SCM Advisors in 2001, he was Managing Director with Banc of America Securities LLC (1996-2001). Mr. Alaimo has 21 years of investment experience.
Mr. Gutierrez has led the fund's portfolio management team since November 2005. He also serves as lead portfolio manager for the Phoenix Bond Fund. Mr. Gutierrez is Chief
Phoenix High Yield Fund 33
Investment Officer of Fixed Income at SCM Advisors and has been with SCM Advisors since 2002. Prior to joining SCM Advisors, he headed portfolio management, trading and investment systems at American General Investment Management, managing $75 billion in client assets (2000-2002); and was in a similar capacity at Conseco Capital Management (1988-2000). Mr. Gutierrez has 24 years of investment experience.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
34 Phoenix High Yield Find
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Money Market Fund has an investment objective of seeking as high a level of current income as is consistent with the preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> The fund seeks to maintain a stable $1.00 per share price. > The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of high quality money market instruments with maturities of 397 days or less. The average maturity of the fund's portfolio securities, based on their dollar value, will not exceed 90 days. > The subadviser seeks a high level of return relative to the market by selecting securities for the fund's portfolio in anticipation of, or in response to, changing economic conditions and money market conditions and trends. The subadviser may not purchase securities with the highest available yield if the subadviser believes that such an investment is inconsistent with the fund objective of preservation of capital and maintenance of liquidity. > The fund invests exclusively in the following instruments: o obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities and instrumentalities; o obligations issued by banks and savings and loan associations, including dollar-denominated obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks; o dollar-denominated obligations guaranteed by banks or savings and loan associations; o federally-insured obligations of other banks or savings and loan associations; o commercial paper, which at the date of investment is rated A-1 by Standard and Poor's ("S&P") and/or P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), or, if not rated, is issued or guaranteed by a company which at the date of investment has an outstanding debt issue rated AA or higher by S&P or Aa or higher by Moody's; o short-term corporate obligations, which at the date of investment are rated AA or higher by S&P or Aa or higher by Moody's; and o repurchase agreements. Phoenix Money Market Fund 35 |
> At least 95% of the fund's total assets will be invested in securities in the highest short-term rating category. Generally, investments will be limited to securities in the two highest short-term rating categories. > The fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in the domestic banking industry. |
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
GENERAL
An investment in the fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. Although the fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
Neither the fund nor the subadviser can assure you that a particular yield, return or level of income will be achieved. Changing market conditions, the relatively short maturities of fund investments and substantial redemptions may all negatively affect the fund.
CREDIT RISK
Credit risk refers to the issuer's ability to make scheduled interest or principal payments. A security's short term investment rating may decline, increasing the chances the issuer may not be able to make principal and interest payments on time. This may reduce the fund's stream of income and decrease the fund's yield.
DOMESTIC BANKING INDUSTRY RISK
If the fund were to concentrate its investments in the domestic banking industry, such strategy may present additional risks. Securities of companies in other industries may provide greater investment return in certain market conditions as compared to obligations issued by companies within the domestic banking industry. Moreover, conditions that negatively impact the domestic banking industry will have a greater impact on this fund as compared to a fund that does not have a policy allowing it to concentrate in this industry.
FOREIGN INVESTING RISK
The fund may invest in dollar-denominated instruments issued by foreign branches of U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks. Since these instruments are dollar-denominated, they are not affected by variations in currency exchange rates. They are influenced primarily by interest rate levels in the United States and by the financial condition of the issuer, or of the issuer's foreign parent. These instruments may be subject to levels of risk that differ from their fully domestic counterparts.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The value of your shares will be directly affected by trends in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of debt securities generally will fall.
36 Phoenix Money Market Fund
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS RISK
The fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the subadviser to be creditworthy. Default or insolvency of the other party presents risk to the fund.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK
Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities and instrumentalities and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States only guarantee principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of fund shares will remain at $1.00 or that the fund will realize a particular yield. In addition, not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but rather are the obligation solely of the entity through which they are issued.
Phoenix Money Market Fund 37
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Money Market Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Money Market Fund, a series of Phoenix Series Fund ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Money Market Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Money Market Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period. The table shows the fund's average annual returns for one, five and ten years. The fund's past performance is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 4.92 1998 4.94 1999 4.56 2000 5.67 2001 3.58 2002 1.27 2003 0.95 2004 0.70 2005 2.35 2006 4.24 |
During the 10-year period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 1.44% (quarter ending December 31, 2000) and the lowest return for a quarter was 0.09% (quarter ending June 30, 2004). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 1.15%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares 4.24% 1.89% 3.30% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The fund's 7-day yield on December 31, 2006 was 4.29%.
38 Phoenix Money Market Fund
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None Redemption Fee None Exchange Fee None ------------- CLASS A SHARES ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.40% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees None Other Expenses(a) 0.50% ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 0.90% ===== ------------------------- |
(a) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $92 $287 $498 $1,108 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix Money Market Fund 39
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Goodwin"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Goodwin acts as subadviser for 17 mutual funds and manages fixed income assets for individuals and institutions. As of April 1, 2007, Goodwin had approximately $17.6 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Goodwin, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Goodwin manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.40% 0.35% 0.30% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Goodwin a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
40 Phoenix Money Market Fund
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund has an investment objective to maximize current income while preserving capital. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the following sectors of fixed income securities: o Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") and other pass-through securities; o Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions and issuers located in emerging market countries; o Investment grade securities, which are securities with credit ratings within the four highest rating categories of a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, or if unrated, those that the subadviser determines, pursuant to procedures reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, are of comparable quality, including short-term securities; and o High yield-high risk fixed income securities of U.S. issuers (so called "junk bonds"). The fund may invest in all or some of these sectors. If after the time of investment the rating declines, the fund is not obligated to sell the security. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in fixed income securities may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > Securities are selected using a sector rotation approach. The subadviser seeks to adjust the proportion of fund investments in the sectors described above and the selections within sectors to obtain higher relative returns. Sectors are analyzed by the subadviser for attractive values. Securities within sectors are selected based on general economic and financial conditions, and the issuer's business, management, cash, assets, earnings and stability. Securities selected for investment are those that the subadviser believes offer the best potential for total return based on risk-reward tradeoff. > Interest rate risk is managed by a duration neutral strategy. Duration measures the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income security by assessing and weighting the present value of the security's payment pattern. Generally, the longer the maturity the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund 41 |
greater the duration and; therefore, the greater effect interest rate changes have on the price of the security. By maintaining the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, the subadviser believes that the fund's exposure to interest rate risk is more consistent with its benchmark's risk profile than that of a fund that attempts to predict future interest rate changes. On March 31, 2007, the modified adjusted duration of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index was 4.50 years; the modified adjusted duration of the fund was 4.31 years. Typically, for a fund maintaining a modified adjusted duration of 4.31 years, a one percent increase in interest rates would cause a 4.31% decrease in the value of the fund's fixed income assets. Similarly, a one percent decrease in interest rates typically would cause the value of the fund's fixed income assets to increase by 4.31%. > Fixed income securities selected for portfolio investment may be of any maturity. However, the subadviser attempts to maintain a maturity composition similar to that of its benchmark in an effort to maintain an interest rate risk profile consistent with the benchmark. Maturity composition refers to the percentage of securities within specific maturity ranges as well as the aggregate weighted average portfolio maturity. On March 31, 2007, the average maturity of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index was 6.86 years; the average adjusted maturity of the fund was 7.81 years. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: During periods of rising interest rates, unstable pricing and currency exchange, or in response to extreme market fluctuations, the subadviser, at its discretion, may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing part or all of the fund's assets in cash or cash equivalents. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please refer to "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o CMOS, REMICS AND OTHER PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of pass-though securities, causing them to fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o EMERGING MARKETS RISK - The risk that prices of emerging markets securities may be more volatile than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.
o FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK - The risk that the prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than those of their domestic counterparts.
42 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund
o HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) RISK - The risk that lower rated securities generally have a higher incidence of default and may be less liquid than higher rated securities.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities.
o LONG-TERM MATURITIES/DURATIONS RISK - The risk of greater price fluctuations than would be associated with securities having shorter maturities or durations.
o U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK - The risk that although backed by the U.S. Government, these securities are subject to price fluctuations.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund 43
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, a series of Phoenix Multi-Series Trust ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 8.99 1998 -6.87 1999 8.22 2000 2.30 2001 3.83 2002 8.16 2003 17.93 2004 7.63 2005 1.19 2006 7.97 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the 10-year period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 6.01% (quarter ending June 30, 2003) and the lowest return for a quarter was-11.70% (quarter ending September 30, 1998). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 1.96%.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS --------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 2.84% 7.39% 5.24% -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 1.02% 5.00% 2.28% -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions 1.79% 4.87% 2.55% -- and Sale of Fund Shares(4)(5) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 3.18% 7.63% 4.96% -- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 7.13% 7.63% -- 4.25% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(6) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% 6.01% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
44 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund
(3) Class C Shares since October 14, 1997.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss realized on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(6) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 5.00%(b) 1.00%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None Redemption Fee None None None Exchange Fee None None None -------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.55% 0.55% 0.55% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% Other Expenses(e) 0.37% 0.37% 0.37% ----- ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.17% 1.92% 1.92% ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(e) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.
Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund 45
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $589 $829 $1,088 $1,828 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $595 $803 $1,037 $2,048 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $294 $600 $1,032 $2,233 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $195 $603 $1,037 $2,048 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $194 $600 $1,032 $2,233 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Goodwin"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Goodwin acts as subadviser for 17 mutual funds and manages fixed income assets for individuals and institutions. As of April 1, 2007, Goodwin had approximately $17.6 billion in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring,
46 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund
termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Goodwin, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Goodwin manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.55% 0.50% 0.45% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Goodwin a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
DAVID L. ALBRYCHT, CFA. Mr. Albrycht is Senior Portfolio Manager of the fund, and as such, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Mr. Albrycht has co-managed the fund since March 1994, and assumed full management of the fund in April 1995. He also serves as Senior Portfolio Manager for the Phoenix Low-Duration Core Plus Bond Fund and the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund. In addition, he manages the fixed income portions of the Phoenix Balanced Fund and the Phoenix Income & Growth Fund. He is a Senior Managing Director, Fixed Income, of Goodwin. Previously, he was associated with Phoenix, an affiliate of Goodwin, and has managed fixed income portfolios since 1992. Mr. Albrycht joined Phoenix in 1981 and since then has held positions of increasing responsibility.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio manager, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts he manages and his ownership of shares of the fund.
Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund 47
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund has an investment objective to provide high current income while attempting to limit changes in the fund's net asset value per share caused by interest rate changes. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds. "Bonds" are fixed income debt obligations of various types of issuers. Principally, the fund invests in investment-grade securities which are rated at the time of investment BBB or above by Standard & Poor's Corporation or Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company or Baa or above by Moody's Investor's Services, Inc., or if unrated, those that the subadviser determines, pursuant to procedures reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, to be of comparable quality. The fund may continue to hold securities whose credit quality falls below investment grade. > The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of primarily short-term fixed income securities having an expected dollar-weighted average maturity of three years or less and that are in one of the following market sectors: o Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities, including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") and other pass-through securities; o Debt securities issued by foreign issuers, including foreign governments and their political subdivisions and issuers located in emerging markets; o Investment-grade securities; and o High yield-high risk fixed income securities (so called "junk bonds"). The fund may invest in all or some of these sectors. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in bonds may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > Securities are selected using a sector rotation approach. The subadviser seeks to adjust the proportion of fund investment in the sectors described above and the selections within sectors to obtain higher relative returns. Sectors are analyzed by the subadviser for attractive values. Securities within sectors are selected based on general economic and financial conditions, and the issuer's business, management, cash, assets, earnings and stability. Securities selected for investment are those that the subadviser believes offer the best potential for total return based on risk-reward tradeoff. 48 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund |
> Interest rate risk is managed by a duration neutral strategy. Duration measures the interest rate sensitivity of a fixed income security by assessing and weighting the present value of the security's payment pattern. Generally, the longer the maturity the greater the duration and; therefore, the greater effect interest rate changes have on the price of the security. By maintaining the duration of the fund at a level similar to that of its style benchmark, the Merrill Lynch Short Term Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index, the subadviser believes that the fund's exposure to interest rate risk is more consistent with that benchmark's risk profile than that of a fund that attempts to predict future interest rate changes. On March 31, 2007, the modified adjusted duration of the Merrill Lynch Short Term Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index was 1.75 years; the modified adjusted duration of the fund was 2.51 years. Typically, for a fund maintaining a modified adjusted duration of 2.51 years, a one percent increase in interest rates would cause a 2.51% decrease in the value of the fund's fixed income assets. Similarly, a one percent decrease in interest rates typically would cause the value of the fund's fixed income assets to increase by 2.51%. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: During periods of rising interest rates, unstable pricing and currency exchange, or in response to extreme market fluctuations, the subadviser, at its discretion, may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing part or all of the fund's assets in cash or cash equivalents. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please refer to "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
o CREDIT RISK - The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline.
o CMOS, REMICS AND OTHER PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES RISK - The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of pass-though securities, causing them to fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities.
o EMERGING MARKETS RISK - The risk that prices of emerging markets securities may be more volatile than those of their counterparts in more established foreign markets.
o FOREIGN SECURITIES RISK - The risk that the prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than those of their domestic counterparts.
o HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) RISK - The risk that lower rated securities generally have a higher incidence of default and may be less liquid than higher rated securities.
o INTEREST RATE RISK - The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates.
Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 49
o U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK - The risk that although backed by the U.S. Government, these securities are subject to price fluctuations.
For a more detailed description of the above risks, see Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, page 55.
50 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, a series of Phoenix Multi-Series Trust ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 9.49 1998 1.30 1999 4.49 2000 7.09 2001 7.98 2002 7.40 2003 9.09 2004 4.81 2005 1.36 2006 5.52 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 4.62% (quarter ending December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for a quarter was -5.50% (quarter ending September 30, 1998). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 1.49%.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -------------------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C CLASS T ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 3.14% 5.12% 5.57% -- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 1.52% 3.43% 3.16% -- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares(4)(5) 2.01% 3.36% 3.22% -- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 3.51% 5.08% 5.27% -- -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 5.21% 5.43% -- 5.14% -- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class T ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 4.70% -- -- -- 3.47% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(6) 4.33% 5.06% 6.24% 5.99% 3.14% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Merrill Lynch Short Term Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index(7) 4.80% 4.12% 5.55% 5.39% 2.87% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 51
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Class C Shares since October 1, 1997; Class T Shares since June 2, 2003.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss realized on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(6) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index measures the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(7) The Merrill Lynch Short Term Medium Quality Corporate Bond Index measures performance of U.S. investment grade corporate bond issues rated "BBB" and "A" by Standard & Poor's/Moody's with maturities between one and three years. The index is calculated on a total-return basis. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS T SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 2.25% None None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 2.00%(b) None 1.00%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None None Redemption Fee None None None None Exchange Fee None None None None --------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS T SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.55% 0.55% 0.55% 0.55% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) 0.25% 0.75% 0.50% 1.00% Other Expenses(e) 0.26% 0.26% 0.26% 0.26% ----- ----- ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES 1.06% 1.56% 1.31% 1.81% ===== ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 0.50% annually to 1% during the third year and to 0% after the third year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class T Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(e) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.
52 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after six years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $329 $548 $786 $1,467 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $307 $486 $839 $1,577 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $130 $406 $702 $1,545 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class T $282 $563 $970 $2,105 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $157 $486 $839 $1,577 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class T $182 $563 $970 $2,105 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Goodwin"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Goodwin acts as subadviser for 17 mutual funds and manages fixed income assets for individuals and institutions. As of April 1, 2007, Goodwin had approximately $17.6 billion in assets under management.
Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 53
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser, and for the general operations of the fund. Goodwin, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Goodwin manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.55% 0.50% 0.45% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Goodwin a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
DAVID L. ALBRYCHT, CFA. Mr. Albrycht is Senior Portfolio Manager of the fund, and as such, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Mr. Albrycht has been Senior Portfolio Manager of the fund since August 1993. He also serves as Senior Portfolio Manager for the Phoenix Low-Duration Core Plus Bond Fund and the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund. In addition, he manages the fixed income portions of the Phoenix Balanced Fund and the Phoenix Income & Growth Fund. Mr. Albrycht is a Senior Managing Director, Fixed Income, of Goodwin. Previously, he was associated with Phoenix, an affiliate of Goodwin, and has managed fixed income portfolios since 1992. Mr. Albrycht joined Phoenix in 1981 and since then has held positions of increasing responsibility.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio manager, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts he manages and his ownership of shares of the fund.
54 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
The value of your shares and the level of income you receive are subject to risks associated with the types of securities selected for fund investment. Neither a fund, nor its adviser or subadviser, can assure you that a particular level of income will consistently be achieved or that the value of the fund's investments that supports your share value will increase. If the value of fund investments decreases, your share value will decrease.
Specific risks of investing in the various funds are indicated in the chart below and are described in detail following the chart.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RISKS EMERGING MULTI-SECTOR MULTI-SECTOR CA TAX-EXEMPT CORE BOND MARKETS BOND HIGH YIELD FIXED INCOME SHORT TERM BOND FOR ONE OR MORE FUNDS BOND FUND BOND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- California Bonds X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CMOs, REMICs and Other X X Pass-Through Securities -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Concentration X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Credit X X X X X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derivatives X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emerging Market X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity Securities X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Investing X X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- High Yield Securities X X X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Rate X X X X X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-Term Maturities/Durations X X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Municipal Market X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Diversification X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Puerto Rico Bonds X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tax-Exempt Securities X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrated Securities X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Government Securities X X X X X -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
CALIFORNIA BONDS RISK
The risk that certain California Constitutional amendments, legislative measures, executive orders, administrative regulations and voter initiatives could impair the ability of some California bond issuers to maintain debt service on their obligations or their ability to maintain tax-exempt income. This could negatively affect the fund's level of income, capital appreciation and liquidity.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 55
CMOs, REMICs AND OTHER PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES RISK
The risk that the values of pass-through securities may fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities in response to changes in interest rates. Early payoffs on the underlying loans in mortgage-backed and asset-backed pass-through securities and CMOs may result in the fund receiving less income than originally anticipated. The variability in prepayments will tend to limit price gains when interest rates drop and exaggerate price declines when interest rates rise. In the event of high prepayments, the fund may be required to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, causing the fund to earn less than if prepayments had not occurred.
CONCENTRATION RISK
The risk that if the fund concentrates its investments in a single state, its portfolio will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers located in that state than would a more geographically diverse portfolio of securities.
CREDIT RISK
The risk that an issuer of a security will fail to pay interest or principal in a timely manner, or that negative perceptions of the issuer's ability to make such payments will cause the price of the security to decline. Debt securities rated below investment-grade are especially susceptible to this risk.
DERIVATIVES
Derivatives typically involve greater risks than traditional investments. It is generally more difficult to ascertain the risk of, and to properly value, derivative contracts. Derivative contracts are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its contractual obligations). In addition, some derivatives transactions may involve potentially unlimited losses. Derivatives contracts entered into for hedging purposes may also subject the fund to losses if the contracts do not correlate with the assets, index or rates they were designed to hedge. Gains and losses derived from hedging transactions are, therefore, more dependent upon the subadviser's ability to correctly predict the movement of the underlying asset prices, indexes or rates.
EMERGING MARKET INVESTING RISK
The risk that prices of emerging markets securities may be more volatile than those of counterparts in more established foreign markets. Investments in less-developed countries whose markets are still emerging generally present risks in greater degree than those presented by investment in foreign issuers based in countries with developed securities markets and more advanced regulatory systems. Prior governmental approval may be required in some developing countries for the release of investment income, capital and sale proceeds to foreign investors and some developing countries may limit the extent of foreign investment in domestic companies.
56 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
Emerging market countries often suffer from currency devaluation and higher rates of inflation. Developing countries may be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed by countries with which they trade and may also be affected by economic conditions in such countries. In addition, a negative situation or condition that affects the market in one emerging market region may have a negative impact on all emerging market regions due to the so-called "ripple effect."
To the extent a fund invests 25% or more of its assets in a particular emerging markets country, the fund is more vulnerable to financial, economic or other political developments in that country. Additionally, to the extent a fund concentrates its investments in a particular country, conditions that negatively impact that country will have a greater impact on this fund as compared to a fund that cannot concentrate holdings in a particular country.
EQUITY SECURITIES RISK
The risk that prices of equity securities generally are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product). Equity investments in emerging markets countries are subject to the risks described under "Emerging Market Investing Risk" and "Foreign Investing Risk" in this section.
FOREIGN INVESTING RISK
The risk that the prices of foreign securities may be more volatile than those of their domestic counterparts owing in part to possible political or economic instability; limits on repatriation of capital; exchange controls or exchange rate fluctuations; less publicly available information as a result of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards different from those used in the U.S.; more volatile markets; less securities regulation; less favorable tax provisions; war or expropriation.
HIGH YIELD SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) RISK
The risk that high yield securities generally have a higher risk that the issuer of the security may default and not make the payment of interest or principal. Securities rated "BB" or below by S&P or "Ba" or below by Moody's are known as "high yield" securities and are commonly referred to as "junk bonds". These securities involve greater risk of loss due to credit deterioration and are less liquid, especially during periods of economic uncertainty or change, than higher-quality debt securities.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The risk that bond prices overall will decline because of rising interest rates. With fixed-rate securities, an increase in prevailing interest rates typically causes the value of those securities to
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 57
fall, while a decline in prevailing interest rates generally produces an increase in the market value of the securities. As interest rates increase, slower than expected principal payments may extend the average life of fixed income securities. This will have the effect of locking in a below-market interest rate, increasing a fund's duration and reducing the value of such a security. If a fund invests in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, it is more vulnerable to this risk. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of longer-term fixed income securities more than shorter-term securities and lower quality securities more than higher quality securities.
LONG-TERM MATURITIES/DURATIONS RISK
The risk that fixed income securities with longer maturities or durations may be subject to greater price fluctuations due to interest rate, tax law, and general market changes than securities with shorter maturities or durations.
LOWER RATED SECURITIES RISK
The risk that lower-rated debt securities generally have a higher risk that the issuer of the security may default and not make the payment of interest or principal.
MORTGAGE-BACKED AND ASSET-BACKED RISK
The risk that certain factors, such as interest rate changes, may negatively affect the value of mortgage backed and asset backed securities, causing them to fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are generally subject to higher prepayment risks than most other types of debt securities. It is difficult to predict cash flows from mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities due to the variability of prepayments. Prepayments also tend to limit price gains when interest rates drop and exaggerate price declines when interest rates rise. In the event of high prepayments, the fund may be required to invest proceeds at lower interest rates, causing the fund to earn less than if such prepayment had not occurred.
MUNICIPAL MARKET RISK
The risk that certain factors may negatively affect the value of municipal securities, and, as a result, the share price of a fund that invests in them. These factors include political or legislative changes, uncertainties related to the tax status of the securities or the rights of investors in the securities. A fund may invest in municipal obligations that are related in such a way (e.g., multiple apparently unrelated issues that depend on the financial rating or support of a single government unit) that an economic, business or political development or change that affects one of these obligations would also affect the others.
NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK
The risk that if a fund invests a greater proportion of its assets in a small number of issuers, changes in the price of those securities may cause the fund's return to fluctuate more than that of a diversified investment company. A non-diversified fund is not limited in the proportion of
58 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
assets that it may invest in the securities of any one issuer. Diversifying a fund's portfolio can reduce the risks of investing. As a non-diversified investment company, the fund may be subject to greater risk since it can invest a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of a small number of issuers. If the fund takes concentrated positions in a small number of issuers, changes in the price of those securities may cause the fund's return to fluctuate more than that of a diversified investment company.
PUERTO RICO BONDS RISK
The risk that certain regulatory controls or changes in Puerto Rico will negatively affect the value of securities issued by the territory of Puerto Rico. Certain federal tax credits currently offered to qualifying U.S. manufacturing firms operating in Puerto Rico were phased out on January 1, 2006. The overall effect this will have on Puerto Rico's economy is still unclear.
TAX-EXEMPT SECURITIES RISK
The risk that tax-exempt securities may not provide a higher after-tax return than taxable securities.
UNRATED FIXED INCOME SECURITIES RISK
The risk that unrated securities may not be lower in quality than rated securities, but due to their perceived risk, they may not have as broad a market as rated securities making it more difficult to sell unrated securities. Analysis of unrated securities is more complex than for rated securities, making it more difficult for the subadviser to accurately predict risk.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES RISK
Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies, authorities and instrumentalities and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States only guarantee principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of fund shares will increase. In addition, not all U.S. Government securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, but rather are the obligation solely of the entity through which they are issued.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 59
In addition to the Principal Investment Strategies and Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, each of the funds may engage in additional investment techniques that present additional risks to a fund as indicated in the chart below. Each risk is described after the chart. Many of the additional investment techniques that a fund may use are more fully described in the Statement of Additional Information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EMERGING MONEY MULTI-SECTOR MULTI-SECTOR CORE BOND MARKETS BOND HIGH YIELD MARKET FIXED INCOME SHORT TERM BOND RISKS BOND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Borrowing X X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brady Bonds X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Convertible Securities X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Debt Securities X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derivatives X X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equity Securities X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Investing X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Illiquid Securities X X X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investment Grade Securities X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loan Participations X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Municipal Securities X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mutual Fund Investing X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-Performing Securities X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Private Placements X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Repurchase Agreements X X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Securities Lending X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Short-Term Investments X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrated Securities X X X X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Variable Rate, Floating Rate and Variable Amount Securities X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities X X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yankee Bonds X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zero Coupon, Step Coupon, Deferred Coupon and PIK Bonds X X X ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
60 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
BORROWING
The fund may obtain fixed interest rate loans in amounts up to one third the value of its net assets and invest the loan proceeds in other assets. If the securities purchased with such borrowed money decrease in value or do not increase enough to cover interest and other borrowing costs, a fund will suffer greater losses than if no borrowing took place.
BRADY BONDS
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds have an uncollateralized component, and countries issuing such bonds have a history of defaults making the bonds speculative in nature.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer. If a security is called for redemption, the fund may have to redeem the security, convert it into common stock or sell it to a third party at a price and time that it not beneficial for the fund. In addition, securities convertible into common stocks may have higher yields than common stocks but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities.
DEBT SECURITIES
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in securities other than emerging market debt obligations of any maturity, such as debt securities and money market instruments issued by corporations and governments based in developed markets.
Typically, debt obligations will decrease in value when interest rates rise. Credit risk for debt obligations generally increases as the rating declines. Securities with lower credit ratings have a greater chance of principal and interest payment default. Debt obligations with longer maturities may be subject to price fluctuations due to interest rates, tax laws and other general market factors. Credit risk is determined at the date of investment. If the rating declines after the date of purchase, the fund is not obligated to sell the security.
DERIVATIVES
The fund may enter into derivative transactions (contracts whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset, index or rate), including futures, options, non-deliverable forwards, forward foreign currency exchange contracts and swap agreements. The fund may use derivatives to hedge against factors that affect the value of their investments such as interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. The fund may also utilize derivatives as part of their overall investment technique to gain or lessen exposure to various securities, markets and currencies.
Derivatives typically involve greater risks than traditional investments. It is generally more difficult to ascertain the risk of, and to properly value, derivative contracts. Derivative contracts
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 61
are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its contractual obligations). In addition, some derivatives transactions may involve potentially unlimited losses. Derivatives contracts entered into for hedging purposes may also subject the fund to losses if the contracts do not correlate with the assets, index or rates they were designed to hedge. Gains and losses derived from hedging transactions are, therefore, more dependent upon the subadviser's ability to correctly predict the movement of the underlying asset prices, indexes or rates.
EQUITY SECURITIES
The High Yield Fund may invest in equity securities. Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product). The High Yield Fund may invest in preferred stocks, warrants, rights and securities convertible into common stocks. Preferred stocks may not fully participate in dividends, and convertible securities may have higher yields than common stocks but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities.
FOREIGN INVESTING
The fund may invest in securities of foreign (non-U.S.) issuers. The High Yield Fund may invest in emerging market securities. Additionally, the Core Bond Fund may invest in Yankee Bonds.
Investments in non-U.S. companies involve additional risks and conditions, including differences in accounting standards, generally higher commission rates, differences in transaction settlement systems, political instability, and the possibility of confiscatory or expropriation taxes. Political and economic uncertainty in foreign countries, as well as less public information about foreign investments, may negatively impact the fund's portfolio. Dividends and other income payable on foreign securities may also be subject to foreign taxes. Some investments may be made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar that will fluctuate in value as a result of changes in the currency exchange rate. Foreign markets and currencies may not function as well as U.S. markets.
Risks associated with foreign investments may be intensified in emerging market countries. Developing countries and companies doing business in such countries may not have the same range of opportunities and have more obstacles to financial success than their counterparts in developed nations.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The fund may invest in illiquid securities, including restricted securities. Illiquid securities may include repurchase agreements with maturities of greater than seven days. Illiquid and
62 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
restricted securities may be difficult to sell or may be sold only pursuant to certain legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss to a fund or entail expenses not normally associated with the sale of a security.
INVESTMENT GRADE SECURITIES
The fund may invest in all types of long-term or short-term investment-grade debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In addition to the types of securities mentioned in the Principal Investment Strategies sections, the funds may also invest in bonds, debentures, notes, municipal bonds, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates, conditional sales contracts and commercial paper. Debt securities with lower credit ratings have a higher risk of default on payment of principal and interest and securities with longer maturities are subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of debt securities generally will fall.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS
The High Yield Fund may invest in loan participations. A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding share of borrower's principal and interest payments. The principal credit risk associated with acquiring loan participation interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk that there may not be a readily available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, this could result in the fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding such securities until maturity.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The fund may invest in taxable municipal securities. Principal and interest payments on municipal securities may not be guaranteed by the issuing entity and may be payable only from monies (revenue) derived from a particular source (so called "revenue bonds"). If the source does not perform as expected, principal and income payments may not be made on time or at all. In addition, the market for municipal securities is often thin and can be temporarily affected by large purchases and sales, including those by the funds. General conditions in the financial markets and the size of a particular offering may also negatively affect municipal securities' returns.
MUTUAL FUND INVESTING
The fund may invest in shares of other mutual funds and the Emerging Markets Fund may invest in shares of closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in emerging market debt securities. Assets invested in other mutual funds incur a layering of expenses including operating costs, advisory fees and administrative fees that you, as a shareholder in the funds, indirectly bear.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 63
NON-PERFORMING SECURITIES
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in non-performing securities whose quality is comparable to securities rated as low as D by Standard & Poor's or C by Moody's.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS
The fund may purchase securities which have been privately issued to qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Such securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities. Privately issued securities ordinarily can be sold by the fund in secondary market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules established by the SEC or in privately negotiated transactions to a limited number of purchasers. Therefore, sales of such securities by the fund may involve significant delays and expense.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The fund may invest in repurchase agreements. Default or insolvency of the other party presents a risk to the funds.
SECURITIES LENDING
The fund may loan portfolio securities with a value up to one third of its total assets to increase its investment returns. If the borrower is unwilling or unable to return the borrowed securities when due, the fund can suffer losses.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The fund may invest in short-term investments, including bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and repurchase agreements. The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in money market instruments issued by corporations and governments based in developed markets.
UNRATED SECURITIES
The fund may invest in unrated securities. Unrated securities may not be lower in quality than rated securities, but due to their perceived risk, they may not have as broad a market as rated securities. Analysis of unrated securities is more complex than for rated securities, making it more difficult for the subadviser to accurately predict risk.
VARIABLE RATE, FLOATING RATE OR VARIABLE AMOUNT SECURITIES
The Emerging Markets Fund may invest in variable rate, floating rate, or variable amount securities which are generally short-term, unsecured, fluctuating, interest-bearing notes of private issuers.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES
The fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. The value of the security on settlement date may be more or less than the price paid as a result of changes in
64 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
interest rates and market conditions. If the value on settlement date is less, the value of your shares may decline.
ZERO COUPON, STEP COUPON, DEFERRED COUPON AND PIK BONDS
The fund may invest in any combination of zero coupon and step coupon bonds and bonds on which interest is payable in kind ("PIK"). The market prices of these bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest on a regular basis. Since the fund will not receive cash payments earned on these securities on a current basis, the fund may be required to make distributions from other sources. This may result in higher portfolio turnover rates and the sale of securities at a time that is less favorable.
The funds may buy other types of securities or employ other portfolio management techniques. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for more detailed information about these and other investment techniques of the funds.
HOW IS THE SHARE PRICE DETERMINED?
Each fund calculates a share price for each class of its shares. The share price for each class is based on the net assets of the fund and the number of outstanding shares of that class. In general, each fund calculates a share price for each class by:
o adding the values of all securities and other assets of the fund;
o subtracting liabilities; and
o dividing the result by the total number of outstanding shares of that class.
Assets: Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded, or if no closing price is available, at the last bid price. Shares of other investment companies are valued at such companies' net asset values. Debt securities (other than short-term investments) are valued on the basis of broker quotations or valuations provided by a pricing service, which in determining value utilizes information with respect to recent sales, market transactions in comparable securities, quotations from dealers, and various relationships between securities. Short-term investments having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. As required, some securities and assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Trustees. Other assets, such as accrued interest, accrued dividends and cash are also included in determining a fund's net asset value.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 65
Liabilities: Accrued liabilities for class specific expenses (if any), distribution fees, service fees and other liabilities are deducted from the assets of each class. Accrued expenses and liabilities that are not class specific (such as management fees) are allocated to each class in proportion to each class's net assets except where an alternative allocation can be more appropriately made.
Net Asset Value: The liabilities allocated to a class are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the applicable fund. The resulting amount for each class is then divided by the number of shares outstanding of that class to produce each class's net asset value per share.
The net asset value per share of each class of each fund is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 PM eastern time) on days when the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for trading. A fund will not calculate its net asset value per share class on days when the NYSE is closed for trading. If a fund holds securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other holidays when the funds do not price their shares, the net asset value of the fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund's shares.
HOW ARE SECURITIES FAIR VALUED?
If market quotations are not readily available or where available prices are not reliable, the funds determine a "fair value" for an investment according to rules and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The types of assets for which such pricing might be required include (i) securities whose trading has been suspended; (ii) securities where the trading market is unusually thin or trades have been infrequent; (iii) debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; (iv) a security whose market price is not available from an independent pricing source and for which otherwise reliable quotes are not available; (v) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (vi) a security whose price as provided by any pricing source does not, in the opinion of the adviser/subadviser, reflect the security's market value; (vii) foreign securities subject to trading collars for which no or limited trading takes place; and (viii) securities where the market quotations are not readily available as a result of "significant" events. This list is not inclusive of all situations that may require a security to be fair valued, nor is it intended to be conclusive in determining whether a specific event requires fair valuation.
The value of any portfolio security held by a fund for which market quotations
are not readily available shall be determined in good faith and in a manner that
assesses the security's "fair value" on the valuation date (i.e., the amount
that the fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its
current sale), based on a consideration of all available facts and all available
information, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the fundamental
analytical data relating to the investment; (ii) an evaluation of the forces
which influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold
(e.g., the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the
value of the security); (iii) price quotes from dealers and/or pricing services;
(iv) an analysis of the company's financial statements; (v) trading volumes on
markets, exchanges or among dealers; (vi) recent news about the security or
issuer;
66 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
(vii) changes in interest rates; (viii) information obtained from the issuer,
analysts, other financial institutions and/or the appropriate stock exchange
(for exchange traded securities); (ix) whether two or more dealers with whom the
adviser/subadviser regularly effects trades are willing to purchase or sell the
security at comparable prices; (x) other news events or relevant matters; and
(xi) government (domestic or foreign) actions or pronouncements.
Certain foreign common stocks may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that foreign markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the fund calculates its net asset value (generally, the close of the NYSE) that may impact the value of securities traded in these foreign markets. In such cases, information from an external vendor may be utilized to adjust closing market prices of certain foreign common stocks to reflect their fair value. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain foreign common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.
The value of a security, as determined using the fund's fair valuation procedures, may not reflect such security's market value.
AT WHAT PRICE ARE SHARES PURCHASED?
All investments received by the funds' authorized agents prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 PM eastern time) will be executed based on that day's net asset value. Shares credited to your account from the reinvestment of a fund's distributions will be in full and fractional shares that are purchased at the closing net asset value on the next business day on which the fund's net asset value is calculated following the dividend record date.
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER?
Each fund offers from two to five classes of shares. Each class of shares has different sales and distribution charges. (See "Fund Fees and Expenses" previously in this prospectus.) For certain classes of shares, the funds have adopted distribution and service plans allowed under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended ("the 1940 Act"), that authorize the funds to pay distribution and service fees for the sale of those shares and for services provided to shareholders.
WHAT ARRANGEMENT IS BEST FOR YOU?
The different classes of shares permit you to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most beneficial to you. In choosing a class of shares, consider the amount of your investment, the length of time you expect to hold the shares, whether you decide to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares, and any other personal circumstances. Depending
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 67
upon these considerations, the accumulated distribution and service fees and contingent deferred sales charges of one class of shares may be more or less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution and service fees of another class of shares bought at the same time. Because distribution and service fees are paid out of a fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Your financial representative should recommend only those arrangements that are suitable for you based on known information. In certain instances, you may be entitled to a reduction or waiver of sales charges. For instance, you may be entitled to a sales charge discount on Class A Shares if you purchase more than certain breakpoint amounts. You should inform or inquire of your financial representative whether or not you may be entitled to a sales charge discount attributable to your total holdings in a fund or affiliated funds. To determine eligibility for a sales charge discount, you may aggregate all of your accounts (including joint accounts, IRAs, non-IRAs, etc.) and those of your spouse and minor children. The financial representative may request you to provide an account statement or other holdings information to determine your eligibility for a breakpoint and to make certain all involved parties have the necessary data. Additional information about the classes of shares offered, sales charges, breakpoints and discounts follows in this section and also may be found in the Statement of Additional Information in the section entitled "How to Buy Shares." This information is available free of charge, and in a clear and prominent format, at the Individual Investors section of the Phoenix Funds' Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com. Please be sure that you fully understand these choices before investing. If you or your financial representative require additional assistance, you may also contact Mutual Fund Services by calling toll-free (800) 243-1574.
CLASS A SHARES. If you purchase Class A Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase equal to 2.25% of the offering price (2.30% of the amount invested). If you purchase Class A Shares of the other funds, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase equal to 4.75% of the offering price (4.99% of the amount invested). The sales charge may be reduced or waived under certain conditions. (See "Initial Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares" below.) Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may be imposed on certain redemptions within one year on purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The one-year period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Class A Shares have lower distribution and service fees (0.25%) and pay higher dividends than Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
CLASS B SHARES (NOT OFFERED BY THE CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND AND MONEY MARKET FUNDS). If you purchase Class B Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class B Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund within the first three years after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of up to 2% of your shares' value. If you sell your Class B Shares of the other funds within the first five years after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of up to 5% of your shares' value. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares and Class C Shares" below.) This charge declines to 0% over a
68 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
period of three years for the Short Term Bond Fund and a period of five years for the other funds, and may be waived under certain conditions. Class B Shares have higher distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay lower dividends than Class A Shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares eight years after purchase. Purchases of Class B Shares may be inappropriate for any investor who may qualify for reduced sales charges of Class A Shares and anyone who is over 85 years of age. The underwriter may decline purchases in such situations.
CLASS C SHARES (NOT OFFERED BY THE CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND AND MONEY MARKET FUNDS). If you purchase Class C Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. You will not pay any sales charges on Class C Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund when you sell them. If you sell your Class C Shares of the other funds within the first year after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1%. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares" below.) Class C Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund have lower distribution and service fees (0.50%) and pay higher dividends than Class B Shares. Class C Shares of the other funds have the same distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay comparable dividends as Class B Shares. Class C Shares do not convert to any other class of shares of the fund, so the higher distribution and service fees paid by Class C Shares continue for the life of the account.
CLASS T SHARES (SHORT TERM BOND FUND ONLY). If you purchase Class T Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class T Shares within the first year after they are purchased, you will pay a sales charge of 1%. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares" below.) Class T Shares have higher distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay lower dividends than Class B Shares. Class T Shares do not convert to any other class of shares of the fund, so the higher distribution and service fees paid by Class C Shares continue for the life of the account.
CLASS I SHARES (BOND AND CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUNDS ONLY). Class I Shares are offered primarily to institutional investors, such as pension and profit sharing plans, other employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and corporations who purchase the minimum amounts; to private clients of the adviser, subadviser and their affiliates; or through certain wrap programs with which the Distributor has an arrangement. If you are eligible to purchase and do purchase Class I Shares, you will pay no sales charge at any time. There are no distribution and services fees applicable to Class I Shares. For additional information about purchasing Class I Shares, please contact Mutual Fund Services by calling (800) 243-1574.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A Shares is the net asset value plus a sales charge that varies depending on the size of your purchase. (See "Class A Shares--Reduced Initial Sales Charges" in the Statement of Additional Information.) Shares purchased based on the automatic reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. The sales charge is divided between your investment dealer and the funds' underwriter (Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, "PEPCO" or "the Distributor").
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 69
SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO PURCHASE CLASS A SHARES MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND ONLY SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF AMOUNT OF ------------------------------------------------- TRANSACTION OFFERING NET AMOUNT AT OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 2.25% 2.30% $50,000 but under $100,000 1.25 1.27 $100,000 but under $500,000 1.00 1.01 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 0.75 0.76 $1,000,000 or more None None ALL OTHER FUNDS SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF AMOUNT OF ------------------------------------------------- TRANSACTION OFFERING NET AMOUNT AT OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 4.75% 4.99% $50,000 but under $100,000 4.50 4.71 $100,000 but under $250,000 3.50 3.63 $250,000 but under $500,000 2.75 2.83 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 $1,000,000 or more None None |
CLASS A SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
Investors may reduce or eliminate sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A Shares through utilization of Combination Purchase Privilege, Letter of Intent, Right of Accumulation, Purchase by Associations or the Account Reinstatement Privilege. These programs are summarized below and are described in greater detail in the Statement of Additional Information. Investors buying Class A Shares on which a finder's fee has been paid may incur a 1% deferred sales charge if they redeem their shares within one year of purchase.
Combination Purchase Privilege. Your purchase of any class of shares of these funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund), if made at the same time by the same person, will be added together with any existing Phoenix Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined in this and the following sections as: (a) any individual, their spouse and minor children purchasing shares for his or their own account (including an IRA account) including his or their own trust; (b) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though more than one beneficiary may exist); (c) multiple employer trusts or Section 403(b) plans for the same employer; (d) multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third party administrator; or (e) trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with respect to accounts over which they exercise discretionary investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary,
70 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the entity placing the order.
Letter of Intent. If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of these funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund), if made by the same person within a 13-month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding arrangement between you and the Distributor. Shares worth 5% of the amount of each purchase will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in your name) to secure payment of the higher sales charges applicable to the shares actually purchased in the event the full intended amount is not purchased.
Right of Accumulation. The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of these funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund) if made over time by the same person, may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to the Distributor at the time of purchase to exercise this right.
Purchase by Associations. Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person" and qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must: (1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3) work through an investment dealer; or (4) not be a group whose sole reason for existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a particular company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
Account Reinstatement Privilege. Subject to the funds' disruptive trading and market timing policies and procedures, for 180 days after you sell your Class A, Class B or Class C Shares on which you have previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A Shares of any Phoenix Fund at net asset value, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more.
Sales at Net Asset Value. In addition to the programs summarized above, the funds may sell their Class A Shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge to certain types of accounts or account holders, including, but not limited to: trustees of the Phoenix Funds; directors, officers, employees and sales representatives of the adviser, subadviser (if any) or Distributor or a corporate affiliate of the adviser, subadviser or Distributor; private clients of an adviser or subadviser to any of the Phoenix Funds; registered representatives and employees of dealers with which the Distributor has sales agreements; and certain qualified employee benefit plans, endowment funds or foundations. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for more information about qualifying for purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 71
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS B SHARES, CLASS C SHARES AND CLASS T SHARES
Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge; however, shares sold within a specified time period are subject to a declining CDSC at the rates listed below. Class C Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund are purchased without an initial sales charge and are not subject to a deferred sales charge. The sales charge will be multiplied by the then current market value or the initial cost of the shares being redeemed, whichever is less. No sales charge will be imposed on increases in net asset value or on shares purchased through the reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions. To minimize the sales charge, shares not subject to any charge will be redeemed first, followed by shares held the longest time. To calculate the number of shares owned and time period held, all Class B Shares purchased in any month are considered purchased on the last day of the preceding month, and all Class C Shares and Class T Shares are considered purchased on the trade date.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS B SHARES
SHORT TERM BOND FUND
YEAR 1 2 3 4+ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CDSC 2% 1.5% 1% 0% ALL OTHER FUNDS YEAR 1 2 3 4 5 6+ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CDSC 5% 4% 3% 2% 2% 0% |
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS C SHARES
You will not pay any deferred sales charge to sell Class C Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS T SHARES
SHORT TERM BOND FUND ONLY
COMPENSATION TO DEALERS
Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on Class A Shares as described below.
72 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
SHORT TERM BOND FUND
AMOUNT OF SALES CHARGE AS SALES CHARGE AS DEALER DISCOUNT AS TRANSACTION A PERCENTAGE OF A PERCENTAGE OF A PERCENTAGE OF AT OFFERING PRICE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 2.25% 2.30% 2.00% $50,000 but under $100,000 1.25 1.27 1.00 $100,000 but under $500,000 1.00 1.01 1.00 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 0.75 0.76 0.75 $1,000,000 or more None None None ALL OTHER FUNDS AMOUNT OF SALES CHARGE AS A SALES CHARGE AS A DEALER DISCOUNT AS A TRANSACTION PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF AT OFFERING PRICE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.25% $50,000 but under $100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00 $100,000 but under $250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00 $250,000 but under $500,000 2.75 2.83 2.25 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.75 $1,000,000 or more None None None |
In addition to the dealer discount on purchases of Class A Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 4% of the sale price of Class B Shares and a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C Shares sold by such dealers. (This sales commission will not be paid to dealers for sales of Class B Shares or Class C Shares purchased by 401(k) participants of the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan due to a waiver of the CDSC for these plan participants' purchases.) Your broker, dealer or financial advisor may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.
Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of these funds and/or for providing other shareholder services. Such fees are in addition to the sales commissions referenced above and may be based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services; provision of recordkeeping and administrative services to qualified employee benefit plans; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the funds through distribution fees, service fees or transfer agent fees or, in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources. From its own profits and resources, the Distributor does intend to: (a) from time to time, pay special incentive and retention fees to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers; (b) pay broker-dealers a finder's fee in an amount equal to 1% of the first $3 million of Class A Share purchases by an account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan with at least 100 eligible employees, 0.50% on the next $3 million, plus 0.25% on the amount in excess of $6 million; and (c) excluding purchases as described in (b) above, pay broker-dealers an amount equal to 1.00% of the amount of Class A Shares sold from
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 73
$1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000 and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. If part or all of such investment as described in (b) and (c) above, including investments by qualified employee benefit plans, is subsequently redeemed within one year, a 1% CDSC may apply, except for redemptions of shares purchased on which a finder's fee would have been paid where such investor's dealer of record, due to the nature of the investor's account, notifies the Distributor prior to the time of the investment that the dealer waives the finder's fee otherwise payable to the dealer, or agrees to receive such finder's fee ratably over a 12-month period. For purposes of determining the applicability of the CDSC, the one-year CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Any dealer who receives more than 90% of a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act of 1933. PEPCO reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.
From its own resources or pursuant to the distribution and shareholder servicing plans, and subject to the dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time, reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A Shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.
The Distributor has agreed to pay fees to certain distributors for preferred marketing opportunities. These arrangements may be viewed as creating a conflict of interest between these distributors and investors. Investors should make due inquiry of their selling agents to ensure that they are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and suitable recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
Your financial advisor can assist you with your initial purchase as well as all phases of your investment program. If you are opening an account by yourself, please follow the instructions outlined below. These procedures do not apply to purchases of Class I Shares. For information about purchasing Class I Shares, please contact Mutual Fund Services by calling (800) 243-1574.
74 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
The funds have established the following preferred methods of payment for fund shares:
o Checks drawn on an account in the name of the investor and made payable to Phoenix Funds;
o Checks drawn on an account in the name of the investor's company or employer and made payable to Phoenix Funds; or
o Wire transfers or Automatic Clearing House (ACH) transfers from an account in the name of the investor, or the investor's company or employer.
Payment in other forms may be accepted at the discretion of the funds. Please specify the name(s) of the fund or funds in which you would like to invest on the check or transfer instructions.
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. Accordingly, when you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may check the information you provide against publicly available databases, information obtained from consumer reporting agencies, other financial institutions or other sources. If, after reasonable effort, we cannot verify your identity, we reserve the right to close the account and redeem the shares at net asset value next calculated after the decision is made by us to close the account.
STEP 1.
Your first choice will be the initial amount you intend to invest.
Minimum INITIAL investments:
o $25 for individual retirement accounts (IRAs), accounts that use the systematic exchange privilege or accounts that use the Systematic Purchase program. (See below for more information on the Systematic Purchase program.)
o There is no initial dollar requirement for defined contribution plans, asset-based fee programs, profit-sharing plans or employee benefit plans. There is also no minimum for reinvesting dividends and capital gains into another account.
o $500 for all other accounts.
Minimum ADDITIONAL investments:
o $25 for any account.
o There is no minimum additional investment requirement for defined contribution plans, asset-based fee programs, profit-sharing plans or employee benefit plans. There is also no minimum additional investment requirement for reinvesting dividends and capital gains into an existing account.
The funds reserve the right to refuse any purchase order for any reason.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 75
STEP 2.
Your second choice will be what class of shares to buy. Each share class, except Class I Shares, has different sales and distribution charges. Because all future investments in your account will be made in the share class you choose when you open your account, you should make your decision carefully. Your financial advisor can help you pick the share class that makes the most sense for your situation.
STEP 3.
Your next choice will be how you want to receive any dividends and capital gain distributions. Your options are:
o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in additional shares;
o Receive dividends in additional shares and capital gain distributions in cash;
o Receive dividends in cash and capital gain distributions in additional shares; or
o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
No interest will be paid on uncashed distribution checks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C SHARES AND CLASS T ONLY) ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Through a financial advisor Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee and may set different minimum investments or limitations on buying shares. ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Complete a New Account Application and send it with a check payable to the fund. Through the mail Mail them to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Complete a New Account Application and send it with a check payable to the fund. Through express delivery Send them to: Boston Financial Data Services, Attn: Phoenix Funds, 30 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021-2809. ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ By Federal Funds wire Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0). ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Complete the appropriate section on the application and send it with your initial By Systematic Purchase investment payable to the fund. Mail them to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ By telephone exchange Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
76 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
The price at which a purchase is effected is based on the net asset value determined after receipt of a purchase order by the funds' Transfer Agent.
You have the right to have the funds buy back shares at the net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption order by the funds' Transfer Agent or an authorized agent. In the case of a Class B Share, Class C Share or Class T Share redemption, you will be subject to the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, if any, for such shares. Subject to certain restrictions, shares may be redeemed by telephone or in writing. In addition, shares may be sold through securities dealers, brokers or agents who may charge customary commissions or fees for their services. The funds do not charge any redemption fees. Payment for shares redeemed is made within seven days; however, redemption proceeds will not be disbursed until each check used for purchases of shares has been cleared for payment by your bank, which may take up to 15 days after receipt of the check.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TO SELL SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B, CLASS C AND CLASS T SHARES ONLY) ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Through a financial advisor Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee and may set different minimums on redemptions of accounts. ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Through the mail Send a letter of instruction and any share certificates (if you hold certificate shares) to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. Be sure to include the registered owner's name, fund and account number and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell. ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Through express delivery Send a letter of instruction and any share certificates (if you hold certificate shares) to: Boston Financial Data Services, Attn: Phoenix Funds, 30 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021-2809. Be sure to include the registered owner's name, fund and account number and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell. ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By telephone For sales up to $50,000, requests can be made by calling (800) 243-1574. ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By telephone exchange Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0). ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By check If you selected the checkwriting feature, you may write checks for amounts of $500 or more. Checks may not be used to close an account. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 77
You may realize a taxable gain or loss (for federal income tax purposes) if you redeem shares of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to pay large redemptions "in-kind" (i.e., in securities owned by the fund) rather than in cash. Large redemptions are those that exceed $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net assets, whichever is less, over any 90-day period. Additional documentation will be required for redemptions by organizations, fiduciaries, or retirement plans, or if a redemption is requested by anyone but the shareholder(s) of record. Transfers between broker-dealer "street" accounts are governed by the accepting broker-dealer. Questions regarding this type of transfer should be directed to your financial advisor. Redemption requests will not be honored until all required documents, in proper form, have been received. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, shareholders having questions about specific requirements should contact the funds' Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574.
REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL
> If you are selling shares held individually, jointly, or as custodian under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act: Send a clear letter of instruction if all of these apply: o The proceeds do not exceed $50,000. o The proceeds are payable to the registered owner at the address on record. Send a clear letter of instruction with a signature guarantee when any of these apply: o You are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares. o The name or address on the account has changed within the last 30 days. o You want the proceeds to go to a different name or address than on the account. > If you are selling shares held in a corporate or fiduciary account, please contact the funds' Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574. |
If required, the signature guarantee must be a STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee and be made by an eligible guarantor institution as defined by the funds' Transfer Agent in accordance with its signature guarantee procedures. Guarantees using previous technology medallions will not be accepted. Currently, the Transfer Agent's signature guarantee procedures generally permit guarantees by banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations.
78 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
SELLING SHARES BY TELEPHONE
The Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. Address and bank account information are verified, redemption instructions are taped, and all redemptions are confirmed in writing.
The individual investor bears the risk from instructions given by an unauthorized third party that the Transfer Agent reasonably believed to be genuine.
The Transfer Agent may modify or terminate the telephone redemption privilege at any time with 60 days notice to shareholders, except for instances of disruptive trading or market timing; in such cases, the telephone redemption privilege may be suspended immediately, followed by written notice. (See "Disruptive Trading and Market Timing" in this Prospectus.)
During times of drastic economic or market changes, telephone redemptions may be difficult to make or temporarily suspended.
ACCOUNT REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
Subject to the funds' disruptive trading and market timing policies and procedures, for 180 days after you sell your Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or Class T Shares on which you have previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A Shares of any Phoenix Fund at net asset value, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more. Send your written request to State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. You can call us at (800) 243-1574 for more information.
Please remember, a redemption and reinvestment are considered to be a sale and purchase for tax-reporting purposes. Class B, Class C and Class T shareholders who have had the contingent deferred sales charge waived because they are in the Systematic Withdrawal Program are not eligible for this reinstatement privilege.
REDEMPTION OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, if your redemption activity causes your account balance to fall below $200, you may receive a notice requesting you to bring the balance up to $200 within 60 days. If you do not, the shares in the account will be sold at net asset value, and a check will be mailed to the address of record.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL AMOUNTS
Distributions in amounts less than $10 will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the applicable fund.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 79
UNCASHED CHECKS
If any correspondence sent by the fund is returned by the postal or other delivery service as "undeliverable," your dividends or any other distribution may be automatically reinvested in the fund.
If your distribution check is not cashed within six months, the distribution may be reinvested in the fund at the current net asset value. You will not receive any interest on uncashed distribution or redemption checks. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
You should read the prospectus of the Phoenix Fund(s) into which you want to make an exchange before deciding to make an exchange. You can obtain a prospectus from your financial advisor or by calling us at (800) 243-4361, or accessing our Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com.
o You may exchange shares of one fund for the same class of shares of another Phoenix Fund; e.g., Class A Shares for Class A Shares. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class T Shares of those Phoenix Funds offering them. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
o Exchanges may be made by telephone ((800) 243-1574) or by mail (State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301).
o The amount of the exchange must be equal to or greater than the minimum initial investment required.
o The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and a purchase for federal income tax purposes.
o Class A Shares of the Money Market Fund purchased without a sales charge are exchangeable at net asset value plus the applicable sales charge.
DISRUPTIVE TRADING AND MARKET TIMING
These funds are not suitable for market timers and market timers are discouraged from becoming investors. Your ability to make exchanges among funds is subject to modification if we determine, in our sole opinion, that your exercise of the exchange privilege may disadvantage or potentially harm the rights or interests of other shareholders.
Frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, programmed exchanges, exchanges into and then out of a fund in a short period of time, and exchanges of large amounts at one time may be indicative of market timing and otherwise disruptive trading ("Disruptive Trading") which can have risks and harmful effects for other shareholders. These risks and harmful effects include:
80 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
o dilution of the interests of long-term investors, if market timers or others exchange into a fund at prices that are below the true value or exchange out of a fund at prices that are higher than the true value;
o an adverse effect on portfolio management, as determined by portfolio management in its sole discretion, such as causing the fund to maintain a higher level of cash than would otherwise be the case, or causing the fund to liquidate investments prematurely; and
o reducing returns to long-term shareholders through increased brokerage and administrative expenses.
Additionally, the nature of the portfolio holdings of the Emerging Markets Bond Fund may expose those funds to investors who engage in the type of market timing trading that seeks to take advantage of possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the reflection of the change in the net asset value of the fund's shares, sometimes referred to as "time-zone arbitrage." Arbitrage market timers seek to exploit possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the net asset value of the fund's shares in funds that hold significant investments in foreign securities because certain foreign markets close several hours ahead of the U.S. markets. If an arbitrageur is successful, the value of the fund's shares may be diluted if redeeming shareholders receive proceeds (and buying shareholders receive shares) based upon net asset values which do not reflect appropriate fair value prices.
In order to attempt to protect our shareholders from the potential harmful effects of Disruptive Trading, the funds' Board of Trustees has adopted market timing policies and procedures designed to discourage Disruptive Trading. The Board has adopted these policies and procedures as a preventive measure to protect all shareholders from the potential effects of Disruptive Trading, while also abiding by any rights that shareholders may have to make exchanges and provide reasonable and convenient methods of making exchanges that do not have the potential to harm other shareholders.
Excessive trading activity is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in an account. A roundtrip transaction is one where a shareholder buys and then sells, or sells and then buys, shares of any fund within 30 days. Shareholders of the funds are limited to one roundtrip transaction within any rolling 30-day period. Roundtrip transactions are counted at the shareholder level. In considering a shareholder's trading activity, the funds may consider, among other factors, the shareholder's trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the funds, in other funds within the Phoenix Fund complex, in non-Phoenix mutual funds or in accounts under common control or ownership. We do not include exchanges made pursuant to the dollar cost averaging or other similar programs when applying our market timing policies. Systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, mandatory retirement distributions, and transactions initiated by a plan sponsor also will not count towards the roundtrip limits. The funds may permit exchanges that they believe, in the exercise of their judgment, are not disruptive. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 81
Shareholders holding shares for at least 30 days following investment will ordinarily be in compliance with the funds' policies regarding excessive trading. The funds may, however, take action if activity is deemed disruptive even if shares are held longer than 30 days, such as a request for a transaction of an unusually large size. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.
Under our market timing policies, we may modify your exchange privileges for some or all of the funds by not accepting an exchange request from you or from any person, asset allocation service, and/or market timing services made on your behalf. We may also limit the amount that may be exchanged into or out of any fund at any one time or could revoke your right to make Internet, telephone or facsimile exchanges. We may reinstate Internet, telephone and facsimile exchange privileges after they are revoked, but we will not reinstate these privileges if we have reason to believe that they might be used thereafter for Disruptive Trading.
The funds currently do not charge exchange or redemption fees, or any other administrative charges on fund exchanges. The funds reserve the right to impose such fees and/or charges in the future.
Orders for the purchase of fund shares are subject to acceptance by the relevant fund. We reserve the right to reject, without prior notice, any exchange request into any fund if the purchase of shares in the corresponding fund is not accepted for any reason.
The funds do not have any arrangements with any person, organization or entity to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares.
We may, without prior notice, take whatever action we deem appropriate to comply with or take advantage of any state or federal regulatory requirement. The funds reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange transaction at any time. If we reject a purchase or exchange for any reason, we will notify you of our decision in writing.
The funds cannot guarantee that their policies and procedures regarding market timing will be effective in detecting and deterring all Disruptive Trading.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of the funds may be used as investments under the following qualified prototype retirement plans: traditional IRA, rollover IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing, money purchase plans and 403(b) plans. For more information, call (800) 243-4361.
SYSTEMATIC PURCHASE is a systematic investment plan that allows you to have a specified amount automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and then deposited into your
82 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
mutual fund account. Just complete the Systematic Purchase Section on the application and include a voided check.
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGE allows you to automatically move money from one Phoenix Fund to another on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Shares of one Phoenix Fund will be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Phoenix Fund at the interval you select. To sign up, just complete the Systematic Exchange Section on the application. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE lets you exchange shares of one Phoenix Fund for the same class of shares in another Phoenix Fund, using our customer service telephone service. (See the "Telephone Exchange" section on the application.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds, and may be rejected or suspended.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Sufficient shares from your account will be redeemed at the closing net asset value on the applicable payment date, with proceeds to be mailed to you or sent through ACH to your bank (at your selection). For payments to be mailed, shares will be redeemed on the 15th of the month so that the payment is made about the 20th of the month. For ACH payments, you may select the day of the month for the payments to be made; if no date is specified, the payments will occur on the 15th of the month. The minimum withdrawal is $25, and minimum account balance requirements continue to apply. Shareholders in the program must own Phoenix Fund shares worth at least $5,000.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND HOLDINGS. The funds makes available on the Phoenix Funds' Web sites, PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com, information with respect to each fund's top 10 holdings and summary composition data derived from portfolio holdings information. This information is posted to the Web sites at the end of each month with respect to the top 10 holdings, and at the end of each quarter with respect to summary composition information, generally within 10 business days. This information will remain available on the Web sites until full portfolio holdings information becomes publicly available. A full listing of the funds' portfolio holdings becomes publicly available (i) as of the end of its second and fourth fiscal quarters in shareholder reports, which are sent to all shareholders and are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form N-CSR, and (ii) at the end of its first and third fiscal quarters by filing with the SEC a Form N-Q. The funds' shareholder reports are available without charge on Phoenix's Web site at PhoenixFunds.com (also accessible at PhoenixInvestments.com). The funds' Form N-Q filings are available on the SEC's Internet site at sec.gov. A more detailed description of the funds' policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the funds' portfolio securities is also available in the Statement of Additional Information.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 83
The funds plan to make distributions from net investment income at intervals stated in the table below, and to distribute net realized capital gains, if any, annually.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND DIVIDEND PAID --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Bond Fund Monthly --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Monthly (Declared Daily) --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Core Bond Fund Monthly --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Emerging Markets Bond Fund Monthly --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- High Yield Fund Monthly --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Money Market Fund Daily --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund Monthly (Declared Daily) --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund Monthly (Declared Daily) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Distributions of short-term capital gains (gains on securities held for a year or less) and net investment income are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, certain distributions of long-term capital gains and certain dividends are taxable at a lower rate than ordinary income. Long-term capital gains, if any, distributed to shareholders and which are designated by a fund as capital gain distributions, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain distributions regardless of the length of time you have owned your shares.
Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash, dividends and capital gain distributions are paid in additional shares. All distributions, cash or additional shares, are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state, local and other taxes.
84 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
These tables are intended to help you understand the Bond Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since inception. Certain information reflects financial results for a single fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an investment in the funds (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, the funds' independent registered public accounting firm. Their report, together with the fund's financial statements, are included in the fund's most recent Annual Report, which is available upon request.
PHOENIX BOND FUND
CLASS I (FKA CLASS X) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.56 $10.73 $10.78 $10.39 $10.44 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.47 0.37 0.40 0.41 0.48 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.08) (0.11) 0.08 0.46 0.12 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.39 0.26 0.48 0.87 0.60 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.44) (0.37) (0.46) (0.42) (0.49) Distributions from net realized gains (0.15) (0.06) (0.07) (0.06) (0.16) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.59) (0.43) (0.53) (0.48) (0.65) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.20) (0.17) (0.05) 0.39 (0.05) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.36 $10.56 $10.73 $10.78 $10.39 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return 3.84% 2.44% 4.54% 8.57% 5.94% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $63,156 $30,126 $39,476 $35,966 $48,606 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 0.82% 0.89% 0.80% 0.86% 0.83%(2) Gross operating expenses 0.82% 0.89% 0.80% 0.86% 0.83% Net investment income 4.59% 3.45% 3.72% 3.93% 4.75% Portfolio turnover 275% 221% 136% 244% 410% --------------------------------- |
(1) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(2) For the period ended September 30, 2002 for Class I, the ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(3) As required, effective October 1, 2001, the fund adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the year ended September 30, 2002, was to decrease the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 4.80% to 4.75% for Class I; to decrease net investment income (loss) per share from $0.49 to $0.48 per share for Class I; and, to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from $0.11 to $0.12 per share for Class I.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 85
PHOENIX BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.46 $10.63 $10.68 $10.29 $10.37 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.43 0.34 0.36 0.38 0.44 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.06) (0.11) 0.08 0.45 0.11 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.37 0.23 0.44 0.83 0.55 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.41) (0.34) (0.42) (0.38) (0.47) Distributions from net realized gains (0.15) (0.06) (0.07) (0.06) (0.16) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.56) (0.40) (0.49) (0.44) (0.63) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.19) (0.17) (0.05) 0.39 (0.08) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.27 $10.46 $10.63 $10.68 $10.29 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(2) 3.51% 2.14% 4.33% 8.28% 5.50% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $28,022 $29,501 $29,864 $21,263 $21,127 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.11% 1.15% 1.11% 1.15% 1.15% Gross operating expenses 1.15% 1.19% 1.11% 1.21% 1.22% Net investment income 4.21% 3.20% 3.37% 3.65% 4.38% Portfolio turnover 275% 221% 136% 244% 410% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.28 $10.44 $10.50 $10.13 $10.25 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.34 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.36 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.06) (0.09) 0.08 0.44 0.11 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.28 0.16 0.36 0.74 0.47 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.34) (0.26) (0.35) (0.31) (0.43) Distributions from net realized gains (0.15) (0.06) (0.07) (0.06) (0.16) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.49) (0.32) (0.42) (0.37) (0.59) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.21) (0.16) (0.06) 0.37 (0.12) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.07 $10.28 $10.44 $10.50 $10.13 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(2) 2.80% 1.36% 3.54% 7.43% 4.83% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $5,459 $6,706 $7,375 $10,218 $10,093 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.88% 1.90% 1.90% 1.90% 1.90% Gross operating expenses 2.30% 2.30% 2.07% 2.10% 2.16% Net investment income 3.43% 2.45% 2.69% 2.91% 3.63% Portfolio turnover 275% 221% 136% 244% 410% --------------------------------- |
(1) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(2) Sales charges are not reflected in total return calculation.
(3) As required, effective October 1, 2001, the fund adopted the provisions of
AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including
paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the
year ended September 30, 2002, was to decrease the ratio of net investment
income to average net assets from 4.44% to 4.38% and from 3.69% to 3.63% for
Class A and Class B, respectively; to decrease net investment income (loss) per
share from $0.45 to $0.44 per share and from $0.37 to $0.36 per share for Class
A and Class B, respectively; and, to increase net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) from $0.10 to $0.11 per share for Class A and Class B.
86 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.30 $10.46 $10.52 $10.15 $10.26 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)(1) 0.34 0.25 0.28 0.30 0.36 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.06) (0.09) 0.08 0.44 0.12 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.28 0.16 0.36 0.74 0.48 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.34) (0.26) (0.35) (0.31) (0.43) Distributions from net realized gains (0.15) (0.06) (0.07) (0.06) (0.16) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.49) (0.32) (0.42) (0.37) (0.59) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.21) (0.16) (0.06) 0.37 (0.11) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.09 $10.30 $10.46 $10.52 $10.15 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(2) 2.79% 1.35% 3.53% 7.42% 4.83% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,401 $2,038 $3,829 $4,754 $5,052 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.88% 1.90% 1.90% 1.90% 1.90% Gross operating expenses 3.44% 2.90% 2.37% 2.41% 2.50% Net investment income 3.41% 2.44% 2.64% 2.91% 3.63% Portfolio turnover 275% 221% 136% 244% 410% --------------------------------- |
(1) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(2) Sales charges are not reflected in total return calculation.
(3) As required, effective October 1, 2001, the fund adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the year ended September 30, 2002, was to decrease the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 3.69% to 3.63% for Class C; to decrease net investment income (loss) per share from $0.37 to $0.36 per share for Class C; and, to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from $0.11 to $0.12 per share for Class C.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 87
For each of the funds below, the tables present performance of the respective Predecessor Fund. No information is presented for the Successor Funds since each commenced operations on the date of this prospectus. The information is intended to help you understand the respective Predecessor Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since inception. Some of this information reflects financial information for a single share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that a Predecessor Fund shareholder would have earned or lost on an investment in the Predecessor Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm for each of the Predecessor Funds. Their report, together with each Predecessor Fund's financial statements, are included in the Predecessor Fund's most recent Annual Report, which is available upon request.
PHOENIX CA TAX EXEMPT BOND FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $12.19 $12.71 $12.49 $12.99 $12.82 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss) 0.47(2) 0.49(2) 0.48(2) 0.48 0.50 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.18 (0.39) 0.30 (0.38) 0.51 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.65 0.10 0.78 0.10 1.01 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.48) (0.49) (0.47) (0.47) (0.49) Distributions from net realized gains (0.10) (0.13) (0.09) (0.13) (0.35) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.58) (0.62) (0.56) (0.60) (0.84) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.07 (0.52) 0.22 (0.50) 0.17 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $12.26 $12.19 $12.71 $12.49 $12.99 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 5.40% 0.71% 6.48% 0.71% 8.19% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $42,243 $46,214 $53,113 $57,334 $68,109 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 0.87% 1.02%(3) 1.19% 1.19% 1.09% Gross operating expenses 1.10% 1.28% 1.19% 1.19% 1.09% Net investment income 3.81% 3.89% 3.78% 3.69% 3.84% Portfolio turnover 19% 8% 11% 11% 27% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) Represents a blended net expense ratio.
88 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX CA TAX EXEMPT BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
Net asset value, beginning of period $12.43 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss) 0.28(1) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.06) ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.22 ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.30) Distributions from net realized gains (0.10) ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.40) ------ Change in net asset value (0.18) ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $12.25 ====== Total return 1.79%(3) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $28,952 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 0.64%(2) Gross operating expenses 0.79%(2) Net investment income 3.90%(2) Portfolio turnover rate 19%(3) --------------------------------- (1) Computed using average shares outstanding. (2) Annualized. |
(3) Not Annualized.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 89
PHOENIX CORE BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.26 $ 8.65 $ 8.76 $ 8.93 $ 9.43 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss) 0.35(2) 0.32(2) 0.37(2) 0.39(2) 0.58 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.02 (0.29) (0.03) (0.04) (0.49) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.37 0.03 0.34 0.35 0.09 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.39) (0.42) (0.45) (0.52) (0.59) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.39) (0.42) (0.45) (0.52) (0.59) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.02) (0.39) (0.11) (0.17) (0.50) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.24 $ 8.26 $ 8.65 $ 8.76 $ 8.93 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 4.59% 0.34% 3.95% 3.96% 1.07% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $67,393 $77,880 $92,278 $104,092 $115,184 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.08%(4) 1.25% 1.18% 1.16% 1.15% Gross operating expenses 1.24% 1.25% 1.18% 1.16% 1.15% Net investment income (loss) 4.28% 3.73% 4.29% 4.37% 5.40% Portfolio turnover 48% 65% 45% 101% 70% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.21 $ 8.59 $ 8.71 $ 8.89 $ 9.39 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss) 0.29(2) 0.25(2) 0.31(2) 0.32(2) 0.51 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.01 (0.27) (0.05) (0.05) (0.49) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.30 (0.02) 0.26 0.27 0.02 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.33) (0.36) (0.38) (0.45) (0.52) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.33) (0.36) (0.38) (0.45) (0.52) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.03) (0.38) (0.12) (0.18) (0.50) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.18 $ 8.21 $ 8.59 $ 8.71 $ 8.89 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 3.72% (0.29)% 3.10% 3.08% 0.31% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,749 $2,390 $3,668 $6,628 $9,471 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.84%(4) 2.00% 1.93% 1.91% 1.90% Gross operating expenses 1.98% 2.00% 1.93% 1.91% 1.90% Net investment income (loss) 3.54% 2.97% 3.57% 3.62% 4.65% Portfolio turnover 48% 65% 45% 101% 70% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of
AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing
premiums on debt securities and including paydown gains and losses in interest
income. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002, was to
decrease net investment income to average net assets from 5.44% to 5.40% for
Class A, from 4.67% to 4.65% for Class B; to decrease net investment income
(loss) per share from $0.59 to $0.58 per share for Class A; and, to increase net
realized and unrealized gain (loss) from $(0.50) to $(0.49) per share for Class
A. There was no effect on net investment income (loss) per share and net
realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share for Class B.
(4) Represents a blended expense ratio.
90 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX CORE BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.23 $ 8.62 $ 8.73 $ 8.91 $ 9.41 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss) 0.29(2) 0.25(2) 0.31(2) 0.32(2) 0.51 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.02 (0.28) (0.04) (0.05) (0.49) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.31 (0.03) 0.27 0.27 0.02 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.33) (0.36) (0.38) (0.45) (0.52) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.33) (0.36) (0.38) (0.45) (0.52) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.02) (0.39) (0.11) (0.18) (0.50) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.21 $ 8.23 $ 8.62 $ 8.73 $ 8.91 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 3.84% (0.40)% 3.21% 3.06% 0.31% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,299 $1,273 $1,298 $1,385 $1,212 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.83%(4) 2.00% 1.93% 1.91% 1.90% Gross operating expenses 1.99% 2.00% 1.93% 1.91% 1.90% Net investment income (loss) 3.54% 2.99% 3.57% 3.63% 4.66% Portfolio turnover 48% 65% 45% 101% 70% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing premiums on debt securities and including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002, was to increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 4.64% to 4.66% for Class C. There was no effect on net investment income (loss) per share and net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share for Class C.
(4) Represents a blended expense ratio.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 91
PHOENIX EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003(5) 2002(4)(5) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.56 $ 8.25 $ 8.07 $ 6.80 $ 6.58 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income 0.47(2) 0.49(2) 0.47(2) 0.67 0.65(2) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.31 0.37 0.29 1.22 0.28 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.78 0.86 0.76 1.89 0.93 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.49) (0.55) (0.58) (0.62) (0.57) Return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.14) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.49) (0.55) (0.58) (0.62) (0.71) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.29 0.31 0.18 1.27 0.22 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.85 $ 8.56 $ 8.25 $ 8.07 $ 6.80 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 9.39% 10.78% 9.86% 28.94% 14.55% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $30,489 $27,450 $22,583 $35,910 $31,401 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.65% 1.67% 1.53% 1.49%(3) 1.58%(3) Net investment income 5.47% 5.83% 5.75% 7.73% 9.47% Portfolio turnover 139% 33% 140% 491% 588% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003(6) 2002(4)(6) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.36 $ 8.07 $ 7.91 $ 6.68 $ 6.47 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income 0.40(2) 0.42(2) 0.40(2) 0.58 0.59(2) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.30 0.36 0.28 1.22 0.28 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.70 0.78 0.68 1.80 0.87 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.43) (0.49) (0.52) (0.57) (0.53) Return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.13) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.43) (0.49) (0.52) (0.57) (0.66) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.27 0.29 0.16 1.23 0.21 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.63 $ 8.36 $ 8.07 $ 7.91 $ 6.68 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 8.60% 9.94% 8.98% 27.91% 13.80% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $9,075 $17,140 $26,853 $44,671 $46,865 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 2.41% 2.43% 2.29% 2.24%(3) 2.33%(3) Net investment income 4.69% 5.08% 4.99% 7.02% 8.78% Portfolio turnover 139% 33% 140% 491% 588% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) For the periods ended November 30, 2003 and 2002 for Class A and for the
periods ended November 30, 2003 and 2002 for Class B, the ratio of operating
expenses to average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for
custodian fees; if expense offsets were included the ratio of net operating
expense would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(4) As required, effective December 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provision of
AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing
premiums on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended
November 30, 2002, was to decrease the ratio of net investment income to average
net assets from 9.79% to 9.67% and from 9.02% to 8.91% for Class A and Class B,
respectively, decrease the net investment income (loss) per share from $0.61 to
$0.60 for Class B and increase the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per
share from $0.26 to $0.27 for Class B. There was no effect on net investment
income (loss) per share and net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share
for Class A.
(5) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under credit default and interest rate
swap agreements previously included within interest income, as a component of
realized gain (loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this
reclassification for Class A was to increase net investment income per share and
to decrease net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 for the
period ended November 30, 2003, and to decrease net investment income per share
and to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 for
the period ended November 30, 2002. The net investment income ratio increased by
0.31% for the period ended November 30, 2003 and decreased by 0.20% for the
period ended November 30, 2002.
(6) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under credit default and interest rate
swap agreements previously included within interest income, as a component of
realized gain (loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this
reclassification for Class B was to increase net investment income per share and
to decrease net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 for the
period ended November 30, 2003, and to decrease net investment income per share
and to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.01 for
the period ended November 30, 2002. The net investment income ratio increased by
0.30% for the period ended November 30, 2003 and decreased by 0.13% for the
period ended November 30, 2002.
92 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003(4) 2002(3)(4) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 8.41 $ 8.12 $ 7.95 $ 6.73 $ 6.51 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income 0.40(2) 0.42(2) 0.40(2) 0.58 0.60(2) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.30 0.36 0.29 1.21 0.28 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.70 0.78 0.69 1.79 0.88 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.43) (0.49) (0.52) (0.57) (0.53) Return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.13) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.43) (0.49) (0.52) (0.57) (0.66) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.27 0.29 0.17 1.22 0.22 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 8.68 $ 8.41 $ 8.12 $ 7.95 $ 6.73 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 8.55% 9.88% 9.06% 27.54% 13.88% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,299 $2,024 $2,115 $3,418 $2,783 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 2.40% 2.43% 2.29% 2.24% 2.33% Net investment income 4.71% 5.08% 4.98% 7.06% 8.71% Portfolio turnover 139% 33% 140% 491% 588% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) As required, effective December 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of
AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing
premiums on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended
November 30, 2002, was to decrease the ratio of net investment income to average
net assets from 8.95% to 8.83%; decrease the net investment income (loss) per
share from $0.62 to $0.61; and increase the net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) per share from $0.26 to $0.27 for Class C.
(4) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund reclassified periodic payments made under credit default and interest rate swap agreements previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain (loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for Class C was to increase net investment income per share and to decrease net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.03 for the period ended November 30, 2003 and to decrease net investment income per share and to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.01 for the period ended November 30, 2002. The net investment income ratio increased by 0.30% for the period ended November 30, 2003 and decreased by 0.12% for the period ended November 30, 2002.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 93
PHOENIX HIGH YIELD FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(5) 2002(2)(4) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.88 $ 5.11 $ 5.02 $ 4.51 $ 5.19 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.31 0.31 0.33 0.35 0.45 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.05 (0.19) 0.11 0.54 (0.65) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.36 0.12 0.44 0.89 (0.20) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.33) (0.35) (0.35) (0.38) (0.45) Tax return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.03) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.33) (0.35) (0.35) (0.38) (0.48) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.03 (0.23) 0.09 0.51 (0.68) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.91 $ 4.88 $ 5.11 $ 5.02 $ 4.51 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 7.52% 2.37% 8.85% 20.54% (4.33)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $132,408 $144,060 $174,527 $192,428 $183,028 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.37% 1.36% 1.32% 1.32% 1.33%(3) Net investment income (loss) 6.25% 6.23% 6.57% 7.17% 9.06% Portfolio turnover 161% 59% 99% 176% 114% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(6) 2002(4)(6) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.81 $ 5.05 $ 4.96 $ 4.47 $ 5.14 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.26 0.27 0.29 0.31 0.41 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.06 (0.20) 0.11 0.52 (0.64) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.32 0.07 0.40 0.83 (0.23) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.29) (0.31) (0.31) (0.34) (0.41) Tax return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.03) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.29) (0.31) (0.31) (0.34) (0.44) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.03 (0.24) 0.09 0.49 (0.67) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.84 $ 4.81 $ 5.05 $ 4.96 $ 4.47 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 6.83% 1.46% 8.18% 19.39% (4.88)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $4,595 $7,791 $14,574 $22,499 $22,074 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 2.12% 2.11% 2.07% 2.07% 2.08%(3) Net investment income (loss) 5.46% 5.47% 5.90% 6.43% 8.32% Portfolio turnover 161% 59% 99% 176% 114% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) For the period ended October 31, 2002, the ratio of operating expenses excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(4) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of
AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing
premiums on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended
October 31, 2002, was to decrease net investment income to average net assets
from 9.35% to 9.30% and from 8.61% to 8.56% for Class A and B, respectively;
decrease the net investment income (loss) per share from $0.47 to $0.46 for
Class A; and increase the net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share from
$(0.67) to $(0.66) for Class A. There was no effect on net investment income
(loss) per share for Class B.
(5) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements and high yield debt index instruments; previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain (loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for Class A shares was to reduce net investment income per share and to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.01 and $0.01 for the periods ending October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio decreased by 0.30% and 0.24% for the periods ending October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
(6) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements and high yield debt instruments; previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain (loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for Class B shares was to reduce net investment income per share and to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.01 and $0.02 for the periods ending October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio decreased by 0.30% and 0.24% for the periods ending October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
94 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX HIGH YIELD FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(5) 2002(4)(5) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.84 $ 5.07 $ 4.99 $ 4.49 $ 5.16 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.27 0.27 0.29 0.31 0.41 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.05 (0.19) 0.10 0.53 (0.64) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.32 0.08 0.39 0.84 (0.23) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.29) (0.31) (0.31) (0.34) (0.41) Tax return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.03) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.29) (0.31) (0.31) (0.34) (0.44) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.03 (0.23) 0.08 0.50 (0.67) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.87 $ 4.84 $ 5.07 $ 4.99 $ 4.49 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 6.80% 1.66% 8.14% 19.30% (4.88)% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,585 $1,758 $1,990 $2,877 $1,921 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 2.12% 2.11% 2.07% 2.07% 2.08%(3) Net investment income (loss) 5.48% 5.48% 5.87% 6.43% 8.28% Portfolio turnover 161% 59% 99% 176% 114% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) For the periods ended October 31, 2002, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(4) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing premiums on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002, was to decrease net investment income to average net assets from 8.57% to 8.52%; decrease the net investment income (loss) per share from $0.43 to $0.42; and increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share from $(0.66) to $(0.65).
(5) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund reclassified periodic payments made under swap and high yield debt instruments, previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain (loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for Class C shares was to reduce net investment income per share and to increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 and $0.01 for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio decreased by 0.30% and 0.24% for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 95
PHOENIX MONEY MARKET FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss) 0.04 0.02 0.007 0.010 0.014 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.04 0.02 0.007 0.010 0.014 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.04) (0.02) (0.007) (0.010) (0.014) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.04) (0.02) (0.007) (0.010) (0.014) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value -- -- -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return 4.04% 2.00% 0.66% 1.00% 1.38% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $99,779 $111,395 $139,996 $156,098 $184,390 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net Operating expenses 0.84% 0.85% 0.65% 0.37% 0.79% Gross operating expenses 0.90% 0.89% 0.92% 0.87% 0.86% Net investment income (loss) 3.95% 1.94% 0.65% 1.00% 1.37% |
96 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR FIXED INCOME FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(5) 2002(4)(5) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.63 $11.16 $10.85 $ 9.82 $10.03 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.59(2) 0.59(2) 0.69(2) 0.71 0.72 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.21 (0.40) 0.34 0.99 (0.18) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.80 0.19 1.03 1.70 0.54 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.55) (0.72) (0.72) (0.67) (0.74) Tax return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.01) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.55) (0.72) (0.72) (0.67) (0.75) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.25 (0.53) 0.31 1.03 (0.21) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.88 $10.63 $11.16 $10.85 $ 9.82 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 7.74% 1.73% 9.78% 17.73% 5.52% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $113,362 $113,885 $116,079 $113,345 $107,782 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.17% 1.20% 1.18% 1.24% 1.26%(3) Net investment income 5.52% 5.36% 6.30% 6.68% 7.14% Portfolio turnover 96% 136% 156% 204% 156% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) For the period ended October 31, 2002, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(4) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund has adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002 was to increase net investment income per share by $0.01, decrease net realized and unrealized gains and losses per share by $0.01, and increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 7.33% to 7.42%.
(5) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class A Shares was to reduce net investment income and to increase net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 and $0.03 for the periods ended
October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio
decreased by 0.18% and 0.28% for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 97
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR FIXED INCOME FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(5) 2002(4)(5) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.61 $11.13 $10.82 $ 9.80 $10.01 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.51(2) 0.50(2) 0.61 (2) 0.63 0.64 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.22 (0.40) 0.33 0.98 (0.18) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.73 0.10 0.94 1.61 0.46 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.47) (0.62) (0.63) (0.59) (0.66) Tax return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.01) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.47) (0.62) (0.63) (0.59) (0.67) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.26 (0.52) 0.31 1.02 (0.21) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.87 $10.61 $11.13 $10.82 $ 9.80 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 7.05% 0.91% 8.99% 16.84% 4.74% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $14,147 $16,879 $21,554 $26,754 $28,982 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.92% 1.95% 1.93% 1.99% 2.01%(3) Net investment income 4.78% 4.61% 5.56% 5.94% 6.41% Portfolio turnover 96% 136% 156% 204% 156% CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(6) 2002(4)(6) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $10.67 $11.18 $10.87 $ 9.84 $10.04 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.51(2) 0.51(2) 0.61(2) 0.64 0.65 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.22 (0.40) 0.33 0.98 (0.18) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.73 0.11 0.94 1.62 0.47 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.47) (0.62) (0.63) (0.59) (0.66) Tax return of capital -- -- -- -- (0.01) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.47) (0.62) (0.63) (0.59) (0.67) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.26 (0.51) 0.31 1.03 (0.20) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.93 $10.67 $11.18 $10.87 $ 9.84 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 7.00% 0.99% 8.95% 16.99% 4.71% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $17,222 $15,175 $10,941 $8,902 $5,922 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.91% 1.95% 1.93% 2.00%(3) 2.01%(3) Net investment income 4.77% 4.62% 5.56% 5.93% 6.39% Portfolio turnover 96% 136% 156% 204% 156% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) For the period ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, the ratio of operating expenses to average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(4) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund has adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002 was to increase net investment income per share by $0.01 for Class B and Class C, decrease net realized and unrealized gains and losses per share by $0.01 for Class B and Class C, and increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 6.61% to 6.69% for Class B and from 6.57% to 6.66% for Class C, respectively.
(5) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class B shares was to reduce net investment income and to increase net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 and $0.03 for the periods ended
October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio
decreased by 0.16% and 0.27% for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
(6) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class C shares was to reduce net investment income and to increase net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.02 and $0.03 for the periods ended
October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio
decreased by 0.18% and 0.27% for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
98 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(3) 2002(2)(3) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.70 $ 4.83 $ 4.78 $ 4.56 $ 4.58 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.22(6) 0.20(6) 0.21 0.22 0.25 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.03 (0.12) 0.06 0.21 (0.02) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.25 0.08 0.27 0.43 0.23 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.21) (0.19) (0.22) (0.21) (0.25) Distributions from net realized gains -- --(5) -- -- -- Tax return of capital -- (0.02) -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.21) (0.21) (0.22) (0.21) (0.25) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.04 (0.13) 0.05 0.22 (0.02) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.74 $ 4.70 $ 4.83 $ 4.78 $ 4.56 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 5.37% 1.64% 5.69% 9.68% 5.22% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,062,479 $819,283 $372,463 $229,020 $83,665 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.04% 1.02% 1.03% 1.08% 1.23% Net investment income (loss) 4.75% 4.24% 4.17% 4.28% 5.09% Portfolio turnover 93% 83% 95% 135% 146% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(4) 2002(2)(4) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.68 $ 4.82 $ 4.77 $ 4.55 $ 4.56 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.20(6) 0.18(6) 0.19 0.20 0.22 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.02 (0.14) 0.05 0.21 --(5) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.22 0.04 0.24 0.41 0.22 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.18) (0.16) (0.19) (0.19) (0.23) Distributions from net realized gains -- --(5) -- -- -- Tax return of capital -- (0.02) -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.18) (0.18) (0.19) (0.19) (0.23) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.04 (0.14) 0.05 0.22 (0.01) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.72 $ 4.68 $ 4.82 $ 4.77 $ 4.55 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 4.64% 1.12% 5.16% 9.17% 4.94% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $27,845 $33,003 $33,325 $30,457 $21,450 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.54% 1.51% 1.52% 1.58% 1.73% Net investment income 4.24% 3.72% 3.68% 3.88% 4.62% Portfolio turnover 93% 83% 95% 135% 146% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund has adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for the year ended October 31, 2002, was to increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 5.24% to 5.25% for Class A and from 4.77% to 4.79% for Class B. There was no effect on net investment income per share and net realized and unrealized gains and losses per share.
(3) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class A shares had no impact on net investment income or net realized and
unrealized gain (loss) per share for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and
2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio decreased by 0.06% and 0.16%
for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
(4) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class B shares was to reduce net investment income and to increase net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.00 and $0.01 for the periods ended
October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio
decreased by 0.06% and 0.17% for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and, 2002,
respectively.
(5) Amount is less than $0.01.
(6) Computed using average shares outstanding.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 99
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003(4) 2002(3)(4) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.73 $ 4.87 $ 4.81 $ 4.58 $ 4.59 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.21(7) 0.19(7) 0.21 0.21 0.23 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.02 (0.13) 0.05 0.22 --(6) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.23 0.06 0.26 0.43 0.23 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.19) (0.18) (0.20) (0.20) (0.24) Distributions from net realized gains -- --(6) -- -- -- Tax return of capital -- (0.02) -- -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.19) (0.20) (0.20) (0.20) (0.24) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.04 (0.14) 0.06 0.23 (0.01) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.77 $ 4.73 $ 4.87 $ 4.81 $ 4.58 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 5.07% 1.15% 5.59% 9.60% 5.17% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $205,385 $295,926 $238,854 $163,436 $52,101 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.28% 1.26% 1.27% 1.33% 1.47% Net investment income 4.48% 3.98% 3.92% 4.02% 4.78% Portfolio turnover 93% 83% 95% 135% 146% CLASS T --------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, FROM INCEPTION JUNE 2, 2003 TO 2006 2005 2004 OCTOBER 31, 2003(5) ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $ 4.73 $ 4.86 $ 4.80 $ 4.82 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss) 0.19(7) 0.17(7) 0.18 0.07 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 0.01 (0.13) 0.06 (0.02) ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 0.20 0.04 0.24 0.05 ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.17) (0.15) (0.18) (0.07) Distributions from net realized gains -- --(6) -- -- Tax return of capital -- (0.02) -- -- ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.17) (0.17) (0.18) (0.07) ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 0.03 (0.13) 0.06 (0.02) ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $ 4.76 $ 4.73 $ 4.86 $ 4.80 ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 4.34% 0.84% 5.05% 1.10% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $153,395 $195,830 $120,145 $26,646 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Operating expenses 1.79% 1.76% 1.78% 1.90%(2) Net investment income 3.98% 3.48% 3.40% 3.06% Portfolio turnover 93% 83% 95% 135% --------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) The ratio of net operating expenses to average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio would have been 0.01% lower than the ratio shown in the table.
(3) As required, effective November 1, 2001, the Fund has adopted the provisions of AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began including paydown gains and losses in interest income. The effect of this change for Class C shares for the year ended October 31, 2002, was to increase the ratio of net investment income to average net assets from 4.93% to 4.95%. There was no effect on net investment income per share and net realized and unrealized gains and losses per share.
(4) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class C shares was to reduce net investment income and to increase net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.00 and $0.01 for the periods ended
October 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The net investment income ratio
decreased by 0.01% and 0.17% for the periods ended October 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively.
(5) In accordance with changes in generally accepted accounting principles, the
Fund reclassified periodic payments made under interest rate swap agreements,
previously included within interest income, as a component of realized gain
(loss) in the statement of operations. The effect of this reclassification for
Class T shares was to reduce net investment income and to increase net realized
and unrealized gain (loss) per share by $0.00 for the period ending October 31,
2003. The net investment income ratio for the period ending October 31, 2003
decreased by 0.15%.
(6) Amount is less than $0.01.
(7) Computed using average shares outstanding.
100 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
[logo]
PHOENIX
Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You can find more information about the Funds in the following documents:
ANNUAL AND SEMIANNUAL REPORTS
Annual and semiannual reports contain more information about the Funds' investments. The annual report discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during the last fiscal year.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information about the Funds. It is incorporated by reference and is legally part of the prospectus.
To obtain free copies of these documents, you can download copies from the Individual Investors section of our Web site, phoenixfunds.com, or you can request copies by calling us toll-free at 1-800-243-1574.
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. For information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 1-202-551-8090. This information is also available on the SEC's Internet site at sec.gov. You may also obtain copies upon payment of a duplicating fee by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-6009 or by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
Mutual Fund Services: 1-800-243-1574
Text Telephone: 1-800-243-1926
NOT INSURED BY FDIC/NCUSIF OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT A DEPOSIT. MAY LOSE VALUE.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7455
PXP4848 BPD31971 6-07
[logo]
PHOENIX
Prospectus
ALTERNATIVE FUNDS
PHOENIX GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND
PHOENIX MONEY NEUTRAL FUND
PHOENIX REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
: : Wouldn't you rather have this : : document e-mailed to you? TRUST NAME: : : Eligible shareholders can sign up for PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST : June 27, 2007 : E-Delivery at phoenixfunds.com ..................................................................................................... |
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
This prospectus contains important information that you should know before investing in the Phoenix Opportunities Trust Funds. Please read it carefully and retain it for future reference.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 1 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 8 Management of the Fund................................................. 9 Phoenix Market Neutral Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 12 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 17 Management of the Fund................................................. 18 Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund Investment Risk and Return Summary..................................... 21 Fund Fees and Expenses................................................. 26 Management of the Fund................................................. 27 Additional Investment Techniques.......................................... 29 Pricing of Fund Shares.................................................... 31 Sales Charges............................................................. 33 Your Account.............................................................. 40 How to Buy Shares......................................................... 42 How to Sell Shares........................................................ 42 Things You Should Know When Selling Shares................................ 43 Account Policies.......................................................... 44 Investor Services and Other Information................................... 48 Tax Status of Distributions............................................... 49 Financial Highlights...................................................... 50 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The Phoenix Global Utilities Fund has an investment objective of seeking both capital appreciation and current income. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal market conditions, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in common and preferred stocks of companies involved to a significant extent in providing products, services or equipment for the Utility Sector that are located in three or more countries, one of which will be the United States. Under normal market conditions, the fund will invest at least 50% of its assets in securities of U.S. issuers. The fund may invest in issuers of any capitalization. The Utility Sector consists of companies involved in (i) the generation or distribution of electricity, gas or water, (ii) telecommunications activities or (iii) infrastructure operations, such as airports, toll roads and municipal services. A company will be deemed to be involved in the Utility Sector to a significant extent if at least 50% of its assets, gross income or profits are committed to, or derived from, one or more of the activities in the areas described above. At March 31, 2007, the market capitalization of the issuers in which the fund was invested ranged from $517.1 million to $246 billion. The fund's policy of investing at least 80% of its assets in the utilities sector may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > The fund invests in common and preferred stocks of utility companies that the subadviser believes at the time of acquisition are attractively valued and are eligible to pay dividends which, for individual shareholders, qualify for U.S. federal income taxation at rates applicable to qualified dividend income. > The fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities which are outside the Utility Sector and which do not pay tax-advantaged dividends, including stocks, debt obligations, money market securities and money market mutual funds, as well as certain derivative instruments in the Utility Sector or other industries. When investing in debt obligations, the fund will invest primarily in investment grade debt obligations, although the fund may invest in high yield-high risk fixed income securities. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: If the subadviser believes that market conditions are not favorable to the fund's principal strategies, the fund may take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by holding cash or investing, without limit, in cash equivalents or other fixed income securities. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please refer to "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund 1
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
CREDIT RISK
Credit risk refers to the issuer's ability to make scheduled interest or principal payments. Generally, the lower the credit rating of a security the greater the chance that the issuer will be unable to make such payments when due. Credit risk is determined at the date of investment. If after the date of purchase the rating declines, the fund is not obligated to sell the security.
DEBT SECURITIES RISK
In addition to credit and interest rate risk, investing in debt securities carries certain other risks, including:
Redemption Risk--Debt securities sometimes contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes, in addition to call features at the option of the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return.
Limited Voting Rights--Debt securities typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when interest payments have not been made and the issuer is in default.
Liquidity--Certain debt securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. Government securities or common stocks.
DERIVATIVES RISK
Derivatives typically involve greater risks than traditional investments. It is generally more difficult to ascertain the risk of, and to properly value, derivative contracts. Derivative contracts are usually less liquid than traditional securities and are subject to counterparty risk (the risk that the other party to the contract will default or otherwise not be able to perform its contractual obligations). In addition, some derivatives transactions may involve potentially unlimited losses. Derivative contracts entered into for hedging purposes may also subject the fund to losses if the contracts do not correlate with the assets, index or rates they were designed to hedge. Gains and losses derived from hedging transactions are, therefore, more dependent upon the subadviser's ability to correctly predict the movement of the underlying asset prices, indexes or rates.
2 Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
EQUITY SECURITIES RISK
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o LARGE MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large market capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
o SMALL AND MEDIUM MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with smaller market capitalizations are often companies with a limited operating history or companies in industries that have recently emerged due to cultural, economic, regulatory or technological developments. Such developments can have a significant impact or negative effect on small and medium market capitalization companies and their stock performance and can make investment returns highly volatile. Product lines are often less diversified and more susceptible to competitive threats. Smaller market capitalization stocks are subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell.
FOREIGN INVESTING RISK
Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies such as:
o less publicly available information about foreign countries;
o political and economic instability within countries;
o differences in financial reporting standards and transaction settlement systems;
o the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation; and
o changes in investment or exchange regulations.
Some investments may be made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar that will fluctuate in value as a result of changes in the currency exchange rates. Exchange rate fluctuations can cause the value of your shares to decrease or increase. Generally, when the value of the U.S. dollar increases against the foreign currency in which an investment is denominated, the security tends to decrease in value which, in turn, may cause the value of your shares to decrease.
HIGH YIELD-HIGH RISK FIXED INCOME SECURITIES RISK
High yield-high risk fixed income securities entail greater price volatility and credit and interest rate risk than investment grade securities. Analysis of the creditworthiness of high yield-high risk issuers is more complex than for higher-rated securities, making it more difficult for the subadviser to accurately predict risk. There is a greater risk with high yield-high risk fixed income securities that an issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments when
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund 3
due. If the fund pursues missed payments, there is a risk that fund expenses could increase. In addition, lower-rated securities may not trade as often and may be less liquid than higher-rated securities.
INCOME FLUCTUATION RISK
The income received from the fund is based primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short and long-term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the fund's preferred stock holdings and any bond holdings could drop as well. The fund's income also would likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase.
INTEREST RATE RISK
Interest rate trends can have an effect on the value of your shares. If interest rates rise, the value of preferred stocks paying fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities generally will fall. Because the fund may hold securities with longer maturities or durations, the net asset value of the fund may experience greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates than funds that hold only securities with short-term maturities or durations. Prices of longer-term securities are affected more by interest rate changes than prices of shorter-term securities.
MUTUAL FUND INVESTING RISK
Assets invested in other mutual funds incur a layering of expenses, including operating costs, advisory fees and administrative fees that you, as a shareholder in the fund, indirectly bear.
PREFERRED STOCK RISK
Preferred stocks involve credit risk, which is the risk that a preferred stock will decline in price, or fail to pay dividends when expected, because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred stocks involves certain other risks, including skipping or deferring distributions, and redemption in the event of certain legal or tax changes or at the issuer's call. Preferred stocks are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Preferred stocks may be significantly less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. Government securities, corporate debt or common stock.
UTILITY SECTOR CONCENTRATION RISK
Concentrating its investments in the Utility Sector presents additional risk. Securities of companies in other industries may provide greater investment return in certain market conditions as compared to companies in the Utility Sector. Moreover, conditions that negatively impact the Utility Sector will have greater impact on this fund as compared with a fund that does not concentrate in one sector.
4 Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
Certain segments of the Utility Sector and individual companies within such segments may not perform as well as the sector as a whole. The Utility Sector historically has been subject to risks of increases in fuel, purchased power and other operating costs, high interest costs on borrowings needed for capital improvement programs and costs associated with compliance with and changes in environmental and other governmental regulations. Telecommunications companies in particular have been subject to risks associated with increasing levels of competition, technology substitution (i.e., wireless, broadband and Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP), industry overcapacity, consolidation and regulatory uncertainty.
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund 5
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Global Utilities Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Global Utilities Fund, a series of Phoenix Investment Series Fund ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Global Utilities Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in Phoenix Global Utilities Fund. The bar chart shows the fund's Class A Shares performance over the life of the fund.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare with a broad-based securities market index and with a "composite" benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 2005 5.52 2006 28.00 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 11.85% (quarter ending December 31, 2006) and the lowest return for a quarter was -4.17% (quarter ending December 31, 2005). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 5.82%.
6 Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -------------------------------------------- (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR CLASS A CLASS C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 20.64% 12.85% -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 19.95% 12.19% -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 14.16% 10.87% -- and Sale of Fund Shares ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C Shares ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes 27.03% -- 15.36% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index((5)) 15.78% 10.31% 10.31% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Composite Index((6)) 27.02% 18.56% 18.56% ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class C Shares.
(3) Class A Shares and Class C Shares since December 30, 2004.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The S&P 500(R) Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies and is provided for general comparative purposes. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(6) The Composite Index is a composite index consisting of: 65% MSCI USA/Utilities Index, which tracks the performance of utility stocks from the United States; 20% MSCI World Telecom Services Index, which tracks the performance of telecom-related stocks from around the world; and 15% MSCI World ex USA/Utilities Index, which tracks the performance of utility stocks from around the world excluding the United States. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund 7
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS C SHARES SHARES ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 1.00%(b) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None Redemption Fee None None Exchange Fee None None ----------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS C SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.65% 0.65% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(c) 0.25% 1.00% Other Expenses(d) 0.50% 0.50% ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(e) 1.40% 2.15% ===== ===== |
(b) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(c) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(d) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended April 30, 2007.
(e) The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through August 31, 2007, so that such expenses do not exceed 1.15% for Class A Shares and 1.90% for Class C Shares. The adviser will voluntarily extend this expense limitation until January 31, 2008. Actual Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, after expense reimbursement, were 1.17% for Class A Shares and 1.91% for Class C Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
8 Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $709 $993 $1,297 $2,158 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $322 $685 $1,175 $2,524 |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $222 $685 $1,175 $2,524 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Note: The examples do not include the effects of the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser; therefore, your actual expenses may be lower than those shown.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. ("Duff & Phelps"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3600, Chicago, IL 60603. Duff & Phelps acts as subadviser to three mutual funds and as adviser to three closed-end mutual funds and to institutional clients. Duff & Phelps (together with its predecessor) has been in the investment advisory business for more than 70 years. As of March 31, 2007, Duff & Phelps had approximately $7.9 billion in assets under management on a discretionary basis.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Duff & Phelps, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Duff & Phelps manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund 9
$1+ billion 1st billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.65% 0.60% 0.55% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses), through August 31, 2007 and will voluntarily extend this expense limitation until January 31, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values for the fund.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Class C Shares Shares -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.15% 1.90% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
Phoenix pays Duff & Phelps a subadvisory fee at the following rates:
$1+ billion 1st billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subadvisory Fee 0.325% 0.30% 0.275% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
A team of investment professionals led by Nathan Partain is jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. The members of the investment team and their areas of responsibility and expertise are as follows:
T. BROOKS BEITTEL, CFA. Mr. Beittel has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2004. Mr. Beittel is a Senior Vice President of DPIM since 1993. Mr. Beittel
10 Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
concentrates his research on fixed income securities. He joined Duff & Phelps in 1987 and since then has served in positions of increasing responsibility.
DEBORAH JANSEN, CFA. Ms. Jansen has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2004. Ms. Jansen is a Senior Vice President for Duff & Phelps since 2001. Ms. Jansen was a Senior Vice President, Principal and Equity Portfolio Manager at Stein Roe and Farnham, Incorporated (1996-2000). Ms. Jansen concentrates her research on the global electrical and natural gas industries. She joined Duff & Phelps in 2001 and since then has served in positions of increasing responsibility.
CONNIE M. LUECKE, CFA. Ms. Luecke has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2004. Ms. Luecke is a Senior Vice President of Duff & Phelps since 1998. Ms. Luecke concentrates her research on the global telecommunications industry. She joined Duff & Phelps in 1992 and since then has served in positions of increasing responsibility.
NATHAN I. PARTAIN, CFA. Mr. Partain has led the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2004. Mr. Partain is President and Chief Investment Officer of Duff & Phelps (since April 2005) (Executive Vice President, 1997-2005) and President and Chief Executive Officer of three utility-oriented closed-end funds: DNP Select Income Fund Inc. since 2001, DTF Tax-Free Income Inc. since 2004 and Duff & Phelps Utility & Corporate Bond Trust Inc. since 2004. He joined Duff & Phelps in 1987 and since then has served in positions of increasing responsibility. He is also a director of Otter Tail Corporation (since 1993).
RANDLE L. SMITH, CFA. Mr. Smith has served on the fund's portfolio management team since its inception in 2004. Mr. Smith is a Senior Vice President of Duff & Phelps since 1998. Mr. Smith concentrates his research on the global electrical and natural gas industries. He joined Duff & Phelps in 1990 and since then has served in positions of increasing responsibility.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
Phoenix Global Utilities Fund 11
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Market Neutral Fund has an investment objective to seek long-term capital appreciation while maintaining minimal portfolio exposure to general equity market risk. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective. The fund's investment objective may be changed without shareholder approval.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> The goal of market neutral investing is to generate returns that are independent of the direction of the stock market. The fund attempts to maintain minimal exposure to general market risk by always having both long and short positions in stocks. The fund has a long position when it owns the security and has "sold short" a position when it sells a security it does not own. When the fund has "sold short," it must borrow the security in order to settle the sale and buy the security at a later date to pay back the lender. The fund must maintain collateral at least equal to the current market value of the security sold short. The fund will not make a short sale if the market value of all short positions would exceed 100% of the value of the fund's net assets giving effect to such sale. > The fund strives to have long positions in stocks that it believes will outperform the market and short positions in stocks that it believes will underperform the market. Under normal circumstances, the fund seeks to maintain a balance between investments that are expected to benefit from a general rise in stock prices and investments that are expected to benefit from a general stock market decline. > The fund utilizes proprietary stock selection models that are designed to predict relative attractiveness of stocks. The models collect fundamental data such as earnings, dividends, cash flow, revenues and book value. The fundamental data are then used to analyze characteristics such as growth prospects, valuation and momentum. Each stock is then given a score. The fund strives to profit by purchasing stocks that have relatively high scores and selling short stocks that have relatively low scores. > In selecting stocks for fund investment, the fund uses a blended strategy, investing in both growth and value stocks of any capitalization. At March 31, 2007, the market capitalization range of the issuers in which the fund held long positions was $256 million to $194 billion and the market capitalization range of the issuers in which the fund held short positions was $251 million to $55 billion. > In addition to purchasing or selling short individual securities, the fund may purchase or sell short any type of future or option related to such securities. 12 Phoenix Market Neutral Fund |
> The fund seeks a total return greater than the return on three-month U.S. Treasury Bills. > The fund's turnover rate is expected to be higher than 100%. A high portfolio turnover rate increases brokerage and other transaction costs to the fund, negatively affects fund performance, and may increase capital gain distributions, resulting in greater tax liability to you. Please see "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund. |
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, specific industries or companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES RISK
Although the fund seeks to minimize market risk, it can not be eliminated. Generally, the prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product). The fund's long positions may decline in value at the same time that the value of the securities sold short increases, thereby increasing the potential for losses. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
o LARGE MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large market capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
o SMALL AND MEDIUM MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with smaller market capitalizations are often companies with a limited operating history or companies in industries that have recently emerged due to cultural, economic, regulatory or technological developments. Such developments can have a significant impact or negative effect on small and medium market capitalization companies and their stock performance and can make
Phoenix Market Neutral Fund 13
investment returns highly volatile. Product lines are often less diversified and more susceptible to competitive threats. Smaller market capitalization stocks are subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell.
FUTURES AND OPTIONS RISK
Futures and options involve market risk in excess of their value. The use of futures or options may result in larger losses or smaller gains than otherwise would be the case. The prices of futures and options and the price movements of the securities that the future or option is intended to simulate may not correlate well.
Liquidity of futures and options markets can be adversely affected by market factors. If the fund cannot close out its futures position, it may be compelled to continue to make daily cash payments to the broker to meet margin requirements, thus increasing transaction costs. Generally, there are more speculators in futures and options markets than general securities markets, which can result in price distortions.
SHORT SALES RISK
In order to establish a short position in a security, the fund must first borrow the security from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. The fund may not always be able to borrow a security, or to close out a short position at a particular time or at an acceptable price. If the price of the borrowed security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the fund replaces the security, the fund may experience a loss. The fund's loss on a short sale is limited only by the maximum attainable price of the security (which could be limitless) less the price the fund paid for the security at the time it was borrowed.
14 Phoenix Market Neutral Fund
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Market Neutral Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Market Neutral Fund, a series of Phoenix Portfolios ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Market Neutral Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Market Neutral Fund. The bar chart shows the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over the life of the fund.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns for the life of the fund compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1999 -5.53 2000 1.77 2001 6.56 2002 5.69 2003 -0.09 2004 4.40 2005 -0.09 2006 -5.40 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 8.66% (quarter ending September 30, 2002) and the lowest return for a quarter was -12.08% (quarter ending December 31, 2002). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is -0.09%.
Phoenix Market Neutral Fund 15
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS LIFE OF FUND(3) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes -10.84% -0.36% -0.08% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) -11.16% -0.43% -0.50% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return After Taxes on Distributions -6.73% -0.32% -0.32% and Sale of Fund Shares(4)(5) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes -9.72% -0.08% -0.09% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return Before Taxes -6.04% 0.12% -0.12% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S&P 500(R) Index(6) 15.78% 6.19% 4.40% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index(7) 4.76% 2.35% 3.46% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Since inception on May 1, 1998.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The Return After Taxes on Distributions and Sale of Fund Shares for a period may be greater than the Return After Taxes on Distributions for the same period if there was a tax loss realized on sale of fund shares. The benefit of the tax loss (to the extent it can be used to offset other gains) may result in a higher return.
(6) The S&P 500(R) Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(7) The Citigroup 90-Day Treasury Bill Index measures monthly return equivalents of yield averages that are not marked to market. The 90-Day Treasury Bill Index is an average of the last three-month Treasury bill issues. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
16 Phoenix Market Neutral Fund
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR \ INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 5.00%(b) 1.25%(c) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None Redemption Fee None None None Exchange Fee None None None ------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees(d) 1.50% 1.50% 1.50% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(e) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% Other Expenses: Dividends on Short Sales 1.46% 1.46% 1.46% Remainder of Other Expenses 0.42% 0.42% 0.42% Total Other Expenses(f) 1.88% 1.88% 1.88% ----- ----- ----- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(g) 3.63% 4.38% 4.38% ===== ===== ===== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 3% during the third and fourth years and to 0% after the sixth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to waive 0.15% of its management fee through February 28, 2008. The adviser will not seek to recapture any fees waived under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
(e) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by the NASD.
(f) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.
(g) The fund's investment adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit total operating expenses (excluding dividends on short sales, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed 1.77% for Class A Shares, 2.52% for Class B Shares and 2.52% for Class C Shares. Actual Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses, after contractual expense waiver and voluntary expense reimbursement, were 2.19% for Class A Shares, 2.91% for Class B Shares and 2.92% for Class C Shares. The adviser may discontinue this voluntary expense cap at any time. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
Phoenix Market Neutral Fund 17
investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after seven years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $919 $1,623 $2,345 $4,240 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $839 $1,626 $2,324 $4,294 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $564 $1,326 $2,224 $4,518 |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $439 $1,326 $2,224 $4,294 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $439 $1,326 $2,224 $4,518 |
Note: The examples do not include the effects of the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser; therefore, your actual expenses may be lower than those shown.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Euclid Advisors LLC ("Euclid"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Euclid acts as subadviser to two mutual funds and may act as investment adviser for other accounts. Euclid has been an investment adviser since 1994. As of March 31, 2007, Euclid had approximately $278 million in assets under management.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser and recommending its hiring, termination and replacement, and for the general operations of the fund. Euclid, as subadviser,
18 Phoenix Market Neutral Fund
is responsible for day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Euclid manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the annual rate of 1.50%.
The adviser has contractually agreed to waive 0.15% of its management fee through February 28, 2008. Additionally, the adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit total operating expenses (excluding dividends on short sales, interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) so that such expenses do not exceed the following amounts:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Class B Class C Shares Shares Shares -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.77% 2.52% 2.52% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The adviser may discontinue this voluntary expense cap at any time. The adviser will not seek to recapture any fees waived or operating expenses reimbursed under these arrangements, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
Phoenix pays Euclid a subadvisory fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period from October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
The fund and Phoenix have received an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits Phoenix, subject to certain conditions, and without the approval of shareholders, to: (a) employ a new unaffiliated subadviser for a fund pursuant to the terms of a new subadvisory agreement, in each case either as a replacement for an existing subadviser or as an additional subadviser; (b) change the terms of any subadvisory agreement; and (c) continue the employment of an existing subadviser on the same subadvisory agreement terms where an agreement has been assigned because of a change in control of the subadviser. In such circumstances, shareholders would receive notice of such action, including the information concerning the new subadviser that normally is provided in a proxy statement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
CARLTON NEEL and DAVID DICKERSON serve as Co-Portfolio Managers and are jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund.
Mr. Neel is a Senior Vice President of Euclid and Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC ("PZA"), an affiliate of Euclid. He also serves as Portfolio Manager for The Zweig Fund, Inc. and The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc., two closed-end funds managed by PZA, and as lead Portfolio Manager for Phoenix Small-Cap Value Fund. For the period from July 2002 until returning to PZA in April 2003, Mr. Neel co-founded and managed a hedge fund based on the same market neutral strategy used previously while managing the fund. While previously employed
Phoenix Market Neutral Fund 19
by PZA from 1995 until July 2002, Mr. Neel served as Senior Portfolio manager for a number of the former Phoenix-Zweig mutual funds.
Mr. Dickerson is a Senior Vice President of Euclid and PZA. He also serves as Portfolio Manager for The Zweig Fund, Inc. and The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc., two closed-end funds managed by PZA, and as Portfolio Manager for Phoenix Small-Cap Value Fund. For the period from July 2002 until returning to PZA in April 2003, Mr. Dickerson, along with Mr. Neel, co-founded and managed a hedge fund based on the same market neutral strategy used previously while managing the fund. While previously employed by PZA from 1993 until July 2002, he served as Assistant Portfolio manager for a number of the former Phoenix-Zweig mutual funds.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
20 Phoenix Market Neutral Fund
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund has an investment objective of capital appreciation and income with approximately equal emphasis. There is no guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
> Under normal circumstances, the fund invests 80% of its assets in publicly-traded real estate investment trusts (REITs) and companies that are principally engaged in the real estate industry. An issuer is considered principally engaged in the real estate industry if at least 50% of its gross revenues or net profits come from the ownership, development, construction, financing, management or sale of real estate. The fund, however, does not make direct investments in real estate. The fund's policy of investing 80% of its assets in real estate related securities may be changed only upon 60 days written notice to shareholders. > The fund will concentrate its assets in the real estate industry. The fund is non-diversified under federal securities laws. > The fund invests principally in equity REITs. Generally, REITs are publicly-traded companies that manage portfolios of real estate to earn profits for shareholders through investments in commercial and residential real estate. Equity REITs own real estate directly. The fund may also invest in mortgage REITs. Mortgage REITs make short-term construction or real estate development loans or invest in long-term mortgages or mortgage pools. The fund may invest in issuers of any capitalization. At March 31, 2007, the market capitalization range of the issuers in which the fund was invested was $1.2 million to $24.6 billion. > The subadviser uses a blended approach in its security selection process, combining a pursuit of growth and value. Securities are selected using a two-tiered screening process. First the subadviser screens the universe of eligible securities for those that it believes offer the potential for reasonably-priced initial appreciation, continued dividend growth and that show signs the issuer is an efficient user of capital. Securities that survive this screening are further evaluated based on interviews and fundamental research that focus on the issuer's strength of management and property, financial and performance reviews. > Securities are evaluated for sale if their market value exceeds the subadviser's estimated value, if its financial performance is expected to decline or if the subadviser believes the security's issuer fails to adjust its strategy to the real estate market cycle. |
Temporary Defensive Strategy: When the subadviser believes there are extraordinary risks associated with investment in real estate related securities, the fund may take temporary
Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund 21
defensive positions that are inconsistent with its principal investment strategies by investing up to 100% of its assets in short-term investments such as money market instruments, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposits and bankers' acceptances. When this allocation happens, the fund may not achieve its investment objective.
Please refer to "Additional Investment Techniques" for other investment techniques of the fund.
RISKS RELATED TO PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
If you invest in this fund, you risk losing your investment.
GENERAL
The value of the fund's investments that supports your share value may decrease. If between the time you purchase shares and the time you sell shares the value of the fund's investments decreases, you will lose money.
Investment values can decrease for a number of reasons. Conditions affecting the overall economy, the real estate industry and specific companies in which the fund invests can be worse than expected and investments may fail to perform as the subadviser expects. As a result, the value of your shares may decrease.
EQUITY SECURITIES RISK
Generally, prices of equity securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. The prices of equity securities will rise and fall in response to a number of different factors. In particular, equity securities will respond to events that affect entire financial markets or industries (such as changes in inflation or consumer demand) and to events that affect particular issuers (such as news about the success or failure of a new product).
o LARGE MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with large market capitalizations go in and out of favor based on market and economic conditions. Larger companies tend to be less volatile than companies with smaller market capitalizations. In exchange for this potentially lower risk, the fund's value may not rise as much as the value of funds that emphasize companies with smaller market capitalizations.
o SMALL AND MEDIUM MARKET CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES. Companies with smaller market capitalizations are often companies with a limited operating history or companies in industries that have recently emerged due to cultural, economic, regulatory or technological developments. Such developments can have a significant impact or negative effect on small and medium market capitalization companies and their stock performance and can make investment returns highly volatile. Product lines are often less diversified and more susceptible to competitive threats. Smaller market capitalization stocks are subject to varying patterns of trading volume and may, at times, be difficult to sell.
22 Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund
NON-DIVERSIFICATION RISK
As a non-diversified investment company, the fund is not limited in the proportion of assets that it may invest in the securities of any one issuer. Diversifying a fund's portfolio can reduce the risks of investing. As a non-diversified investment company, the fund may be subject to greater risk since it can invest a greater proportion of its assets in the securities of a small number of issuers. If the fund takes concentrated positions in a small number of issuers, changes in the price of those securities may cause the fund's return to fluctuate more than that of a diversified investment company.
REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION RISK
Concentrating its investments in the real estate industry presents additional risk. Securities of companies in other industries may provide greater investment return in certain market conditions as compared to companies in the real estate industry. Moreover, conditions that negatively impact the real estate industry will have a greater impact on this fund as compared to a fund that does not concentrate in one industry.
The value of investments in issuers that hold real estate may be affected by changes in the values of real properties owned by the issuers. Likewise, investments in businesses related to the real estate industry may also be affected by the value of real estate generally or in particular geographical areas in which the businesses operated. A decline in real estate value may have a negative impact on the value of your shares.
Interest rates also can be a significant factor for issuers that hold real estate and those in related businesses. Increases in interest rates can cause or contribute to declines in real estate prices and can cause "slowdowns" in such related businesses as real estate sales and constructions.
REIT SECURITIES RISK
REIT securities often are not diversified and may only finance a limited number of projects or properties, which may subject REITs to abrupt and large price movements. Equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying property owned by the REITs. Mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended and are affected by changes in interest rates. REITs are heavily dependent on cash flow from properties and, at times, the market price of a REIT's securities may be less than the value of the underlying real estate investment which may result in a lower price when the fund sells its shares in the REIT. REITs may trade less frequently and in lower volume than securities of other larger companies which may also contribute to REIT securities losing value. REITs are dependent on management skills, are not diversified, and are subject to the possibilities of failing to qualify for the federal tax exemption on distributed income and failing to maintain their exemptions under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). Assets invested in REITs incur a layering of expenses paid by the REIT that you, as a shareholder in the fund, indirectly bear.
Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund 23
PERFORMANCE TABLES
The Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund, a series of Phoenix Opportunities Trust ("Successor Fund"), is the successor of the Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund, a series of Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund ("Predecessor Fund"), resulting from a reorganization of the Predecessor Fund with and into the Successor Fund on June 27, 2007. The Predecessor Fund and the Successor Fund have identical investment objectives and strategies. The Successor Fund has adopted the past performance of the Predecessor Fund as its own. Therefore, the performance tables below include the performance of the shares of the Predecessor Fund prior to the Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund's commencement date.
The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund. The bar chart shows changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from year to year over a 10-year period.(1) The table shows how the fund's average annual returns compare to those of a broad-based securities market index and a more narrowly-based benchmark that reflects the market sectors in which the fund invests. The fund's past performance, before and after taxes, is not necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Calendar Year Annual Return (%) 1997 21.83 1998 -20.11 1999 4.12 2000 31.96 2001 6.17 2002 11.36 2003 37.45 2004 33.16 2005 14.43 2006 36.27 |
(1) The fund's annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted. During the period shown in the chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 16.41% (quarter ending December 31, 2004) and the lowest return for a quarter was -12.15% (quarter ending September 30, 1998). Year-to-date performance (through March 31, 2007) is 3.42%.
24 Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SINCE INCEPTION(3) AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS ------------------------ (FOR THE PERIODS ENDED 12/31/06)(2) 1 YEAR 5 YEARS 10 YEARS CLASS C ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Class A ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Return Before Taxes 28.44% 24.54% 15.58% -- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Return After Taxes on Distributions(4) 27.11% 22.91% 13.61% -- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Return After Taxes on Distributions 19.28% 20.91% 12.65% -- and Sale of Fund Shares(4) ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Class B ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Return Before Taxes 31.27% 25.07% 15.40% -- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Class C ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ Return Before Taxes 35.28% -- -- 28.53% ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ S&P 500(R) Index(5) 15.78% 6.19% 8.44% 12.80% ----------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ------------------------ FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index(6) 35.05% 23.19% 14.48% 27.17% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
(2) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a full redemption in the fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
(3) Class C Shares since July 25, 2003.
(4) 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. The after-tax returns shown in the table above are for only one class of shares offered by the prospectus (Class A); after-tax returns for other classes will vary. Actual after-tax returns depend on the investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. The after-tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold their fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements such as 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts.
(5) The S&P 500(R) Index is a free-float market capitalization-weighted index of 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
(6) The FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index measures all tax-qualified real estate investment trusts listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ National Market System. The index is calculated on a total-return basis with dividends reinvested. The index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment; therefore, its performance does not reflect the fees, expenses or taxes associated with the active management of an actual portfolio.
Class I Shares have been in existence only since December 28, 2006; therefore, performance information is not included for Class I Shares since this class of shares has not had a full calendar year of investment operations.
Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund 25
This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the fund.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS I SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ------ SHAREHOLDER FEES (FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT) Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% None None None Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested) None(a) 5.00%(b) 1.00%(c) None Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None None Redemption Fee None None None None Exchange Fee None None None None --------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS I SHARES SHARES SHARES SHARES ------ ------ ------ ------ ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS) Management Fees 0.73% 0.73% 0.73% 0.73% Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees(d) 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% 0.00% Other Expenses(e) 0.30% 0.30% 0.30% 0.30% ---- ---- ---- ---- TOTAL ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(f) 1.28% 2.03% 2.03% 1.03% ==== ==== ==== ==== |
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.
(c) The deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C Shares redeemed during the first year only.
(d) Distribution and Shareholder Servicing (12b-1) Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that, for a long-term shareholder, over time may be higher than the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by NASD.
(e) Estimated based on Predecessor Fund's fiscal year ended November 30, 2006.
(f) The fund's investment adviser has contractually agreed to limit the fund's total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through March 31, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed 1.30% for Class A Shares, 2.05% for Class B Shares, 2.05% for Class C Shares and 1.05% for Class I Shares. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares, it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A Shares after eight years. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
26 Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A $698 $958 $1,237 $2,031 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $606 $837 $1,093 $2,166 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $306 $637 $1,093 $2,358 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class I $105 $328 $569 $1,259 |
You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class B $206 $637 $1,093 $2,166 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class C $206 $637 $1,093 $2,358 |
Note: The examples do not include the effects of the expense reimbursement obligations of the adviser; therefore, your actual expenses may be lower than those shown.
THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISER
Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Phoenix had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over 70 years.
Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. ("Duff & Phelps"), an affiliate of Phoenix, is the subadviser to the fund and is located at 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3600, Chicago, IL 60603. Duff & Phelps acts as subadviser to three mutual funds and as adviser to three closed-end mutual funds and to institutional clients. Duff & Phelps (together with its predecessor) has been in the investment advisory business for more than 70 years. As of March 31, 2007, Duff & Phelps had approximately $7.9 billion in assets under management on a discretionary basis.
Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees, Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment program, overseeing the fund's subadviser, and for the general operations of the fund. Duff & Phelps, as subadviser, is responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund's portfolio. Phoenix and Duff & Phelps manage the fund's assets to conform with the investment policies as described in this prospectus.
Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund 27
The fund pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the following rates:
$1+ billion First $1 billion through $2 billion $2+ billion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Management Fee 0.75% 0.70% 0.65% -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
The adviser has contractually agreed to limit total operating expenses of the fund (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through March 31, 2008, so that such expenses do not exceed the following percentages of the average annual net asset values of the fund:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares Class I Shares ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ 1.30% 2.05% 2.05% 1.05% --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Phoenix pays Duff & Phelps a subadvisory fee at a rate of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the fund's 2007 annual report covering the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
MICHAEL SCHATT serves as Senior Portfolio Manager (since 1998) and GEOFFREY DYBAS, CFA, serves as Portfolio Manager (since 1998) and as such are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the fund.
Mr. Schatt has served as Senior Vice President of Duff & Phelps since joining the firm in 1994. He is Senior Portfolio Manager and co-founder for all dedicated REIT products managed by Duff & Phelps, which also include the REIT portfolio within the DNP Select Income Fund Inc., a closed-end mutual fund; the Phoenix-Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, a series of The Phoenix Edge Series Fund offered under various universal life insurance and annuity products; REIT and separate institutional accounts.
Mr. Dybas joined Duff & Phelps in 1995 and serves as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager. He is Portfolio Manager and co-founder for all dedicated REIT portfolios managed by Duff & Phelps, which also include the REIT portfolio within the DNP Select Income Fund Inc., a closed-end mutual fund; the Phoenix-Duff & Phelps Real Estate Securities Series, a series of The Phoenix Edge Series Fund, offered under various universal life insurance and annuity products; REIT and separate institutional accounts. His primary responsibilities include sharing portfolio management and trading decisions, and conducting research on the equity REIT universe.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for additional information about the fund's portfolio managers, including the structure of and method of computing compensation, other accounts they manage and their ownership of shares of the fund.
28 Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund
In addition to the Principal Investment Strategies and Risks Related to Principal Investment Strategies, each of the funds, as indicated, may engage in additional investment techniques that present additional risks to the fund as described below and in the Statement of Additional Information.
BORROWING
The Market Neutral Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund may obtain fixed interest rate loans from banks. If the securities purchased with such borrowed money decreases in value or does not increase enough to cover interest and other borrowing costs, the respective fund will suffer greater losses than if no borrowing took place.
CMOS, REMICS AND OTHER PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES
The Real Estate Securities Fund may invest in mortgaged-backed securities, such as collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). The values of pass-through securities may fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities in response to changes in interest rates. Early payoffs on the underlying loans in mortgage-backed and asset-backed pass-through securities and CMOs may result in the fund receiving less income than originally anticipated. The variability in prepayments will tend to limit price gains when interest rates drop and exaggerate price declines when interest rates rise. In the event of high prepayments, the fund may be required to invest the proceeds at lower interest rates, causing the fund to earn less than if the prepayments had not occurred.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Real Estate Securities Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer. If a security is called for redemption, the respective fund may have to redeem the security, convert it into common stock or sell it to a third party at a price and time that is not beneficial for the fund. In addition, securities convertible into common stocks may have higher yields than common stocks but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities.
FOREIGN INVESTING
The Market Neutral Fund may invest in equity securities of foreign (non-U.S.) issuers. Foreign equity investments are generally limited to securities traded on U.S. exchanges. Investments in non-U.S. securities involve additional risks and conditions, including differences in accounting standards, generally higher commission rates, differences in transaction settlement systems, political instability, and the possibility of confiscatory taxes and expropriation, all of which may negatively impact the fund. Dividends and other income payable on foreign securities may also be subject to foreign taxes.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 29
Some foreign investments may be made in currencies other than the U.S. dollar that will fluctuate in value as a result of changes in the currency exchange rate. In addition, foreign markets and currencies may not function as well as U.S. markets.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
The Global Utilities Fund may invest in forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Such contracts may limit potential exchange rate gains, may incur higher transaction costs and may not protect the fund against future currency exchange fluctuations as anticipated by the investment adviser.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Market Neutral Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund may invest in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities may include repurchase agreements with maturities of greater than seven days. Illiquid and restricted securities may be difficult to sell or may be sold only pursuant to certain legal restrictions. Difficulty in selling securities may result in a loss to a fund or entail expenses not normally associated with the sale of a security.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
To meet margin requirements, redemptions or for investment purposes, the Market Neutral Fund will hold money market instruments, including full faith and credit obligations of the United States, high quality short-term notes and commercial paper.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Global Utilities Fund and Market Neutral Fund may invest in repurchase agreements with commercial banks, brokers and dealers considered by the adviser to be creditworthy. Default or insolvency of the other party presents risk to the fund.
SECURITIES LENDING
The Market Neutral Fund may loan portfolio securities with a value up to one-third of its total assets to increase its investment returns. If the borrower is unwilling or unable to return the borrowed securities when due, the respective fund can suffer losses.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
The Real Estate Securities Fund may invest in short-term securities, including money market instruments, repurchase agreements, certificates of deposits and bankers' acceptances. Default or insolvency of the other party to a repurchase agreement presents a risk to the fund.
UNRATED FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
The Real Estate Securities Fund may invest in unrated securities. Unrated securities may not be lower in quality than rated securities, but due to their perceived risk, they may not have as broad a market as rated securities. Analysis of unrated securities is more complex than for rated securities, making it more difficult to accurately predict risk.
30 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY SECURITIES
The Global Utilities Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis. The value of the security on settlement date may be more or less than the price paid as a result of changes in interest rates and market conditions. If the value on settlement date is less, the value of your shares may decline.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
The Global Utilities Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds. The market prices of such bonds generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest on a regular basis and may require the fund to make distributions from other sources because the fund does not receive cash payments earned on these securities on a current basis. This may result in higher portfolio turnover rates and the sale of securities at a time that is less favorable.
The funds may buy other types of securities or employ other portfolio management techniques. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for more detailed information about these and other investment techniques of the funds.
HOW IS THE SHARE PRICE DETERMINED?
Each fund calculates a share price for each class of its shares. The share price for each class is based on the net assets of the fund and the number of outstanding shares of that class. In general, each fund calculates a share price for each class by:
o adding the values of all securities and other assets of the fund;
o subtracting liabilities; and
o dividing the result by the total number of outstanding shares of that class.
Assets: Equity securities are valued at the official closing price (typically last sale) on the exchange on which the securities are primarily traded, or if no closing price is available, at the last bid price. Shares of other investment companies are valued at such companies' net asset values. Debt securities (other than short-term investments) are valued on the basis of broker quotations or valuations provided by a pricing service, which in determining value utilizes information with respect to recent sales, market transactions in comparable securities, quotations from dealers, and various relationships between securities. Short-term investments having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value. As required, some securities and assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Trustees. Other assets, such as accrued interest, accrued dividends and cash are also included in determining a fund's net asset value.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 31
Liabilities: Accrued liabilities for class specific expenses (if any), distribution fees, service fees and other liabilities are deducted from the assets of each class. Accrued expenses and liabilities that are not class specific (such as management fees) are allocated to each class in proportion to each class's net assets except where an alternative allocation can be more appropriately made.
Net Asset Value: The liabilities allocated to a class are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the applicable fund. The resulting amount for each class is then divided by the number of shares outstanding of that class to produce each class's net asset value per share.
The net asset value per share of each class of each fund is determined as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 PM eastern time) on days when the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") is open for trading. A fund will not calculate its net asset value per share class on days when the NYSE is closed for trading. If a fund holds securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other holidays when the funds do not price their shares, the net asset value of the fund's shares may change on days when shareholders will not be able to purchase or redeem the fund's shares.
HOW ARE SECURITIES FAIR VALUED?
If market quotations are not readily available or where available prices are not reliable, the funds determine a "fair value" for an investment according to rules and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. The types of assets for which such pricing might be required include (i) securities whose trading has been suspended; (ii) securities where the trading market is unusually thin or trades have been infrequent; (iii) debt securities that have recently gone into default and for which there is no current market quotation; (iv) a security whose market price is not available from an independent pricing source and for which otherwise reliable quotes are not available; (v) securities of an issuer that has entered into a restructuring; (vi) a security whose price as provided by any pricing source does not, in the opinion of the adviser/subadviser, reflect the security's market value; (vii) foreign securities subject to trading collars for which no or limited trading takes place; and (viii) securities where the market quotations are not readily available as a result of "significant" events. This list is not inclusive of all situations that may require a security to be fair valued, nor is it intended to be conclusive in determining whether a specific event requires fair valuation.
The value of any portfolio security held by a fund for which market quotations
are not readily available shall be determined in good faith and in a manner that
assesses the security's "fair value" on the valuation date (i.e., the amount
that the fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security upon its
current sale), based on a consideration of all available facts and all available
information, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) the fundamental
analytical data relating to the investment; (ii) an evaluation of the forces
which influence the market in which these securities are purchased and sold
(e.g., the existence of merger proposals or tender offers that might affect the
value of the security); (iii) price quotes from dealers and/or pricing services;
(iv) an analysis of the company's financial statements; (v) trading volumes on
markets, exchanges or among dealers; (vi) recent news about the security or
issuer;
32 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
(vii) changes in interest rates; (viii) information obtained from the issuer,
analysts, other financial institutions and/or the appropriate stock exchange
(for exchange traded securities); (ix) whether two or more dealers with whom the
adviser/subadviser regularly effects trades are willing to purchase or sell the
security at comparable prices; (x) other news events or relevant matters; and
(xi) government (domestic or foreign) actions or pronouncements.
Certain foreign common stocks may be fair valued in cases where closing prices are not readily available or are deemed not reflective of readily available market prices. For example, events (such as movement in the U.S. securities market, or other regional and local developments) may occur between the time that foreign markets close (where the security is principally traded) and the time that the fund calculates its net asset value (generally, the close of the NYSE) that may impact the value of securities traded in these foreign markets. In such cases, information from an external vendor may be utilized to adjust closing market prices of certain foreign common stocks to reflect their fair value. Because the frequency of significant events is not predictable, fair valuation of certain foreign common stocks may occur on a frequent basis.
The value of a security, as determined using the fund's fair valuation procedures, may not reflect such security's market value.
AT WHAT PRICE ARE SHARES PURCHASED?
All investments received by the funds' authorized agents prior to the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 PM eastern time) will be executed based on that day's net asset value. Shares credited to your account from the reinvestment of fund distributions will be in full and fractional shares that are purchased at the closing net asset value on the next business day on which the fund's net asset value is calculated following the dividend record date.
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES AND HOW DO THEY DIFFER?
Presently, each fund offers from two to four classes of shares. Each class of shares has different sales and distribution charges. (See "Fund Fees and Expenses" previously in this prospectus.) For certain classes of shares, the funds have adopted distribution and service plans allowed under Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 as amended ("the 1940 Act"), that authorize the funds to pay distribution and service fees for the sale of their shares and for services provided to shareholders.
WHAT ARRANGEMENT IS BEST FOR YOU?
The different classes of shares permit you to choose the method of purchasing shares that is most beneficial to you. In choosing a class of shares, consider the amount of your investment, the length of time you expect to hold the shares, whether you decide to receive distributions in
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 33
cash or to reinvest them in additional shares, and any other personal circumstances. Depending upon these considerations, the accumulated distribution and service fees and contingent deferred sales charges of one class of shares may be more or less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution and service fees of another class of shares bought at the same time. Because distribution and service fees are paid out of a fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than paying other types of sales charges.
Your financial representative should recommend only those arrangements that are suitable for you based on known information. In certain instances, you may be entitled to a reduction or waiver of sales charges. For instance, you may be entitled to a sales charge discount on Class A Shares if you purchase more than certain breakpoint amounts. You should inform or inquire of your financial representative whether or not you may be entitled to a sales charge discount attributable to your total holdings in a fund or affiliated funds. To determine eligibility for a sales charge discount, you may aggregate all of your accounts (including joint accounts, IRAs, non-IRAs, etc.) and those of your spouse and minor children. The financial representative may request you to provide an account statement or other holdings information to determine your eligibility for a breakpoint and to make certain all involved parties have the necessary data. Additional information about the classes of shares offered, sales charges, breakpoints and discounts follows in this section and also may be found in the Statement of Additional Information in the section entitled "How to Buy Shares." This information is available free of charge, and in a clear and prominent format, at the Individual Investors section of the Phoenix Funds' Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com. Please be sure that you fully understand these choices before investing. If you or your financial representative require additional assistance, you may also contact Mutual Fund Services by calling toll-free (800) 243-1574.
CLASS A SHARES. If you purchase Class A Shares, you will pay a sales charge at the time of purchase equal to 5.75% of the offering price (6.10% of the amount invested). The sales charge may be reduced or waived under certain conditions. (See "Initial Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares" below.) Generally, Class A Shares are not subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed; however, a 1% contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") may be imposed on certain redemptions within one year on purchases on which a finder's fee has been paid. The one-year period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Class A Shares have lower distribution and service fees (0.25%) and pay higher dividends than Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
CLASS B SHARES (NOT OFFERED BY THE GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND). If you purchase Class B Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class B Shares within the first five years after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of up to 5% of your shares' value. (See "Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares and Class C Shares" below.) This charge declines to 0% over a period of five years and may be waived under certain conditions. Class B shares have higher distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay lower dividends than Class A Shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to Class A Shares
34 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
eight years after purchase (seven years after purchase for the Market Neutral Fund). Purchase of Class B Shares may be inappropriate for any investor who may qualify for reduced sales charges of Class A Shares and anyone who is over 85 years of age. The underwriter may decline purchases of Class B Shares in such situations.
CLASS C SHARES. If you purchase Class C Shares, you will not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class C Shares within the first year after they are purchased, you will pay a deferred sales charge of 1%. Class C Shares have the same distribution and service fees (1.00%) and pay comparable dividends as Class B Shares. Class C Shares do not convert to any other class of shares of the fund, so the higher distribution and service fees paid by Class C Shares continue for the life of the account.
CLASS I SHARES (REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND ONLY). Class I Shares are offered primarily to institutional investors such as pension and profit sharing plans, other employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and corporations who purchase the minimum amounts; to private clients of the adviser, subadviser and their affiliates; or through certain wrap programs with which the Distributor has an arrangement. If you are eligible to purchase and do purchase Class I Shares, you will pay no sales charge at any time. There are no distribution and service fees applicable to Class I Shares. For additional information about purchasing Class I Shares, please contact Mutual Fund Services by calling (800) 243-1574.
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A Shares is the net asset value plus a sales charge that varies depending on the size of your purchase. (See "Class A Shares--Reduced Initial Sales Charges" in the Statement of Additional Information.) Shares purchased based on the automatic reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. The sales charge is divided between your investment dealer and the funds' underwriter (Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, "PEPCO" or "Distributor").
SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO PURCHASE CLASS A SHARES
SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF ------------------------------------------------------------ AMOUNT OF NET TRANSACTION OFFERING AMOUNT AT OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 5.75% 6.10% $50,000 but under $100,000 4.75 4.99 $100,000 but under $250,000 3.75 3.90 $250,000 but under $500,000 2.75 2.83 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 $1,000,000 or more None None |
CLASS A SALES CHARGE REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS
Investors may reduce or eliminate sales charges applicable to purchases of Class A Shares through utilization of Combination Purchase Privilege, Letter of Intent, Right of
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 35
Accumulation, Purchase by Associations or the Account Reinstatement Privilege. These programs are summarized below and are described in greater detail in the Statement of Additional Information. Investors buying Class A Shares on which a finder's fee has been paid may incur a 1% deferred sales charge if they redeem their shares within one year of purchase.
Combination Purchase Privilege. Your purchase of any class of shares of these funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund), if made at the same time by the same person, will be added together with any existing Phoenix Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined in this and the following sections as (a) any individual, their spouse and minor children purchasing shares for his or their own account (including an IRA account) including his or their own trust; (b) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though more than one beneficiary may exist); (c) multiple employer trusts or Section 403(b) plans for the same employer; (d) multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third party administrator; or (e) trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with respect to accounts over which they exercise discretionary investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the entity placing the order.
Letter of Intent. If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of these funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund), if made by the same person within a 13-month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding arrangement between you and the Distributor. Shares worth 5% of the amount of each purchase will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in your name) to secure payment of the higher sales charges applicable to the shares actually purchased in the event the full intended amount is not purchased.
Right of Accumulation. The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of these funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund) if made over time by the same person, may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to the Distributor at the time of purchase to exercise this right.
Purchase by Associations. Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person" and qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must: (1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3) work through an investment dealer; or (4) not be a group whose sole reason for existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a particular company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
36 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
Account Reinstatement Privilege. Subject to the funds' disruptive trading and market timing policies and procedures, for 180 days after you sell your Class A, Class B or Class C Shares on which you have previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A Shares of any Phoenix Fund at net asset value, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more.
Sales at Net Asset Value. In addition to the programs summarized above, the Funds may sell their Class A Shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge to certain types of accounts or account holders, including, but not limited to: trustees of the Phoenix Funds; directors, officers, employees and sales representatives of the adviser, subadviser (if any) or Distributor or a corporate affiliate of the adviser, subadviser or Distributor; private clients of an adviser or subadviser to any of the Phoenix Funds; registered representatives and employees of dealers with which the Distributor has sales agreements; and certain qualified employee benefit plans, endowment funds or foundations. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for more information about qualifying for purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS B SHARES AND CLASS C SHARES
Class B Shares and Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge; however, shares sold within a specified time period are subject to a declining CDSC at the rates listed below. The sales charge will be multiplied by the then current market value or the initial cost of the shares being redeemed, whichever is less. No sales charge will be imposed on increases in net asset value or on shares purchased through the reinvestment of income dividends or capital gain distributions. To minimize the sales charge, shares not subject to any charge will be redeemed first, followed by shares held the longest time. To calculate the number of shares owned and time period held, all Class B Shares purchased in any month are considered purchased on the last day of the preceding month, and all Class C Shares are considered purchased on the trade date.
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS B SHARES
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 37
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE YOU MAY PAY TO SELL CLASS C SHARES
GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND AND REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
YEAR 1 2+ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CDSC 1% 0% MARKET NEUTRAL FUND YEAR 1 2+ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- CDSC 1.25% 0% |
COMPENSATION TO DEALERS
Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on Class A Shares as described below.
SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF ----------------------------------------------------- AMOUNT OF DEALER DISCOUNT TRANSACTION OFFERING AMOUNT AS A PERCENTAGE OF OFFERING AT OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED PRINCE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00% $50,000 but under $100,000 4.75 4.99 4.25 $100,000 but under $250,000 3.75 3.90 3.25 $250,000 but under $500,000 2.75 2.83 2.25 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.75 $1,000,000 or more None None None |
In addition to the dealer discount on purchases of Class A Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 4% of the sale price of Class B Shares and a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C Shares sold by such dealers. (This sales commission will not be paid to dealers for sales of Class B Shares or Class C Shares purchased by 401(k) participants of the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan due to a waiver of the CDSC for these plan participants' purchases.) Your broker, dealer or financial advisor may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.
Dealers and other entities that enter into special arrangements with the Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of these funds and/or for providing other shareholder services. Such fees are in addition to the sales commissions referenced above and may be based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services; provision of recordkeeping and administrative services to qualified employee benefit plans; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the funds through distribution fees, service fees or transfer agent fees or, in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources.
38 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
From its own profits and resources, the Distributor does intend to: (a) from time to time, pay special incentive and retention fees to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers; (b) pay broker-dealers a finder's fee in an amount equal to 1% of the first $3 million of Class A Share purchases by an account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan with at least 100 eligible employees, 0.50% on the next $3 million, plus 0.25% on the amount in excess of $6 million; and (c) excluding purchases as described in (b) above, pay broker-dealers an amount equal to 1.00% of the amount of Class A Shares sold from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000 and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. If part or all of such investment as described in (b) and (c) above, including investments by qualified employee benefit plans, is subsequently redeemed within one year, a 1% CDSC may apply, except for redemptions of shares purchased on which a finder's fee would have been paid where such investor's dealer of record, due to the nature of the investor's account, notifies the Distributor prior to the time of the investment that the dealer waives the finder's fee otherwise payable to the dealer, or agrees to receive such finder's fee ratably over a 12-month period. For purposes of determining the applicability of the CDSC, the one-year CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Any dealer who receives more than 90% of a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act of 1933. PEPCO reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.
From its own resources or pursuant to the distribution and shareholder servicing plans, and subject to the dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time, reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.
The Distributor has agreed to pay fees to certain distributors for preferred marketing opportunities. These arrangements may be viewed as creating a conflict of interest between these distributors and investors. Investors should make due inquiry of their selling agents to ensure that they are receiving the requisite point of sale disclosures and suitable recommendations free of any influence by reason of these arrangements.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 39
OPENING AN ACCOUNT
Your financial advisor can assist you with your initial purchase as well as all phases of your investment program. If you are opening an account by yourself, please follow the instructions outlined below. These procedures do not apply to purchases of Class I Shares. For additional information about purchasing Class I Shares, please contact Mutual Fund Services by calling (800) 243-1574.
The funds have established the following preferred methods of payment for fund shares:
o Checks drawn on an account in the name of the investor and made payable to Phoenix Funds;
o Checks drawn on an account in the name of the investor's company or employer and made payable to Phoenix Funds; or
o Wire transfers or Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers from an account in the name of the investor, or the investor's company or employer.
Payment in other forms may be accepted at the discretion of the funds. Please specify the name(s) of the fund or funds in which you would like to invest on the check or transfer instructions.
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. Accordingly, when you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may check the information you provide against publicly available databases, information obtained from consumer reporting agencies, other financial institutions or other sources. If, after reasonable effort, we cannot verify your identity, we reserve the right to close the account and redeem the shares at net asset value next calculated after the decision is made by us to close the account.
STEP 1.
Your first choice will be the initial amount you intend to invest.
Minimum INITIAL investments:
o $25 for individual retirement accounts (IRAs), accounts that use the systematic exchange privilege or accounts that use the Systematic Purchase program. (See below for more information on the Systematic Purchase program.)
40 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
o There is no initial dollar requirement for defined contribution plans, asset-based fee programs, profit-sharing plans or employee benefit plans. There is also no minimum for reinvesting dividends and capital gains into another account.
o $500 for all other accounts.
Minimum ADDITIONAL investments:
o $25 for any account.
o There is no minimum additional investment requirement for defined contribution plans, asset-based fee programs, profit-sharing plans or employee benefit plans. There is also no minimum additional investment requirement for reinvesting dividends and capital gains into an existing account.
The funds reserve the right to refuse a purchase order for any reason.
STEP 2.
Your second choice will be what class of shares to buy. Each share class has different sales and distribution charges. Because all future investments in your account will be made in the share class you choose when you open your account, you should make your decision carefully. Your financial advisor can help you pick the share class that makes the most sense for your situation.
STEP 3.
Your next choice will be how you want to receive any dividends and capital gain distributions. Your options are:
o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in additional shares;
o Receive dividends in additional shares and capital gain distributions in cash;
o Receive dividends in cash and capital gain distributions in additional shares; or
o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
No interest will be paid on uncashed distribution checks.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 41
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT (CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES ONLY) ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- Through a financial advisor Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee and may set different minimum investments or limitations on buying shares. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- Through the mail Complete a New Account Application and send it with a check payable to the fund. Mail them to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- Through express delivery Complete a New Account Application and send it with a check payable to the fund. Send them to: Boston Financial Data Services, Attn: Phoenix Funds, 30 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021-2809. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- By Federal Funds wire Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0). ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- By Systematic Purchase Complete the appropriate section on the application and send it with your initial \ investment payable to the fund. Mail them to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- By telephone exchange Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0). ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- |
The price at which a purchase is effected is based on the net asset value determined after receipt of a purchase order by the funds' Transfer Agent.
You have the right to have the funds buy back shares at the net asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption order by the funds' Transfer Agent or an authorized agent. In the case of a Class B Share or Class C Share redemption, you will be subject to the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, if any, for such shares. Subject to certain restrictions, shares may be redeemed by telephone or in writing. In addition, shares may be sold through securities dealers, brokers or agents who may charge customary commissions or fees for their services. The funds do not charge any redemption fees. Payment for shares redeemed is made within seven days; however, redemption proceeds will not be disbursed until each check used for purchases of shares has been cleared for payment by your bank, which may take up to 15 days after receipt of the check.
42 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO SELL SHARES (CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES ONLY) ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- Through a financial advisor Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee and may set different minimums on redemptions of accounts. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- Through the mail Send a letter of instruction and any share certificates (if you hold certificate shares) to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. Be sure to include the registered owner's name, fund and account number, and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- Through express delivery Send a letter of instruction and any share certificates (if you hold certificate shares) to: Boston Financial Data Services, Attn: Phoenix Funds, 30 Dan Road, Canton, MA 02021-2809. Be sure to include the registered owner's name, fund and account number, and number of shares or dollar value you wish to sell. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- By telephone For sales up to $50,000, requests can be made by calling (800) 243-1574. ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------- By telephone exchange Call us at (800) 243-1574 (press 1, then 0). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
You may realize a taxable gain or loss (for federal income tax purposes) if you redeem shares of the funds. Each fund reserves the right to pay large redemptions "in-kind" (i.e., in securities owned by the fund) rather than in cash. Large redemptions are those that exceed $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net assets, whichever is less, over any 90-day period. Additional documentation will be required for redemptions by organizations, fiduciaries, or retirement plans, or if a redemption is requested by anyone but the shareholder(s) of record. Transfers between broker-dealer "street" accounts are governed by the accepting broker-dealer. Questions regarding this type of transfer should be directed to your financial advisor. Redemption requests will not be honored until all required documents, in proper form, have been received. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, shareholders having questions about specific requirements should contact the funds' Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574.
REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL
> If you are selling shares held individually, jointly, or as custodian under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act: Send a clear letter of instructions if all of these apply: o The proceeds do not exceed $50,000. Phoenix Opportunities Trust 43 |
o The proceeds are payable to the registered owner at the address on record. Send a clear letter of instructions with a signature guarantee when any of these apply: o You are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares. o The name or address on the account has changed within the last 30 days. o You want the proceeds to go to a different name or address than on the account. > If you are selling shares held in a corporate or fiduciary account, please contact the fund's Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574. |
If required, the signature guarantee must be a STAMP 2000 Medallion guarantee and be made by an eligible guarantor institution as defined by the funds' Transfer Agent in accordance with its signature guarantee procedures. Guarantees using previous technology medallions will not be accepted. Currently, the Transfer Agent's signature guarantee procedures generally permit guarantees by banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges, registered securities associations, clearing agencies and savings associations.
SELLING SHARES BY TELEPHONE
The Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. Address and bank account information are verified, redemption instructions are taped, and all redemptions are confirmed in writing.
The individual investor bears the risk from instructions given by an unauthorized third-party that the Transfer Agent reasonably believed to be genuine.
The Transfer Agent may modify or terminate the telephone redemption privilege at any time with 60 days notice to shareholders, except for instances of disruptive trading or market timing; in such cases, the telephone redemption privilege may be suspended immediately, followed by written notice. (See "Disruptive Trading and Market Timing" in this Prospectus.)
During times of drastic economic or market changes, telephone redemptions may be difficult to make or temporarily suspended.
ACCOUNT REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
Subject to the funds' disruptive trading and market timing policies and procedures, for 180 days after you sell your Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares on which you have previously paid a sales charge, you may purchase Class A Shares of any Phoenix Fund at net asset value, with no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds, but not more. Send
44 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
your written request to State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. You can call us at (800) 243-1574 for more information.
Please remember, a redemption and reinvestment are considered to be a sale and purchase for tax-reporting purposes. Class B and Class C shareholders who have had the contingent deferred sales charge waived because they are in the Systematic Withdrawal Program are not eligible for this reinstatement privilege.
REDEMPTION OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, if your redemption activity causes your account balance to fall below $200, you may receive a notice requesting you to bring the balance up to $200 within 60 days. If you do not, the shares in the account will be sold at net asset value, and a check will be mailed to the address of record.
DISTRIBUTIONS OF SMALL AMOUNTS
Distributions in amounts less than $10 will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of the applicable fund.
UNCASHED CHECKS
If any correspondence sent by the fund is returned by the postal or other delivery service as "undeliverable," your dividends or any other distribution may be automatically reinvested in the fund.
If your distribution check is not cashed within six months, the distribution may be reinvested in the fund at the current net asset value. You will not receive any interest on uncashed distribution or redemption checks. This provision may not apply to certain retirement or qualified accounts.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGES
You should read the prospectus of the Phoenix Fund(s) into which you want to make an exchange before deciding to make an exchange. You can obtain a prospectus from your financial advisor or by calling us at (800) 243-4361, or accessing our Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com.
o You may exchange shares of one fund for the same class of shares of another Phoenix Fund; e.g., Class A Shares for Class A Shares. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class T Shares of those Phoenix Funds offering them. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
o Exchanges may be made by telephone ((800) 243-1574) or by mail (State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301).
o The amount of the exchange must be equal to or greater than the minimum initial investment required.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 45
o The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and a purchase for federal income tax purposes.
DISRUPTIVE TRADING AND MARKET TIMING
These funds are not suitable for market timers and market timers are discouraged from becoming investors. Your ability to make exchanges among funds is subject to modification if we determine, in our sole opinion, that your exercise of the exchange privilege may disadvantage or potentially harm the rights or interests of other shareholders.
Frequent purchases, redemptions and exchanges, programmed exchanges, exchanges into and then out of a fund in a short period of time, and exchanges of large amounts at one time may be indicative of market timing and otherwise disruptive trading ("Disruptive Trading") which can have risks and harmful effects for other shareholders. These risks and harmful effects include:
o dilution of the interests of long-term investors, if market timers or others exchange into a fund at prices that are below the true value or exchange out of a fund at prices that are higher than the true value;
o an adverse effect on portfolio management, as determined by portfolio management in its sole discretion, such as causing the fund to maintain a higher level of cash than would otherwise be the case, or causing the fund to liquidate investments prematurely; and
o reducing returns to long-term shareholders through increased brokerage and administrative expenses.
Additionally, the nature of the portfolio holdings of the Global Utilities Fund may expose those funds to investors who engage in the type of market timing trading that seeks to take advantage of possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the reflection of the change in the net asset value of the fund's shares, sometimes referred to as "time-zone arbitrage." Arbitrage market timers seek to exploit possible delays between the change in the value of a mutual fund's portfolio holdings and the net asset value of the fund's shares in funds that hold significant investments in foreign securities because certain foreign markets close several hours ahead of the U.S. markets. If an arbitrageur is successful, the value of the fund's shares may be diluted if redeeming shareholders receive proceeds (and buying shareholders receive shares) based upon net asset values which do not reflect appropriate fair value prices.
In order to attempt to protect our shareholders from the potential harmful effects of Disruptive Trading, the funds' Board of Trustees has adopted market timing policies and procedures designed to discourage Disruptive Trading. The Board has adopted these policies and procedures as a preventive measure to protect all shareholders from the potential effects of Disruptive Trading, while also abiding by any rights that shareholders may have to make
46 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
exchanges and provide reasonable and convenient methods of making exchanges that do not have the potential to harm other shareholders.
Excessive trading activity is measured by the number of roundtrip transactions in an account. A roundtrip transaction is one where a shareholder buys and then sells, or sells and then buys, shares of any fund within 30 days. Shareholders of the funds are limited to one roundtrip transaction within any rolling 30-day period. Roundtrip transactions are counted at the shareholder level. In considering a shareholder's trading activity, the funds may consider, among other factors, the shareholder's trading history both directly and, if known, through financial intermediaries, in the funds, in other funds within the Phoenix Fund complex, in non-Phoenix mutual funds or in accounts under common control or ownership. We do not include exchanges made pursuant to the dollar cost averaging or other similar programs when applying our market timing policies. Systematic withdrawal and/or contribution programs, mandatory retirement distributions, and transactions initiated by a plan sponsor also will not count towards the roundtrip limits. The funds may permit exchanges that they believe, in the exercise of their judgement, are not disruptive. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.
Shareholders holding shares for at least 30 days following investment will ordinarily be in compliance with the funds' policies regarding excessive trading. The funds may, however, take action if activity is deemed disruptive even if shares are held longer than 30 days, such as a request for a transaction of an unusually large size. The size of the fund and the size of the requested transaction may be considered when determining whether or not the transaction would be disruptive.
Under our market timing policies, we may modify your exchange privileges for some or all of the funds by not accepting an exchange request from you or from any person, asset allocation service, and/or market timing services made on your behalf. We may also limit the amount that may be exchanged into or out of any fund at any one time or could revoke your right to make Internet, telephone or facsimile exchanges. We may reinstate Internet, telephone and facsimile exchange privileges after they are revoked, but we will not reinstate these privileges if we have reason to believe that they might be used thereafter for Disruptive Trading.
The funds currently do not charge exchange or redemption fees, or any other administrative charges on fund exchanges. The funds reserve the right to impose such fees and/or charges in the future.
Orders for the purchase of fund shares are subject to acceptance by the relevant fund. We reserve the right to reject, without prior notice, any exchange request into any fund if the purchase of shares in the corresponding fund is not accepted for any reason.
The funds do not have any arrangements with any person, organization or entity to permit frequent purchases and redemptions of fund shares.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 47
We may, without prior notice, take whatever action we deem appropriate to comply with or take advantage of any state or federal regulatory requirement. The funds reserve the right to reject any purchase or exchange transaction at any time. If we reject a purchase or exchange for any reason, we will notify you of our decision in writing.
The funds cannot guarantee that their policies and procedures regarding market timing will be effective in detecting and deterring all Disruptive Trading.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of the funds may be used as investments under the following qualified prototype retirement plans: traditional IRA, rollover IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) plans, profit-sharing, money purchase plans, and 403(b) plans. For more information, call (800) 243-4361.
SYSTEMATIC PURCHASE is a systematic investment plan that allows you to have a specified amount automatically deducted from your checking or savings account and then deposited into your mutual fund account. Just complete the Systematic Purchase Section on the application and include a voided check.
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGE allows you to automatically move money from one Phoenix Fund to another on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. Shares of one Phoenix Fund will be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Phoenix Fund at the interval you select. To sign up, just complete the Systematic Exchange Section on the application. Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds, and may be rejected or suspended.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE lets you exchange shares of one Phoenix Fund for the same class of shares in another Phoenix Fund, using our customer service telephone service. (See the "Telephone Exchange" section on the application.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds, and may be rejected or suspended.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. Sufficient shares from your account will be redeemed at the closing net asset value on the applicable payment date, with proceeds to be mailed to you or sent through ACH to your bank (at your selection). For payments to be mailed, shares will be redeemed on the 15th of the month so that the payment is made about the 20th of the month. For ACH payments, you may select the day of the month for the payments to be made; if no date is specified, the payments will occur on the 15th of the month. The minimum withdrawal is $25, and minimum account balance requirements continue to apply. Shareholders in the program must own Phoenix Fund shares worth at least $5,000.
48 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
DISCLOSURE OF FUND HOLDINGS. The funds make available on the Phoenix Funds' Web sites, PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com, information with respect to each fund's top 10 holdings and summary composition data derived from portfolio holdings information. This information is posted to the Web sites at the end of each month with respect to the top 10 holdings, and at the end of each quarter with respect to summary composition information, generally within 10 business days. With respect to the Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund, the top ten holdings and summary composition information are reported on a one-month lag. This information will remain available on the Web sites until full portfolio holdings information becomes publicly available. A full listing of each fund's portfolio holdings becomes publicly available (i) as of the end of its second and fourth fiscal quarters in shareholder reports, which are sent to all shareholders and are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form N-CSR, and (ii) at the end of its first and third fiscal quarters by filing with the SEC a Form N-Q. The funds' shareholder reports are available without charge on Phoenix's Web site at PhoenixFunds.com (also accessible at PhoenixInvestments.com). The funds' Form N-Q filings are available on the SEC's Internet site at sec.gov. A more detailed description of the funds' policies and procedures with respect to the disclosure of the funds' portfolio securities is also available in the Statement of Additional Information.
The funds plan to make distributions from net investment income at intervals stated in the table below and to distribute net realized capital gains, if any, at least annually.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUND DIVIDEND PAID -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Global Utilities Fund Quarterly -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Market Neutral Fund Semiannually -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Estate Securities Fund Quarterly -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Distributions of short-term capital gains (gains on securities held for a year or less) and net investment income are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, certain distributions of long-term capital gains and certain dividends are taxable at a lower rate than ordinary income. Long-term capital gains, if any, distributed to shareholders and which are designated by a fund as capital gain distributions, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain distributions regardless of the length of time you have owned your shares.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 49
Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash, dividends and capital gain distributions are paid in additional shares. All distributions, cash or additional shares, are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state, local and other taxes.
For each of the funds below, the tables present performance of the respective Predecessor Fund. No information is presented for the Successor Funds since each commenced operations on the date of this prospectus. The information is intended to help you understand the respective Predecessor Fund's financial performance for the past five years or since inception. Some of the information reflects financial information for a single fund share. The total returns in the tables represent the rate that a Predecessor Fund shareholder would have earned or lost on an investment in the Predecessor Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, the funds' independent registered public accounting firm for each of the Predecessor Funds. Their report, together with each Predecessor Fund's financial statements, are included in the Predecessor Fund's most recent Annual Report, which is available upon request.
PHOENIX GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND
CLASS A --------------------------------------------------------- FROM INCEPTION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2004 APRIL 30, TO 2007 2006 APRIL 30, 2005 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Net asset value, beginning of period $10.60 $10.13 $10.00 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.44 0.42 0.13 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 3.03 0.44 0.08 ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 3.47 0.86 0.21 ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.41) (0.39) (0.08) ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.41) (0.39) (0.08) ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 3.06 0.47 0.13 ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $13.66 $10.60 $10.13 ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 33.74% 8.66% 2.09%(4) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $51,190 $14,298 $6,163 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.17% 1.15% 1.15%(3) Gross operating expenses 1.40% 2.72% 5.59%(3) Net investment income (loss) 3.64% 4.06% 3.81%(3) Portfolio turnover 21% 40% 17%(4) |
50 Phoenix Global Utilities Fund
PHOENIX GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C --------------------------------------------------------- FROM INCEPTION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2004 APRIL 30, TO 2007 2006 APRIL 30, 2005 ----------------- ---------------- ------------------ Net asset value, beginning of period $10.57 $10.12 $10.00 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.37 0.35 0.12 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 3.01 0.43 0.07 ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 3.38 0.78 0.19 ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS: Dividends from net investment income (0.33) (0.33) (0.07) ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.33) (0.33) (0.07) ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 3.05 0.45 0.12 ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $13.62 $10.57 $10.12 ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 32.55% 7.87% 1.88%(4) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,769 $1,108 $330 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.91% 1.90% 1.90%(3) Gross operating expenses 2.19% 3.54% 8.16%(3) Net investment income (loss) 3.11% 3.38% 3.58%(3) Portfolio turnover 21% 40% 17%(4) ------------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) Annualized.
(4) Not annualized.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 51
PHOENIX MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $11.87 $11.51 $11.39 $12.09 $10.95 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.12 (0.03) (0.16) (0.23) (0.16) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.80) 0.39 0.28 (0.47) 1.44 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (0.68) 0.36 0.12 (0.70) 1.28 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income -- -- -- -- (0.14) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.68) 0.36 0.12 (0.70) 1.14 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $11.19 $11.87 $11.51 $11.39 $12.09 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) (5.81)% 3.13% 1.05% (5.79)% 11.85% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (thousands) $89,054 $111,133 $70,892 $72,428 $61,582 RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses (including dividends on short sales, after expense reimbursement) 3.63% 3.65% 3.42% 3.85% 3.47% Gross operating expenses (including dividends on short sales, before expense reimbursement) 3.63% 3.65% 3.42% 3.85% 3.68% Net operating expenses (excluding dividends on short sales, after expense reimbursement) 2.19% 2.20% 2.21% 2.29% 2.30% Net investment income (loss) 1.04% (0.26)% (1.45)% (2.08)% (1.33)% Portfolio turnover 285% 177% 175% 329% 456% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $11.55 $11.28 $11.24 $12.02 $10.87 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.02 (0.13) (0.24) (0.31) (0.23) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.77) 0.40 0.28 (0.47) 1.43 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (0.75) 0.27 0.04 (0.78) 1.20 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income -- -- -- -- (0.05) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.75) 0.27 0.04 (0.78) 1.15 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.80 $11.55 $11.28 $11.24 $12.02 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) (6.41)% 2.39% 0.36% (6.49)% 11.10% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (thousands) $4,338 $7,859 $12,290 $16,359 $15,381 RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses (including dividends on short sales, after expense reimbursement) 4.39% 4.36% 4.11% 4.50% 4.26% Gross operating expenses (including dividends on short sales, before expense reimbursement) 4.39% 4.36% 4.11% 4.50% 4.61% Net operating expenses (excluding dividends on short sales, after expense reimbursement) 2.91% 2.90% 2.91% 2.99% 3.00% Net investment income (loss) 0.22% (1.14)% (2.15)% (2.74)% (2.02)% Portfolio turnover 285% 177% 175% 329% 456% ------------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
52 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX MARKET NEUTRAL FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $11.49 $11.22 $11.18 $11.96 $10.83 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.02 (0.11) (0.24) (0.31) (0.23) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) (0.76) 0.38 0.28 (0.47) 1.42 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS (0.74) 0.27 0.04 (0.78) 1.19 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income -- -- -- -- (0.06) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value (0.74) 0.27 0.04 (0.78) 1.13 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $10.75 $11.49 $11.22 $11.18 $11.96 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) (6.44)% 2.41% 0.36% (6.44)% 11.01% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA Net assets, end of period (thousands) $18,377 $40,584 $25,779 $31,102 $24,449 RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses (including dividends on short sales, after expense reimbursement) 4.41% 4.35% 4.12% 4.54% 4.22% Gross operating expenses (including dividends on short sales, before expense reimbursement) 4.41% 4.35% 4.12% 4.54% 4.51% Net operating expenses (excluding dividends on short sales, after expense reimbursement) 2.92% 2.90% 2.91% 2.99% 3.00% Net investment income (loss) 0.19% (0.97)% (2.15)% (2.77)% (2.02)% Portfolio turnover 285% 177% 175% 329% 456% ------------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 53
PHOENIX REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
CLASS A -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $28.15 $25.46 $20.09 $15.59 $15.23 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.30 0.43 0.44 0.62 0.69 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 10.73 4.08 5.60 4.62 1.04 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 11.03 4.51 6.04 5.24 1.73 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.37) (0.42) (0.50) (0.62) (0.68) Distributions from net realized gains (0.63) (1.40) (0.17) (0.12) (0.69) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (1.00) (1.82) (0.67) (0.74) (1.37) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 10.03 2.69 5.37 4.50 0.36 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $38.18 $28.15 $25.46 $20.09 $15.59 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 40.37% 18.67% 30.68% 34.81% 12.05% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $1,289,007 $737,744 $511,107 $260,615 $51,440 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 1.30% 1.30% 1.28% 1.30% 1.30% Gross operating expenses 1.30% 1.30% 1.28% 1.34% 1.61% Net investment income 0.94% 1.68% 1.98% 3.52% 4.48% Portfolio turnover 24% 22% 28% 16% 14% CLASS B -------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net asset value, beginning of period $27.86 $25.21 $19.91 $15.46 $15.11 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.07 0.23 0.27 0.48 0.57 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 10.59 4.05 5.54 4.59 1.03 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 10.66 4.28 5.81 5.07 1.60 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.15) (0.23) (0.34) (0.50) (0.56) Distributions from net realized gains (0.63) (1.40) (0.17) (0.12) (0.69) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.78) (1.63) (0.51) (0.62) (1.25) ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 9.88 2.65 5.30 4.45 0.35 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $37.74 $27.86 $25.21 $19.91 $15.46 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 39.29% 17.81% 29.74% 33.76% 11.23% RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $71,240 $59,042 $57,797 $39,299 $17,984 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 2.05% 2.05% 2.03% 2.05% 2.05% Gross operating expenses 2.05% 2.05% 2.03% 2.09% 2.37% Net investment income 0.24% 0.93% 1.25% 2.79% 3.70% Portfolio turnover 24% 22% 28% 16% 14% ------------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
54 Phoenix Opportunities Trust
PHOENIX REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND (CONTINUED)
CLASS C -------------------------------------------------------------------- FROM INCEPTION YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30, JULY 25, 2003 TO 2006 2005 2004 NOVEMBER 30, 2003 ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------------- Net asset value, beginning of period $28.12 $25.43 $20.07 $17.90 INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS Net investment income (loss)(2) 0.06 0.25 0.26 0.19 Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 10.71 4.07 5.61 2.13 ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS 10.77 4.32 5.87 2.32 ------ ------ ------ ------ LESS DISTRIBUTIONS Dividends from net investment income (0.15) (0.23) (0.34) (0.15) Distributions from net realized gains (0.63) (1.40) (0.17) -- ------ ------ ------ ------ TOTAL DISTRIBUTIONS (0.78) (1.63) (0.51) (0.15) ------ ------ ------ ------ Change in net asset value 9.99 2.69 5.36 2.17 ------ ------ ------ ------ NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD $38.11 $28.12 $25.43 $20.07 ====== ====== ====== ====== Total return(1) 39.32% 17.80% 29.78% 13.03%(4) RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA: Net assets, end of period (thousands) $112,794 $67,764 $38,399 $4,785 RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS OF: Net operating expenses 2.05% 2.05% 2.03% 2.05%(3) Gross operating expenses 2.05% 2.05% 2.03% 2.07%(3) Net investment income 0.19% 0.97% 1.17% 2.88%(3) Portfolio turnover 24% 22% 28% 16%(4) ------------------------------------- |
(1) Sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
(2) Computed using average shares outstanding.
(3) Annualized.
(4) Not annualized.
Phoenix Opportunities Trust 55
[logo]
PHOENIX
Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You can find more information about the Funds in the following documents:
ANNUAL AND SEMIANNUAL REPORTS
Annual and semiannual reports contain more information about the Funds' investments. The annual report discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly affected the Funds' performance during the last fiscal year.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (SAI)
The SAI contains more detailed information about the Funds. It is incorporated by reference and is legally part of the prospectus.
To obtain free copies of these documents, you can download copies from the Individual Investors section of our Web site, phoenixfunds.com, or you can request copies by calling us toll-free at 1-800-243-1574.
Information about the Funds (including the SAI) can be reviewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. For information about the operation of the Public Reference Room, call 1-202-551-8090. This information is also available on the SEC's Internet site at sec.gov. You may also obtain copies upon payment of a duplicating fee by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC, Washington, DC 20549-6009 or by electronic request at publicinfo@sec.gov.
Mutual Fund Services: 1-800-243-1574
Text Telephone: 1-800-243-1926
NOT INSURED BY FDIC/NCUSIF OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NO BANK GUARANTEE. NOT A DEPOSIT. MAY LOSE VALUE.
Investment Company Act File No. 811-7455
PXP4849 BPD31972
6-07
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
PHOENIX BOND FUND
PHOENIX CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND
PHOENIX CORE BOND FUND
PHOENIX EARNINGS DRIVEN GROWTH FUND
PHOENIX EMERGING MARKETS BOND FUND
PHOENIX GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND
PHOENIX GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
PHOENIX HIGH YIELD FUND
PHOENIX MARKET NEUTRAL FUND
PHOENIX MONEY MARKET FUND
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR FIXED INCOME FUND
PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND
PHOENIX REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND
101 Munson Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
June 27, 2007
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus, but expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for the Phoenix Opportunities Trust (the "Trust"), dated June 27, 2007, and should be read in conjunction with it. The SAI incorporates by reference certain information that appears in the Trust's annual and semiannual reports, which are delivered to all investors. You may obtain a free copy of the Trust's Prospectus, annual or semiannual reports by visiting the PhoenixFunds' Web sites at PhoenixFunds.com or PhoenixInvestments.com, by calling Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation ("PEPCO") at (800) 243-4361 or by writing PEPCO at One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, CT 06102-5056.
Mutual Fund Services: (800) 243-1574 Adviser Consulting Group: (800) 243-4361 Telephone Orders: (800) 367-5877 Text Telephone: (800) 243-1926
PXP 2069B (6/07)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Trust ................................................................. 1 Investment Restrictions ................................................... 1 Investment Techniques and Risks ........................................... 2 Performance Information.................................................... 29 Portfolio Turnover ........................................................ 31 Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage ...................................... 31 Disclosure of Fund Holdings................................................ 33 Services of the Adviser and Subadvisers.................................... 34 Portfolio Managers......................................................... 39 Net Asset Value ........................................................... 44 How To Buy Shares ......................................................... 45 Alternative Purchase Arrangements ......................................... 46 Investor Account Services ................................................. 49 How To Redeem Shares ...................................................... 50 Dividends, Distributions and Taxes ........................................ 52 Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans ............................................ 56 The Distributor ........................................................... 56 Distribution Plans ........................................................ 58 Management of the Trust ................................................... 59 Additional Information .................................................... 68 Appendix .................................................................. 70 Glossary .................................................................. 71 |
THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end investment management company which was organized
under Delaware law in 1995 as a statutory trust. Prior to January 27, 2006, the
Trust was named "Phoenix-Seneca Funds." The Trust consists of 13 separate Funds:
the Phoenix Bond Fund ("Bond Fund"), the Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund ("CA
Bond Fund"), the Phoenix Core Bond Fund ("Core Bond Fund"), the Phoenix Earnings
Driven Growth Fund ("Earnings Driven Growth Fund"), the Phoenix Emerging Markets
Bond Fund ("Emerging Markets Fund"), the Phoenix Global Utilities Fund ("Global
Utilities Fund"), the Phoenix Growth Opportunities Fund ("Growth Opportunities
Fund"), the Phoenix High Yield Fund ("High Yield Fund"), the Phoenix Market
Neutral Fund ("Market Neutral Fund"), the Phoenix Money Market Fund ("Money
Market Fund"), the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund ("Multi-Sector Fixed
Income Fund"), the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund ("Multi-Sector
Short Term Bond Fund") and the Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund ("Real Estate
Fund") (each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). The Trust's Prospectuses
describe the investment objectives of the Funds and the strategies that each
Fund will employ in seeking to achieve its investment objective. The respective
investment objective(s) for the CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Earnings Driven Growth
Fund, Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund is a
fundamental policy and may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of that Fund. The respective investment
objective(s) for each of the other funds is a non-fundamental policy of that
Fund and may be changed without shareholder approval upon 60 days notice. The
following discussion supplements the disclosure in the Prospectus.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The following investment restrictions have been adopted by the Trust with respect to each of the Funds. Except as otherwise stated, these investment restrictions are "fundamental" policies. A "fundamental" policy is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the "1940 Act") to mean that the restriction cannot be changed without the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Fund. A "majority of the outstanding voting securities" is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy, or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities.
With respect to all of the Funds, each Fund may not:
(1) With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities or authorities or repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government securities and other investment companies), if: (a) such purchase would, at the time, 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. This restriction does not apply to the Emerging Markets Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund and Real Estate Fund.
(2) Purchase securities if, after giving effect to the purchase, more than
25% of its total assets would be invested in the securities of one or more
issuers conducting their principal business activities in the same industry
(excluding the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities), except:
(a) the Global Utilities Fund will concentrate its assets in the public
utilities industry which includes, but is not limited to, companies engaged in
the production, transmission or distribution of electric energy or gas, or in
telephone services; (b) the Money Market Fund may invest more than 25% of its
assets in instruments issued by domestic banks; and (c) the Real Estate Fund
will concentrate its assets in the real estate industry.
(3) Borrow money, except (i) in amounts not to exceed one third of the value of the Fund's total assets (including the amount borrowed) from banks, and (ii) up to an additional 5% of its total assets from banks or other lenders for temporary purposes. For purposes of this restriction, (a) investment techniques such as margin purchases, short sales, forward commitments, and roll transactions, (b) investments in instruments such as futures contracts, swaps, and options and (c) short-term credits extended in connection with trade clearance and settlement, shall not constitute borrowing.
(4) Issue "senior securities" in contravention of the 1940 Act. Activities permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") exemptive orders or staff interpretations shall not be deemed to be prohibited by this restriction.
(5) Underwrite the securities issued by other persons, except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under applicable law.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund may (i) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (ii) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein, (iii) invest in mortgage-related securities and other securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, (iv) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities.
(7) Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts, except the Fund may purchase and sell derivatives (including, but not limited to, options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts) whose value is tied to the value of a financial index or
a financial instrument or other asset (including, but not limited to, securities indexes, interest rates, securities, currencies and physical commodities).
(8)(a) Earnings Driven Growth Fund, Market Neutral Fund, Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund and Real Estate Fund. Make loans, except that the Funds may (i) lend portfolio securities, (ii) enter into repurchase agreements, (iii) purchase all or a portion of an issue of 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 and (iv) participate in an interfund lending program with other registered investment companies.
(8)(b) Bond Fund, CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Core Bond Fund, Emerging Markets Bond Fund, Global Utilities Fund, Growth Opportunities Fund, High Yield Fund, Money Market Fund and Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund. Lend securities or make any other loans if, as a result, more than 33 1/3% of its total assets would be lent to other parties, except that the Funds may purchase debt securities, may enter into repurchase agreements, may lend portfolio securities and may acquire loans, loan participations and assignments (both funded and unfunded) and other forms of debt instruments.
Except with respect to investment restriction (3) above, if any percentage restriction described above for the Funds is adhered to at the time of investment, a subsequent increase or decrease in the percentage resulting from a change in the value of the Funds' assets will not constitute a violation of the restriction. With respect to investment restriction (3), in the event that asset coverage for all borrowings shall at any time fall below 300 per centum, the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including Sundays and holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to an extent that the asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300 per centum.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND RISKS
The Funds utilize the following investment techniques in pursuing their respective investment objectives as indicated in the chart below. Unless otherwise stated in the Fund's Prospectus, many investment techniques are discretionary. That means the advisers or subadvisers may elect to engage or not engage in the various techniques at their sole discretion. Investors should not assume that any particular discretionary investment technique or strategy will be employed at all times, or ever employed.
Throughout this section, the term adviser may be used to refer to a subadviser, if any.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CA TAX- EARNINGS EMERGING EXEMPT CORE DRIVEN MARKETS GLOBAL GROWTH HIGH BOND BOND BOND GROWTH BOND UTILITIES OPPORTUNITIES YIELD FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Borrowing, Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Mortgage Dollar Rolls x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Debt x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Derivatives x x x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Emerging Markets x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Foreign Securities x x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ High-Yield-High Risk x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Illiquid and Restricted x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Interest Rate Transactions x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Money Market Instruments x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Participation on Creditors' Committees x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Private Placements & Rule 144A Securities x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ratings x x x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ REITs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Repurchase Agreements x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Russian Securities x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Securities Lending x x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Taxable Bonds x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MULTI- MULTI- SECTOR SECTOR REAL MARKET MONEY FIXED SHORT ESTATE NEUTRAL MARKET INCOME TERM BOND SECURITIES FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Borrowing, Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Mortgage Dollar Rolls x x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Debt x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derivatives x x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emerging Markets ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Securities x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- High-Yield-High Risk ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Illiquid and Restricted x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Rate Transactions x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Loan and Debt Participations and Assignments ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Money Market Instruments x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgage-Backed and Other Asset-Backed Securities x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Participation on Creditors' Committees x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Private Placements & Rule 144A Securities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings x x x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- REITs x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Repurchase Agreements x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russian Securities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Securities Lending x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taxable Bonds ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ CA TAX- EARNINGS EMERGING EXEMPT CORE DRIVEN MARKETS GLOBAL GROWTH HIGH BOND BOND BOND GROWTH BOND UTILITIES OPPORTUNITIES YIELD FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tax-Exempt Bonds x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Variable and Floating Rate Securities x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Warrants x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When Issued & Delayed Delivery Securities x x x x x x x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MULTI- MULTI- SECTOR SECTOR REAL MARKET MONEY FIXED SHORT ESTATE NEUTRAL MARKET INCOME TERM BOND SECURITIES FUND FUND FUND FUND FUND ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tax-Exempt Bonds ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Variable and Floating Rate Securities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warrants x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When Issued & Delayed Delivery Securities x x x ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
BORROWING, REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS
The Fund may borrow money and invest the loan proceeds in other assets. This borrowing may be unsecured. The 1940 Act requires the Funds to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the 300% asset coverage should decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. Borrowing may exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of the portfolio. Money borrowed will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased. The Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Among the forms of investments in which the Fund may engage, and which may be deemed to constitute borrowings, is the entry into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a portfolio-eligible security by a Fund, coupled with its agreement to repurchase the instrument at a specified time and price. The Fund will maintain a pledged account with its Custodian consisting of any asset, including equity securities and non-investment grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to its obligations under reverse repurchase agreements with broker-dealers and banks. However, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities retained by the Fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the Fund which it is obligated to repurchase.
The Fund also may enter into "mortgage dollar rolls," which are similar to reverse repurchase agreements in certain respects. In a "dollar roll" transaction, the Fund sells a mortgage-related security (such as a Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") security) to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to purchase a similar security (but not the same security) in the future at a pre-determined price. A "dollar roll" can be viewed, like a reverse repurchase agreement, as a collateralized borrowing in which the Fund pledges a mortgage-related security to a dealer to obtain cash. Unlike in the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the dealer with which the Fund enters into a dollar roll transaction is not obligated to return the same securities as those originally sold by the Fund, but only securities which are "substantially identical." To be considered "substantially identical," the securities returned to the Fund generally must: (1) be collateralized by the same types of underlying mortgages; (2) be issued by the same agency and be part of the same program; (3) have a similar original stated maturity; (4) have identical net coupon rates; (5) have similar market yields (and therefore price); and (6) satisfy "good delivery" requirements, meaning that the aggregate principal amount of the securities received back must be within 2.5% of the initial amount delivered.
The Fund's obligation under a dollar roll agreement must be covered by cash or high quality debt securities equal in value to the securities subject to repurchase by the Fund, maintained in a pledged account. Dollar roll transactions are treated as borrowings by the Fund, and therefore the Fund's entry into dollar roll transactions is subject to the Fund's overall limitations on borrowing. Furthermore, because dollar roll transactions may be for terms ranging between one and six months, dollar roll transactions may be deemed "illiquid" and subject to the Fund's overall limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
DEBT SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in debt securities. Generally, the Fund will invest in debt securities rated BBB or better by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Baa or better by Moody's Investor Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or, if not rated, are judged to be of comparable quality as determined by the adviser.
The value of the a Fund's investments in debt securities will change as interest rates fluctuate. When interest rates decline, the values of such securities generally can be expected to increase and when interest rates rise, the values of such securities can generally be expected to decrease. The lower-rated and comparable unrated debt securities described above are subject to greater risks of loss of income and principal than are higher-rated fixed income securities. The market value of lower- rated securities
generally tends to reflect the market's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than is the case with more highly rated securities, which reflect primarily functions in general levels of interest rates.
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES. A Fund's investments in debt securities of domestic or foreign corporate issuers are limited to bonds, debentures, notes and other similar corporate debt instruments, including convertible securities that meet the Fund's minimum ratings criteria or if unrated are, in the adviser's opinion, comparable in quality to corporate debt securities that meet those criteria. The rate of return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or currencies or to the value of commodities, such as gold.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. It generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the security matures or is redeemed, converted, or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which this is true depends in large measure on the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed-income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption or conversion at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, the Fund could be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to the underlying common stock. The Fund generally would invest in convertible securities for their favorable price characteristics and total return potential and would normally not exercise an option to convert. The Fund might be more willing to convert such securities to common stock.
PAYABLE IN KIND ("PIK") BONDS. PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Fund will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders from available cash or liquidated assets as described above during the time interest payments are not made.
STEP COUPON BONDS. Step coupon bonds are bonds that frequently do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments of interest for some initial period after the issuance of the obligation; thereafter, step coupon bonds pay interest for fixed periods of time at particular interest rates. The Fund will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders from available cash or liquidated assets as described above during the time interest payments are not made.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. A zero coupon bond is a debt obligation that does not make any interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity or until maturity. The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the bond's having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays only principal at maturity and is initially issued at a discount from face value. Alternatively, a zero coupon obligation may provide for a stated rate of interest, but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which case the bond may initially be issued at par. Even though zero coupon bonds may not pay current interest in cash, the Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders. Thus, the Fund would not be able to purchase income-producing securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and, therefore, the Fund's current income could be less than it otherwise would have been. Instead of using cash, the Fund might liquidate investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements. The value of zero coupon bonds fluctuates more in response to interest rate changes, if they are of the same maturity, than does the value of debt obligations that make current interest payments.
The value to the investor of a these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued, unpaid interest during the bond's life or payment deferral period.
DERIVATIVE INVESTMENTS
In order to seek to hedge various portfolio positions, including to hedge against price movements in markets in which a Fund anticipates increasing its exposure, the Fund may invest in certain instruments which may be characterized as derivative investments. These investments include various types of interest rate transactions, options and futures, as describe below. Such investments also may consist of indexed securities, including inverse securities. The Fund may have express limitations on the percentage of its assets that may be committed to these investments. Some of these investments have no express quantitative limitations, although they may be made solely for hedging purposes, not for speculation, and may in some cases require limitations as to the type of permissible counter-party to the transaction. Interest rate transactions involve the risk of an imperfect correlation between the index used in the hedging transactions and that pertaining to the securities which are the subject of such transactions. Similarly, utilization of options and futures transactions involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of options and futures and movements in the price of the securities or interest rates which are the subject
of the hedge. Investments in indexed securities, including inverse securities, subject a Fund to the risks associated with changes in the particular indices, which may include reduced or eliminated interest payments and losses of invested principal.
Credit Linked Notes. Credit linked notes are a derivative transaction used to transfer credit risk. The performance of the notes is linked to the performance of the underlying reference obligation or reference portfolio ("reference entities"). The notes are usually issued by a special purpose vehicle ("SPV") that sells credit protection through a credit default swap ("CDS") transaction in return for a premium and an obligation to pay the transaction sponsor should a reference entity experience a credit event, such as bankruptcy. The SPV invests the proceeds from the notes to cover its contingent obligation. Revenue from the investments and the money received as premium are used to pay interest to note holders. The main risk of credit linked notes is the risk of default to the reference obligation of the CDS. Should a default occur, the SPV would have to pay the transaction sponsor, subordinating payments to the note holders. Credit linked notes also may not be liquid and may be subject to currency and interest rate risks as well.
Financial Futures Contracts and Related Options. The Fund may use financial futures contracts and related options to hedge against changes in the market value of its portfolio securities or securities which it intends to purchase. Hedging is accomplished when an investor takes a position in the futures market opposite to his cash market position. There are two types of hedges, long (or buying) and short (or selling) hedges. Historically, prices in the futures market have tended to move in concert with cash market prices, and prices in the futures market have maintained a fairly predictable relationship to prices in the cash market. Thus, a decline in the market value of securities in a Fund's portfolio may be protected against to a considerable extent by gains realized on futures contracts sales. Similarly, it is possible to protect against an increase in the market price of securities which a Fund may wish to purchase in the future by purchasing futures contracts.
A Fund may purchase or sell any financial futures contracts which are traded on a recognized exchange or board of trade. Financial futures contracts consist of interest rate futures contracts and securities index futures contracts. A public market presently exists in interest rate futures contracts covering long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury notes, three-month U.S. Treasury bills and GNMA certificates. Securities index futures contracts are currently traded with respect to the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index and such other broad-based stock market indices as the New York Stock Exchange Composite Stock Index and the Value Line Composite Stock Price Index. A clearing corporation associated with the exchange or board of trade on which a financial futures contract trades assumes responsibility for the completion of transactions and also guarantees that open futures contracts will be performed.
In contrast to the situation when a Fund purchases or sells a security, no security is delivered or received by a Fund upon the purchase or sale of a financial futures contract. Initially, a Fund will be required to deposit in a pledged account with its custodian cash, U.S. Government obligations or fully paid marginable securities. This amount is known as initial margin and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. The current initial margin deposit required per contract is approximately 5% of the contract amount. Brokers may establish deposit requirements higher than this minimum. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, will be made to and from the account on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates. This process is known as marking to market.
The writer of an option on a futures contract is required to deposit margin pursuant to requirements similar to those applicable to futures contracts. Upon exercise of an option on a futures contract, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer's margin account. This amount will be equal to the amount by which the market price of the futures contract at the time of exercise exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract.
Although financial futures contracts by their terms call for actual delivery or acceptance of securities, in most cases the contracts are closed out before the settlement date without the making or taking of delivery. Closing out is accomplished by effecting an offsetting transaction. A futures contract sale is closed out by effecting a futures contract purchase for the same aggregate amount of securities and the same delivery date. If the sale price exceeds the offsetting purchase price, the seller immediately would be paid the difference and would realize a gain. If the offsetting purchase price exceeds the sale price, the seller immediately would pay the difference and would realize a loss. Similarly, a futures contract purchase is closed out by effecting a futures contract sale for the same securities and the same delivery date. If the offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase price, the purchaser would realize a gain, whereas if the purchase price exceeds the offsetting sale price, the purchaser would realize a loss.
A Fund will pay commissions on financial futures contracts and related options transactions. These commissions may be higher than those which would apply to purchases and sales of securities directly.
LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. A Fund may not engage in transactions in financial futures contracts or related options for speculative purposes, but only as a hedge against anticipated changes in the market value of its portfolio securities or securities which it intends to purchase. At the time of purchase of a futures contract or a call option on a futures contract, any asset, including equity securities and non-investment grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily, equal to the market value of the futures contract minus the Fund's initial margin deposit with respect
thereto will be specifically designated on the accounting records of the Fund to collateralize fully the position and thereby ensure that it is not leveraged.
The extent to which a Fund may enter into financial futures contracts and
related options also may be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (the "Code") for qualification as a regulated investment company.
(See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.")
RISKS RELATING TO FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS. Positions in futures contracts and related options may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such contracts or options. A Fund will enter into an option or futures position only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option or futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a futures or related option position. In the case of a futures position, in the event of adverse price movements a Fund would continue to be required to make daily margin payments. In this situation, if a Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily margin requirements it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet its margin obligations at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, a Fund may be required to take or make delivery of the securities underlying the futures contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a Fund's ability to hedge its portfolio effectively.
There are several risks in connection with the use of futures contracts as a hedging device. While hedging can provide protection against an adverse movement in market prices, it can also limit a hedger's opportunity to benefit fully from a favorable market movement. In addition, investing in futures contracts and options on futures contracts will cause a Fund to incur additional brokerage commissions and may cause an increase in a Fund's portfolio turnover rate.
The successful use of futures contracts and related options also depends on the ability of the adviser or subadviser to forecast correctly the direction and extent of market movements, interest rates and other market factors within a given time frame. To the extent market prices remain stable during the period a futures contract or option is held by a Fund or such prices move in a direction opposite to that anticipated, a Fund may realize a loss on the hedging transaction which is not offset by an increase in the value of its portfolio securities. Options and futures may also fail as a hedging technique in cases where the movements of the securities underlying the options and futures do not follow the price movements of the hedged portfolio securities. As a result, a Fund's total return for the period may be less than if it had not engaged in the hedging transaction. The loss from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited.
Utilization of futures contracts by a Fund involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities which are being hedged. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the securities being hedged, a Fund will experience a gain or loss which will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities. It is possible that, where a Fund has sold futures contracts to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the Fund's portfolio may decline. If this occurred, a Fund would lose money on the futures contract and would also experience a decline in value in its portfolio securities. Where futures are purchased to hedge against a possible increase in the prices of securities before a Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash equivalents) in securities (or options) in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the market may decline; if a Fund then determines not to invest in securities (or options) at that time because of concern as to possible further market decline or for other reasons, a Fund will realize a loss on the futures that would not be offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
The market prices of futures contracts may be affected if participants in the futures market elect to close out their contracts through off-setting transactions rather than to meet margin deposit requirements. In such case, distortions in the normal relationship between the cash and futures markets could result. Price distortions could also result if investors in futures contracts opt to make or take delivery of the underlying securities rather than to engage in closing transactions because such action would reduce the liquidity of the futures market. In addition, from the point of view of speculators, because the deposit requirements in the futures markets are less onerous than margin requirements in the cash market, increased participation by speculators in the futures market could cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortions in the futures market and because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of securities and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast of market trends may still not result in a successful hedging transaction.
Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of put or call options on futures contracts involves less potential risk for a Fund because the maximum amount at risk is the premium paid for the options plus transaction costs. However, there may be circumstances when the purchase of an option on a futures contract would result in a loss to a Fund while the purchase or sale of the futures contract would not have resulted in a loss, such as when there is no movement in the price of the underlying securities.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days ("term") from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are traded directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
No Fund will enter into such forward contracts or maintain a net exposure in such contracts where it would be obligated to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the value of its portfolio securities and other assets denominated in that currency. The Adviser believes that it is important to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that to do so is in the best interests of a Fund. The Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily in an amount not less than the value of a Fund's total assets committed to forward foreign currency exchange contracts entered into for the purchase of a foreign currency. If the value of the securities specifically designated declines, additional cash or securities will be added so that the specifically designated amount is not less than the amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to such contracts.
Foreign Currency Options. A foreign currency option provides the option buyer with the right to buy or sell a stated amount of foreign currency at the exercise price at a specified date or during the option period. A call option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy the currency, while a put option gives its owner the right, but not the obligation, to sell the currency. The option seller (writer) is obligated to fulfill the terms of the option sold if it is exercised. However, either seller or buyer may close its position during the option period for such options any time prior to expiration.
A call rises in value if the underlying currency appreciates. Conversely, a put rises in value if the underlying currency depreciates. While purchasing a foreign currency option can protect a Fund against an adverse movement in the value of a foreign currency, it does not limit the gain which might result from a favorable movement in the value of such currency. For example, if a Fund were holding securities denominated in an appreciating foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency put to hedge against a decline in the value of the currency, it would not have to exercise its put. Similarly, if a Fund had entered into a contract to purchase a security denominated in a foreign currency and had purchased a foreign currency call to hedge against a rise in the value of the currency but instead the currency had depreciated in value between the date of purchase and the settlement date, the Fund would not have to exercise its call but could acquire in the spot market the amount of foreign currency needed for settlement.
Foreign Currency Futures Transactions. The Fund may use foreign currency futures contracts and options on such futures contracts. Through the purchase or sale of such contracts, a Fund may be able to achieve many of the same objectives attainable through the use of foreign currency forward contracts, but more effectively and possibly at a lower cost.
Unlike forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts are standardized as to amount and delivery period and are traded on boards of trade and commodities exchanges. It is anticipated that such contracts may provide greater liquidity and lower cost than forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
Regulatory Restrictions. To the extent required to comply with SEC Release No. IC-10666, when purchasing a futures contract or writing a put option, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment-grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily equal to the value of such contracts.
To the extent required to comply with CFTC Regulation 4.5 and thereby avoid "commodity pool operator" status, a Fund will not enter into a futures contract or purchase an option thereon if immediately thereafter the initial margin deposits for futures contracts (including foreign currency and all other futures contracts) held by the Fund plus premiums paid by it for open options on futures would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. The Fund will engage in transactions in financial futures contracts or options thereon for speculation, but only to attempt to hedge against changes in market conditions affecting the values of securities which the Fund holds or intends to purchase. When futures contracts or options thereon are purchased to protect against a price increase on securities intended to be purchased later, it is anticipated that at least 75% of such intended purchases will be completed. When other futures contracts or options thereon are purchased, the underlying value of such contracts will at all times not exceed the sum of: (1) accrued profit on such contracts held by the broker; (2) cash or high quality money market instruments set aside in an identifiable manner; and (3) cash proceeds from investments due in 30 days.
FOREIGN CURRENCY WARRANTS. Foreign currency warrants such as currency exchange warrants ("CEWs") are warrants that entitle the holder to receive from the issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the United States, in U.S. dollars) that is calculated pursuant to a predetermined formula and based on the exchange rate between a specified foreign currency and the U.S. dollar as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a specified date and time. Foreign currency warrants have been issued in connection with U.S. dollar-denominated debt offerings by major corporate issuers in an attempt to reduce the foreign currency exchange risk that, from the point of view of prospective purchases of the securities, is inherent in the international fixed-income marketplace. Foreign currency warrants may be used to reduce the foreign exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event the U.S. dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the Japanese Yen or Euro. The formula used to determine the amount payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the warrant worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a particular direction (e.g., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or indexed). Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with which they may be offered, and
may be listed on exchanges. Foreign currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number required for exercise may be required either to sell the warrants or to purchase additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. Upon exercise of warrants, there may be a delay between the time the holder gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate relating to exercise is determined, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any remaining "time value" of the warrants (i.e., the difference between the current market value and the exercise value of the warrants), and, if the warrants were "out-of-the-money," in a total loss of the purchase price of the warrants. Warrants are generally unsecured obligations of their issuers and are not standardized foreign currency options issued by the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"). Unlike foreign currency options issued by OCC, the terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants is generally considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving significantly larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants are subject to significant foreign exchange risk, including risks arising from complex political or economic factors.
PRINCIPAL EXCHANGE RATE LINKED SECURITIES. Principal exchange rate linked securities (or "PERLS") are debt obligations the principal on which is payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a particular foreign currency at or about that time. The return on "standard" principal exchange rate linked securities is enhanced if the foreign currency to which the security is linked appreciates against the U.S. dollar, and is adversely affected by increases in the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar, "reverse" PERLS are like the "standard" securities, except that their return is enhanced by increases in the value of the U.S. dollar and adversely impacted by increases in the value of foreign currency. Interest payments on the securities are generally made in U.S. dollars at rates that reflect the degree of foreign currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (i.e., at relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, based on the expectations of the current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities), which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be made at maturity.
PERFORMANCE INDEXED PAPER. Performance indexed paper (or "PIP") is U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain foreign exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on performance indexed paper is established at maturity as a function of spot exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a designated currency as of or about the time (generally, the index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum rate of return that is above, market yields on U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange rate two business days prior to maturity.
Foreign Exchange-Traded Options, Futures and Forward Currency Exchange Contracts--Additional Risks. Options on securities, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, currencies and options on currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Fund may use interest rate, foreign currency or index futures contracts. An interest rate, foreign currency (see "Foreign Currency Transactions" below) or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering several indexes as well as a number of financial instruments and foreign currencies, including: the S&P 500; the S&P 100; the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") composite; U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; GNMA Certificates; three month U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates of deposit; the Australian dollar; the Canadian dollar; the British pound; the German mark; the Japanese yen; the French franc; the Swiss franc; the Mexican peso; and certain multinational currencies, such as the European Currency Unit ("ECU"). It is expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the future. Interest rate futures
contracts currently are traded in the United States primarily on the floors of the Chicago Board of Trade ("CBT") and the International Monetary Market of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"). Interest rate futures also are traded on foreign exchanges such as the London International Financial Futures Exchange ("LIFFE") and the Singapore International Monetary Exchange ("SIMEX").
The Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Futures
options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and
indexes (discussed above). A futures option gives the holder the right, in
return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position
(put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during the
period of option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a long
position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite short
position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.
As long as required by regulatory authorities, the Fund will limit its use of futures contracts and futures options to hedging transactions. The adviser believes it is possible to reduce the effect of interest or exchange rate fluctuations on the value of the Fund's portfolio, or sectors thereof, through the use of such strategies. For example, the Fund might use futures contracts to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates that might adversely affect either the value of the Fund's securities or the price of the securities which the Fund intends to purchase. The Fund's hedging activities may include sales of futures contracts as an offset against the effect of expected increases in interest rates, and purchases of futures contracts as an offset against the effect of expected declines in interest rates. Although other techniques could be used to reduce the Fund's exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Fund may be able to hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost by using futures contracts and futures options. The costs of and possible losses incurred from futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the Fund's current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental return earned by the Fund resulting from these transactions would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.
The Fund will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by the Fund, the Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities ("initial margin"). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures contract held by the Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called "variation margin," equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract. This process is known as "marking to market." Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily net asset value, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions.
The Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other futures positions held by the Fund.
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same exchange, underlying security or index, and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sales price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUTURES AND FUTURES OPTIONS. When entering into a futures contract, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash, U.S. Government securities, or other highly liquid debt securities that, when added to the amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract. Alternatively, the Fund may "cover" its position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund.
When selling a futures contract, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively, the Fund may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the contract (or, in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a volatility substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets with the Fund's custodian).
When selling a call option on a futures contract, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market
daily that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract underlying the call option. Alternatively, the Fund may cover its position by entering into a long position in the same futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option, by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by holding a separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract at a price not higher than the strike price of the call option sold by the Fund.
When selling a put option on a futures contract, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records any asset, including equity securities and non-investment grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily that equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit. Alternatively, the Fund may cover the position either by entering into a short position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put option permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike price of the put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put option sold by the Fund.
In order to comply with applicable regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") pursuant to which the Fund avoids being deemed a "commodity pool," the Fund is limited in its futures trading activities to positions which constitute "bona fide hedging" positions within the meaning and intent of applicable CFTC rules, or to positions which qualify under an alternative test. Under this alternative test, the "underlying commodity value" of each long position in a commodity contract in which the Fund invests may not at any time exceed the sum of: (1) the value of short-term U.S. debt obligations or other U.S. dollar-denominated high quality short-term money market instruments and cash set aside in an identifiable manner, plus any funds deposited as margin on the contract; (2) unrealized appreciation on the contract held by the broker; and (3) cash proceeds from existing investments due in not more than 30 days. "Underlying commodity value" means the size of the contract multiplied by the daily settlement price of the contract.
The requirements of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company ("RIC") also may limit the extent to which the Fund may enter into futures, futures options or forward contracts. (See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes.")
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES AND FUTURES OPTIONS. Using futures contracts and related options involves certain risks, including: (1) the risk of imperfect correlation between fluctuations in the value of a futures contract and the portfolio security that is being hedged; (2) the risk that in its use of futures and related options, the Fund may not outperform a fund that does not make use of those instruments; (3) the fact that no assurance can be given that active markets will be available to offset positions; (4) the fact that futures contracts and options on futures may be closed out, by entering into an offsetting position, only on the exchange on which the contracts were entered into or through a linked exchange; (5) the risk that the value of the assets underlying the futures contract on the date of delivery will vary significantly from the amount which the Fund has agreed to pay or the price at which the Fund has agreed to sell under such contract, thereby subjecting the Fund to losses; and (6) the fact that successful use of futures contracts and related options for hedging purposes will depend upon the ability of the subadviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of the overall interest rate and foreign currency markets.
The costs of, and possible losses incurred from, futures contracts and options thereon may reduce the Fund's current income and involve a loss of principal. Any incremental return earned by the Fund resulting from these transactions would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion thereof.
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, and the purchase and sale of interest rate collars, caps and floors. The adviser believes it is possible to reduce the effect of interest rate fluctuations on the value of the Fund's portfolio, or sectors thereof, through the use of such strategies.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange with another party of commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments. The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling such interest rate floor. An interest rate collar combines the elements of purchasing a cap and selling a floor. The collar protects against an interest rate rise above the maximum amount but gives up the benefit of an interest rate decline below the minimum amount. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap will be accrued on a daily basis and any asset, including equity securities and non-investment grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily having an aggregate net asset value at least equal to the accrued excess will be specifically designated on the accounting records of the Fund. If there is a default by the other party to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
OPTIONS. The Fund may purchase and sell (write) both put options and call options on securities, securities indexes, and foreign currencies. The purpose of writing covered put and call options generally is to hedge against fluctuations in the market value of a Fund's portfolio securities. The Fund may purchase or sell call and put options on securities indices for a similar purpose. Such a hedge is limited to the degree that the extent of the price change of the underlying security is less than the
difference between the option premium received by the Fund and the option strike price. To the extent the underlying security's price change exceeds this amount, written put and call options will not provide an effective hedge.
WRITING CALL OPTIONS. Each Fund may write (sell) covered call options on securities ("calls") when the subadviser considers such sales appropriate. When a Fund writes a call, it receives a premium and grants the purchaser the right to buy the underlying security at any time during the call period (usually between three and nine months) at a fixed exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call period. If the call is exercised, the Fund forgoes any gain but is not subject to any loss on any change in the market price of the underlying security relative to the exercise price. A Fund will write such options subject to any applicable limitations or restrictions imposed by law.
A written call option is covered if the Fund owns the security underlying the option. A written call option may also be covered 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. In addition, the Fund may cover such options by specifically designating on its accounting records any assets, including equity securities and non-investment grade debt so long as the assets are liquid, unencumbered and marked to market daily ("liquid assets"), in amounts sufficient to ensure that it is able to meet its obligations under the written call should it be exercised. This method does not reduce the potential loss to the Fund should the value of the underlying security increase and the option be exercised.
PURCHASING CALL OPTIONS. The Fund may purchase a call option when the adviser believes the value of the underlying security will rise or to effect a "closing purchase transaction" as to a call option the Fund has written (sold). A Fund will realize a profit (or loss) from a closing purchase transaction if the amount paid to purchase a call is less (or more) than the amount received from the sale thereof.
WRITING PUT OPTIONS. A put option written by a Fund obligates the Fund to purchase the specified security at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the expiration date. A written put option may be covered by specifically designating on the accounting records of the Fund liquid assets with a value at least equal to the exercise price of the put option. While this may help ensure that a Fund will have sufficient assets to meet its obligations under the option contract should it be exercised, it will not reduce the potential loss to the Fund should the value of the underlying security decrease and the option be exercised.
PURCHASING PUT OPTIONS. A Fund may purchase a put option when the subadviser believes the value of the underlying security will decline. A Fund may purchase put options on securities in its portfolio in order to hedge against a decline in the value of such securities ("protective puts") or to effect closing purchase transactions as to puts it has written. A Fund will realize a profit (or loss) from a closing purchase transaction if the amount paid to purchase a put is less (or more) than the amount received from the sale thereof.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES INDICES. Unlike a stock option, which gives the holder the right to purchase or sell a specified stock at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive a cash "exercise settlement amount" equal to (i) the difference between the exercise price of the option and the value of the underlying securities index on the exercise date multiplied by (ii) a fixed "index multiplier." Like an option on a specific security, when a Fund purchases a put or a call option on an index, it places the entire amount of the premium paid at risk, for if, at the expiration date, the value of the index has decreased below the exercise price (in the case of a call) or increased above the exercise price (in the case of a put), the option will expire worthless.
A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the stocks included in the index. For example, some securities index options are based on a broad market index such as the S&P 500 Index. Others are based on a narrower market index such as the Standard & Poor's 100 Stock Index. Indices may also be based on an industry or market segment such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on securities indices are currently traded on the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the NYSE and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX").
The Fund may purchase put options on securities indices to hedge against an anticipated decline in stock market prices that might adversely affect the value of a Fund's portfolio securities. If a Fund purchases such a put option, the amount of the payment it would receive upon exercising the option would depend on the extent of any decline in the level of the securities index below the exercise price. Such payments would tend to offset a decline in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. However, if the level of the securities index increases and remains above the exercise price while the put option is outstanding, a Fund will not be able to profitably exercise the option and will lose the amount of the premium and any transaction costs. Such loss may be partially or wholly offset by an increase in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities.
A Fund may purchase call options on securities indices in order to participate in an anticipated increase in stock market prices or to offset anticipated price increases on securities that it intends to buy in the future. If a Fund purchases a call option on a securities index, the amount of the payment it would receive upon exercising the option would depend on the extent of any increase in the level of the securities index above the exercise price. Such payments would in effect allow the Fund to benefit from stock market appreciation even though it may not have had sufficient cash to purchase the underlying stocks. Such payments may also offset increases in the prices of stocks that the Fund intends to purchase. If, however, the level of the securities index declines and remains below the exercise price while the call option is outstanding, a Fund will not be able to
exercise the option profitably and will lose the amount of the premium and transaction costs. Such loss may be partially or wholly offset by a reduction in the price a Fund pays to buy additional securities for its portfolio.
The Fund may write (sell) covered call or put options on a securities index. Such options may be covered by purchasing an offsetting option which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the Fund's net exposure on its written option position or 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 cash consideration (held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities in their respective portfolios. In addition, the Fund may cover such options by specifically designating on its accounting records liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise price or by using the other methods described above.
The extent to which options on securities indices will provide a Fund with an effective hedge against interest rate or stock market risk will depend on the extent to which the stocks comprising the indices correlate with the composition of the Fund's portfolio. Moreover, the ability to hedge effectively depends upon the ability to predict movements in interest rates or the stock market. Some options on securities indices may not have a broad and liquid secondary market, in which case options purchased by the Fund may not be closed out and the Fund could lose more than its option premium when the option expires.
The purchase and sale of option contracts is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those ordinarily associated with investment companies. Transaction costs relating to options transactions may tend to be higher than the costs of transactions in securities. In addition, if a Fund were to write a substantial number of option contracts that are exercised, the portfolio turnover rate of that Fund could increase.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS RELATED TO OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS. Exchange markets in options on certain securities are a relatively new and untested concept. It is impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist in such options, and there can be no assurance that viable exchange markets will develop or continue.
The exchanges will not continue indefinitely to introduce new expirations to replace expiring options on particular issues because trading interest in many issues of longer duration tends to center on the most recently auctioned issues. The expirations introduced at the commencement of options trading on a particular issue will be allowed to run out, with the possible addition of a limited number of new expirations as the original expirations expire. Options trading on each issue of securities with longer durations will thus be phased out as new options are listed on more recent issues, and a full range of expirations will not ordinarily be available for every issue on which options are traded.
In the event of a shortage of the underlying securities deliverable on exercise of an option, the OCC has the authority to permit other, generally comparable, securities to be delivered in fulfillment of option exercise obligations. It may also adjust the exercise prices of the affected options by setting different prices at which otherwise ineligible securities may be delivered. As an alternative to permitting such substitute deliveries, the OCC may impose special exercise settlement procedures.
The hours of trading for options on securities may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent the markets for underlying securities close before the options markets, significant price and rate movements can take place in the options markets that cannot be reflected in the underlying markets. In addition, to the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets.
Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position can be terminated only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. This requires a secondary market on an exchange for call or put options of the same series. Similarly, positions in futures may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for such futures. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular call or put option or futures contract at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close an option or futures position. In the event of adverse price movements, a Fund would continue to be required to make daily payments of maintenance margin for futures contracts or options on futures contracts positions written by that Fund. A Fund may have to sell portfolio securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so if it has insufficient cash to meet the daily maintenance margin requirements. In addition, a Fund may be required to take or make delivery of the instruments underlying futures contracts it holds. The inability to close options and futures positions also could have an adverse impact on a Fund's ability to effectively hedge its portfolios.
Each of the exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum number of call or put options on the same underlying security (whether or not covered) that may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on the same or different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). An exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of applicable trading limits and it may impose other sanctions or restrictions. The Trust and other clients advised by the subadvisers and its affiliates may be deemed to constitute a group for these purposes. In light of these limits, the Trustees may determine, at any time, to restrict or terminate the Funds' transactions in options. The subadvisers does not believe that these trading and position limits will have any adverse effect on investment techniques for hedging the Trust's portfolios.
Over-the-counter ("OTC") options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct agreement with the counterparty. In contrast to exchange-listed options, which generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price, premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or guaranty function in the OTC option market. As a result, if the counterparty fails to make delivery of the security or other instrument underlying an OTC option it has entered into with a Fund or fails to make a cash settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. Accordingly, the subadviser must assess the creditworthiness of each such counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC option will be satisfied. The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by a Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of a Fund's obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to each Fund's limitation on investing no more than 15% of its assets in illiquid securities. However, for options written with "primary dealers" in U.S. Government securities pursuant to an agreement requiring a closing transaction at the formula price, the amount considered to be illiquid may be calculated by reference to a formula price.
The loss from investing in futures transactions is potentially unlimited. Gains and losses on investments in options and futures depend on the subadviser's ability to predict correctly the direction of stock prices, interest rates and other economic factors. In addition, utilization of futures in hedging transactions may fail where there is an imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts and movements in the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge. If the price of the futures contract moves more or less than the price of the security, a Fund will experience a gain or loss that will not be completely offset by movements in the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge. There is also a risk of imperfect correlation where the securities underlying futures contracts have different maturities than the portfolio securities being hedged. Transactions in options on futures contracts involve similar risks.
SHORT SALES. The Fund may sell securities short as part of its overall portfolio management strategies involving the use of derivative instruments and to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities. A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline.
When a Fund makes a short sale, the broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The Fund is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund covers its short position, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
To the extent a Fund sells securities short, it will provide collateral to the broker-dealer and (except in the case of short sales "against the box") will maintain additional asset coverage in the form of liquid assets with its custodian in a segregated account in an amount at least equal to the difference between the current market value of the securities sold short and any amounts required to be deposited as collateral with the selling broker (not including the proceeds of the short sale). A short sale is "against the box" to the extent the Fund contemporaneously owns, or has the right to obtain at no added cost, securities identical to those sold short.
SWAP AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate swap agreements in attempts to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that desired return. Swap agreements are two-party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of securities representing a particular index. The "notional amount" of the swap agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. The Fund's obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). The Fund's obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counter-party will be covered by specifically designating on the accounting records of the Fund liquid assets to avoid leveraging of the Fund's portfolio.
Because swap agreements are two-party contracts and may have terms of greater than seven days, they may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counter-party. The Subadviser will cause a Fund to enter into swap agreements only with counter-parties that would be eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counter-parties under the Funds' repurchase agreement guidelines. Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may limit the Funds' ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect the Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations of the CFTC. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement must be entered into by "eligible participants," which include the following, provided the participants' total assets exceed established levels: a bank or trust company, savings association or credit union, insurance company, investment company subject to regulation under the 1940 Act, commodity pool, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust or other entity, employee benefit plan, governmental entity, broker-dealer, futures commission merchant, natural person, or regulated foreign person. To be eligible, natural persons and most other entities must have total assets exceeding $10 million; commodity pools and employees benefit plans must have assets exceeding $5 million. In addition, an eligible swap transaction must meet three conditions. First, the swap agreement may not be part of a fungible class of agreements that are standardized as to their material economic terms. Second, the creditworthiness of parties with actual or potential obligations under the swap agreement must be a material consideration in entering into or determining the terms of the swap agreement, including pricing, cost or credit enhancement terms. Third, swap agreements may not be entered into and traded on or through a multilateral transaction execution facility.
CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS. The "buyer" in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the "seller" a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided no event of default has occurred. In the event of default, the seller must pay the buyer the "par value" (full notional value) of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation (typically emerging market debt). The fund may be either the buyer or seller in the transaction. If the fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the fund loses its investment and recovers nothing. However, if an event of default occurs, the buyer receives full notional value for a reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, the fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between six months and three years, provided there is no default event. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation.
EMERGING MARKET SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in countries or regions with relatively low gross national product per capita compared to the world's major economies, and in countries or regions with the potential for rapid economic growth (emerging markets). Emerging markets will include any country: (i) having an "emerging stock market" as defined by the International Finance Corporation; (ii) with low-to-middle-income economies according to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank"); (iii) listed in World Bank publications as developing; or (iv) determined by the Adviser to be an emerging market as defined above. The Emerging Markets Fund may also invest in securities of: (i) companies the principal securities trading market for which is an emerging market country; (ii) companies organized under the laws of, and with a principal office in, an emerging market country, or (iii) companies whose principal activities are located in emerging market countries.
The risks of investing in foreign securities may be intensified in the case of investments in emerging markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. Emerging markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures, and 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. Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when a portion of the assets of the Funds are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Funds to make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Funds to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to the Funds due to subsequent declines in value of portfolio securities or, if the Funds have entered into a contract to sell the security, in possible liability to the purchaser. Securities prices in emerging markets can be significantly more volatile than in the more developed nations of the world, reflecting the greater uncertainties of investing in less established markets and economies. In particular, countries with emerging markets may have relatively unstable governments, present the risk of nationalization of businesses, restrictions on foreign ownership, or prohibitions of repatriation of assets, and may have less protection of property rights than more developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be predominantly based on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme and volatile debt burdens or inflation rates. Local securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of substantial holdings difficult or impossible at times. Securities of issuers located in countries with emerging markets may have limited marketability and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a deterioration occurs in an emerging market's balance of payments or for other reasons, a country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Funds could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Funds of any restrictions on investments.
Investments in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations may be restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may at times preclude investment in certain foreign emerging market debt obligations and increase the expenses of the Funds.
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS. As a result of its investments in foreign securities, the Funds may receive interest or dividend payments, or the proceeds of the sale or redemption of such securities, in the foreign currencies in which such securities are denominated. In that event, the Fund may convert such currencies into dollars at the then current exchange rate. Under certain circumstances, however, such as where the Adviser believes that the applicable rate is unfavorable at the time the currencies are received or the Adviser anticipates, for any other reason, that the exchange rate will improve, the Fund may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
In addition, the Fund may be required to receive delivery of the foreign currency underlying forward foreign currency contracts it has entered into. This could occur, for example, if an option written by the Fund is exercised or the Fund is unable to close out a forward contract. The Fund may hold foreign currency in anticipation of purchasing foreign securities. The Fund may also elect to take delivery of the currencies' underlying options or forward contracts if, in the judgment of the Adviser, it is in the best interest of the Fund to do so. In such instances as well, the Fund may convert the foreign currencies to dollars at the then current exchange rate, or may hold such currencies for an indefinite period of time.
While the holding of currencies will permit the Fund to take advantage of favorable movements in the applicable exchange rate, it also exposes the Fund to risk of loss if such rates move in a direction adverse to the Fund's position. Such losses could reduce any profits or increase any losses sustained by the Fund from the sale or redemption of securities, and could reduce the dollar value of interest or dividend payments received. In addition, the holding of currencies could adversely affect the Fund's profit or loss on currency options or forward contracts, as well as its hedging strategies.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in the securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may invest in a broad range of foreign securities including equity, debt and convertible securities and foreign government securities. The Fund may purchase the securities of issuers from various countries, including countries commonly referred to as "emerging markets." The Fund may also invest in domestic securities denominated in foreign currencies.
Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio transactions, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries, and potential restrictions on the flow of international capital. Additionally, dividends payable on foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the foreign securities held by the Fund will not be registered with, nor the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the securities and about the foreign company or government issuing them than is available about a domestic company or government entity. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of Gross National Product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.
Certain foreign countries are less stable politically than the United States. The possibility exists that certain foreign governments may adopt policies providing for expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, currency blockage or limitations on the use or removal of monies or other assets of an investment company. Finally, the Funds may encounter difficulty in obtaining and enforcing judgments against issuers of foreign securities. The economies of developing countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected 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 adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade.
Certain emerging market countries are either comparatively underdeveloped or are in the process of becoming developed and may consequently be economically based on a relatively few or closely interdependent industries. A high proportion of the securities of many emerging market issuers may also be held by a limited number of large investors trading significant blocks of securities. While the adviser will strive to be sensitive to publicize reversals of economic conditions, political unrest and adverse
changes in trading status, unanticipated political and social developments may affect the values of the Fund's investments in such countries and the availability of additional investments in such countries.
When investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Funds will be subject to the additional risk of currency fluctuations. An adverse change in the value of a particular foreign currency as against the U.S. dollar, to the extent that such change is not offset by a gain in other foreign currencies, will result in a decrease in the Fund's assets. Any such change may also have the effect of decreasing or limiting the income available for distribution. Foreign currencies may be affected by revaluation, adverse political and economic developments, and governmental restrictions. Although the Funds will invest only in securities denominated in foreign currencies that are fully convertible into U.S. dollars without legal restriction at the time of investment, no assurance can be given that currency exchange controls will not be imposed on any particular currency at a later date.
Securities of U.S. issuers denominated in foreign currencies may be less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities issued by domestic issuers and denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, investing in securities denominated in foreign currencies often entails costs not associated with investment in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of U.S. issuers, such as the cost of converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars, higher brokerage commissions, custodial expenses and other fees. Non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may be subject to certain withholding and other taxes of the relevant jurisdiction, which may reduce the yield on the securities to the Fund and which may not be recoverable by the Fund or its investors.
The Fund will calculate its net asset value and complete orders to purchase, exchange or redeem shares only on a Monday-Friday basis (excluding holidays on which the NYSE is closed). Foreign securities in which the Funds may invest may be primarily listed on foreign stock exchanges which may trade on other days (such as Saturdays). As a result, the net asset value of each Fund's portfolio may be affected by such trading on days when a shareholder has no access to the Fund.
The Trust may use a foreign custodian in connection with its purchases of foreign securities and may maintain cash and cash equivalents in the care of a foreign custodian. The amount of cash or cash equivalents maintained in the care of eligible foreign custodians will be limited to an amount reasonably necessary to effect the Trust's foreign securities transactions. The use of a foreign custodian invokes considerations which are not ordinarily associated with domestic custodians. These considerations include the possibility of expropriations, restricted access to books and records of the foreign custodian, inability to recover assets that are lost while under the control of the foreign custodian, and the impact of political, social or diplomatic developments.
The Fund may invest in Yankee Bonds. Yankee Bonds are issued in the United States by foreign governments or companies. Since they are dollar-denominated, they are not affected by variations in currency exchange rates. Yankee Bonds are influenced primarily by interest rate levels in the United States, and by the financial condition of the issuer. Because the issuers are foreign, the issuers may be subject to levels of risk that differ from the domestic bond market.
The Fund may invest in dollar-denominated instruments issued by foreign branches of U.S. banks and U.S. branches of foreign banks. Since these instruments are dollar-denominated, they are not affected by variations in currency exchange rates. They are influenced primarily by interest rate levels in the United States and by the financial condition of the issuer, or of the issuer's foreign parent. These instruments may be subject to levels of risk that differ from their fully domestic counterparts.
HIGH YIELD HIGH RISK SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS)
Investments in below-investment grade securities (see Appendix for an explanation of the various ratings) generally provide greater income (leading to the name "high-yield" securities) and opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility, liquidity, and principal and income risk. These securities are regarded as predominantly speculative as to the issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of lower-quality debt securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher-quality debt securities.
High-yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment-grade securities. The prices of high-yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to interest-rate changes than higher-quality investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic developments or individual corporate developments. A projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interests rates, for example, could cause a decline in high-yield securities' prices because the advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a highly-leveraged company to make principal and interest payments. If an issuer of high-yield securities defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, the Funds may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. Market prices of high-yield securities structured as zero-coupon or pay-in-kind securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and therefore tend to be more volatile than securities that pay interest periodically and in cash.
The secondary market on which high-yield securities are traded may be less liquid than the market for higher-grade securities. Less liquidity could adversely affect the price at which a Fund could sell a high-yield security and could adversely affect the daily net asset value of the Fund's shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high-yield securities, especially in a thinly-traded market. When secondary markets for these securities are less liquid than the market for higher-grade securities, it may be more difficult to value the high-yield
securities because the valuation may require more research and judgment may play a greater role in valuation because of the lack of reliable, objective data.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
A Fund may invest in "illiquid investments," including "restricted securities" (i.e., securities that would be required to be registered prior to distribution to the public), securities that are not readily marketable, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and privately issued stripped mortgage-backed securities.
Certain "restricted" securities may be resold to qualified institutional buyers without restriction pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. If a sufficient dealer or institutional trading market exists for such a security, it may not be considered "illiquid." The Trustees have adopted guidelines and delegated to the adviser the daily function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of restricted securities and determining whether a Rule 144A security should be considered "illiquid." The Trustees, however, retain oversight and are ultimately responsible for the determinations. Please see the non-fundamental investment restrictions for further limitations regarding the Funds' investments in restricted and illiquid securities. (See "Private Placements and Rule 144A Securities" below.)
LOAN AND DEBT PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
A loan participation agreement involves the purchase of a share of a loan made by a bank to a company in return for a corresponding share of the borrower's principal and interest payments. Loan participations of the type in which the Fund may invest include interests in both secured and unsecured corporate loans. When the Fund purchases loan assignments from lenders, it will acquire direct rights against the borrower, but these rights and the Fund's obligations may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assignment lender. The principal credit risk associated with acquiring loan participation and assignment interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower. There is also a risk that there may not be a readily available market for participation loan interests and, in some cases, this could result in the Fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from face value or holding such securities until maturity.
In the event that a corporate borrower failed to pay its scheduled interest or principal payments on participations held by the Fund, the market value of the affected participation would decline, resulting in a loss of value of such investment to the Fund. Accordingly, such participations are speculative and may result in the income level and net assets of the Fund being reduced. Moreover, loan participation agreements generally limit the right of a participant to resell its interest in the loan to a third party and, as a result, loan participations and assignments will be deemed by the Fund to be illiquid investments. The Fund will invest only in participations with respect to borrowers whose creditworthiness is, or is determined by the subadviser to be, substantially equivalent to that of issuers whose senior unsubordinated debt securities are rated B or higher by Moody's or S&P.
A Fund may purchase from banks participation interests in all or part of specific holdings of debt obligations. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the selling bank that the subadviser has determined meets the prescribed quality standards of each Fund. Thus, even if the credit of the issuer of the debt obligation does not meet the quality standards of the Fund, the credit of the selling bank will.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. Certificates of deposit are generally short-term, interest-bearing negotiable certificates issued by banks or savings and loan associations against funds deposited in the issuing institution.
TIME DEPOSITS. Time deposits are deposits in a bank or other financial institution for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate for which a negotiable certificate is not received.
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES. A bankers' acceptance is a time draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower usually in connection with an international commercial transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). The borrower, as well as the bank, is liable for payment, and the bank unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or less and are traded in secondary markets prior to maturity.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper refers to short-term, unsecured promissory notes issued by corporations to finance short-term credit needs. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discount basis and has a maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months.
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES. Corporate debt securities with a remaining maturity of less than one year tend to become extremely liquid and are traded as money market securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS. Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government include a variety of Treasury securities, which differ only in their interest rates, maturities, and times of issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less. Treasury notes have maturities of one to ten years, and Treasury bonds generally have maturities of greater than ten years.
Agencies of the United States Government which issue or guarantee obligations include, among others, Export-Import Banks of the United States, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Housing Administration, Government National Mortgage Association, Maritime Administration, Small Business Administration and The Tennessee Valley Authority. Obligations of instrumentalities of the United States Government include securities issued or guaranteed by, among others, the Federal National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Banks for Cooperatives, and the U.S. Postal Service. Some of these securities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government; others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, while still others are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality.
MORTGAGE-RELATED AND OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. These are interests in pools of mortgage loans, assembled and issued by various governmental, government-related, and private organizations. Unlike other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call dates, these securities provide a monthly payment consisting of both interest and principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or costs. "Modified pass-through" securities (such as securities issued by the GNMA) entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities is GNMA. GNMA is a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of Federal Housing Administration insured or Veterans Administration guaranteed mortgages.
Government-related guarantors whose obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government include the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). FNMA is a government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. FHLMC is a government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. FHLMC issues Participation Certificates ("PCs") that represent interests in conventional mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio. FNMA and FHLMC guarantee the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on securities they issue, but their guarantees are not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments for such securities. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets a Fund's investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Funds may buy mortgage-related securities without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the subadviser determines that the securities meet the Funds' quality standards. Securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily marketable.
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the Funds' industry concentration restrictions, set above below under "Investment Restrictions," by virtue of the exclusion from the test available to all U.S. Government securities. The Funds will take the position that privately-issued, mortgage-related securities do not represent interests in any particular "industry" or group of industries. The assets underlying such securities may be represented by a portfolio of first lien residential mortgages (including both whole mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests) or portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC. Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related security may in turn be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. In the case of private issue mortgage-related securities whose underlying
assets are neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S. Government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS ("CMOS"). A CMO is similar to a bond in that interest and prepaid principal is paid, in most cases, semiannually. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans or by portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by entities such as GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA, and their income streams.
CMOs are typically structured in multiple classes, each bearing a different stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity classes typically receive principal only after the first class has been retired. An investor may be partially guarded against a sooner than desired return of principal because of the sequential payments.
FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates and are secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. Unlike FHLMC PCs, payments of principal and interest on the CMOs are made semiannually rather than monthly. The amount of principal payable on each semiannual payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC's mandatory sinking fund schedule. Sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payments of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking-fund payments. Because of the "pass-through" nature of all principal payments received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date. If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.
CMO RESIDUALS. CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. As described above, the cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The "residual" in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of administrative expenses and, in particular, the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO residual market has only very recently developed and CMO residuals currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets. CMO residuals may be subject to certain restrictions on transferability, may be deemed "illiquid," and may be subject to a Fund's limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Stripped mortgage-backed securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. They may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans. SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). The yield to maturity on an IO class security is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating categories.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed "illiquid" and subject to a Fund's limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
A Fund may invest in other mortgage-related securities with features similar to those described above, to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies.
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES--INTEREST RATE INDICES. The One Year Treasury Index is the figure derived from the average weekly quoted yield on U.S. Treasury Securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year. The Cost of Funds Index reflects the monthly weighted average cost of funds of savings and loan associations and savings banks whose home offices are located in Arizona, California and Nevada (the "FHLB Eleventh District") that are member institutions of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the "FHLB of San Francisco"), as computed from statistics tabulated and published by the FHLB of San Francisco. The FHLB of San Francisco normally announces the Cost of Funds Index on the last working day of the month following the month in which the cost of funds was incurred.
A number of factors affect the performance of the Cost of Funds Index and may cause the Cost of Funds Index to move in a manner different from indices based upon specific interest rates, such as the One Year Treasury Index. Because of the various origination dates and maturities of the liabilities of member institutions of the FHLB Eleventh District upon which the Cost of Funds Index is based, among other things, at any time the Cost of Funds Index may not reflect the average prevailing market interest rates on new liabilities of similar maturities. There can be no assurance that the Cost of Funds Index will necessarily move in the same direction or at the same rate as prevailing interest rates since as longer term deposits or borrowings mature and are renewed at market interest rates, the Cost of Funds Index will rise or fall depending upon the differential between the prior and the new rates on such deposits and borrowings. In addition, dislocations in the thrift industry in recent years have caused and may continue to cause the cost of funds of thrift institutions to change for reasons unrelated to changes in general interest rate levels. Furthermore, any movement in the Cost of Funds Index as compared to other indices based upon specific interest rates may be affected by changes instituted by the FHLB of San Francisco in the method used to calculate the Cost of Funds Index. To the extent that the Cost of Funds Index may reflect interest changes more slowly than other indices, mortgage loans which adjust in accordance with the Cost of Funds Index may produce a higher yield later than would be produced by such other indices, and in a period of declining interest rates, the Cost of Funds Index may remain higher than other market interest rates which may result in a higher level of principal prepayments on mortgage loans which adjust in accordance with the Cost of Funds Index than mortgage loans which adjust in accordance with other indices.
LIBOR, the London Interbank Offered Rate, is the interest rate that the most creditworthy international banks dealing in U.S. dollar-denominated deposits and loans charge each other for large dollar-denominated loans. LIBOR is also usually the base rate for large dollar-denominated loans in the international market. LIBOR is generally quoted for loans having rate adjustments at one, three, six or twelve month intervals.
OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Through trusts and other special purpose entities, various types of securities based on financial assets other than mortgage loans are increasingly available, in both pass-through structures similar to mortgage pass-through securities described above and in other structures more like CMOs. As with mortgage-related securities, these asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of financial assets representing the obligations of a number of different parties. They often include credit-enhancement features similar to mortgage-related securities.
Financial assets on which these securities are based include automobile receivables; credit card receivables; loans to finance boats, recreational vehicles, and mobile homes; computer, copier, railcar, and medical equipment leases; and trade, healthcare, and franchise receivables. In general, the obligations supporting these asset-backed securities are of shorter maturities than mortgage loans and are less likely to experience substantial prepayments. However, obligations such as credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the obligors are often entitled to protection under a number of state and federal consumer credit laws granting, among other things, rights to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thus reducing the balance due. Other obligations that are secured, such as automobile receivables, may present issuers with difficulties in perfecting and executing on the security interests, particularly where the issuer allows the servicers of the receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations, thus increasing the risk that recoveries on defaulted obligations may not be adequate to support payments on the securities.
The subadviser expects additional assets will be "securitized" in the future. A Fund may invest in any such instruments or variations on them to the extent consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies.
PARTICIPATION ON CREDITORS' COMMITTEES
The Fund may participate on committees formed by creditors to negotiate with the management of financially troubled issuers of securities held by the Fund. Such participation may subject the Fund to expenses such as legal fees and may make the fund an "insider" of the issuer for purposes of the federal securities laws, and therefore may restrict the fund's ability to purchase or sell a particular security when it might otherwise desire to do so. Participation by the Fund on such committees also may expose the Fund to potential liabilities under the federal bankruptcy laws or other laws governing the rights of creditors and debtors. The Fund will participate on such committees only when the subadviser believes that such participation is necessary or desirable to enforce the Fund's rights as a creditor or to protect the value of securities held by the Fund.
PRIVATE PLACEMENTS AND RULE 144A SECURITIES
The Fund may purchase securities which have been privately issued and are subject to legal restrictions on resale or which are issued to qualified institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC. Such securities may offer higher yields than comparable publicly traded securities. Such securities ordinarily can be sold by the Fund in secondary market transactions to certain qualified investors pursuant to rules established by the SEC, in privately negotiated transactions to a limited number of purchasers or in a public offering made pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (The "1933 Act"). Public sales of such securities by the Fund may involve significant delays and expense. Private sales often require negotiation with one or more purchasers and may produce less favorable prices than the sale of similar unrestricted securities. Public sales generally involve the time and expense of the preparation and processing of a registration statement under the 1933 Act (the possible decline in value of the securities during such period) and may involve the payment of underwriting commissions. In some instances, the Fund may have to bear certain costs of registration in order to sell such shares publicly. Except in the case of securities sold to qualifying institutional investors under special rules adopted by the SEC for which the Trustees of the Fund determine the secondary market is liquid, Rule 144A securities will be considered illiquid. Trustees of the Fund may determine the secondary market is liquid based upon the following factors which will be reviewed periodically as required pursuant to procedures adopted by the Fund; the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security; the frequency of trades; dealer undertakings to make a market in the security, and the nature of the security and its market. Investing in Rule 144A Securities could have the effect of increasing the level of the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities. (See "Illiquid and Restricted Securities" above.)
RATINGS
If the rating of a security purchased by a Fund is subsequently reduced below the minimum rating required for purchase or a security purchased by the Fund ceases to be rated, neither event will require the sale of the security. However, the Adviser, as applicable, will consider any such event in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the security. To the extent that ratings established by Moody's or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations or their rating systems, the Funds will invest in securities which are deemed by the Fund's adviser to be of comparable quality to securities whose current ratings render them eligible for purchase by the Fund.
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (REITS)
REITs pool investors' funds for investment primarily in income producing commercial real estate or real estate related loans. A REIT is not taxed on income distributed to shareholders if it complies with several requirements relating to its organization, ownership, assets, and income and a requirement that it distribute to its shareholders at least 95% of its taxable income (other than net capital gains) for each taxable year.
REITs can generally be classified as follows:
--Equity REITs, which invest the majority of their assets directly in real property and derive their income primarily from rents. Equity REITs can also realize capital gains by selling properties that have appreciated in value.
--Mortgage REITs, which invest the majority of their assets in real estate mortgages and derive their income primarily from interest payments.
--Hybrid REITs, which combine the characteristics of both equity REITs and mortgage REITs.
REITs are like closed-end investment companies in that they are essentially holding companies which rely in a fund that invests in REITS should realize that by investing in REITs indirectly through the Fund, he will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly, similar expenses of underlying REITs.
RISKS OF INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE SECURITIES. Selecting REITs requires an evaluation of the merits of each type of asset a particular REIT owns, as well as regional and local economics. Due to the proliferation of REITs in recent years and the relative lack of sophistication of certain REIT managers, the quality of REIT assets has varied significantly. The Real Estate Fund will not invest in real estate directly, but only in securities issued by real estate companies. However, the Fund may be subject to risks similar to those associated with the direct ownership of real estate because of its policy of concentrating in the securities of companies in the real estate industry. These include declines in the value of real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, dependence on management skill, cash flow dependence, possible lack of availability of long-term mortgage funds, over-building, extended vacancies of properties, decreased occupancy rates and increased competition, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, changes in neighborhood values and the appeal of the properties to tenants and changes in interest rates.
In addition to these risks, equity REITs may be affected by changes in the value of the underlying properties they own, while mortgage REITs may be affected by the quality of any credit extended. Further, equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills and generally are not diversified. Equity and mortgage REITs are also subject to potential defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Code and failing to
maintain exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940. In the event of a default by a borrower or lessee, the REIT may experience delays in enforcing its rights as a mortgagee or lessor and may incur substantial costs associated with protecting its investments. In addition, investment in REITs could cause the Fund to possibly fail to qualify as a regulated investment company.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks, broker-dealers or other financial institutions in order to generate additional current income. Under a repurchase agreement, a Fund acquires a security from a seller subject to resale to the seller at an agreed upon price and date. The resale price reflects an agreed upon interest rate effective for the time period the security is held by the Fund. The repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase price may be the same, with interest payable to the Fund at a stated rate together with the repurchase price on repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the security. Typically, repurchase agreements are in effect for one week or less, but may be in effect for longer periods of time. Repurchase agreements of more than one week's duration are subject to each Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
Repurchase agreements are considered by the SEC to be loans by the purchaser collateralized by the underlying securities. In an attempt to reduce the risk of incurring a loss on a repurchase agreement, the Funds will generally enter into repurchase agreements only with domestic banks with total assets in excess of one billion dollars, primary dealers in U.S. Government securities reporting to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or broker-dealers approved by the Trustees of the Trust. The subadviser will monitor the value of the underlying securities throughout the term of the agreement to attempt to ensure that their market value always equals or exceeds the agreed-upon repurchase price to be paid to a Fund. Each Fund will maintain a segregated account with its custodian, or a subcustodian for the securities and other collateral, if any, acquired under a repurchase agreement for the term of the agreement.
In addition to the risk of the seller's default or a decline in value of the underlying security, a Fund also might incur disposition costs in connection with liquidating the underlying securities. If the seller becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a court may determine that the underlying security is collateral for a loan by a Fund not within the control of that Fund and therefore subject to sale by the seller's trustee in bankruptcy. Finally, it is possible that a Fund may not be able to perfect its interest in the underlying security and may be deemed an unsecured creditor of the seller. While the Trustees of the Trust acknowledge these risks, it is expected that they can be controlled through careful structuring of repurchase agreement transactions to meet requirements for treatment as a purchase and sale under the bankruptcy laws and through monitoring procedures designed to assure the creditworthiness of counter-parties to such transactions.
RUSSIAN SECURITIES
While investment risks exist in many markets around the world, some of the risks inherent in investing in Russia appear to be greater than those in other established and emerging markets. These risks include, without limitation:
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS. There is no history of stability in this market and no guarantee of future stability. The emerging nature of the Russian political system in its current democratic form leaves it more vulnerable to break down in the event of economic instability or popular unrest. The dynamic nature of the political environment can make the future uncertain. The economic infrastructure is poor, and the country maintains a high level of external and internal debt. Tax regulations are ambiguous and unclear, and there is a risk of imposition of arbitrary or onerous taxes due to the lack of a fair and economically-rational tax regime.
COMMERCIAL AND CREDIT RISKS. Banks and other financial systems are not well developed or regulated, and as a result tend to be untested and have low credit ratings. Organized crime and corruption are a feature of the business environment, and bankruptcy and insolvency are commonplace as businesses are learning how to cope in new conditions. In terms of cash, securities and other investment transactions, the risk of broker, counter-party and other third-party default is high. The same holds true for issuers, where the risk of default is high. Insurance is expensive and difficult to obtain in light of the volatility of the commercial environment.
LIQUIDITY RISKS. Foreign investment is affected by restrictions in terms of repatriation and convertibility of the currency. The ruble is only convertible internally, and the value of investments may be affected by fluctuations in available currency rates and exchange control regulations. The repatriation of profits may be restricted in some cases. Due to the undeveloped nature of the banking system, considerable delays can occur in transferring funds, converting rubles into other currencies and remitting funds out of Russia.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY RISKS. Russia's legal system is evolving and is not as developed as that of a western country. It is based on a civil code with no system of judicial precedents. The regulatory environment is sometimes uncertain since the total law can encompass the civil code, legislative laws, presidential decrees, and ministry resolutions. The code, laws, decrees, and resolutions ("Regulations") are promulgated at separate times and are not necessarily consistent. The issuance of Regulations does not always keep pace with market developments, thereby creating ambiguities and inconsistencies.
Regulations governing securities investment may not exist or may be interpreted and applied in an arbitrary or inconsistent manner. There may be a risk of conflict between the rules and regulations of the local, regional, and national governments. The concept of share ownership rights and controls may not be in place or be enforceable. The independence of the courts from economic, political, or national influence is basically untested and the courts and judges are not experienced in business and corporate law. Foreign investors cannot be guaranteed redress in a court of law for a breach of local laws, regulations or contracts.
The securities market regulatory body, the Federal Commission on the Capital Market, was established in 1994 and is responsible for overseeing market participants, including registrars. However, the monitoring of and enforcement of the obligations of registrar companies is difficult due to geographic dispersion and inconsistent interpretation and application of regulations.
OPERATIONAL RISKS. Shareholder Title to Securities: Shareholder risk is a major risk for equity investment in Russia. For example, shares are dematerialized and the only legal evidence of ownership is the shareholder's name entered in the register of the company. The concept of fiduciary duty on the part of companies' management is generally non-existent. Therefore, shareholders may suffer a dilution or loss of investment, due to arbitrary changes in the shareholder register, with little or no recourse or redress available. Local laws and regulations may not prohibit or restrict a company's management from materially changing the company's structure without the consent of shareholders. Legislation prohibiting insider trading activities is rudimentary.
Clearing and Settlement: For equity settlements, the payments are usually handled offshore in U.S. dollars after the shares are reregistered on the books of the company or its registrar. However, the only evidence of the registration is a company "extract" which is a photocopy of the appropriate page from the register reflecting the new shareholder's name. The extract does not have a legal basis for establishing ownership in the event of a loss.
For Ministry of Finance (MinFin) bond settlements, payments are made offshore in U.S. dollars upon settlement of the bearer bonds at Vneshtorgbank's (VTB) office in Moscow. If the bonds are transported between the local subcustodian and VTB, the investor is exposed to transportation risk as the MinFins are bearer bonds and are not replaceable in the event they are lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Foreign investors can also invest in treasury issues through the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange (MICEX). These issues settle book-entry at MICEX in rubles only.
Transparency. The rules regulating corporate governance may not exist or are underdeveloped and offer little protection to minority shareholders. Disclosure and reporting requirements are not to the expected level of most developed western nations. The accounting standards generally used in Russia are not international standards and in many cases may be cash based, nonaccrual method of accounting. The quality, reliability, and availability of information on companies in Russia is lower than in most western markets.
SECURITIES LENDING
A Fund may lend portfolio securities to broker-dealers and other financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Fund utilizing this investment technique and are at all times secured by collateral held by the Fund at least equal to the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The Fund utilizing this investment technique will continue to receive any income on the loaned securities, and at the same time will earn interest on cash collateral (which will be invested in short-term debt obligations) or a securities lending fee in the case of collateral in the form of U.S. Government securities. A loan may be terminated at any time by either the Fund or the borrower. Upon termination of a loan, the borrower will be required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the period of the loan would accrue to the Fund. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan will automatically terminate, and the Fund may use the collateral to replace the loaned securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of the replacement cost over the amount of the collateral.
When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loan, in whole or in part as may be appropriate, in order to exercise such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund's investment in the securities which are the subject of the loan. The Fund may pay reasonable finders, administrative and custodial fees in connection with loans of its portfolio securities.
As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery of the loaned securities and in some cases loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans of portfolio securities will be made only to firms considered by the Trust to be creditworthy and when the Adviser believes the consideration to be earned justifies the attendant risks.
TAXABLE BONDS
The Fund may from time to time invest a portion of its assets on a temporary basis in "temporary investments"; the income from which, may be subject to federal and California income tax. Specifically, the Fund may invest in "private activity bonds,"
the income from which is not exempt from federal income taxation (the interest on which is also treated as an item of tax preference for purposes of the Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT Bonds")). Such temporary investments may consist of notes of issuers having, at the time of purchase, an issue of outstanding municipal bonds rated within the three highest grades by S&P, Moody's or Fitch (taxable or tax exempt); commercial paper rated at least A-l by Moody's, P-l by S&P or F-l by Fitch; and U.S. Treasury and agency securities. The Fund may invest in California bonds with any maturity and may purchase short-term municipal notes such as tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes and bond anticipation notes.
TAX-EXEMPT BONDS
Tax-exempt bonds are debt obligations issued by the various states and their subdivisions (e.g., cities, counties, towns, and school districts) to raise funds, generally for various public improvements requiring long-term capital investment. Purposes for which tax-exempt bonds are issued include flood control, airports, bridges and highways, housing, medical facilities, schools, mass transportation and power, water or sewage plants, as well as others. Tax-exempt bonds also are occasionally issued to retire outstanding obligations, to obtain funds for operating expenses or to loan to other public or, in some cases, private sector organizations or to individuals.
The two principal classifications of tax-exempt bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue." General obligations or "G.O.s" are secured by the issuer's general pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable only from monies derived from a specified source such as operating a particular facility or from a guarantee, lease, specific tax or pool of assets, e.g., a portfolio of mortgages.
Pollution control or other bonds backed by private corporations do not generally have the pledge of the credit of the issuing public body but are secured only by the credit of the corporation benefiting from the facilities being financed. There are, of course, variations in the security of municipal bonds, both within a particular classification and between classifications depending on numerous factors.
The yields on tax-exempt bonds are dependent on a variety of factors, including general money market conditions, general conditions of the municipal bond market, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and the rating of the issue. The ratings of S&P, Moody's and Fitch represent their opinions as to the quality of the tax-exempt bonds which they undertake to rate. It should be emphasized however, that ratings are general and not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, tax-exempt bonds with the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.
The ability of issuers engaged in the generation, distribution and/or sale of electrical power and/or natural gas to make payments of principal or interest on such obligations is dependent upon, among other things, the continuing ability of such issuers to derive sufficient revenues from their operations to meet debt service requirements. General problems confronting such issuers include the difficulty in financing construction projects during inflationary periods, restrictions on operations and increased costs and delays attributable to applicable environmental laws, the difficulty in obtaining fuel for energy generation at reasonable prices, the difficulty in obtaining natural gas for resale, and the effects of present or proposed energy or natural resource conservation programs.
There are several federal housing subsidy programs used by state housing agencies which do not result in unconditional protection of the bondholder. Changes enacted by Congress in these programs or administrative difficulties may result in decreases in the present actual or future estimated debt service coverage. A reduction in coverage may also result from economic fluctuations leading to changes in interest rates or operating costs. Most state housing authority bonds are also "moral obligations" of the issuing states; however, a few programs specifically reject the "moral obligation." In many but not all cases, this "moral obligation" is explicitly reflected in the bond contract by means of an option permitting the state legislature to provide debt service support if the legislature so chooses; thus, this option provides the bondholder with an additional source of potential support not directly related to the specific housing program.
Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of tax-exempt bonds or a temporary investment may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund. Neither event will require the elimination of such obligation from the Fund's portfolio but the adviser will consider such an event in its determination of whether the Fund should continue to hold such obligation in its portfolio. To the extent that the ratings assigned by S&P, Moody's or Fitch for tax- exempt bonds or temporary investments may change as a result of changes in such organizations, or changes in their rating systems, the Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for its investments in tax-exempt bonds or temporary investments in accordance with the investment policies contained herein.
The Fund may purchase municipal obligations on a when-issued basis; i.e., delivery and payment for the securities will take place after the transaction date, normally within 15 to 45 days, though the payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. The Fund will only make commitments to purchase such securities with the intention of actually acquiring the securities, but the Fund may sell these securities before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy. When the Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward-commitment basis, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure
that the Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when-issued purchases and forward commitments.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and the securities held in the Fund's portfolio are subject to changes in value based upon the public's perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates, i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when interest rates rise. Therefore, in order to achieve higher interest income, if the Fund remains substantially invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a when-issued basis, there will be a greater possibility of fluctuation in the Fund's net asset value.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES
A Fund may invest in securities with variable and floating rates. Some municipal securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended to minimize fluctuation in values of floating rate instruments. Variable rate instruments are those whose terms provide for automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Floating rate instruments are those whose terms provide for automatic adjustment of their interest rates whenever some specified interest rate changes. Variable rate and floating rate instruments will be referred to collectively as "Variable Rate Securities." The interest rate on Variable Rate Securities is ordinarily determined by reference to, or is a percentage of, a bank's prime rate, the 90-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, the rate of return on commercial paper or bank certificates of deposit, an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or some objective standard. Generally, the changes in the interest rate on Variable Rate Securities reduce the fluctuation in the market value of such securities. Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations.
Variable Rate Demand Securities are Variable Rate Securities which have demand features entitling the purchaser to resell the securities to the issuer at an amount approximately equal to amortized cost or the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest, which may be more or less than the price that the Emerging Markets Fund paid for them. The interest rate on Variable Rate Demand Securities also varies either according to some objective standard, such as an index of short-term, tax-exempt rates, or according to rates set by or on behalf of the issuer.
WARRANTS TO PURCHASE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in or acquire warrants to purchase equity or fixed income securities. Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock. Bonds also may be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline in interest rates would permit a Fund to buy additional bonds at the favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED-DELIVERY TRANSACTIONS
Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis. These transactions are also know as delayed-delivery transactions. (The phrase "delayed delivery" is not intended to include purchases where a delay in delivery involves only a brief period required by the selling party solely to locate appropriate certificates and prepare them for submission for clearance and settlement in the customary way.) Delayed-delivery transactions involve a commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date (ordinarily up to 90 days later). The price of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and forward commitments are negotiated directly with the selling party.
When-issued purchases and forward commitments enable a Fund to lock in what is believed to be an attractive price or yield on a particular security for a period of time, regardless of future changes in interest rates. For example, in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell debt securities it owns on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising prices, a Fund might sell securities it owns and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher yields. A Fund will not enter into such transactions for the purpose of leverage.
The value of securities purchased on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and any subsequent fluctuations in their value will be reflected in the Fund's net asset value starting on the date of the agreement to purchase the securities, and the Fund will be subject to the rights and risks of ownership of the securities on that date. A Fund will not earn interest on securities it has committed to purchase until they are paid for and received.
When a Fund makes a forward commitment to sell securities it owns, the proceeds to be received upon settlement will be included in the Fund's assets. Fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities will not be reflected in the Fund's net asset value as long as the commitment to sell remains in effect. Settlement of when-issued purchases and forward commitment transactions generally takes place up to 90 days after the date of the transaction, but a Fund may agree to a longer settlement period.
A Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued basis or to purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy, however, a Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a commitment after it is entered into. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Fund may realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions.
When a Fund purchases securities on a when-issued or forward-commitment basis, the Fund will specifically designate on its accounting records securities having a value (determined daily) at least equal to the amount of the Fund's purchase commitments. These procedures are designed to ensure that each Fund will maintain sufficient assets at all times to cover its obligations under when- issued purchases and forward commitments.
ZERO COUPON, STEP COUPON, DEFERRED COUPON AND PIK BONDS
PAYABLE IN KIND ("PIK") BONDS. PIK bonds are obligations which provide that the issuer thereof may, at its option, pay interest on such bonds in cash or in the form of additional debt securities. Such securities benefit the issuer by mitigating its need for cash to meet debt service, but also require a higher rate of return to attract investors who are willing to defer receipt of such cash. The Fund will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders from available cash or liquidated assets as described above during the time interest payments are not made.
STEP COUPON BONDS. Step coupon bonds are bonds that frequently do not entitle the holder to any periodic payments of interest for some initial period after the issuance of the obligation; thereafter, step coupon bonds pay interest for fixed periods of time at particular interest rates. The Fund will accrue income on such investments for tax and accounting purposes, which is distributable to shareholders from available cash or liquidated assets as described above during the time interest payments are not made.
ZERO COUPON BONDS. A zero coupon bond is a debt obligation that does not make any interest payments for a specified period of time prior to maturity or until maturity. The nonpayment of interest on a current basis may result from the bond's having no stated interest rate, in which case the bond pays only principal at maturity and is initially issued at a discount from face value. Alternatively, a zero coupon obligation may provide for a stated rate of interest, but provide that such interest is not payable until maturity, in which case the bond may initially be issued at par. Even though zero coupon bonds may not pay current interest in cash, the Fund is required to accrue interest income on such investments and to distribute such amounts to shareholders. Thus, the Fund would not be able to purchase income-producing securities to the extent cash is used to pay such distributions, and, therefore, the Fund's current income could be less than it otherwise would have been. Instead of using cash, the Fund might liquidate investments in order to satisfy these distribution requirements. The value of zero coupon bonds fluctuates more in response to interest rate changes, if they are of the same maturity, than does the value of debt obligations that make current interest payments.
The value to the investor of a these types of bonds is represented by the economic accretion either of the difference between the purchase price and the nominal principal amount (if no interest is stated to accrue) or of accrued, unpaid interest during the bond's life or payment deferral period.
CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND ONLY
CALLABLE MUNICIPAL BONDS AND MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
The Fund may purchase and hold callable municipal bonds which contain a provision in the indenture permitting the issuer to redeem the bonds prior to their maturity dates at a specific price which typically reflects a premium over the bonds' original issue price. These bonds generally have call protection (that is, a period of time during which the bonds may not be called) which usually lasts for 7 to 10 years, after which time such bonds may be called away. An issuer may generally be expected to call its bonds, or a portion of them, during periods of relatively declining interest rates, when borrowing may be replaced at lower rates than those obtained in prior years. If the proceeds of a bond called under such circumstances are reinvested, the result may be lower overall yield due to lower current interest rates.
Municipal lease obligations are municipal securities that may be supported by a lease or an installment purchase contract issued by state and local government authorities to acquire funds to obtain the use of a wide variety of buildings or equipment and facilities such as fire and sanitation vehicles, computer equipment, prisons, office buildings and schools and other capital assets. These obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, are not G.O.s secured by unlimited taxes and have evolved to make it possible for state and local government authorities to obtain the use of property and equipment without meeting constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Thus, municipal lease obligations have special risks not normally associated with G.O.s municipal bonds. These obligations frequently contain "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental issuer of the obligation has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by the legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition to the non-appropriation risk, some municipal lease obligations have not yet developed the depth of marketability associated with other municipal bonds. Although these obligations may be secured by the leased equipment, the disposition of collateral in the event
of the foreclosure may prove difficult. The liquidity of municipal lease obligations purchased by the Fund will be determined pursuant to illiquid securities guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees will be responsible for determining the credit quality of unrated municipal leases, on an ongoing basis, including an assessment of the likelihood that any such leases will not be canceled. Factors considered in making such determinations may include the frequency of trades and quotes for the obligation; the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers; the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security; the nature of marketplace trades; the obligation's ratings and, if the security is unrated, factors generally considered by a rating agency. If a municipal lease obligation is determined to be illiquid, it will be subject to a Fund's overall limit on investments in illiquid securities.
SPECIAL RISK FACTORS
The California Constitution and various state statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of California government entities may impair the ability of California issuers to maintain debt service on their obligations, as described more fully below. The following information as to certain California state risk factors is provided to investors in view of the policy of the Fund to concentrate its investments in California state and municipal issues. Such information constitutes only a brief discussion, does not purport to be a complete description and is based on information from sources believed by the Fund to be reliable, including official statements relating to securities offerings of California state and municipal issuers and periodic publications by national rating organizations. Such information, however, has not been independently verified by the Fund.
Certain of the California municipal securities in which the Fund may invest may be obligations of issuers which rely in whole or in part on California state revenues for payment of these obligations. Property tax revenues and a portion of the State's General Fund surplus are distributed to counties, cities and their various taxing entities and the state assumes certain obligations previously paid out of local funds. Whether and to what extent a portion of the State's General Fund will be distributed in the future to counties, cities and various entities is unclear.
Certain legislation enacted in the State over the past 29 years may serve to limit significantly state agencies', local governments' and districts' ability to collect sufficient funds to meet debt service on bonds and other obligations. Article XIIIA of the California Constitution, through amendment, now places restrictions and limits on California taxing entities in their ability to increase real property taxes. Article XIIIB of the California Constitution, added by Proposition 4, imposes on State and municipal entities an annual appropriations limit with respect to certain expenditures and requires the allocation of excess revenues to State education funds. Annual appropriations limits are adjusted annually to reflect changes in consumer prices, population, and certain services provided by these entities. The California Constitution, through amendments made by Propositions 98 and 111, also requires minimum levels of funding for public school and community college districts. Proposition 218 amended the State Constitution to provide for limitations on the ability of local government agencies to impose or raise various taxes, fees, charges, and assessments without voter approval. Certain "general taxes" imposed after January 1, 1995 by local government, for example, must be approved by voters in order to remain in effect, and local voters may have the right to present initiatives to reduce taxes, fees, assessments, or charges imposed by the local government.
Certain California municipal securities which the Fund may own may be secured in whole or in part by mortgages or real property deeds of trust, can be constrained by State laws addressing non-judicial foreclosure rights and transfers of title by sale by private owner, antideficiency provisions, and limits on pre-payment charges on mortgage loans. These types of State statutes, among other limits imposed by State law, could affect the flow of revenues to an issuer for debt service on outstanding debt obligations.
CALIFORNIA ECONOMIC HISTORY AND OUTLOOK. The California economic outlook for the first quarter of 2006 continues to improve over the previous the year, however, higher energy prices, somewhat higher interest rates, and further slowing of residential construction and real estate markets, which began in the second half of 2005, may slow economic growth in 2006-2007. Additionally, lingering uncertainties regarding the future of California's electrical power supply, fears of a sudden, abrupt decline in housing prices, and continued fears of terrorist attacks and the war in Iraq, make the future economic outlook of California uncertain and could adversely affect the ability of California issuers to maintain debt service on their obligations. Furthermore, California must continue to service the debt incurred by the state government between 2000-2003.
Upon taking office in November 2003, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger conducted an independent audit of California's financial condition. This audit revealed that while state expenditures grew 43% over the previous five years, revenues increased by only 25%, resulting in a three year carry-over deficit of $22 billion. To address this issue, California voters approved two ballot measures, collectively known as the Economic Recovery Bond Measures, in the 2004 election. The "Balanced Budget Act" was implemented as a result of these measures, which contains a provision for a "Rainy Day" fund: beginning in fiscal 2006-07, 1% of annual General Fund revenues must be set aside in a reserve fund, which amount, depending on the strength of the economy, could be increased to as much as 3% of state revenues in succeeding years. Additionally, the Balanced Budget Act mandates that projected expenditures cannot exceed projected revenues.
THE 2006-2007 BUDGET. California's 2006-07 fiscal year budget was signed into law on June 30, 2006. The budget represents a plan of paying down debt and building a reserve, and fully funding education. The budget sets aside funds to address the state's debt--a combined total of more than $4.9 billion, or 4.7 percent of total General Fund resources available, by establishing a budget reserve of $2.1 billion and early debt repayments of $2.8 billion. The budget provides $55.1 billion in education spending under Proposition 98, an increase of $8.1 billion, or 17 percent compared to the 2004 Budget Act. The budget authorizes $101.3 billion in General Fund spending, an $11.3 billion increase from last year's $90 billion, and assumes revenues of $94.4 billion.
California's economy performed strongly in 2005, with increases in personal income, state exports, and professional and business services. Taxable sales growth increased in 2005; however, this increase was not as strong as the percentage increase from the figure in 2003 to the figure in 2004. California's economy continued to perform strongly into 2006, with an increase in revenues tied to corporate tax, capital gains, and stock options. Additionally, the State's unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent in January and March of 2006, which is a five-year low.
Although California's economy seems to be improving and Governor Schwarzenegger appears to remain committed to fundamental budget reforms, budget analysts warn that while state revenues have improved, California's fiscal condition will remain uncertain so long as the State relies on deficit spending and fails to close the gap between revenues and expenditures. The three major bond rating agencies claim that despite the strength in revenue, a structural imbalance of expenditures over revenues remains in fiscal 2006-07, leaving a deficit of at least $3.5 billion.
Various ballot measures addressing structural budget reforms were rejected in the November 2005 Special Election. Proposition 76, also known as "The California Live Within Our Means Act," would have placed a constitutional limit on state spending by limiting year over year budget growth to the average revenue growth over the last three years. It also would have given the governor the power to enforce spending reductions during budget emergencies if the legislature failed to act.
BOND RATINGS. Another lingering question with implications for California's economic outlook is its bond rating. Beginning in January 2001, due to uncertainties surrounding a significant decline in General Fund revenues and the inability of the State to fashion a long-term solution to its power supply crisis, the State's general obligation bonds had been on a negative rating watch. In 2003, each of the three major bond rating agencies--Standard and Poor's, Fitch Ratings, and Moody's--lowered their ratings on the State's general obligation bonds. However, after the California electorate passed the $15 billion Economic Recovery Bond measures, Propositions 57 and 58, in March 2004, investor confidence in California improved. In May 2004, Moody's upgraded its rating of California general obligation bonds from "Baa1" to "A3". Standard and Poor's raised California's general obligation bonds rating to "A" from "BBB" in August 2004. Additionally, in September 2004, Fitch Ratings raised California's general obligation bonds rating to "A-" from "BBB."
California's bond ratings continued to improve in 2005. In May 2005, Moody's again upgraded California's rating to "A2" from "A3." Fitch Ratings upgraded its California rating from "A-" to "A." The ratings improvements resulted from California's improved economic performance, increased revenues, budget reforms, and a moderately improved future financial outlook. Ratings improved again in 2006. In May 2006, Moody's upgraded California's rating to "A1" from "A2," and Standard and Poor's rating for California went to "A+" from "A." In June 2006, Fitch Ratings upgraded its California rating to "A+" from "A." However, California still has the lowest bond rating of any state, due largely to the State's ongoing fiscal challenges, as well as constitutional and political constraints on its financial flexibility.
Finally, litigation may play a role in the future of California's economy, as the State is a party to numerous legal proceedings, many of which normally recur in governmental operations. In addition, the State is involved in certain other legal proceedings which, if decided against the State, may require the State to make significant future expenditures or may impair future revenue sources.
PUERTO RICO. From 1983 to 1992, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico generally experienced a wide-ranging economic expansion with growth in almost every sector of its economy and record levels of employment. The increase in real gross national product (GNP) slowed to 0.8% in fiscal 1992, reflecting the effects of a recession in the U.S. economy. A growth pattern began thereafter with real GNP increases of 3.1% and 1.6% for fiscal 2000 and 2001, respectively. However, another slowdown in the U.S. economy contributed to the 0.3% decline in real GNP in 2002. In 2003, the real GNP rebounded to post a positive growth rate of 1.9%. In 2004 and 2005, generally consistent with the course of the United States economy, the real GNP growth rates were 2.8%, and 2.0%, respectively. Overall, the GNP grew only 1.7% between 2000 and 2005. Contributing to Puerto Rico's meager growth were factors such as high oil prices and problems in the banking sector. In 2005, the price of gasoline in Puerto Rico increased more than 18%, which was two times the increase experienced in 2004. In addition, Puerto Rico banks continued to rely heavily on brokered funds, financing consumption with foreign savings. In real terms, personal consumption grew by 2.8% in 2005 while personal income increased by only 2.0%.
Puerto Rico has a diversified economy with the manufacturing and services sectors comprising the principal sectors of its economy. Manufacturing is the largest sector in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). In fiscal 2005, manufacturing generated $33.13 billion, or 40.4%, of GDP as compared with fiscal 2004, when it generated $34.1 billion, or 43.2%, of GDP.
In the last two decades, industrial development has tended to be more capital intensive and more dependent on skilled labor. This gradual shift in emphasis is best exemplified by the heavy investment in the pharmaceutical, scientific instruments, computer, microprocessor, medical product and electrical product industries over the last decade. The pharmaceutical industry has invested $1.7 billion in the local economy since 1997 and generates 30,000 direct jobs and 96,000 related jobs. As a result of this investment, Puerto Rico exported over $2 billion in scientific and medical devises in 2003. Notwithstanding the shift toward the scientific sectors, manufacturing areas such as apparel and food products remain important elements of the economy.
One of the factors that assisted the development of the manufacturing sector was the tax incentives offered by the federal and Commonwealth governments, most notably Section 936 of the Code. Under Section 936, certain qualifying U.S. corporations were entitled to U.S. corporate income tax credits for operations in Puerto Rico. However, in 1996, President Clinton signed into law a bill that phased out these tax credits over a nine-year period. Since the phase-out was just completed on January 1, 2006, the overall effect on Puerto Rico's economy from the elimination of tax credits is still unclear. However, to alleviate the loss of the tax credits, some former 936 businesses have restructured their companies as Controlled Foreign Corporations, which do not pay federal corporate income tax unless the income generated in Puerto Rico is repatriated to the U.S. mainland. The impact of the phase-out on employment rates is also uncertain. While the overall trend in employment growth may ultimately shift downward as a result of the phase-out, the unemployment rate in 2005 continued to drop, falling to 10.6%, Puerto Rico's lowest rate ever.
The service sector, which has experienced significant growth, partly in response to the expansion of the manufacturing sector, grew in 2005 to comprise $8.2 billion of the economy compared to $7.9 billion in 2004. The service industry employs 28.2% of the labor force, the largest percentage in the Commonwealth.
The 1990's brought a construction boom to the Commonwealth, but the completion of major projects resulted in a shrinking of construction expenditures beginning in 2000. In 2003, the construction industry began to recover and growth continued through 2004. In 2003, significant Commonwealth and federal public works programs were initiated, including the development of the "Ciudad Red" Train Corridor. Although the first phase of the train corridor project has been completed, the project includes some commercial and residential development that has not been completed. In 2005, construction growth fell 0.1% in real terms. Construction in general has been slowed both by increased construction costs caused by the significant demand for construction materials and supplies from China and high energy prices. Private construction projects have also been slowed by the lengthy permitting process and the uncertainty surrounding a proposed land use plan. Public construction has similarly been negatively impacted by the downgrade in Commonwealth bonds and energy costs. Preliminary figures for 2006 show slightly higher numbers of private construction permits, but appreciably lower numbers for public projects.
San Juan is the largest homeport for cruise ships in the Caribbean and a major U.S. airline uses San Juan as a hub for its intra-Caribbean operations. This reflects the importance of Puerto Rico as a tourist destination and as a transportation hub in the Caribbean. In 2002, as a result of the terrorist attacks in 2001, the number of tourists declined to 3.1 million. The situation improved in 2003 with 3.2 million tourists, and by 2004, 3.5 million tourists visited the Commonwealth, almost reaching the pre-September 11, 2001 level. While higher fuel prices have put significant pressure on airlines and the tourism industry in general, preliminary figures for 2005 show a continued increase in the number of tourists visiting the island.
Gross public debt continued to rise from $33.9 billion in 2004, to $36 billion in fiscal 2005. The increase in public debt can be significantly attributed to the continuing budget deficit, which was financed by loans in both 2004 and 2005. In light of the deficit, the government chose to raise taxes again in 2005 instead of trimming the budget. Historically, the Commonwealth has maintained a fiscal policy which provides for a prudent relationship between the growth of public sector debt and the growth of the economic base required to service that debt. On May 1, 2006 Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila shut down the government for two weeks due to a budget crisis based on a $740 million deficit. The shut-down affected 1,600 state schools and 45 government agencies and led to a furloughing of nearly 100,000 public employees. The crises ended with a $500 million emergency loan that will be repaid from revenues generated by Puerto Rico's first ever consumer sales tax. The tax rate, which has not been set, could be as high as 7%. In light of the budget deficit and the rise in public debt, Moody's Investors Service's reduced Puerto Rico's bond rating for the second year in a row to the agency's lowest investment grade above junk status. Puerto Rico's bond rating affects about $25 billion of government debt. This cut will likely force the government to pay higher interest rates.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance information for the Funds (and any class of the Funds) may be included in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or prospective investors. Performance information in advertisements and sales literature may be expressed as a yield of a class of shares and as a total return of a class of shares.
The Funds may from time to time include in advertisements containing total return the ranking of those performance figures relative to such figures for groups of mutual funds having similar investment objectives as categorized by ranking services such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA Investment Technologies, Inc., Weisenberger Financial Services, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. Additionally, each Fund may compare its performance results to other investment or savings vehicles (such as certificates of deposit) and may refer to results published in various publications such as Changing Times, Forbes,
Fortune, Money, Barrons, Business Week and Investor's Daily, Stanger's Mutual
Fund Monitor, The Stanger Register, Stanger's Investment Adviser, The Wall
Street Journal, The New York Times, Consumer Reports, Registered Representative,
Financial Planning, Financial Services Weekly, Financial World, U.S. News and
World Report, Standard & Poor's The Outlook, and Personal Investor. The Funds
may from time to time illustrate the benefits of tax deferral by comparing
taxable investments to investments made through tax-deferred retirement plans.
The total return may also be used to compare the performance of each Fund
against certain widely acknowledged outside standards or indices for stock and
bond market performance, such as the Standard & Poor's 500(R) Index (the "S&P
500(R) Index"), Dow Jones Industrial Average, Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond
Index, Russell Midcap Growth Index, Europe Australia Far East Index ("EAFE"),
Consumer Price Index, Lehman Brothers Corporate Index, and the Lehman Brothers
T-Bond Index.
Advertisements, sales literature and other communications may contain information about the Funds and advisers' current investment strategies and management style. Current strategies and style may change to allow the Funds to respond quickly to changing market and economic conditions. From time to time the Funds may include specific portfolio holdings or industries in such communications. To illustrate components of overall performance, each Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual returns into income and capital gains components.
Performance information reflects only the performance of a hypothetical investment in each class during the particular time period on which the calculations are based. Performance information should be considered in light of a Fund's investment objectives and policies, characteristics and quality of the portfolio, and the market condition during the given time period, and should not be considered as a representation of what may be achieved in the future.
YIELD
The 30-day yield quotation as to a class of shares may be computed by dividing the net investment income for the period as to shares of that class by the maximum offering price of each share of that class on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:
Where:
a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = net expenses accrued for the period.
c = the average daily number of shares of the class outstanding during
the period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share of the class on the last day of
the period.
7-DAY YIELD--MONEY MARKET FUND
The current yield for the Money Market Fund will be based on the change in the value of a hypothetical investment (exclusive of capital changes) over a particular 7-day period, less a hypothetical charge reflecting deductions for expenses during the period (the "base period"), and stated as a percentage of the investment at the start of the base period (the "base period return"). The base period return is then annualized by multiplying by 365/7, with the resulting yield figure carried to at least the nearest hundredth of one percent. "Effective yield" for the Money Market Fund assumes that all dividends received during an annual period have been reinvested. Calculation of "effective yield" begins with the same "base period return" used in the calculation of yield, which is then annualized to reflect weekly compounding pursuant to the following formula:
Effective Yield = [(Base Period Return) + 1) (365/7)] -1
Quotations of yield for the Balanced, Core Bond and High Yield Funds will be based on all investment income per share earned during a particular 30-day period (including dividends and interest), less expenses (including pro rata Trust expenses and expenses applicable to each particular Fund or class of a Fund) accrued during the period ("net investment income"), and are computed by dividing net investment income by the value of a share of the Fund or class on the last day of the period, according to the following formula:
where a= dividends and interest earned during the period by the Fund, b= expenses accrued for the period (net of any reimbursements), c= the average daily number of shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends, and d= the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period. |
TOTAL RETURN
Standardized quotations of average annual total return for each class of shares will be expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return for a hypothetical investment in such class of shares over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years or up to the life of the class of shares, calculated for each class separately pursuant to the following formula: P((1+T)(n)) = ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual total return, n = the number of years, and ERV =
the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of each class's expenses (on an annual basis), deduction of the maximum initial sales load in the case of Class A Shares and the maximum contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a complete redemption of the investment in the case of Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, and assume that all dividends and distributions on each class of shares are reinvested when paid.
For average "after-tax" total return, the SEC rules mandate several assumptions, including that the calculations use the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates at the time of reinvestment, and that the calculations do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor's tax situation and may differ from those shown. These returns, for instance, assume that an investor has sufficient capital gains of the same character from other investments to offset any capital losses from the redemption. As a result, returns after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares may exceed returns after taxes on distributions (but before sale of Fund shares). These returns are not relevant to investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements.
The Funds may also compute cumulative total return for specified periods based on a hypothetical account with an assumed initial investment of $10,000. The cumulative total return is determined by dividing the net asset value of this account at the end of the specified period by the value of the initial investment and is expressed as a percentage. Calculation of cumulative total return reflects payment of the Class A Share's maximum sales charge of 4.75% for the fixed income funds (2.25% for the Short Term Bond Fund) and 5.75% for the equity funds and assumes reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain distributions during the period.
The Funds also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return and cumulative total return performance data, for any class of shares of the Funds, both as a percentage and as a dollar amount based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment for various periods other than those noted above. Such data will be computed as described above, except that (1) the rates of return calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual, annualized or cumulative rates of return and (2) the maximum applicable sales charge will not be included with respect to annual, annualized or cumulative rate of return calculations.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds pay brokerage commissions for purchases and sales of portfolio securities. Each Fund has a different expected annual rate of portfolio turnover, which is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities during the fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of the Fund's securities (excluding from the computation all securities, including options, with maturities at the time of acquisition of one year or less). A high rate of portfolio turnover generally involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses and other costs, which must be borne directly by a Fund and thus indirectly by its shareholders. Turnover rates may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and may also be affected by cash requirements for redemptions of each Fund's shares and by requirements which enable the Trust to receive certain favorable tax treatment (see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes"). If such rate of turnover exceeds 100%, the Fund will pay more in brokerage commissions than would be the case if they had lower portfolio turnover rates. Historical portfolio turnover rates for all Funds, except the Money Market Fund (which for this purpose does not calculate a portfolio turnover rate), can be found under the heading "Financial Highlights" in the each Fund's prospectus.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
In effecting portfolio transactions for the Trust, the adviser and/or
subadviser (throughout this section, the "adviser") adheres to the Trust's
policy of seeking best execution and price, determined as described below,
except to the extent it is permitted to pay higher brokerage commissions for
"brokerage and research services" as defined herein. The adviser may cause the
Trust to pay a broker an amount of commission for effecting a securities
transaction in excess of the amount of commission which another broker or dealer
would have charged for effecting the transaction if the adviser determines in
good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value
of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or that any
offset of direct expenses of a Fund yields the best net price. As provided in
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, "brokerage and research
services" include giving advice as to the value of securities, the advisability
of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of
securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts;
and effecting securities transactions and performing functions incidental
thereto (such as clearance and settlement). Brokerage and research services
provided by brokers to the Trust or to the adviser are considered to be in
addition to and not in lieu of services required to be performed by the adviser
under its contract with the Trust and may benefit both the Trust and other
clients of the adviser. Conversely, brokerage and research services provided by
brokers to other clients of the adviser may benefit the Trust.
If the securities in which a particular Fund of the Trust invests are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market, where possible the Fund will deal directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved unless better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Such dealers usually act as principals for their own account. On occasion, securities may be purchased
directly from the issuer. Bonds and money market instruments are generally traded on a net basis and do not normally involve either brokerage commission or transfer taxes. In addition, transactions effected on foreign securities exchanges which do not permit the negotiation of brokerage commissions and where the adviser would, under the circumstances, seek to obtain best price and execution on orders for the Trust.
The determination of what may constitute best execution and price in the execution of a securities transaction by a broker involves a number of considerations including, without limitation, the overall direct net economic result to the Trust (involving both price paid or received and any net commissions and other costs paid), the efficiency with which the transaction is effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a large block is involved, the availability of the broker to stand ready to execute possibly difficult transactions in the future and the financial strength and stability of the broker. Such considerations are judgmental and are weighed by the adviser in determining the overall reasonableness of brokerage commissions paid by the Trust. Some portfolio transactions are, subject to the Conduct Rules of the NASD and subject to obtaining best prices and executions, effected through dealers (excluding PEPCO) who sell shares of the Trust.
The Trust has adopted a policy and procedures governing the execution of aggregated advisory client orders ("bunching procedures") in an attempt to lower commission costs on a per-share and per-dollar basis. According to the bunching procedures, the adviser shall aggregate transactions unless it believes in its sole discretion that such aggregation is inconsistent with its duty to seek best execution (which shall include the duty to seek best price) for the Trust. No advisory account of the adviser is to be favored over any other account and each account that participates in an aggregated order is expected to participate at the average share price for all transactions of the adviser in that security on a given business day, with all transaction costs shared pro rata based on the Trust's participation in the transaction. If the aggregated order is filled in its entirety, it shall be allocated among the adviser's accounts in accordance with the allocation order, and if the order is partially filled, it shall be allocated pro rata based on the allocation order. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the order may be allocated on a basis different from that specified in the allocation order if all accounts of the adviser whose orders are allocated receive fair and equitable treatment and the reason for such different allocation is explained in writing and is approved in writing by the adviser's compliance officer as soon as practicable after the opening of the markets on the trading day following the day on which the order is executed. If an aggregated order is partially filled and allocated on a basis different from that specified in the allocation order, no account that is benefited by such different allocation may intentionally and knowingly effect any purchase or sale for a reasonable period following the execution of the aggregated order that would result in it receiving or selling more shares than the amount of shares it would have received or sold had the aggregated order been completely filled. The Trustees review these procedures at least annually, or more frequently if deemed appropriate.
In certain instances there may be securities that are suitable for a Fund's portfolio as well as for that of another Fund or one or more of the other clients of the subadviser. Investment decisions for a Fund and for the subadviser's other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more other clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular transaction as far as a Fund is concerned. The Trust believes that over time its ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Funds. When appropriate, orders for the account of the Funds are combined with orders for other investment companies or other clients advised by the subadviser, including accounts (such as investment limited partnerships) in which the investment adviser or affiliated or associated persons of the subadviser are investors or have a financial interest, in order to obtain a more favorable commission rate. When the same security is purchased for a Fund and one or more other funds or other clients on the same day, each party pays the average price and commissions paid are allocated in direct proportion to the number of shares purchased.
The Trust has implemented, and the Board of Trustees has approved, policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent (i) the adviser's and/or subadviser's personnel responsible for the selection of broker-dealers to effect fund portfolio securities transactions from taking into account, in making those decisions, broker-dealer's promotion or sales efforts, and (ii) the Trust, its adviser and distributor from entering into any agreement or other understanding under which the Funds' direct brokerage transactions or revenue generated by those transactions to a broker-dealer to pay for distribution of fund shares. These policies and procedures are designed to prevent the Trust from entering into informal arrangements to direct portfolio securities transactions to a particular broker.
For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, brokerage commissions paid by the Trust on portfolio transactions totaled $855,154, $235,961 and $145,084, respectively. Brokerage commissions of $56,330 paid during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, were paid on portfolio transactions aggregating $42,483,362 executed by brokers who provided research and other statistical information.
DISCLOSURE OF FUND HOLDINGS
The Trustees of the Trust have adopted policies with respect to the disclosure of the Funds' portfolio holdings by the Funds, Phoenix (generally, the Funds' investment adviser), or their affiliates. These policies provide that the Funds' portfolio holdings information generally may not be disclosed to any party prior to the information becoming public. Certain limited exceptions are described below. Additionally, the Funds' policies prohibit Phoenix and the Funds' other service providers from entering into any agreement to disclose Fund portfolio holdings in exchange for any form of compensation or consideration. These policies apply to disclosures to all categories of persons, including individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries who sell shares of the Fund, third parties providing services to the Funds (accounting agent, print vendors, etc.), rating and ranking organizations (Lipper, Morningstar, etc.) and affiliated persons of the Funds.
The Board of Trustees has delegated to the Holdings Disclosure Committee (the "HDC") the authority to make decisions regarding requests for information on portfolio holdings prior to public disclosure. The HDC will authorize the disclosure of portfolio holdings only if it determines such disclosure to be in the best interests of Fund shareholders. The HDC is composed of the Funds' Compliance Officer, and officers of the Funds' advisers and principal underwriter representing the areas of portfolio management, fund administration, institutional marketing, retail marketing, and distribution.
The Funds' Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring the use of portfolio holdings information, for the Funds' compliance with these policies and for providing regular reports (at least quarterly) to the Board of Trustees regarding their compliance, including information with respect to any potential conflicts of interest between the interests of Fund shareholders and those of Phoenix and its affiliates identified during the reporting period and how such conflicts were resolved.
PUBLIC DISCLOSURES
In accordance with rules established by the SEC, each Fund sends semiannual and annual reports to shareholders that contain a full listing of portfolio holdings as of the second and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively, within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds also disclose complete portfolio holdings as of the end of the first and third fiscal quarters on Form N-Q, which is filed with the SEC within 60 days of quarter end. The Funds' shareholder reports are available on Phoenix's Web sites at www.PhoenixFunds.com or www.PhoenixInvestments.com. Additionally, each Fund provides its top 10 holdings and summary composition data derived from portfolio holdings information on Phoenix's Web sites. This information is posted to the Web sites at the end of each month with respect to the top 10 holdings, and at the end of each quarter with respect to summary composition information, generally within 10 business days. With respect to the Phoenix Real Estate Fund, the top ten holdings and summary composition information are reported on a one-month lag. This information will be available on the Web sites until full portfolio holdings information becomes publicly available as described above. The Funds also provide publicly-available portfolio holdings information directly to ratings agencies, the frequency and timing of which is determined under the terms of the contractual arrangements with such agencies.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
The HDC may authorize the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings
information under certain limited circumstances. The Funds' policies provide
that non-public disclosures of a Fund's portfolio holdings may only be made if
(i) the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for making such disclosure, and
(ii) the party receiving the non-public information enters into a
confidentiality agreement, which includes a duty not to trade on the non-public
information. The HDC will consider any actual or potential conflicts of interest
between Phoenix and its mutual fund shareholders and will act in the best
interest of the Funds' shareholders with respect to any such disclosure of
portfolio holdings information. If a potential conflict can be resolved in a
manner that does not present detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the HDC
may authorize release of portfolio holdings information. Conversely, if the
potential conflict cannot be resolved in a manner that does not present
detrimental effects to Fund shareholders, the HDC will not authorize such
release.
ONGOING ARRANGEMENTS TO DISCLOSE PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
As previously authorized by the Funds' Board of Trustees and/or the Funds' executive officers, the Funds periodically disclose non-public portfolio holdings on a confidential basis to various service providers that require such information in order to assist the Funds in their day-to-day operations, as well as public information to certain ratings organizations. In addition to Phoenix and its affiliates, these entities are described in the following table. The table also includes information as to the timing of these entities receiving the portfolio holdings information from the Funds.
NON-PUBLIC PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TIMING OF RELEASE OF TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDER NAME OF SERVICE PROVIDER PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Adviser Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. Daily ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Subadviser (Global Utilities Fund Duff & Phelps Investment Daily and Real Estate Fund) Management Co. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TIMING OF RELEASE OF TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDER NAME OF SERVICE PROVIDER PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Subadviser (Market Neutral Fund) Euclid Advisors LLC Daily ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Subadviser (CA Tax-Exempt Bond Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. Daily Fund, Core Bond Fund, High Yield Fund, Money Market Fund, Multi- Sector Fixed Income Fund, Multi- Sector Short Term Bond Fund) ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Subadviser (Emerging Markets Bond Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc. Daily Fund) ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Subadviser (Bond, High Yield and SCM Advisors LLC Daily Earnings Driven Growth Funds) ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Subadviser (Growth Opportunities Turner Investment Partners, Inc. Daily Fund) ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Distributor Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation Daily ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Custodian State Street Bank and Trust Company Daily ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Custodian (Growth Opportunities PFPC Trust Company Daily Fund only) ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Sub-Financial Agent PFPC Inc. Daily ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Independent Registered Public PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Annual Reporting Period: within 15 business days Accounting Firm of end of reporting period Semiannual Reporting Period: within 31 business days of end of reporting period ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Typesetting Firm for Financial Reports GCom Solutions Monthly on first business day following month and Forms N-Q end ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Printer for Financial Reports V.G. Reed & Sons Annual and Semiannual Reporting Period: within 45 days after end of reporting period ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Proxy Voting Service Institutional Shareholder Services Twice weekly on an ongoing basis ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Intermediary Selling Shares of the Fund Merrill Lynch Quarterly within 10 days of quarter end ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Third-Party Class B Share Financer SG Constellation LLC Weekly based on prior week end ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PUBLIC PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ TIMING OF RELEASE OF TYPE OF SERVICE PROVIDER NAME OF SERVICE PROVIDER PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS INFORMATION ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Portfolio Redistribution Firms Bloomberg, Standard & Poor's and Quarterly, 60 days after fiscal Thompson Financial Services quarter end ------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Rating Agencies Lipper Inc. and Morningstar Quarterly, 60 days after quarter end ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
These service providers are required to keep all non-public information confidential and are prohibited from trading based on the information or otherwise using the information except as necessary in providing services to the Funds.
There is no guarantee that the Funds' policies on use and dissemination of holdings information will protect the Funds from the potential misuse of holdings by individuals or firms in possession of such information.
SERVICES OF THE ADVISER AND SUBADVISERS
THE ADVISER
The investment adviser to each of the Funds is Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("PIC" or "Adviser"), which is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115-0480. PIC was originally organized in 1932 as John P. Chase, Inc. PIC acts as the investment adviser for over 60 mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, PIC had approximately $28.7 billion in assets under management.
All of the outstanding stock of PIC is owned by PEPCO, which acts as Distributor and Administrator for the Trust and is a subsidiary of Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. ("PXP"). PXP is the investment management subsidiary of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. ("PNX") of Hartford, Connecticut, which is the sole shareholder of PXP. PNX is a leading provider of wealth
management products and services to individuals and businesses. The principal offices of PNX and PEPCO are located at One American Row, Hartford, Connecticut 06102.
PXP has served investors for over 70 years. As of March 31, 2007, PXP had approximately $58.9 billion in assets under management. PXP's money management is provided by affiliated investment advisers, as well as through subadvisory arrangements with outside managers, each specializing in particular investment styles and asset classes.
The Adviser provides certain services and facilities required to carry on the day-to-day operations of each of the Funds (for which it receives a management fee) other than the costs of printing and mailing proxy materials, reports and notices to shareholders; outside legal and auditing services; regulatory filing fees and expenses of printing the Trust's registration statements (but the Distributor purchases such copies of the Trust's prospectuses and reports and communications to shareholders as it may require for sales purposes); insurance expense; association membership dues; brokerage fees; and taxes.
Each Fund will pay expenses incurred in its own operation and will also pay a portion of the Trust's general administration expenses allocated on the basis of the asset values of the respective Funds.
As compensation for its services to the Bond and Earnings Driven Growth Funds, the Adviser receives a fee, which is accrued daily against the value of each Fund's net assets and paid monthly at the following rates:
Bond Fund 0.50% Earnings Driven Growth Fund 0.80% Market Neutral Fund 1.50% |
$1 BILLION FIRST $1 BILLION THROUGH 2 BILLION $2+ BILLION ---------------- ----------------- ----------- CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 0.45% 0.40% 0.35% Core Bond Fund 0.45% 0.40% 0.35% Emerging Markets Bond Fund 0.75% 0.70% 0.65% Global Utilities Fund 0.65% 0.60% 0.55% Growth Opportunities Fund 0.75% 0.70% 0.65% High Yield Fund 0.65% 0.60% 0.55% Money Market Fund 0.40% 0.35% 0.30% Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund 0.55% 0.50% 0.45% Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 0.55% 0.50% 0.45% Real Estate Securities Fund 0.75% 0.70% 0.65% |
The Adviser has contractually (and/or voluntarily, where indicated) agreed to limit the Funds' total operating expenses (excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses) through the dates indicated so that expenses do not exceed, on an annualized basis, the amounts indicated in the following table. The adviser will not seek to recapture any operating expenses reimbursed under this arrangement, unless authorized to do so by the Board of Trustees.
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS I* THROUGH DATE ------- ------- ------- -------- ------------ Bond Fund 1.15% 1.90% 1.90% 0.90% January 31, 2008 CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund 0.85% N/A N/A 0.60% January 31, 2008** Core Bond Fund 1.00% 1.75% 1.75% N/A February 28, 2008 Earnings Driven Growth Fund 1.45% 2.20% 2.20% 1.20% January 31, 2008 Global Utilities Fund 1.15% N/A 1.90% N/A January 31, 2008*** Growth Opportunities Fund 1.25% N/A 2.00% N/A May 31, 2008 Market Neutral Fund**** 1.77% 2.52% 2.52% N/A May discontinue at any time. Real Estate Securities Fund 1.30% 2.05% 2.05% 1.05% March 31, 2008 |
* Formerly Class X.
** Contractual expense limit through September 30, 2007; then voluntary expense limit through January 31, 2008.
*** Contractual expense limit through August 31, 2007, then voluntary expense limit through January 31, 2008.
**** Voluntary expense limit. Also excludes dividends on short sales.
With respect to the Market Neutral Fund, the Adviser has contractually agreed to waive 0.15% of its management fee through February 28, 2008.
For services to the Trust during the fiscal years ended September, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Adviser received fees of $1,410,474, $989,641 and $847,287, respectively, under the investment advisory agreements in effect. Of these totals, the Adviser received fees from each Fund as follows:
2004 2005 2006 ---- ---- ---- Bond Fund $382,004 $376,469 $385,870 Earnings Driven Growth Fund 1,028,470 613,172 389,570 Growth Opportunities Fund N/A N/A 71,847* |
*Includes amounts paid to the fund's former adviser prior to the reorganization into Growth Opportunities Fund on June 9, 2006.
Each of the other funds have been in existence only since the date of this SAI; therefore no fees were paid to the Adviser by the Trust for the fiscal years indicated.
THE SUBADVISERS
DUFF & PHELPS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO. ("DUFF & PHELPS")
Duff & Phelps, an affiliate of PIC, is the subadviser to the Global Utilities Fund and the Real Estate Fund and is located at 55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3600, Chicago, Illinois 60603. Duff & Phelps acts as subadviser to three mutual funds and as adviser to three closed-end mutual funds and to institutional clients. As of March 31, 2007, Duff & Phelps had approximately $7.9 billion in assets under management on a discretionary basis.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the adviser, PIC, will delegate to Duff & Phelps the performance of certain of its investment management services with respect to the each of the funds. Duff & Phelps will furnish at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services.
For its services as subadviser to the Global Utilities Fund, PIC pays Duff & Phelps compensation at the following annual rates:
FIRST $1 BILLION $1+ BILLION THROUGH $2 BILLION $2+ BILLION ---------------- ------------------------------ ----------- Subadvisory Fee 0.325% 0.30% 0.275% |
For its services as subadviser to the Real Estate Fund, PIC pays Duff & Phelps compensation at a rate of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
EUCLID ADVISORS LLC ("EUCLID")
Euclid, an affiliate of PIC, is the subadviser to the Market Neutral Fund and is located at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Euclid is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Phoenix/Zweig Advisers, LLC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. ("PXP"). Euclid serves as subadviser to two mutual funds and may act as investment adviser for other accounts. As of March 31, 2007, Euclid had approximately $278 million in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the adviser, PIC, will delegate to Euclid the performance of certain of its investment management services with respect to the Fund. Euclid will furnish at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services.
For its services as subadviser, PIC pays Euclid a fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
GOODWIN CAPITAL ADVISERS, INC. ("GOODWIN")
Goodwin, an affiliate of PIC, is the subadviser to the CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Core Bond Fund, Money Market Fund, Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund and Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115. Goodwin acts as subadviser for 17 mutual funds and manages fixed income assets for individuals and institutions. As of April 1, 2007, Goodwin had approximately $17.6 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the adviser, PIC, will delegate to Goodwin the performance of certain of its investment management services with respect to each of the Funds. Goodwin will furnish at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services.
For its services as subadviser, PIC pays Goodwin a fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee paid by each Fund.
HALBIS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (USA) INC.
Halbis is the subadviser to the Emerging Markets Fund and is located at 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018. HSBC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Halbis Partners (UK) Limited, which is wholly owned by HSBC Group Investment Businesses Limited. HSBC Group Investment Businesses Limited is wholly owned by HSBC Investment Bank Holdings PLC, which is wholly owned by HSBC Holdings PLC. As of March 31, 2007 HSBC had approximately $8.5 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the adviser, PIC, will delegate to Halbis the performance of certain of its investment management services with respect to the Emerging Markets Fund. Halbis will furnish at its own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services.
For its services as subadviser, PIC pays Halbis compensation at the following annual rates:
$1+ BILLION THROUGH FIRST $1BILLION $2 BILLION $2+ BILLION --------------- ---------- ----------- Subadvisory Fee 0.375% 0.350% 0.325% |
SCM ADVISORS LLC (FORMERLY, SENECA CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LLC) ("SCM ADVISORS")
SCM Advisors, LLC, an affiliate of PIC, is the subadviser to the Bond, Earnings Driven Growth and High Yield Funds and is located at 909 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California 94133. SCM Advisors acts as subadviser to six mutual funds and as investment adviser to institutions and individuals. As of March 31, 2007, SCM Advisors had approximately $12.1 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the adviser, PIC, will delegate to SCM Advisors the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Bond Fund and the Earnings Driven Growth Fund. SCM Advisors will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services.
For its services as subadviser, PIC pays SCM Advisors at the following annual rates:
Bond Fund 0.25% Earnings Driven Growth Fund 0.40%
For its services as subadviser of the High Yield Fund, PIC pays SCM Advisors a fee of 50% of the gross investment management fee.
TURNER INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC. ("TURNER")
Turner is the subadviser to the Growth Opportunities Fund and is located at 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312. Turner is a professional investment management firm founded in March 1990. Turner has provided investment advisory services to investment companies since 1992. As of March 31, 2007, Turner had approximately $23 billion in assets under management.
The Subadvisory Agreement provides that the adviser, PIC, will delegate to Turner the performance of certain of its investment management services under the Investment Advisory Agreement with the Growth Opportunities Fund. Turner will furnish at is own expense the office facilities and personnel necessary to perform such services.
For its services as subadviser, PIC pays Turner compensation at the following annual rates:
$1+ BILLION FIRST $1 BILLION THROUGH $2 BILLION $2+ BILLION ---------------- ------------------ ----------- Growth Opportunities Fund 0.375% 0.35% 0.325% |
Total subadvisory fees paid by PIC to the respective subadvisers for managing the Funds for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006 were:
2004 2005 2006 ---- ---- ---- Bond Fund $191,002 $188,235 $192,296 Earnings Driven Growth Fund 514,235 306,586 194,785 Growth Opportunities Fund N/A N/A 8,355 |
Each of the other funds has been in existence only since the date of this SAI; therefore no fees were paid to the subadvisers for the Trust's fiscal years indicated.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND SUBADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, PIC is not liable to the Trust or any shareholder for any error of judgment or mistake of law or any loss suffered by the Trust or any shareholder in connection with the Investment Advisory Agreement, except a loss resulting from PIC's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of duty. Under the Subadvisory Agreements, each of the subadvisers is not liable for actions taken in its best professional judgment, in good faith and believed by it to be authorized, provided such actions are not in breach of the Funds' investment objectives, policies and restrictions or the result of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or breach of duty or obligations.
The Investment Advisory Agreement may be modified or amended only with the approval of the holders of a majority of the applicable Fund's outstanding shares and by a vote of the majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) (the "Independent Trustees"). The Subadvisory Agreements may be amended at any time by written agreement
among the Subadviser, the Adviser and the Trust, except that any changes to the duties of and fees payable to the Subadviser will also be subject to the approval of the Trustees and a majority of the applicable Fund's outstanding shares. Unless terminated, the Investment Advisory Agreement and the Subadvisory Agreements continue in full force and effect as long as each is approved annually by a majority vote of the Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the applicable Fund, but in either event it also must be approved by a vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Investment Advisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by any party upon 60 days written notice and automatically terminates in the event of its assignment. The Subadvisory Agreement may be terminated without penalty by any party upon 30 days written notice and automatically terminates in the event of its assignment. In the event of termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, or at the request of PIC, the Trust and the Funds will eliminate all reference to "Phoenix" from their names. Upon such request, PIC has agreed to submit the question of continuing the Investment Advisory Agreement to a vote of the shareholders of the Trust.
Each Fund's Investment Advisory and Subadvisory Agreements provide that the Adviser and Subadviser may render similar services to others so long as the services provided thereunder are not impaired thereby.
The Trust, its Adviser, Subadvisers and Distributor have each adopted a Code of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17-j1 under the 1940 Act. Personnel subject to the Codes of Ethics may purchase and sell securities for their personal accounts, including securities that may be purchased, sold or held by the Funds, subject to certain restrictions and conditions. Generally, personal securities transactions are subject to preclearance procedures, reporting requirements and holding period rules. The Codes also restrict personal securities transactions in private placements, initial public offerings and securities in which the Funds have a pending order. The Trust has also adopted a Senior Management Code of Ethics as required by Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES' CONSIDERATION OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT
BOND FUND AND EARNINGS DRIVEN GROWTH FUND
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is available in the Funds' 2007 semiannual report, covering the period October 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is available in the Fund's 2006 annual report, covering the period October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006.
ALL OTHER FUNDS
A discussion regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the investment advisory and subadvisory agreements is expected to be available in the Funds' 2007 annual report, covering the period October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2007.
DESCRIPTION OF PROXY VOTING POLICY
The Trust has adopted on behalf of the Funds a Statement of Policy with Respect to Proxy Voting (the "Policy") stating the Trust's intention to exercise stock ownership rights with respect to portfolio securities in a manner that is reasonably anticipated to further the best economic interests of shareholders of the Funds. The Funds have committed to analyze and vote all proxies that are likely to have financial implications, and where appropriate, to participate in corporate governance, shareholder proposals, management communications and legal proceedings. The Funds must also identify potential or actual conflicts of interest in voting proxies and must address any such conflict of interest in accordance with the Policy.
The Policy stipulates that the Funds' Adviser will vote proxies or delegate such responsibility to a Subadviser. The Adviser or Subadvisers will vote proxies in accordance with this Policy, or its own policies and procedures, which in no event will conflict with the Trust's Policy. Any Adviser or Subadviser may engage a qualified, independent organization to vote proxies on its behalf (a "delegate"). Matters that may affect substantially the rights and privileges of the holders of securities to be voted will be analyzed and voted on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration such relevant factors as enumerated in the Policy. The views of management of a portfolio company will be considered.
The Policy specifies certain factors that will be considered when analyzing and voting proxies on certain issues, including, but not limited to:
o Corporate Governance Matters--tax and economic benefits of changes in the state of incorporation; dilution or improved accountability associated with anti-takeover provisions such as staggered boards, poison pills and supermajority provisions.
o Changes to Capital Structure--dilution or improved accountability associated with such changes.
o Stock Option and Other Management Compensation Issues--executive pay and spending on perquisites, particularly in conjunction with sub-par performance and employee layoffs.
o Social and Corporate Responsibility Issues--the Adviser or Subadvisers will generally vote against shareholder social and environmental issue proposals.
The Funds and their delegates seek to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Adviser, Subadvisers, delegate, principal underwriter, or any affiliated person of the Funds, on the other hand. Depending on the type and materiality, any conflicts of interest will be handled by (i) relying on the recommendations of an established, independent third party proxy voting vendor; (ii) voting pursuant to the recommendation of the delegate; (iii) abstaining; or (iv) where two or more delegates provide conflicting requests, voting shares in proportion to the assets under management of each delegate. The Policy requires each Adviser, Subadviser or delegate to notify the President of the Trust of any actual or potential conflict of interest. No Adviser, Subadviser or delegate may waive any conflict of interest or vote any conflicted proxies without the prior written approval of the Board of Trustees or the President of the Trust.
The Policy further imposes certain record keeping and reporting requirements on each Adviser, Subadviser or delegate. Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ending June 30, is available free of charge by calling, toll-free, (800) 243-1574, or on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF DUFF & PHELPS (SUBADVISER TO GLOBAL UTILITIES FUND AND REAL ESTATE FUND)
Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. and its affiliated investment management firms (collectively, "PXP), believe that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at PXP receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package.
The bonus package for portfolio managers is based upon how well the individual manager meets or exceeds assigned goals and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team effort. Their incentive bonus also reflects a performance component for achieving and/or exceeding performance competitive with peers managing similar strategies. Such component is further adjusted to reward investment personnel for managing within the stated framework and for not taking unnecessary risks. This ensures that investment personnel will remain focused on managing and acquiring securities that correspond to a fund's mandate and risk profile. It also avoids the temptation for portfolio managers to take on more risk and unnecessary exposure to chase performance for personal gain.
Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a base salary, which is determined by PXP and is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities. PXP management uses compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.
Incentive Bonus. Generally, the current incentive bonus package for the funds' portfolio managers is based upon how well the individual manager meets or exceeds assigned goals and a subjective assessment of the contribution to the team effort. The incentive bonus compensation of the Real Estate Fund's portfolio managers is currently comprised of two main components 70% of the incentive bonus is based on the Fund's performance in achieving and/or exceeding its benchmark, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT Index, over one year, three years and five years. Portfolio managers who manage more than one product may have other components in their formulaic calculation that are appropriate to the other products. The remaining 30% of the incentive bonus is based on measures of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. ("PNX"), the ultimate parent of PXP and the Subadviser. The incentive bonus compensation of the Global Utilities Fund's portfolio managers is currently two main components: 70% of the incentive bonus is based on formulaic calculations of investment performance measures, including the Subadviser's largest closed-end fund, the DNP Select Income Fund, Inc. earnings per share and total return over a one year period. The total return is compared to a composite of the Lehman Utility Bond Index and the S&P Utility Market Price Index. Portfolio managers who manage more than one product may have other components in their formulaic calculation that are appropriate to the other products. The remaining 30% of the incentive bonus is based on measures of the Phoenix Companies, Inc. ("PNX"), the ultimate parent of PXP and the Subadviser.
Prior to 2006, the incentive bonus compensation has been paid 100% in cash. However, PNX has determined that 15% of the incentive bonus compensation for 2006 (payable in 2007) will be paid in PNX restricted stock units which will vest over a three-year period commencing on the award date.
The portfolio managers' incentive bonus compensation is not based on the value of assets held in the Fund's portfolio, except to the extent that the level of assets in the Fund's portfolio affects the subadvisory fee received by the Subadviser, and thus indirectly the profitability of PNX.
Finally, the Fund's portfolio managers are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan to defer their compensation and realize tax benefits. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including, 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans. Portfolio managers may also receive PNX stock options
and/or be granted PNX restricted stock at the discretion of the PNX board of directors. To date no portfolio manager of the Fund has received awards under the PNX restricted stock units long-term incentive plan, grants of restricted stock, or any at or in-the-money PNX stock options.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF EUCLID (SUBADVISER TO THE MARKET NEUTRAL FUND)
Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. and its affiliated investment management firms (collectively, "PXP"), believe that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at PXP receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package. Managing Directors and portfolio investment professionals who supervise and manage others also participate in a management incentive program reflecting their personal contribution and team performance. Highly compensated individuals can also take advantage of a long-term Incentive Compensation program to defer their compensation and potentially reduce their taxes.
The bonus package for portfolio managers is based upon how well the individual manager meets or exceeds assigned goals and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team effort. Their incentive bonus also reflects a performance component for achieving and/or exceeding performance competitive with peers managing similar strategies. Such component is further adjusted to reward investment personnel for managing within the stated framework and for not taking unnecessary risks. This ensures that investment personnel will remain focused on managing and acquiring securities that correspond to a fund's mandate and risk profile. It also avoids the temptation for portfolio managers to take on more risk and unnecessary exposure to chase performance for personal gain.
Finally, portfolio managers and investment professionals may also receive PNX stock options and/or be granted PNX restricted stock at the direction of the parent's Board of Directors.
Following is a more detailed description of the compensation structure of the funds' portfolio managers identified in the funds' prospectus.
Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is determined by PXP and is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities. PXP management uses compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.
Incentive Bonus. Generally, the current Performance Incentive Plan for portfolio managers at PXP is made up of three components:
(1) Seventy percent of the target incentive is based on achieving investment area investment goals and individual performance. The Investment Incentive pool will be established based on actual pre-tax investment performance compared with specific peer group or index measures established at the beginning of each calendar year. Performance of the funds managed is measured over one, three and five-year periods against specified benchmarks and/or peer groups (as indicated in the table below) for each fund managed. Performance of the PNX general account and growth of revenue, if applicable to a particular portfolio manager, is measured on a one-year basis. Generally, individual manager's participation is based on the performance of each fund/account managed as weighted roughly by total assets in each of those funds/accounts.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ FUND BENCHMARK(S) AND/OR PEER GROUPS -------------------------------- --------------------------------------- Phoenix Market Neutral Fund Citigroup 90-Day T-Bill Index ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
(2) Fifteen percent of the target incentive is based on the profitability of the investment management division with which the portfolio manager is associated. This component of the plan is paid in restricted stock units of The Phoenix Companies, Inc., which vest over three years.
(3) Fifteen percent of the target incentive is based on the manager's investment area's competencies and on individual performance. This pool is funded based on The Phoenix Companies, Inc.'s return on equity.
The Performance Incentive Plan applicable to some portfolio managers may vary from the description above. For instance, plans applicable to certain portfolio managers (i) may specify different percentages of target incentive that is based on investment goals and individual performance and on The Phoenix Companies, Inc. return on equity, (ii) may not contain the component that is based on the profitability of the management division with which the portfolio manager is associated, or (iii) may contain a guarantee payout percentage of certain portions of the Performance Incentive Plan.
Long-Term Incentive Bonus. Certain portfolio managers are eligible for a long-term incentive plan that is paid in restricted stock units of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. which vest over three years. Awards under this plan are contingent upon PNX achieving its cash return on equity objective, generally over a three-year period. Target award opportunities for eligible participants are determined by PNX's Compensation Committee.
Other Benefits. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including broad-based retirement, 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGER OF GOODWIN (SUBADVISER TO CA TAX-EXEMPT BOND FUND, CORE BOND FUND, MONEY MARKET FUND, MULTI-SECTOR FIXED INCOME FUND AND MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND)
Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. and its affiliated investment management firms (collectively, "PXP), believe that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at PXP receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package. Managing Directors and portfolio investment professionals who supervise and manage others also participate in a management incentive program reflecting their personal contribution and team performance. Highly compensated individuals can also take advantage of a long-term Incentive Compensation program to defer their compensation and potentially reduce their taxes.
The bonus package for portfolio managers is based upon how well the individual manager meets or exceeds assigned goals and a subjective assessment of contribution to the team effort. Their incentive bonus also reflects a performance component for achieving and/or exceeding performance competitive with peers managing similar strategies. Such component is further adjusted to reward investment personnel for managing within the stated framework and for not taking unnecessary risks. This ensures that investment personnel will remain focused on managing and acquiring securities that correspond to a fund's mandate and risk profile. It also avoids the temptation for portfolio managers to take on more risk and unnecessary exposure to chase performance for personal gain.
Finally, portfolio managers and investment professionals may also receive PNX stock options and/or be granted PNX restricted stock at the direction of the parent's Board of Directors.
Following is a more detailed description of the compensation structure of the funds' portfolio managers identified in the funds' prospectus.
Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is determined by PXP and is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities. PXP management uses compensation survey results of investment industry compensation conducted by an independent third party in evaluating competitive market compensation for its investment management professionals.
Incentive Bonus. Generally, the current Performance Incentive Plan for portfolio managers at PXP is made up of three components:
(4) Seventy percent of the target incentive is based on achieving investment area investment goals and individual performance. The Investment Incentive pool will be established based on actual pre-tax investment performance compared with specific peer group or index measures established at the beginning of each calendar year. Performance of the funds managed is measured over one, three and five-year periods against specified benchmarks and/or peer groups (as indicated in the table below) for each fund managed. Performance of the PNX general account and growth of revenue, if applicable to a particular portfolio manager, is measured on a one-year basis. Generally, an individual manager's participation is based on the performance of each fund/account managed as weighted roughly by total assets in each of those funds/accounts.
BENCHMARK(S) FUND AND/OR PEER GROUPS ---- ------------------ CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Lipper California Municipal Debt Universe Core Bond Fund Lehman Aggregate Bond Index Fixed Income Fund Lipper Multi-Sector Income Funds Short Term Bond Fund Lipper Short Investment Grade Debt Funds |
(5) Fifteen percent of the target incentive is based on the profitability of the investment management division with which the portfolio manager is associated. This component of the plan is paid in restricted stock units of The Phoenix Companies, Inc., which vest over three years.
(6) Fifteen percent of the target incentive is based on the manager's investment area's competencies and on individual performance. This pool is funded based on The Phoenix Companies, Inc.'s return on equity.
The Performance Incentive Plan applicable to some portfolio managers may vary from the description above. For instance, plans applicable to certain portfolio managers (i) may specify different percentages of target incentive that is based on investment goals and individual performance and on The Phoenix Companies, Inc. return on equity, (ii) may not contain the component that is based on the profitability of the management division with which the portfolio manager is associated, or (iii) may contain a guarantee payout percentage of certain portions of the Performance Incentive Plan.
Long-Term Incentive Bonus. Certain portfolio managers are eligible for a long-term incentive plan that is paid in restricted stock units of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. which vest over three years. Awards under this plan are contingent upon PNX
achieving its cash return on equity objective, generally over a three-year period. Target award opportunities for eligible participants are determined by PNX's Compensation Committee.
Other Benefits. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including broad-based retirement, 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF HALBIS (SUBADVISER TO THE EMERGING MARKETS FUND)
As employees of Halbis, the portfolio managers are compensated by the Halbis
for their services. Their compensation has the following components (1) a base
salary consisting of a fixed amount; (2) a discretionary bonus, which is paid
partially in cash and partially in restricted shares of HSBC Holdings, Ltd.; and
(3) eligibility for participation in the 401(k) retirement plan and other
employee benefits programs generally made available to the subadviser's
employees.
The restricted shares are currently awarded on a yearly basis under the HSBC Holdings Ltd. Restricted Share Plan 2000 and are denominated in ordinary shares. The shares earn dividend equivalents but do not have voting rights. Generally, the shares vest in full upon the 3rd anniversary of the date of grant as long as the awardee remains in the employ of the HSBC Group during the restricted period. The shares are taxed at vest and treated as ordinary income.
Amounts paid to the portfolio managers as discretionary bonus and as deferred compensation are paid at the discretion of the relevant manager to whom the individual reports. Amounts paid as discretionary bonuses and as deferred compensation will vary based upon the relevant manager's assessment of the employee's performance, taking into account the relevant business unit's financial performance during the most recent fiscal year. Key factors affecting decisions concerning discretionary compensation under the deferred compensation plan are the subadviser's profitability, individual performance, teamwork and total compensation of the employee relative to the market for similarly qualified individuals.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF SCM ADVISORS (SUBADVISER TO THE BOND FUND, HIGH YIELD FUND AND EARNINGS DRIVEN GROWTH FUND)
SCM Advisors LLC ("SCM Advisors") believes that the firm's compensation program is adequate and competitive to attract and retain high-caliber investment professionals. Investment professionals at SCM Advisors receive a competitive base salary, an incentive bonus opportunity and a benefits package.
Following is a more detailed description of the compensation structure of SCM Advisors' portfolio managers.
Base Salary. Each portfolio manager is paid a fixed base salary, which is determined by SCM Advisors and is designed to be competitive in light of the individual's experience and responsibilities.
Incentive Bonus. Bonus payments are based on a number of factors including the profitability of SCM Advisors and the portfolio team member's long-term contributions to the firm. SCM Advisors' principles emphasize teamwork and a focus on client needs, and bonuses are structured to emphasize those principles. All full-time employees of SCM Advisors participate in the annual bonus program. Bonuses are not linked to the volume of assets managed or to measurements of relative or absolute investment returns. Bonus payments are generally determined based on considerations of SCM Advisors' working capital requirements and on estimated tax liabilities.
The Compensation Committee has discretion over the measurement of the components.
Other Benefits. Portfolio managers are also eligible to participate in broad-based plans offered generally to the firm's employees, including 401(k), health and other employee benefit plans.
COMPENSATION OF PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF TURNER INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC.
(SUBADVISER TO THE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FUND)
Turner's investment professionals receive a base salary commensurate with their level of experience. Turner's goal is to maintain competitive base salaries through review of industry standards, market conditions, and salary surveys. Bonus compensation, which is a multiple of base salary, is computed annually based on the one year performance of each individual's sector and portfolio management assignments relative to appropriate market benchmarks. In addition, each employee is eligible for equity ownership and equity owners share the firm's profits. Most of the members of the investment team and all portfolio managers are equity owners of Turner.
The objective performance criteria noted above accounts for 90% of the bonus calculation. The remaining 10% is based upon subjective, "good will" factors including teamwork, interpersonal relations, the individuals contribution to the overall success of the firm, media and client relations, presentation skills, and professional development. Portfolio managers/analysts are reviewed on an annual basis. The Chief Investment Officer of Turner is responsible for setting base salaries, bonus targets, and making all subjective judgments related to an investment professionals compensation. The Chief Investment Officer is also responsible for identifying investment professionals that should be considered for equity ownership on an annual basis.
OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There may be certain inherent conflicts of interest that arise in connection with the portfolio managers' management of the Fund's investments and the investments of any other accounts they manage. Such conflicts could arise from the aggregation of orders for all accounts managed by a particular portfolio manager, the allocation of purchases across all such accounts, the allocation of IPOs and any soft dollar arrangements that the Adviser may have in place that could benefit the Fund and/or such other accounts. The Board of Trustees has adopted on behalf of the Fund policies and procedures designed to address any such conflicts of interest to ensure that all transactions are executed in the best interest of the Fund's shareholders. The Adviser is required to certify its compliance with these procedures to the Board of Trustees on a quarterly basis. There have been no material compliance issues with respect to any of these policies and procedures during the Fund's most recent fiscal year. Additionally, there are no material conflicts of interest between the investment strategy of the Fund and the investment strategy of other accounts managed by portfolio managers since portfolio managers generally manage funds and other accounts having similar investment strategies.
The following table provides information as of September 30, 2006, or as of footnoted date, regarding any other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and portfolio management team members for the Funds as named in the prospectus. As noted in the table, the portfolio managers managing the Fund may also manage or be members of management teams for other mutual funds within the Phoenix Fund complex or other similar accounts.
NUMBER OF AND TOTAL ASSETS OF NUMBER OF AND TOTAL ASSETS OF REGISTERED INVESTMENT OTHER POOLED INVESTMENT NUMBER OF AND TOTAL ASSETS OF PORTFOLIO MANAGER COMPANIES VEHICLES (PIVS) OTHER ACCOUNTS ----------------- --------- --------------- -------------- David L. Albrycht(1) 8/$2.6 billion 0 0 Al Alaimo 5/$491.0 million 1/$131.6 million 186/$5.8 billion Cynthia A. Beaulieu(1) 1/$70.5 million 0 10/$765.4 million T. Brooks Beittel(3) 2/$3.9 billion 0 0 Robert Bishop 2/$276.0 million 1/$131.6 million 129/$1.5 billion Andrew Chow 2/$276.0 million 1/$131.6 million 135/$4.7 billion Fran Gillin Cooley 5/$335.0 million 0 56/$147.0 million Doug Couden 5/$335.0 million 0 56/$147.0 million David Dickerson(1) 3/$1.14 billion 0 0 Geoffrey Dybas(2) 2/$3.5 billion 1/$42.4 million 10/$373.4 million Michael Gagliardi(2) 1/$45 million 5/$588 million 5/$515 million(6) Albert Gutierrez 6/$540.0 million 1/$131.6 million 187/$5.8 billion Timothy M. Heaney(3) 2/$273.8 million 0 13/$1.06 billion Christopher J. Kelleher(1) 2/$177 million 0 10/$762.4 million Deborah Jansen(3) 1/$3.4 billion 0 0 Connie M. Luecke(3) 1/$3.4 billion 0 0 Peter N. Marber(2) 1/$45 million 5/$588 million 5/$515 million(6) Carlton Neel(1) 3/$1.14 billion 0 0 Robb J. Parlanti 8/$751.0 million 27/$863.0 million 48/$4.6 billion Nathan I. Partain(3) 1/$3.4 billion 0 0 Michael Schatt(2) 2/$3.5 billion 1/$42.4 million 10/$373.4 million Denise S. Simon(2) 1/$45 million 5/$588 million 5/$515 million(6) Randle L. Smith(3) 1/$3.4 billion 0 0 Robert E. Turner 27/$5.1 billion(4) 47/$1.2 billion 93/$8.4 billion Mark Turner 13/$2.2 billion(5) 31/$961.0 million 66/$6.7 billion |
Note: Registered Investment Companies include all open and closed-end mutual funds. Pooled Investment Vehicles (PIVs) include, but are not limited to, securities of issuers exempt from registration under Section 3(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, such as private placements and hedge funds. Other accounts would include, but are not limited to, individual managed accounts, separate accounts, institutional accounts, pension funds, collateralized bond obligations, and collateralized debt obligations.
(1) As of October 31, 2006.
(2) As of November 30, 2006.
(3) As of April 30, 2007.
(4) Mr. Robert Turner is Portfolio Manager for two registered investment companies which have a performance based fee. The value of the funds as of September 30, 2006 was $797.0 million.
(5) Mr. Mark Turner is Portfolio Manager for one registered investment company which has a performance based fee. The value of that fund on September 30, 2006 was $759.0 million.
(6) The portfolio manager team for Halbis Capital Management (USA), Inc. managed five accounts of which the advisory fee was based on the performance of the account, for a total of $690 million in assets as of November 30, 2006.
OWNERSHIP OF FUND SECURITIES BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The following chart sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by each portfolio manager in the Fund(s) described in the prospectus that he or she manages as of September 30, 2006, or as of footnoted date:
DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES PORTFOLIO MANAGER BENEFICIALLY OWNED IN FUND MANAGED ----------------- ---------------------------------- David L. Albrycht(1) Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund: $10,001 - $50,000 Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund: $100,001 - $500,000 Al Alaimo Bond Fund - None High Yield Fund(1) - None Cynthia A. Beaulieu(1) Core Bond Fund - None T. Brooks Beittel(3) Global Utilities Fund - None Robert Bishop Bond Fund - None Andrew Chow Bond Fund - None Fran Gillin Cooley Earnings Driven Growth Fund - None Doug Couden Earnings Driven Growth Fund - None David Dickerson(1) Market Neutral Fund - $10,001 - $50,000 Geoffrey Dybas(2) Real Estate Fund - $10,001 - $50,000 Michael Gagliardi Emerging Markets Fund - None Albert Gutierrez Bond Fund - None High Yield Fund(1) - None Timothy M. Heaney(3) CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund - None Christopher J. Kelleher(1) Core Bond Fund - None Deborah Jansen(3) Global Utilities Fund - None Connie M. Luecke(3) Global Utilities Fund - $100,001 - $500,000 Peter N. Marber(2) Emerging Markets Fund - None Carlton Neel(1) Market Neutral Fund - $1 - $10,000 Robb J. Parlanti Growth Opportunities Fund - $100,001 - $500,000 Nathan I. Partain(3) Global Utilities Fund - $50,001 - $100,000 Michael Schatt(2) Real Estate Fund - $100,001 - $500,000 Denise S. Simon(2) Emerging Markets - None Randle L. Smith(3) Global Utilities Fund - $50,001 - $100,000 Mark Turner Growth Opportunities Fund - None Robert E. Turner Growth Opportunities Fund - $500,001 - $1,000,000 |
(1) Ownership of Predecessor Fund as of October 31, 2006.
(2)Ownership of Predecessor Fund as of November 30, 2006.
(3)Ownership of Predecessor Fund as of April 30, 2007.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined as of the close of trading of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on days when the NYSE is open for trading. The NYSE will be closed on the following observed national holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Since the Trust does not price securities on weekends or United States national holidays, the net asset value of a Fund's foreign assets may be significantly affected on days when the investor may not be able to purchase or sell shares of the Funds. The net asset value per share of a Fund is determined by adding the values of all securities and other assets of the Fund, subtracting liabilities, and dividing by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund. Assets and
liabilities are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. The total liability allocated to a class, plus that class's distribution fee and any other expenses allocated solely to that class, are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the assets of the Fund, and the resulting amount of each is divided by the number of shares of that class outstanding to produce the net asset value per share.
A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange is valued at the quotation on the exchange determined to be the primary exchange for such security by the Trustees or their delegates. Because of the need to obtain prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world, the calculation of net asset value may not take place for any Fund which invests in foreign securities contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the portfolio securities of such Fund. All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values will be converted into United States dollar values at the mean between the bid and ask quotations of such currencies against United States dollars as last quoted by any recognized dealer. If an event were to occur after the value of an investment was so established but before the net asset value per share was determined, which was likely to materially change the net asset value, then the instrument would be valued using fair value considerations by the Trustees or their delegates. If at any time a Fund has investments where market quotations are not readily available, such investments are valued at the fair value thereof as determined in good faith by the Trustees although the actual calculations may be made by persons acting according to policies and procedures approved by the Trustees.
MONEY MARKET FUND
The assets of the Money Market Fund are valued on the basis of amortized cost absent extraordinary or unusual market conditions. Under the amortized cost method of valuation, securities are valued at cost on the date of purchase. Thereafter the value of a security is increased or decreased incrementally each day so that at maturity any purchase discount or premium is fully amortized and the value of the security is equal to its principal amount. Due to fluctuations in interest rates, the amortized cost value of the Money Market Fund securities may at times be more or less than their market value. By using amortized cost valuation, the Money Market Fund seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00 per share despite minor shifts in the market value of its portfolio securities.
The yield on a shareholder's investment may be more or less than that which would be recognized if the Fund's net asset value per share was not constant and was permitted to fluctuate with the market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. However, as a result of the following procedures, it is believed that any difference will normally be minimal. The deviation is monitored periodically by comparing the Fund's net asset value per share as determined by using available market quotations with its net asset value per share as determined through the use of the amortized cost method of valuation. The Adviser makes such comparisons at least weekly and will advise the Trustees promptly in the event of any significant deviation. If the deviation exceeds 1/2 of l%, the Trustees will consider what action, if any, should be initiated to provide fair valuation of the Fund's portfolio securities and prevent material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders. Such action may include redemption of shares in kind, selling portfolio securities prior to maturity, withholding dividends or utilizing a net asset value per share as determined by using available market quotations. Furthermore, the assets of the Fund will not be invested in any security with a maturity of greater than 397 days, and the average weighted maturity of its portfolio will not exceed 90 days. Portfolio investments will be limited to U.S. dollar-denominated securities which present minimal credit risks and are of high quality as determined either by a major rating service or, if not rated, by the Trustees.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
For Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares, the minimum initial investment is $500 and the minimum subsequent investment is $25. For Class I Shares, the minimum initial investment is $100,000 and there is no subsequent minimum investment. However, both the minimum initial and subsequent investment amounts are $25 for investments pursuant to the "Systematic Purchase" plan, a bank draft investing program administered by the Distributor, or pursuant to the Systematic Exchange privilege or for an individual retirement account (IRA). In addition, there are no subsequent minimum investment amounts in connection with the reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions. For purchases of Class I Shares by private clients of the Adviser, subadviser and their affiliates, or through certain wrap programs with which the Distributor has an arrangement, the minimum initial investment is waived. Completed applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to: Phoenix Funds, c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301.
The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust's behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Funds' net asset values next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS
Shares may be purchased from investment dealers at a price equal to their net asset value per share, plus a sales charge which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at the time of the purchase (the "initial sales charge alternative") or (ii) on a contingent deferred basis (the "deferred sales charge alternative"). Certain Funds also offers Class I Shares that may be purchased by certain institutional investors at a price equal to their net asset value per share. Orders received by dealers prior to the close of trading on the NYSE are confirmed at the offering price effective at that time, provided the order is received by the Distributor prior to its close of business.
The alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, whether the investor wishes to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional shares of the Funds, and other circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated continuing distribution and services fees and contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSC") on Class B Shares, Class C Shares or Class T Shares would be less than the initial sales charge and accumulated distribution services fee on Class A Shares purchased at the same time. Investors should understand that the purpose and function of the CDSC and ongoing distribution and services fee with respect to the Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares are the same as those of the initial sales charge and ongoing distribution and services fees with respect to the Class A Shares.
The distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of the shares will be paid, in the case of Class A Shares, from the proceeds of the initial sales charge and the ongoing distribution and services fee. In the case of Class B Shares, distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of the shares will be paid from the proceeds of the ongoing distribution and services fee and the CDSC incurred upon redemption within five years of purchase for the Fixed Income Fund and within three years of purchase for the Short Term Bond Fund. For Class C Shares, the ongoing distribution and services fee will be used to pay for the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor. In the case of Class T Shares, distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with the sale of the shares will be paid from the proceeds of the ongoing distribution and services fee and the CDSC incurred upon redemption within one year of purchase. Sales personnel of broker-dealers distributing the Funds' shares may receive differing compensation for selling Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares or Class T Shares.
Dividends paid by the Funds, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in the same manner at the same time on the same day, except that fees such as higher distribution and service fees relating to each class of shares will be borne exclusively by that class. (See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in this SAI.)
CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares incur a sales charge when they are purchased and enjoy the benefit of not being subject to any sales charge when they are redeemed, except that a 1% deferred sales charge may apply to shares purchased on which a finder's fee has been paid if redeemed within one year of purchase. The one-year period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Such deferred sales charge may be waived under certain conditions as determined by the Distributor. Class A Shares are subject to ongoing service fees at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Trust's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A Shares. In addition, certain purchases of Class A Shares qualify for reduced initial sales charges.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but they are subject to a sales charge if they are redeemed within five years of purchase. Class B Shares of the Market Neutral Fund do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but they are subject to a sales charge if they are redeemed within six years of purchase. Class B Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but they are subject to a sales charge if they are redeemed within three years of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions. (See the "Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares--Waiver of Sales Charges" section of this SAI.)
Class B Shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees at an annual rate of up to 1.00% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B Shares. Class B Shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The higher ongoing distribution and service fees paid by Class B Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A Shares. Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares eight years after the end of the calendar month in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. Class B Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund convert to Class A Shares six years after the end of the calendar month in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. Class B Shares of the Market Neutral Fund convert to Class A Shares seven years after the end of the calendar month in which the shareholder's order to purchase was accepted. The purpose of the conversion feature is to relieve the holders of the Class B Shares that have been outstanding for a period of time sufficient for the Distributor to have been compensated for distribution expenses related to the Class B Shares from most of the burden of such distribution related expenses.
Class B Shares include all shares purchased pursuant to the deferred sales charge alternative which have been outstanding for less than the period ending eight years after the end of the month in which the shares were issued. Class B Shares of the Market Neutral Fund include all shares purchased pursuant to the deferred sales charge alternative which have been outstanding for less than the period ending seven years after the end of the month in which the shares were issued. Class B Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund include all shares purchased pursuant to the deferred sales charge alternative which have been outstanding for less than the period ending six years after the end of the month in which the shares were issued. At the end of this period, Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares and will no longer be subject to the higher distribution and service fees. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset value of the two classes without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
For purposes of conversion to Class A Shares, shares purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid in respect of Class B Shares in a shareholder's account will be considered to be held in a separate subaccount. Each time any Class B Shares in the shareholder's account (other than those in the subaccount) convert to Class A Shares, a pro rata portion of the Class B Shares in the subaccount will also convert to Class A Shares.
CLASS C SHARES
Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge but are subject to a deferred sales charge if redeemed within one year of purchase. Class C Shares of the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund are not subject to a sales charge when redeemed. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions. Shares issued in conjunction with the automatic reinvestment of income distributions and capital gain distributions are not subject to any sales charges. Class C Shares are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees of up to 1.00% of the Funds' aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Class C Shares of the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund are subject to ongoing distribution and service fees of up to 0.50% of the Funds' aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares. Class C Shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The higher ongoing distribution and services fee paid by Class C Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A Shares. Class C Shares do not convert to another class of shares and long term investors may therefore pay more through accumulated distribution fees than the economic equivalent of any applicable sales charge and accumulated distribution fees in the other classes.
CLASS T SHARES (SHORT TERM BOND FUND ONLY)
Class T Shares do not incur a sales charge when they are purchased, but they are subject to a sales charge if they are redeemed within the first year of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection with certain qualifying redemptions. (See the "Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares--Waiver of Sales Charges" section of this SAI.) Class T Shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Short Term Bond Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class T Shares. Class T Shares enjoy the benefit of permitting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment is made. The higher ongoing distribution and services fee paid by Class T Shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A Shares. Class T Shares of the Short Term Bond Fund do not convert to another class of shares and long term investors may therefore pay more through accumulated distribution fees than the economic equivalent of any applicable sales charge and accumulated distribution fees in the other classes. Class T shares can be exchanged for Class C Shares of any Phoenix Fund.
CLASS I SHARES
Class I Shares are offered without any sales charges to institutional investors, such as pension and profit sharing plans, other employee benefit trusts, endowments, foundations and corporations who purchase the minimum amounts; to private clients of the Adviser, subadviser and their affiliates; or through certain wrap programs with which the Distributor has an arrangement.
CLASS A SHARES--REDUCED INITIAL SALES CHARGES
Investors choosing Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced sales charges. The ways in which sales charges may be avoided or reduced are described below. Investors buying Class A Shares on which a finder's fee has been paid may incur a 1% deferred sales charge if they redeem their shares within one year of purchase. The one-year period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. Such deferred sales charge may be waived under certain conditions as determined by the Distributor.
QUALIFIED PURCHASERS. If you fall within any one of the following categories,
you will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A Shares: (1)
trustee, director or officer of the Phoenix Funds or any other mutual fund
advised, subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, Distributor or any of their
corporate affiliates; (2) any director or officer, or any full-time employee or
sales representative (for at least 90 days), of the Adviser, Subadviser (if any)
or Distributor; (3) any private client of an Adviser or Subadviser to any
Phoenix Fund; (4) registered representatives and employees of securities dealers
with whom Distributor has sales agreements; (5) any qualified retirement plan
exclusively for persons described above; (6) any officer, director or employee
of a corporate affiliate of the Adviser, Subadviser or Distributor; (7) any
spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of any person named in
(1), (2), (4) or (6) above; (8) employee benefit plans for employees of the
Adviser, Distributor and/or their
corporate affiliates; (9) any employee or agent who retires from PNX, the
Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates; (10) any account held in the name
of a qualified employee benefit plan, endowment fund or foundation if, on the
date of the initial investment, the plan, fund or foundation has assets of
$10,000,000 or more or at least 100 eligible employees; (11) any person with a
direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Phoenix Fund or qualified
plan; (12) any Phoenix Life Insurance Company (or affiliate) separate account
which funds group annuity contracts offered to qualified employee benefit plans;
(13) any state, county, city, department, authority or similar agency prohibited
by law from paying a sales charge; (14) any unallocated account held by a third
party administrator, registered investment adviser, trust company, or bank trust
department which exercises discretionary authority and holds the account in a
fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, if in the aggregate of such
accounts held by such entity equal or exceed $1,000,000; (15) any deferred
compensation plan established for the benefit of any Phoenix Fund trustee or
director; provided that sales to persons listed in (1) through (15) above are
made upon the written assurance of the purchaser that the purchase is made for
investment purposes and that the shares so acquired will not be resold except to
the Fund; (16) purchasers of Class A Shares bought through investment advisers
and financial planners who charge an advisory, consulting or other fee for their
services and buy shares for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients;
(17) retirement plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund
those plans (including, for example, plans qualified or created under sections
401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code), and "rabbi trusts" that buy
shares for their own accounts, in each case if those purchases are made through
a broker or agent or other financial intermediary that has made special
arrangements with the Distributor for such purchases; (18) 401(k) participants
in the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan (the "Plan") if the Plan has at least $3
million in assets or 500 or more eligible employees; or (19) clients of
investment advisors or financial planners who buy shares for their own accounts
but only if their accounts are linked to a master account of their investment
advisor or financial planner on the books and records of the broker, agent or
financial intermediary with which the Distributor has made such special
arrangements. Each of the investors described in (16) through (19) may be
charged a fee by the broker, agent or financial intermediary for purchasing
shares.
COMBINATION PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. Your purchase of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Phoenix Fund, (other than any Phoenix money market fund), if made at the same time by the same "person," will be added together with any existing Phoenix Fund account values to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined in this and the following sections as (a) any individual, their spouse and minor children purchasing shares for his or their own account (including an IRA account) including his or their own trust; (b) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though more than one beneficiary may exist); (c) multiple employer trusts or Section 403(b) plans for the same employer; (d) multiple accounts (up to 200) under a qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third party administrator; or (e) trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers, and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with respect to accounts over which they exercise discretionary investment authority and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the entity placing the order.
LETTER OF INTENT. If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any class of shares of these Funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund), if made by the same person within a thirteen month period, will be added together to determine whether you are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding arrangement between you and the Distributor. Since the Distributor doesn't know whether you will ultimately fulfill the Letter of Intent, shares worth 5% of the amount of each purchase will be set aside until you fulfill the Letter of Intent. When you buy enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent, these shares will no longer be restricted. If, on the other hand, you do not satisfy the Letter of Intent, or otherwise wish to sell any restricted shares, you will be given the choice of either buying enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent or paying the difference between any sales charge you previously paid and the otherwise applicable sales charge based on the intended aggregate purchases described in the Letter of Intent. You will be given 20 days to make this decision. If you do not exercise either election, the Distributor will automatically redeem the number of your restricted shares needed to make up the deficiency in sales charges received. The Distributor will redeem restricted Class A Shares before Class C Shares, Class T Shares or Class B Shares, respectively. Oldest shares will be redeemed before selling newer shares. Any remaining shares will then be deposited to your account.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION. The value of your account(s) in any class of shares of these Funds or any other Phoenix Fund (other than any Phoenix money market fund), may be added together at the time of each purchase to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account information to the Distributor at the time of purchase to exercise this right.
ASSOCIATIONS. Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person" and
qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association must:
(1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate
purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge; (3)
work through an investment dealer; or (4) not be a group whose sole reason for
existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a particular
company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or a
broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
CLASS B SHARES, CLASS C SHARES AND CLASS T SHARES--WAIVER OF SALES CHARGES
The CDSC is waived on the redemption (sale) of Class B Shares, Class C Shares
and Class T Shares if the redemption is made (a) within one year of death (i) of
the sole shareholder on an individual account, (ii) of a joint tenant where the
surviving joint tenant is the deceased's spouse, or (iii) of the beneficiary of
a Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or
other custodial account; (b) within one year of disability, as defined in Code
Section 72(m)(7); (c) as a mandatory distribution upon reaching age 701/2 under
any retirement plan qualified under Code Sections 401, 408 or 403(b) or
resulting from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; (d) by
401(k) plans using an approved participant tracking system for participant
hardships, death, disability or normal retirement, and loans which are
subsequently repaid; (e) from the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan ("Plan") invested
in Class B Shares, on which such shares the Distributor has not paid the dealer
the Class B sales commission; (f) based on the exercise of exchange privileges
among Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Class T Shares of the Phoenix Funds;
(g) based on any direct rollover transfer of shares from an established Phoenix
Fund qualified plan into a Phoenix Fund IRA by participants terminating from the
qualified plan; and (h) based on the systematic withdrawal program. If, as
described in condition (a) above, an account is transferred to an account
registered in the name of a deceased's estate, the CDSC will be waived on any
redemption from the estate account occurring within one year of the death. If
the Class B Shares are not redeemed within one year of the death, they will
remain subject to the applicable CDSC.
CONVERSION FEATURE--CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the same Fund eight years after they are purchased. For Short Term Bond Fund, Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the same Fund six years after they are purchased. For Market Neutral Fund, Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the same Fund seven years after they are purchased. Conversion will be on the basis of the then prevailing net asset value of Class A Shares and Class B Shares. There is no sales load, fee or other charge for this feature. Class B Shares acquired through dividend or distribution reinvestments will be converted into Class A Shares at the same time that other Class B Shares are converted based on the proportion that the reinvested shares bear to purchased Class B Shares. The conversion feature is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel or a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that the assessment of the higher distribution and service fees and associated costs with respect to Class B Shares does not result in any dividends or distributions constituting "preferential dividends" under the Code, and that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income tax law. If the conversion feature is suspended, Class B Shares would continue to be subject to the higher distribution and service fees for an indefinite period. Even if the Funds were unable to obtain such assurances, it might continue to make distributions if doing so would assist in complying with its general practice of distributing sufficient income to reduce or eliminate federal taxes otherwise payable by the Funds.
INVESTOR ACCOUNT SERVICES
The Funds offer accumulation plans, withdrawal plans and reinvestment and exchange privileges. Certain privileges may not be available in connection with all classes. In most cases, changes to account services may be accomplished over the phone. Inquiries regarding policies and procedures relating to shareholder account services should be directed to Mutual Fund Services at (800) 243-1574. Broker-dealers may impose their own restrictions and limits on accounts held through the broker-dealer. Please consult with your broker-dealer for account restrictions and limit information. The Funds and the Distributor reserve the right to modify or terminate these services upon reasonable notice.
EXCHANGES
Under certain circumstances, shares of any Phoenix Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of another Phoenix Fund on the basis of the relative net asset values per share at the time of the exchange. Class C Shares are also exchangeable for Class T Shares of those Phoenix Funds offering them. Exchanges are subject to the minimum initial investment requirement of the designated Fund, except if made in connection with the Systematic Exchange privilege described below. Shareholders may exchange shares held in book-entry form for an equivalent number (value) of the same class of shares of any other Phoenix Fund, if currently offered. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's net asset value per share next computed following receipt of a properly executed exchange request without sales charge. On exchanges with share classes that carry a contingent deferred sales charge, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply. The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for federal income tax purposes. (See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" section of this SAI.) Exchange privileges may not be available for all Phoenix Funds and may be rejected or suspended.
SYSTEMATIC EXCHANGES. If the conditions above have been met, you or your broker may, by telephone or written notice, elect to have shares exchanged for the same class of shares of another Phoenix Fund automatically on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis or may cancel this privilege at any time. If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the net asset value of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that shares be automatically exchanged at predetermined intervals for shares of the same class of another Phoenix Fund. This requirement does not apply to Phoenix "Self Security" program participants. Systematic exchanges will be executed upon the close of business on the 10th day of each month or the next succeeding business day. Exchanges will
be based upon each Fund's net asset value per share next computed after the close of business on the 10th day of each month (or next succeeding business day), without sales charge. Systematic exchange forms are available from the Distributor.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT ACROSS ACCOUNTS
If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the net asset value of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that any dividends and distributions paid with respect to shares in that account be automatically reinvested in a single account of one of the other Phoenix Funds at net asset value. You should obtain a current prospectus and consider the objectives and policies of each Phoenix Fund carefully before directing dividends and distributions to another Phoenix Fund. Reinvestment election forms and prospectuses are available from PEPCO. Distributions may also be mailed to a second payee and/or address. Requests for directing distributions to an alternate payee must be made in writing with a signature guarantee of the registered owner(s). To be effective with respect to a particular dividend or distribution, notification of the new distribution option must be received by the Transfer Agent at least three days prior to the record date of such dividend or distribution. If all shares in your account are repurchased or redeemed or transferred between the record date and the payment date of a dividend or distribution, you will receive cash for the dividend or distribution regardless of the distribution option selected.
INVEST-BY-PHONE
This expedited investment service allows a shareholder to make an investment in an account by requesting a transfer of funds from the balance of their bank account. Once a request is phoned in, PEPCO will initiate the transaction by wiring a request for monies to the shareholder's commercial bank, savings bank or credit union via Automated Clearing House ("ACH"). The shareholder's bank, which must be an ACH member, will in turn forward the monies to PEPCO for credit to the shareholder's account. ACH is a computer based clearing and settlement operation established for the exchange of electronic transactions among participating depository institutions.
To establish this service, please complete an Invest-by-Phone Application and
attach a voided check if applicable. Upon PEPCO's acceptance of the
authorization form (usually within two weeks) shareholders may call toll free
(800) 367-5877 prior to 3:00 p.m. (New York time) to place their purchase
request. Instructions as to the account number and amount to be invested must be
communicated to PEPCO. PEPCO will then contact the shareholder's bank via ACH
with appropriate instructions. The purchase is normally credited to the
shareholder's account the day following receipt of the verbal instructions. The
Fund may delay the mailing of a check for redemption proceeds of Fund shares
purchased with a check or via Invest-by-Phone service until the Fund has assured
itself that good payment has been collected for the purchase of the shares,
which may take up to 15 days. The Trust and PEPCO reserve the right to modify or
terminate the Invest-by-Phone service for any reason or to institute charges for
maintaining an Invest-by-Phone account.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
The Systematic Withdrawal Program (the "Program") allows you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. A sufficient number of full and fractional shares will be redeemed so that the designated payment is made on or about the 20th day of the month. Shares are tendered for redemption by the Transfer Agent, as agent for the shareowner, on or about the 15th of the month at the closing net asset value on the date of redemption. The Program also provides for redemptions with proceeds to be directed through ACH to your bank account. For ACH payments, you may select the day of the month for the payments to be made; if no date is specified, the payments will occur on the 15th of the month. In addition to the limitations stated below, withdrawals may not be less than $25 and minimum account balance requirements shall continue to apply.
Shareholders participating in the Program must own shares of a Fund worth $5,000 or more, as determined by the then current net asset value per share, and elect to have all dividends reinvested. The purchase of shares while participating in the Program will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the Class A Shares investor since a sales charge will be paid by the investor on the purchase of Class A Shares at the same time as other shares are being redeemed. For this reason, investors in Class A Shares may not participate in an automatic investment program while participating in the Program.
Through the Program, Class B, Class C and Class T shareholders may withdraw up to 1% of their aggregate net investments (purchases, at initial value, to date net of non-Program redemptions) each month or up to 3% of their aggregate net investments each quarter without incurring otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales charges. Class B, Class C and Class T shareholders redeeming more shares than the percentage permitted by the Program will be subject to any applicable contingent deferred sales charge on all shares redeemed. Accordingly, the purchase of Class B Shares, Class C Shares or Class T Shares will generally not be suitable for an investor who anticipates withdrawing sums in excess of the above limits shortly after purchase.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
Under the 1940 Act, payment for shares redeemed must ordinarily be made within seven days after tender. The right to redeem shares may be suspended and payment therefor postponed during periods when the NYSE is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or if permitted by rules of the SEC, during periods when trading on the NYSE is
restricted or during any emergency which makes it impracticable for a Fund to dispose of its securities or to determine fairly the value of its net assets or during any other period permitted by order of the SEC for the protection of investors. Furthermore, the Transfer Agent will not mail redemption proceeds until checks received for shares purchased have cleared, which may take up to 15 days or more.
The Trust has authorized one or more brokers to receive on its behalf purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Trust's behalf. The Trust will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Funds' net asset values next computed after they are received by an authorized broker or the broker's authorized designee.
Redemptions by Class B and Class C shareholders will be subject to the applicable deferred sales charge, if any.
A shareholder should contact his/her broker-dealer if he/she wishes to transfer shares from an existing broker-dealer street name account to a street name account with another broker-dealer. The Funds have no specific procedures governing such account transfers.
REDEMPTION OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
Each shareholder account in the Funds which has been in existence for at least one year and which has a value of less than $200, due to redemption activity, may be redeemed upon the giving of not less than 60 days written notice to the shareholder mailed to the address of record. During the 60-day period following such notice, the shareholder has the right to add to the account to bring its value to $200 or more. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for more information.)
BY MAIL
Shareholders may redeem shares by making written request, executed in the full name of the account, directly to Phoenix Funds c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. However, when certificates for shares are in the possession of the shareholder, they must be mailed or presented, duly endorsed in the full name of the account, with a written request to PEPCO that the Fund redeem the shares. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for more information.)
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
Shareholders who do not have certificated shares may redeem by telephone up to $50,000 worth of their shares held in book-entry form. (See the Funds' current Prospectus for more information.)
BY CHECK (FIXED INCOME FUNDS ONLY)
Any shareholder of these Funds may elect to redeem shares held in his account by check. Checks will be sent to an investor upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of a completed application and signature card (attached to the application). If the signature card accompanies an individual's initial account application, the signature guarantee section of the form may be disregarded. However, the Trust reserves the right to require that all signatures be guaranteed prior to the establishment of a check writing service account. When an authorization form is submitted after receipt of the initial account application, all signatures must be guaranteed regardless of account value.
Checks may be drawn payable to any person in an amount of not less than $500, provided that immediately after the payment of the redemption proceeds the balance in the shareholder's account is $500 or more.
When a check is presented to the Transfer Agent for payment, a sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the shareholder's account will be redeemed to cover the amount of the check. The number of shares to be redeemed will be determined on the date the check is received by the Transfer Agent. Presently there is no charge to the shareholder for the check writing service, but this may be changed or modified in the future upon two weeks written notice to shareholders. Checks drawn from Class B and Class C accounts are subject to the applicable deferred sales charge, if any.
The checkwriting procedure for redemption enables a shareholder to receive income accruing on the shares to be redeemed until such time as the check is presented to the Transfer Agent for payment. Inasmuch as canceled checks are returned to shareholders monthly, no confirmation statement is issued at the time of redemption.
Shareholders utilizing withdrawal checks will be subject to the Transfer Agent's rules governing checking accounts. A shareholder should make sure that there are sufficient shares in his account to cover the amount of any check drawn. If insufficient shares are in the account and the check is presented to the Transfer Agent on a banking day on which the Trust does not redeem shares (for example, a day on which the NYSE is closed), or if the check is presented against redemption proceeds of an investment made by check which has not been in the account for at least fifteen calendar days, the check may be returned marked "Non-sufficient Funds" and no shares will be redeemed. A shareholder may not close his account by a withdrawal check because the exact value of the account will not be known until after the check is received by the Transfer Agent.
REDEMPTION IN KIND
To the extent consistent with state and federal law, the Funds may make payment of the redemption price either in cash or in kind. However, the Funds have elected to pay in cash all requests for redemption by any shareholder of record, limited in respect to each shareholder during any 90-day period to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of such period. This election has been made pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act and is irrevocable while the Rule is in effect unless the SEC, by order, permits the withdrawal thereof. In case of a redemption in kind, securities delivered in payment for shares would be readily marketable and valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the net asset value per share of the Fund. A shareholder receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs when selling the securities.
ACCOUNT REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
Shareholders who may have overlooked features of their investment at the time they redeemed have a privilege of reinvestment of their investment at net asset value. (See the Funds' current prospectus for more information.)
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
QUALIFICATION AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY ("RIC")
Each Fund within the Trust is separate for investment and accounting purposes and is treated as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes. Each Fund has elected to qualify and intends to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). In each taxable year that a Fund qualifies as a RIC, it (but not its shareholders) will be relieved of federal income tax on that portion of its net investment income and net capital gains that are currently distributed (or deemed distributed) to its shareholders. To the extent that a Fund fails to distribute all of its taxable income, it will be subject to corporate income tax (currently maximum rate of 35%) on any retained ordinary investment income or short-term capital gains, and corporate income tax (currently maximum rate of 35%) on any undistributed long-term capital gains.
Each Fund intends to make timely distributions, if necessary, sufficient in amount to avoid the non-deductible 4% excise tax that is imposed on a RIC to the extent that it fails to distribute, with respect to each calendar year, at least 98% of its ordinary income (not including tax-exempt interest) for such calendar year and 98% of its net capital gain income as determined for a one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year (or as determined on a fiscal year basis, if the Fund so elects). In addition, an amount equal to any undistributed investment company taxable income or capital gain net income from the previous calendar year must also be distributed to avoid the excise tax. The excise tax is imposed on the amount by which the RIC does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements. If each Fund has taxable income that would be subject to the excise tax, each Fund intends to distribute such income so as to avoid payment of the excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there may be certain circumstances under which it would be appropriate for the Fund to pay the excise tax.
The Code sets forth numerous requirements that must be satisfied in order for each Fund to qualify as a RIC. If in any taxable year a Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income will be taxed at corporate rates and any capital gain dividend would not retain its character in the hands of the shareholder for tax purposes.
Each Fund must satisfy the following tests each year: (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest and gains from the sale or other disposition of securities and certain other investment income; (b) meet specified diversification requirements at the end of each quarter, and (c) distribute annually to its shareholders as dividends (not including "capital gains dividends," discussed below) at least 90% of its ordinary investment income and short-term capital gains, with certain modifications. Each Fund intends to satisfy these requirements. With respect to the diversification requirement, each Fund must also diversify its holdings so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of its total assets consists of cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, and other securities limited generally with respect to any one issuer to not more than 5% of the total assets of that Fund and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than U.S. Government securities). Each Fund intends to comply with all of the foregoing criteria for qualification as a RIC; however, there can be no assurance that each Fund will so qualify and continue to maintain its status as a RIC. If a Fund were unable for any reason to maintain its status as a RIC for any taxable year, adverse tax consequences would ensue.
TAXATION OF SHAREHOLDERS
Under the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, certain qualified dividend income ("QDI") and long-term capital gains will be taxed at a lower tax rate (generally 15%) for individual shareholders. The reduced rate applies to QDI from domestic corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations subject to various requirements and a minimum holding period by both a Fund and its shareholders. Ordinary distributions made by a Fund to its shareholders are eligible for the reduced rate to the extent the underlying income in the Fund is QDI. Under current law, the tax rate on these amounts is scheduled to increase for tax years beginning after December 31, 2010.
Distributions from ordinary investment income and net short-term capital gains will be taxed to the shareholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the earnings and profits of the Fund. Ordinary income dividends received by corporate shareholders will qualify for the 70% dividends-received deduction to the extent the Fund designates such amounts as qualifying dividend distributions; however, the portion that may be so designated is subject to certain limitations. Distributions by the Fund that are designated as capital gain distributions by written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the year will be taxed to the shareholders as capital gains, and will not be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.
Dividends declared by a Fund to shareholders of record in October, November or December will be taxable to such shareholders in the year that the dividend is declared, even if it is not paid until the following year (so long as it is actually paid by the Fund prior to February 1). Also, shareholders will be taxable on the amount of long-term capital gains designated by each Fund by written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the year, even if such amounts are not actually distributed to them. Shareholders will be entitled to claim a credit against their own federal income tax liability for taxes paid by each Fund on such undistributed gains, if any.
Dividends and capital gain distributions will be taxable to shareholders as described above whether received in cash or in shares under a Fund's distribution reinvestment plan. With respect to distributions received in cash or reinvested in shares purchased on the open market, the amount of the distribution for tax purposes will be the amount of cash distributed or allocated to the shareholder.
Shareholders should be aware that the price of shares of a Fund that are purchased prior to a dividend or distribution by the Fund may reflect the amount of the forthcoming dividend or distribution. Such dividend or distribution, when made, would be taxable to shareholders under the principles discussed above even though the dividend or distribution may reduce the net asset value of shares below a shareholder's cost and thus represent a return of a shareholder's investment in an economic sense.
A high portfolio turnover rate may result in the realization of larger amounts of short-term gains, which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Each Fund intends to accrue dividend income for federal income tax purposes in accordance with the rules applicable to RICs. In some cases, these rules may have the effect of accelerating (in comparison to other recipients of the dividend) the time at which the dividend is taken into account by the Fund as taxable income.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisor about their tax situation.
INCOME AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTIONS ARE DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INCOME TAX REGULATIONS THAT MAY DIFFER FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES ("GAAP") IN THE UNITED STATES.
TAXATION OF DEBT SECURITIES
Certain debt securities can be originally issued or acquired at a discount. Special rules apply under the Code to the recognition of income with respect to such debt securities. Under the special rules, the Fund may recognize income for tax purposes without a corresponding current receipt of cash. In addition, gain on a disposition of a debt security subject to the special rules may be treated wholly or partially as ordinary income, not capital gain.
A Fund may invest in certain investments that may cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash distributions, including securities bearing original issue discount. The level of such investments is not expected to affect a Fund's ability to distribute adequate income to qualify as RIC.
TAXATION OF DERIVATIVES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Certain futures contracts and foreign currency contracts entered into by a Fund and all listed non-equity options written or purchased by a Fund (including options on debt securities, options on futures contracts, options on securities indices and options on broad-based stock indices) are governed by Section 1256 of the Code. Absent a tax election to the contrary, gain or loss attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out of any such position are treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss, and on the last trading day of a Fund's taxable year, (and, generally on October 31 for purposes of the 4% excise tax), all outstanding Section 1256 positions are marked-to-market (i.e., treated as if such positions were closed out at their closing price on such day), and any resulting gain or loss is treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. Under certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a security may constitute a short sale for federal income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the underlying security or a substantially identical security in a Fund's portfolio.
Equity options written by the Fund (covered call options on portfolio stock) will be subject to the provisions under Section 1234 of the Code. If the Fund writes a call option, no gain is recognized upon its receipt of a premium. If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as a short-term capital gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, any resulting gain or loss is a short-term or long-term capital gain or loss depending on the holding period of the underlying stock.
Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one stock and at least one stock option or other position with respect to a related security which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such stock could be treated as a "straddle" that is
governed by Section 1092 of the Code, the operation of which may cause deferral of losses, adjustments in the holding periods of stock or securities and conversion of short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. An exception to these straddle rules exists for any "qualified covered call options" on stock options written by a Fund.
Positions of a Fund which consist of at least one debt security not governed by Section 1256 and at least one futures or currency contract or listed non-equity option governed by Section 1256 which substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss with respect to such debt security are treated as a "mixed straddle." Although mixed straddles are subject to the straddle rules of Section 1092 of the Code, certain tax elections exist for them that reduce or eliminate the operation of these rules. Each Fund will monitor these transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate the operation of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a RIC for federal income tax purposes.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time it actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary gain or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. Generally, these gains and losses, referred to under the Code as Section 988 gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of each Fund's investment company taxable income to be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.
These special tax rules applicable to options, futures and currency transactions could affect the amount, timing and character of a Fund's income or loss and hence of its distributions to shareholders by causing holding period adjustments, converting short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses, and accelerating a Fund's income or deferring its losses.
The IRS has not provided guidance on the tax consequences of certain investments and other activities that the Funds may make or undertake. While the Funds will endeavor to treat the tax items arising from these transactions in a manner which it believes to be appropriate, guarantees cannot be given that the IRS or a court will concur with the Funds' treatment and that adverse tax consequences will not ensue.
TAXATION OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
If a Fund invests in stock of certain passive foreign investment companies, the Fund may be subject to U.S. federal income taxation on a portion of any "excess distribution" with respect to, or gain from the disposition of, such stock. The tax would be determined by allocating such distribution or gain ratably to each day of the Fund's holding period for the stock. The distributions or gain so allocated to any taxable year of the Fund, other than the taxable year of the excess distribution or disposition, would be taxed to the Fund at the highest ordinary income rate in effect for such year, and the tax would be further increased by an interest charge to reflect the value of the tax deferral deemed to have resulted from the ownership of the foreign company's stock. Any amount of distribution or gain allocated to the taxable year of the distribution or disposition would be included in the Fund's investment company taxable income and, accordingly, would not be taxable to the Fund to the extent distributed by the Fund as a dividend to its shareholders. The Fund may elect to mark-to-market (i.e., treat as if sold at their closing market price on same day), its investments in certain passive foreign investment companies and avoid any tax and or interest charge on excess distributions.
The Funds may be subject to tax on dividend or interest income received from securities of non-U.S. issuers withheld by a foreign country at the source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries that entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax on income. It is impossible to determine the effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of a Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not known. The Fund intends to operate so as to qualify for treaty tax benefits where applicable. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the close of its taxable year is comprised of stock or securities issued by foreign corporations, the Fund may elect with the IRS to "pass through" to the Fund's shareholders the amount of foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. If the Fund does elect to "pass through", each shareholder will be notified within 60 days after the close of each taxable year of the Fund if the foreign taxes paid by the Fund will "pass through" for that year, and, if so, the amount of each shareholder's pro rata share (by country) or (i) the foreign taxes paid and (ii) the Fund's gross income from foreign sources.
CALIFORNIA TAXATION OF DISTRIBUTIONS - CA TAX EXEMPT BOND FUND
Distributions or parts thereof derived from interest received on California state and local issues and U.S. Government Obligations held in the portfolio will be exempt from California personal income taxes in ratable proportion of the California investments and U.S. Government Obligations of the Fund, provided that the Fund has complied with the requirement that at least 50% of its assets be invested in California state and local issues and U.S. Government issues at the end of each fiscal quarter. The Fund intends to comply with this standard since at least 80% of the assets of the Fund will normally be invested in California municipal securities. Distributions derived from other earnings will be subject to California personal income tax for California residents and other persons subject to California income tax.
SALE OR EXCHANGE OF FUND SHARES
Gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder upon the sale of shares in a Fund or upon an exchange of shares in a Fund for shares in another Fund. Provided that the shareholder is not a dealer in such shares, such gain or loss will generally be treated as capital gain or loss, measured by the difference between the adjusted basis of the shares and the amount realized therefrom. Under current law, capital gains (whether long-term or short-term) of individuals and corporations are fully includable in taxable income, although for certain taxpayers, the tax rate is 0% on long-term capital gains in 2008 through 2010. Capital losses (whether long-term or short-term) may offset capital gains plus (for non-corporate taxpayers only) up to $3,000 per year of ordinary income.
Redemptions, including exchanges, of shares may give rise to recognized gains or losses, except as to those investors subject to tax provisions that do not require them to recognize such gains or losses. All or a portion of a loss realized upon the redemption, including exchanges, of shares may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules in section 1091 of the Code to the extent shares are purchased (including shares acquired by means of reinvested dividends) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after such redemption. Any loss realized upon a shareholder's sale, redemption 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 distribution of long-term capital gains with respect to such shares.
Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares of a Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of a Fund are disposed of within 90 days after the date on which they were acquired and new shares of a RIC are acquired without a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss realized on the disposition will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares disposed of all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of the shareholder having incurred a sales charge initially. The portion of the sales charge affected by this rule will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new shares.
TAX INFORMATION
Written notices will be sent to shareholders regarding the intended federal income tax status of all distributions made (or deemed to have been made) during each taxable year, including the amount of QDI for individuals, the amount qualifying for the corporate dividends-received deduction (if applicable) and the amount designated as capital gain dividends, undistributed capital gains (if any), tax credits (if applicable), and cumulative return of capital (if any).
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING TAXPAYER IRS CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to IRS Regulations, the Fund may be required to withhold a percentage of all reportable payments, including any taxable dividends, capital gains distributions or share redemption proceeds, at the rate in effect when such payments are made, for an account which does not have a taxpayer identification number or certain required certifications. The Funds reserve the right to refuse to open an account for any person failing to provide a taxpayer identification number along with the required certifications. The Funds will furnish shareholders, within 31 days after the end of the calendar year, with the information that is required by the IRS for filing income tax returns. The Fund will also provide this same information to the IRS in the manner required by the IRS. Depending on your State of residence, the information may also be filed with your State taxing authority.
Some shareholders may be subject to withholding of federal income tax on dividends and redemption payments from the Funds ("backup withholding") at the rate in effect when such payments are made. Corporate shareholders and certain other shareholders specified in the Code generally are exempt from such backup withholding. Generally, shareholders subject to backup withholding will be (i) those for whom a certified taxpayer identification number is not on file with the Fund, (ii) those about whom notification has been received (either by the shareholder or the Fund) from the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding or (iii) those who, to the Fund's knowledge, have furnished an incorrect taxpayer identification number. Generally, to avoid backup withholding, a shareholder must, at the time an account is opened, certify under penalties of perjury that the taxpayer identification number furnished is correct and that he or she is not subject to backup withholding.
FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
Dividends paid by the Funds from net investment income and net realized short-term capital gains to a shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, a foreign trust or estate, a foreign corporation or a foreign partnership (a "foreign shareholder") will be subject to United States withholding tax at a rate of 30% unless a reduced rate of withholding or a withholding exemption is provided under applicable treaty law. Foreign shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the applicability of the United States withholding tax and any foreign taxes.
OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES
In addition to the federal and certain California income tax consequences described above, there may be other federal, state or local tax considerations and estate tax considerations applicable to the circumstances of a particular investor. The foregoing discussion is based upon the Code, judicial decisions and administrative regulations, rulings and practices in effect as of June
2007, all of which are subject to change and which, if changed, may be applied retroactively to a Fund, its shareholders and/or its assets. No rulings have been sought from the IRS with respect to any of the tax matters discussed above.
From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal bonds and similar proposals may be introduced in the future. If such a proposal were enacted, the availability of tax-exempt bonds for investment by the Fund and the value of the Fund's portfolio would be affected. The Trustees would then re-evaluate the Fund's investment objective and policies.
The information included in the Prospectus with respect to taxes, in conjunction with the foregoing, is a general and abbreviated summary of applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations now in effect as currently interpreted by the courts and the IRS. The Code and these Regulations, as well as the current interpretations thereof, may be changed at any time by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. Accordingly, prospective purchasers are urged to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their own tax situation, including the potential application of federal, state, local and foreign taxes.
Except as expressly set forth above, the foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely to the application of that law to U.S. taxpayers. Each shareholder who is not a U.S. taxpayer should consider the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax on amounts constituting ordinary income received by him or her, where such amounts are treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code. It does not address the special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as insurance companies.
TAX SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
Shares of the Funds are offered in connection with the following qualified
prototype retirement plans: IRA, Rollover IRA, SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA,
401(k), Profit-Sharing, Money Purchase Pension Plans and 403(b) Retirement
Plans. Write or call PEPCO at (800) 243-4361 for further information about the
plans.
MERRILL LYNCH DAILY K PLAN
Class A Shares of a Fund are made available to Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan (the "Plan") participants at NAV without an initial sales charge if:
(i) the Plan is recordkept on a daily valuation basis by Merrill Lynch and, on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement, the Plan has $3 million or more in assets invested in broker-dealer funds not advised or managed by Merrill Lynch Asset Management L.P. ("MLAM") that are made available pursuant to a Service Agreement between Merrill Lynch and the fund's principal underwriter or distributor and in funds advised or managed by MLAM (collectively, the "Applicable Investments");
(ii) the Plan is recordkept on a daily valuation basis by an independent recordkeeper whose services are provided through a contract or alliance arrangement with Merrill Lynch, and, on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement, the Plan has $3 million or more in assets, excluding money market funds, invested in Applicable Investments; or
(iii) the Plan has 500 or more eligible employees, as determined by a Merrill Lynch plan conversion manager, on the date the Plan Sponsor signs the Merrill Lynch Recordkeeping Service Agreement.
Alternatively, Class B Shares of a Fund are made available to Plan participants at NAV without a CDSC if the Plan conforms with the requirements for eligibility set forth in (i) through (iii) above but either does not meet the $3 million asset threshold or does not have 500 or more eligible employees.
Plans recordkept on a daily basis by Merrill Lynch or an independent recordkeeper under a contract with Merrill Lynch that are currently investing in Class B Shares of a Fund convert to Class A Shares once the Plan has reached $5 million invested in Applicable Investments, or after the normal holding period of seven years from the initial date of purchase.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
Pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement with the Funds, PEPCO (or the "Distributor"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of PNX, and an affiliate of the Adviser and Subadviser, PIC serves as distributor for the Funds. As such, the Distributor conducts a continuous offering pursuant to a "best efforts" arrangement requiring it to take and pay for only such securities as may be sold to the public. The address of the Distributor is One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, Connecticut 06102-5056. Shares of the Funds may be purchased through investment dealers who have sales agreements with the Distributor.
For its services under the Underwriting Agreement, PEPCO receives sales charges on transactions in Trust shares and retains such charges less the portion thereof allowed to its registered representatives and to securities dealers and securities brokers with whom it has sales agreements. In addition, PEPCO may receive payments from the Trust pursuant to the Distribution Plan described below. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, purchasers of shares of the Funds paid aggregate sales charges of $215,231, $141,422 and $70,128, respectively, of which the Distributor received net commissions of $161,263, $112,142 and $55,383, respectively, for its services, the balance being paid to dealers. For the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006, the Distributor received net commissions of $2,544 for Class A Shares and deferred sales charges of $52,584 for Class B Shares and $255 for Class C Shares.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated at any time on not more than 60 days written notice, without payment of a penalty, by the Distributor, by vote of a majority of the appropriate Class of outstanding voting securities of the Funds, or by vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to the Underwriting Agreement or "interested persons" of any party and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or in any related agreements. The Underwriting Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its "assignment," as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
DEALERS CONCESSIONS
Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements receive a discount or commission on purchases of Class A Shares as set forth below.
SHORT TERM BOND FUND
SALES CHARGE AS A PERCENTAGE OF ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AMOUNT OF NET DEALER DISCOUNT TRANSACTION OFFERING AMOUNT PERCENTAGE OF AT OFFERING PRICE PRICE INVESTED OFFERING PRICE ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Under $50,000 2.25% 2.30% 2.00% $50,000 but under $100,000 1.25 1.27 1.00 $100,000 but under $500,000 1.00 1.01 1.00 $500,000 but under $1,000,000 0.75 0.76 0.75 $1,000,000 or more None None None OTHER FIXED INCOME FUNDS DEALER DISCOUNT SALES CHARGE SALES CHARGE OR AGENCY FEE AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION AS PERCENTAGE AS PERCENTAGE AS PERCENTAGE OF AT OFFERING PRICE OF OFFERING PRICE OF AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.25% $50,000 but under $100,000 4.50% 4.71% 4.00% $100,000 but under $250,000 3.50% 3.63% 3.00% $250,000 but under $500,000 2.75% 2.83% 2.25% $500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.75% $1,000,000 or more None None None EQUITY FUNDS DEALER DISCOUNT SALES CHARGE SALES CHARGE OR AGENCY FEE AMOUNT OF TRANSACTION AS PERCENTAGE AS PERCENTAGE AS PERCENTAGE OF AT OFFERING PRICE OF OFFERING PRICE OF AMOUNT INVESTED OFFERING PRICE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Under $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00% $50,000 but under $100,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.25% $100,000 but under $250,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.25% $250,000 but under $500,000 2.75% 2.83% 2.25% $500,000 but under $1,000,000 2.00% 2.04% 1.75% $1,000,000 or more None None None |
In addition to the dealer discount on purchases of Class A Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 4% of the sale price of Class B Shares and a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class C Shares sold by such dealers. In addition to the dealer discount on purchases for Short Term Bond Fund of Class A Shares, the Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 2% of the sale price of Class B Shares and a sales commission of 1% of the sale price of Class T Shares sold by such dealers. This sales commission will not be paid to dealers for sales of Class B Shares purchased by 401(k) participants of the Merrill Lynch Daily K Plan due to a waiver of the CDSC for these Plan participants' purchases. Your broker, dealer or financial advisor may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their intention to do so.
Dealers and other entities who enter into special arrangements with the Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of the Funds and/or for providing other shareholder services. Such fees are in addition to the sales
commissions referenced above and may be based upon the amount of sales of fund shares by a dealer; the provision of assistance in marketing of fund shares; access to sales personnel and information dissemination services, provision of recordkeeping and administrative services to qualified employee benefit plans; and other criteria as established by the Distributor. Depending on the nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the Funds through distribution fees, service fees or transfer agent fees or in some cases, the Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources. From its own profits and resources, the Distributor does intend to: (a) from time to time pay special incentive and retention fees to qualified wholesalers, registered financial institutions and third party marketers; (b) pay broker-dealers an amount equal to 1% of the first $3 million of Class A Share purchases by an account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan with at least 100 eligible employees, 0.50% on the next $3 million, plus 0.25% on the amount in excess of $6 million; and (c) excluding purchases as described in (b) above, pay broker-dealers an amount equal to 1.00% of the amount of Class A Shares sold from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000, 0.50% on amounts of $3,000,001 to $10,000,000 and 0.25% on amounts greater than $10,000,000. If part or all of such investment as described in (b) and (c) above, including investments by qualified employee benefit plans, is subsequently redeemed within one year, a 1% CDSC may apply, except for redemptions of shares purchased on which a finder's fee has been paid where such investor's dealer of record, due to the nature of the investor's account, notifies the Distributor prior to the time of the investment that the dealer waives the finder's fee otherwise payable to the dealer, or agrees to receive such finder's fee ratably over a 12-month period. For purposes of determining the applicability of the CDSC, the one-year CDSC period begins on the last day of the month preceding the month in which the purchase was made. In addition, the Distributor may pay the entire applicable sales charge on purchases of Class A Shares to selected dealers and agents. Any dealer who receives more than 90% of a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act of 1933. PEPCO reserves the right to discontinue or alter such fee payment plans at any time.
From its own resources or pursuant to the Trust's Distribution Plan, and subject to the dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals, and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time, reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A Shares which it normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
PEPCO also acts as administrative agent ("Administrator") of the Trust. For its services as Administrator, PEPCO receives an administration fee based upon the average net assets across all non-money market funds within the Phoenix Funds and Phoenix Edge Series Funds at the following incremental annual rates.
First 5 billion 0.09% $5 billion to $15 billion 0.08% Greater than $15 billion 0.07% |
For the money market Funds, the fee is 0.035% of the average net assets across all money market funds within the Phoenix Funds and Phoenix Edge Series Funds.
Until June 30, 2006, PEPCO served as Financial Agent to the Trust. PEPCO received a fee equal to the sum of (1) the documented cost to PEPCO to provide oversight of PFPC, Inc. (subagent to PEPCO) ("PFPC"), plus (2) the documented costs of fund accounting, tax services and related services provided by PFPC.
For services to the Trust during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004, 2005 and 2006, PEPCO received $242,004, $201,856 and $140,427 respectively.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Trust has adopted a distribution plan for each class of shares (except Class I Shares) (i.e., a plan for the Class A Shares, a plan for the Class B Shares, a plan for the Class C Shares and a plan for the Class T Shares; collectively, the "Plans") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, to compensate the Distributor for the services it provides and for the expenses it bears under the Underwriting Agreement. Each class of shares pays a service fee at a rate of 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of such class of the Fund and a distribution fee based on average daily net assets at a rate of 0.75% per annum for Class B Shares (0.55% for the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund), at a rate of 0.75% per annum for Class C Shares (0.25% for the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund), and at a rate of 0.75% per annum for Class T Shares.
From the Service Fee, the Distributor expects to pay a quarterly fee to qualifying broker-dealer firms, as compensation for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, with respect to shares sold by such firms. In the case
of shares of the Funds being sold to an affiliated fund of funds, fees payable under the Plans shall be paid to the distributor of the fund of funds. This fee will not exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average annual net asset value of such shares, and will be in addition to sales charges on Fund shares which are re-allowed to such firms. To the extent that the entire amount of the Service Fee is not paid to such firms, the balance will serve as compensation for personal and account maintenance services furnished by the Distributor. The Distributor also pays to dealers an additional compensation with respect to Class C Shares at the rate of 0.75% of the average annual net asset value of that class.
In order to receive payments under the Plans, participants must meet such qualifications to be established in the sole discretion of the Distributor, such as services to the Funds' shareholders; or services providing the Funds with more efficient methods of offering shares to coherent groups of clients, members or prospects of a participant; or services permitting bulking of purchases or sales, or transmission of such purchases or sales by computerized tape or other electronic equipment; or other processing.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, the Funds paid Rule 12b-1 Fees in the amount of $422,052, of which the Distributor received $157,697, and unaffiliated broker-dealers received $264,355. The Rule 12b-1 payments were used for (1) compensation to dealers, $275,672; (2) compensation to sales personnel, $208,154; (3) advertising, $46,171; (4) service costs, $21,779; (5) printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders, $2,379; and (6) other, $31,162.
On a quarterly basis, the Funds' Trustees review a report on expenditures under the Plans and the purposes for which expenditures were made. The Trustees conduct an additional, more extensive review annually in determining whether the Plans will be continued. By its terms, continuation of the Plans from year to year is contingent on annual approval by a majority of the Funds' Trustees and by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or any related agreements (the "Plan Trustees"). The Plans provide that they may not be amended to increase materially the costs which the Funds may bear pursuant to the Plans without approval of the shareholders of that class of the Funds and that other material amendments to the Plans must be approved by a majority of the Plan Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of considering such amendments. The Plans further provide that while they are in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not "interested persons" shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who are not "interested persons." The Plans may be terminated at any time by vote of the Plan Trustees or a majority of the outstanding shares of the relevant class of the Funds.
No interested person of the Funds and no Trustee who is not an interested person of the Funds, as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, had any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans.
The NASD regards certain distribution fees as asset-based sales charges subject to NASD sales load limits. The NASD's maximum sales charge rule may require the Trustees to suspend distribution fees or amend the Plans.
The Board of Trustees has also adopted a Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act permitting the issuance of shares in multiple classes.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The Trust is an open-end management investment company known as a mutual fund. The Trustees of the Trust ("Trustees") are responsible for the overall supervision of the Trust and perform the various duties imposed on Trustees by the 1940 Act and Delaware statutory trust law.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees are responsible for the overall supervision of the Funds, including establishing the Funds' policies, general supervision and review of their investment activities. The officers who administer the Funds' daily operations, are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The current Trustees and officers of the Trust performing a policy-making function and their affiliations and principal occupations for the past five years are set forth below. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each individual is 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115-0480. There is no stated term of office for Trustees of the Trust.
INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, ADDRESS AND LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS DATE OF BIRTH TIME SERVED BY TRUSTEE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE ------------- ----------- ---------- --------------------------------------- E. Virgil Conway Served since 59 Chairman, Rittenhouse Advisors, LLC (consulting Rittenhouse Advisors, LLC 2000. firm) (2001-present). Trustee/Director, Phoenix 101 Park Avenue Funds Complex (1983-present). Trustee/Director, New York, NY 10178 Realty Foundation of New York (1972-present), Josiah DOB: 8/2/29 Macy, Jr. Foundation (Honorary) (2004-present), Pace University (Director/Trustee Emeritus) (2003-present), Greater New York Councils, Boy Scouts of America (1985-present), The Academy of Political Science (Vice Chairman) (1985-present), Urstadt Biddle Property Corp. (1989-present), Colgate University (Trustee Emeritus) (2004-present). Director/Trustee, The Harlem Youth Development Foundation, (Chairman) (1998-2002), Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (1970-2002), Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company (1974-2002), Centennial Insurance Company (1974-2002), Union Pacific Corp. (1978-2002), Accuhealth (1994-2002), Pace University (1978-2003), New York Housing Partnership Development Corp. (Chairman) (1981-2003), Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation (1975-2004). Harry Dalzell-Payne Served since 59 Retired. Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex The Flat, Elmore Court 1999. (1983-present). Elmore, GL0S, GL2 3NT U.K. DOB: 8/9/29 Francis E. Jeffries Served since 60 Director, The Empire District Electric Company 8477 Bay Colony Dr. #902 2005. (1984-2004). Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex Naples, FL 34108 (1987-present). DOB: 9/23/30 Leroy Keith, Jr. Served since 57 Partner, Stonington Partners, Inc. (private equity Stonington Partners, Inc. 2005. fund) (2001-present). Director/Trustee, Evergreen 736 Market Street, Ste. 1430 Funds (88 portfolios) (1989-present). Trustee, Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phoenix Funds Family (1980-present). Director, DOB: 2/14/39 Diversapak (2002-present),Obaji Medical Products Company (2002-present). Director, Lincoln Educational Services (2002-2004). Geraldine M. McNamara Served since 59 Retired. Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Complex 40 East 88th Street 2001. (2001-present). Managing Director, U.S. Trust New York, NY 10128 Company of New York (private bank) (1982-2006). DOB: 4/17/51 |
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, ADDRESS AND LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS DATE OF BIRTH TIME SERVED BY TRUSTEE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE ------------- ----------- ---------- --------------------------------------- James M. Oates Served since 57 Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Family (1987- c/o Northeast Partners 2005. present). Managing Director, Wydown Group 150 Federal Street, Ste. 1000 (consulting firm) (1994-present). Director, Boston, MA 02110 Investors Bank & Trust Corporation (1995-present), Trustee Stifel Financial (1996-present), Connecticut River Boston, MA 02110 Bancorp (1998-present), Connecticut River Bank DOB: 5/31/46 (1999-present), Trust Company of New Hampshire (2002 -present). Chairman, Emerson Investment Management, Inc. (2000-present). Independent Chairman, John Hancock Trust (93 portfolios) (since 2005), Trustee, John Hancock Funds II (74 portfolios) (since 2005). Trustee, John Hancock Trust (93 portfolios) (2004- present). Director/Trustee, 1Mind, Inc. (formerly 1Mind.com) (2000-2002), Plymouth Rubber Co. (1995- 2003). Director and Treasurer, Endowment for Health, Inc. (2000-2004). Chairman, Hudson Castle Group, Inc. (Formerly IBEX Capital Markets, Inc.) (financial services) (1997-2006). Trustee, John Hancock Funds III (8 portfolios) (2005-2006). Richard E. Segerson Served since 57 Managing Director, Northway Management Company (1998 77 Briggs Way 2005. -present). Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds Family Chatham, MA 02633 (1983-present). DOB: 2/16/46 Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck Served since 57 Chairman, Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics N.V. Nederpolder, 7 2005. (Biotechnology) (since 2007). Director, Galapagos B-9000 Gent, Belgium N.V. (Biotechnology) (2005-present). Trustee, DOB: 7/30/42 Phoenix Funds Family (2004-present). Director EASDAQ (Chairman) (2001-present), The JP Morgan Fleming Continental European Investment Trust (1998- present), Groupe SNEF (1998-present). Managing Director, Almanij N.V. (1992-2003). Director, KBC Bank and Insurance Holding Company (Euronext) (1992- 2003), KBC Bank (1992-2003), KBC Insurance (1992- 2003), Kredietbank, S.A. Luxembourgeoise (1992-2003), Investco N.V. (1992-2003), Gevaert N.V. (1992-2003), Fidea N.V. (1992-2003), Almafin N.V. (1992-2003), Centea N.V. (1992-2003), Director, Degussa Antwerpen N.V. (1998-2004), Santens N.V. (1999-2004), Banco Urquijo (Chairman) (1998-2006). |
INTERESTED TRUSTEES
Each of the individuals listed below is an "interested person" of the Trust, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder.
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, ADDRESS DATE OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND POSITION(S) WITH TRUST TIME SERVED BY TRUSTEE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE -------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------------------------------------- George R. Aylward* Trustee and President 59 Senior Executive Vice President and President, Asset Trustee and President since November 2006. Management, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (since DOB: 8/17/64 2007). Director (2006-present), President (2006-present) and Chief Operating Officer (2004-present), Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. Director (2006-present) and President (since 2007), DPCM Holding, Inc. Director and Executive Vice President, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (2006-present). Director (2006-present) and Executive Vice President (2005-present), Engemann Asset Management. President, Euclid Advisers, LLC (2006-present). Director (2006-present) and Executive Vice President (2005-present), Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. Executive Vice President, Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC (since 2007). Director and President, Pasadena Capital Corporation (2006-present). Director and Executive Vice President, Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (2005-present). Director and President, Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (2006-present). President, Phoenix/Zweig Advisers, LLC (2006-present). Executive Vice President, PXP Securities Corp. (2005-present). Director and President, Rutherford Financial Corporation (2006-present). Executive Vice President, Rutherford, Brown & Catherwood, LLC (2006-present). Executive Vice President, SCM Advisors LLC (2006-present). President, the Phoenix Funds Family (2006-present). Previously, Vice President, Phoenix Life Insurance Company (2002-2004). Vice President, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (2003-2004). Vice President, Finance, Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (2001-2002). Executive Vice President, the Phoenix Funds Family (2004-2006). Executive Vice President, Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (2004-2006), Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (2005-2006), Euclid Advisers, LLC (2005-2006), Rutherford Financial Corporation (2005-2006), Phoenix/Zweig Advisers, LLC (2005-2006) and DPCM Holding, Inc. (2005-2007). Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Asset Management, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (2004-2007). Marilyn E. LaMarche** Served since 57 Limited Managing Director, Lazard Freres & Co. LLC Lazard Freres & Co. LLC 2005. (1997-present). Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Family (2002-present). Director, The Phoenix 59th Floor Companies, Inc. (2001-2005) and Phoenix Life New York, NY 10020 Insurance Company (1989-2005). Trustee DOB: 5/11/34 |
NUMBER OF PORTFOLIOS IN NAME, ADDRESS DATE OF BIRTH LENGTH OF FUND COMPLEX OVERSEEN PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS AND POSITION(S) WITH TRUST TIME SERVED BY TRUSTEE AND OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS HELD BY TRUSTEE -------------------------- ----------- ---------- --------------------------------------- Philip R. McLoughlin*** Served since 1999. 77 Partner, Cross Pond Partners, LLC (2006-present), 200 Bridge Street Director, PXRE Corporation (Reinsurance) Chatham, MA 02633 (1985-present), World Trust Fund (1991-present). Chairman Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds Complex DOB: 10/23/46 (1989-present). Management Consultant (2002-2004), Chairman (1997-2002), Chief Executive Officer (1995-2002) and Director (1995-2002), Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. Director and Executive Vice President, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (2000-2002). Director (1994-2002) and Executive Vice President, Investments (1987-2002), Phoenix Life Insurance Company. Director (1983-2002) and Chairman (1995-2002), Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. Director (1982-2002) and Chairman (2000-2002), Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation. Chairman and President, Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC (2001-2002). Director (2001-2002) and President (April 2002-September 2002), Phoenix Investment Management Company. Director and Executive Vice President, Phoenix Life and Annuity Company (1996-2002). Executive Vice President (1994-2002) and Chief Investment Counsel (1994-2002), PHL Variable Insurance Company. Director, Phoenix National Trust Holding Company (2001-2002). Director (1985-2002), Vice President (1986-2002) and Executive Vice President (April 2002-September 2002), PM Holdings, Inc. Director, WS Griffith Associates, Inc. (1995-2002). Director, WS Griffith Securities, Inc. (1992-2002). * Mr. Aylward is an "interested person" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, by reason of his position with Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. and its affiliates. ** Ms. LaMarche is an "interested person," as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of her former position as Director of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. and Phoenix Life Insurance Company. *** Mr. McLoughlin is an "interested person" as defined in the 1940 Act, by reason of his former relationship with Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. and its affiliates. |
OFFICERS OF THE TRUST WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES NAME, ADDRESS AND POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DATE OF BIRTH AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS ------------- ------------------------- ------------------- Nancy G. Curtiss Senior Vice President Assistant Treasurer (2001-present), Vice President, DOB: 11/24/52 since 2006. Fund Accounting (1994-2000), Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation. Vice President, Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (2003-present). Senior Vice President, the Phoenix Funds Family (since 2006). Vice President, The Phoenix Edge Series Fund (1994-present), Treasurer, The Zweig Fund Inc. and The Zweig Total Return Fund Inc. (2003-present). Chief Financial Officer (2005-2006) and Treasurer (1994-2006), or Assistant Treasurer (2005-2006), certain funds within the Phoenix Funds Complex. |
NAME, ADDRESS AND POSITION(S) HELD WITH TRUST PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DATE OF BIRTH AND LENGTH OF TIME SERVED DURING PAST 5 YEARS ------------- ------------------------- ------------------- Francis G. Waltman Senior Vice President Senior Vice President, Asset Management Product DOB: 7/27/62 since 2004. Development, The Phoenix Companies, Inc. (since 2006). Senior Vice President, Asset Management Product Development, Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (2005-present). Director and President, Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (since 2006). Senior Vice President, Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. (since 2006). Director, DPCM Holdings, Inc., Duff & Phelps Investment Management Company and Pasadena Capital Corporation (since 2006). President, PXP Securities Corp. (2004-present). Senior Vice President, the Phoenix Funds Family (2004-present). Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (2003-2004). Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (1999-2003). Marc Baltuch Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Zweig-DiMenna Associates 900 Third Avenue Chief Compliance Officer LLC (1989-present). Vice President and Compliance New York, NY 10022 since 2005. Officer, certain funds within the Phoenix Funds DOB: 9/23/45 Complex (2004-present). Vice President, The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc. (2004-present). Vice President, The Zweig Fund, Inc. (2004-present). President and Director of Watermark Securities, Inc. (1991-present). Assistant Secretary of Gotham Advisors Inc. (1990-present). Secretary, Phoenix-Zweig Trust (1989-2003). Secretary, Phoenix-Euclid Market Neutral Fund (1999-2002). Kevin J. Carr Vice President, Counsel, Vice President and Counsel, Phoenix Life Insurance One American Row Chief Legal Officer and Company (2005-present). Vice President, Counsel, Hartford, CT 06102 Secretary since 2005. Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, certain funds DOB: 8/30/54 within the Phoenix Funds Family (2005-present). Compliance Officer of Investments and Counsel, Travelers Life & Annuity (Jan.2005-May 2005). Assistant General Counsel, The Hartford Financial Services Group (1999-2005). W. Patrick Bradley Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Fund Administration, Phoenix DOB: 3/2/72 Treasurer since 2005. Investment Partners, Ltd. (2004-present). Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2006-present) or Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (2005-present), certain funds within the Phoenix Funds Family. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer, The Phoenix Edge Series Fund (2006-present). Assistant Treasurer, certain funds within the Phoenix Funds Complex (2004-2006). Senior Manager (2002-2004), Manager (2000-2002), Audit, Deloitte & Touche, LLP. |
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board of Trustees has established several standing committees to oversee particular aspects of the Funds' management. They are:
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the Funds' accounting and auditing policies and practices. The Audit Committee reviews the Funds' financial reporting procedures, their system of internal control, the independent audit process, and the Funds' procedures for monitoring compliance with investment restrictions and applicable laws and regulations and with the Code of Ethics. The Audit Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are E. Virgil Conway, Harry Dalzell-Payne, Francis E. Jeffries, Geraldine M. McNamara, James M. Oates and Richard E. Segerson. The Committee met four times during the Trust's last fiscal year.
THE EXECUTIVE AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE. The function of the Executive and Compliance Committee is to serve as a contract review, compliance review and performance review delegate of the full Board of Trustees as well as act to on behalf of the Board when it is not in session, subject to limitations as set by the Board. Its members are E. Virgil Conway, Harry Dalzell-Payne, Philip R. McLoughlin, Geraldine M. McNamara and James M. Oates. Each of the members is an Independent Trustee, except Mr. McLoughlin, who is an Interested Trustee. The Committee met 11 times during the Trust's last fiscal year.
THE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for developing and maintaining governance principles applicable to the Funds, for nominating individuals to serve as Trustees, including as Independent Trustees, and annually evaluating the Board and Committees. The Governance and Nominating Committee is composed entirely of Independent Trustees; its members are E. Virgil Conway, Harry Dalzell-Payne, Leroy Keith, Jr., Geraldine M. McNamara, James M. Oates and Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck. The Committee met four times during the Trust's last fiscal year.
The Board has adopted a policy for consideration of Trustee nominees recommended by shareholders. With regards to such policy, an individual shareholder submitting a nomination must hold for at least one full year 5% of the shares of a series of the Trust. Shareholder nominees for Trustee will be given the same consideration as any candidate provided the nominee meets certain minimum requirements.
COMPENSATION
Trustees who are not employed by the Adviser or its affiliates receive an annual retainer and fees and expenses for attendance at Board and Committee meetings. Officers and employees of the Adviser of the Funds who are interested persons are compensated for their services by the Adviser of the Funds, or an affiliate of the Adviser of the Funds, and receive no compensation from the Funds. The Trust does not have any retirement plan for its Trustees.
For the Trust's fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, the Trustees received the following compensation:
AGGREGATE TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM TRUST AND COMPENSATION FUND COMPLEX (81 FUNDS) NAME OF TRUSTEE FROM TRUST PAID TO TRUSTEES --------------- ---------- ---------------- INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES -------------------- E. Virgil Conway $5,539 $183,250 Harry Dalzell-Payne $5,396 $183,650 Francis E. Jeffries $3,673* $141,750 Leroy Keith, Jr. $3,660 $104,473 Geraldine M. McNamara $5,331* $176,750 James M. Oates $5,046 $136,612 Richard E. Segerson $3,673* $97,500 Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck $3,317 $87,500 INTERESTED TRUSTEES ------------------- George R. Aylward $0 $0 Marilyn E. LaMarche $2,955 $79,750 Philip R. McLoughlin $7,446 $261,500 ---------------------- * These Trustees have previously deferred compensation (and the earnings thereon) as of March 31, 2007 in the following amounts: Mr. Jeffries, $626,478.45, Ms. McNamara, $307,546.10 and Mr. Segerson, $123,721.81. |
TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
Set forth in the table below is the dollar range of equity securities owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2006:
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF NAME OF TRUSTEE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN THE FUNDS IN THE TRUST INVESTMENT COMPANIES --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- Independent Trustees -------------------- E. Virgil Conway None Over $100,000 Harry Dalzell-Payne None None Francis E. Jeffries None Over $100,000 Leroy Keith, Jr. None $1 - $10,000 Geraldine M. McNamara None Over $100,000 James M. Oates None Over $100,000 Richard E. Segerson None Over $100,000 Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck None None |
AGGREGATE DOLLAR RANGE OF TRUSTEE OWNERSHIP OF ALL FUNDS OVERSEEN BY TRUSTEE IN FAMILY OF NAME OF TRUSTEE DOLLAR RANGE OF EQUITY SECURITIES IN THE FUNDS IN THE TRUST INVESTMENT COMPANIES --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- Independent Trustees -------------------- George R. Aylward None $50,001 - $100,000 Marilyn E. LaMarche None None Philip R. McLoughlin Earnings Driven Growth Fund: $10,001 - $50,000 Over $100,000 |
At May 31, 2007, the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the then outstanding shares of any of the Funds.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information as of May 31, 2007 with respect to each person who owns of record or is known by the Trust to own of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of the Trust's outstanding equity securities:
NAME OF SHAREHOLDER NAME OF FUND AND CLASS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF CLASS ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------- ---------------- Bear Stearns Securities Corp. Bond Fund Class C 18,240.000 13.41% FBO XXX-XXX39-19 1 Metrotech Center North Brooklyn, NY 11201-3870 Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Bond Fund Class I 1,127,910.996 21.19% Reinvest Account Earnings Driven Growth Fund Class I 94,355.191 65.39% Attn: Mutual Fund Dept. 101 Montgomery Street San Francisco, CA 94104-4151 First Clearing, LLC Bond Fund Class C 8,592.384 6.32% A/C XXXX-4224 John F. Hubble IRA FCC AS Custodian RR 2 Box 2724 Bethel, VT 05032 First Clearing, LLC Growth Opportunities Fund Class C 592.467 5.49% A/C XXXX-0790 Lieshiang T. Su (IRA) FCC As Custodian 4835 N.E. 86th Street Seattle, WA 98115-3917 Rainer Mohaupt Earnings Driven Growth Class I 8,219.145 5.70% Director Gneral Platinum Int'l. C/O Silvia Medina Adolfo Prieto 110-B Col De Valle CP 03100 Mexico DF JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. FBO Bond Fund Class I 433,509.077 8.14% XXXXX9003 500 Stanton Christiana Road Newark, DE 19713-2107 MLPF&S for the Sole Benefit Bond Fund Class B 174,523.486 37.02% of its Customers(1) Bond Fund Class C 16,794.757 12.35% Attn: Fund Administration Earning Driven Growth Fund Class A 122,612.428 18.32% 4800 Deer Lake Dr. E., 3rd Flr. Earning Driven Growth Fund Class B 156,102.688 32.67% Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 Earning Driven Growth Fund Class C 164,613.646 45.78% |
NAME OF SHAREHOLDER NAME OF FUND AND CLASS NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF CLASS ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------- ---------------- NFS LLC FEBO Bond Fund Class I 409,734.853 7.70% FIIOC as Agent for Qualified Employee Benefit Plans (401K) FINOPS-IC Funds 100 Magellan Way KW1C Covington, KY 41015-1987 Phoenix Equity Planning Corp Growth Opportunities Fund Class C 8,424.600 78.02% Attn: Corp Accounting 56 Prospect St Hartford, CT 06103-2818 Phoenix Wealth Builder PHOLIO Bond Fund Class A 1,036,188.864 37.38% Attn: Chris Wilkos Growth Opportunities Fund Class A 543,106.899 33.89% Shareholders Services Dept. C/O Phoenix Equity Planning 101 Munson Street Greenfield, MA 01301-9684 Phoenix Wealth Guardian PHOLIO Bond Fund Class A 904,209.632 32.62% Attn: Chris Wilkos Growth Opportunities Fund Class A 220,769.683 13.78% Shareholders Services Dept. C/O Phoenix Equity Planning 101 Munson Street Greenfield, MA 01301-9684 Kathleen O'Reilly Growth Opportunities Fund Class C 610.820 5.66% 400 North Main St. Unit 26 Manchester, CT 06040 Prudential Investment Management Earning Driven Growth Fund Class A 67,503.415 10.08% Services FBO Mutual Fund Clients Attn: Pruchoice Unit Mail Stop NJ 05-11-20 100 Mulberry St. 3 Gateway Center Fl. 11 Newark, NJ 07102-4000 State Street Bank & Trust Co. Bond Fund Class C 7,242.330 5.33% Cust. For the IRA Rollover of Roland C. Emmanuele 4 Hinchfliffe Drive Newburgh, NY 12550-8810 Carolyn Turner TTEE Growth Opportunities Fund Class A 83,689.823 5.22% Robert E. Turner Jr. Trust 9 Horseshoe Ln Paoli, PA 19301-1909 Robert E. Turner Growth Opportunities Fund Class A 97,295.266 6.07% Carolyn W. Turner JT WROS 9 Horseshoe Ln Paoli, PA 19301-1909 Wells Fargo Investments, LLC Growth Opportunities Fund Class C 847.458 7.85% A/C XXXX-9036 608 Second Avenue South 8th Floor Minneapolis, MN 55402-1927 |
(1) MLPF&S are the nominee accounts for many individual shareholder accounts; the Funds are not aware of the size or identity of the underlying individual accounts thereof.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CAPITAL STOCK AND ORGANIZATION
As a Delaware statutory trust, the Trust's operations are governed by its Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 1, 2001. A copy of the Trust's Certificate of Trust, as amended, is on file with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Upon the initial purchase of shares, the shareholder agrees to be bound by the Trust's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended. 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 Trust's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Trust has been organized under the Delaware Act and that the Declaration of Trust is to be governed by Delaware law. It is nevertheless possible that a Delaware statutory trust, such as the Trust, might become a party to an action in another state whose courts refused to apply Delaware law, in which case the Trust's shareholders could be subject to personal liability.
To guard against this risk, the Amended and Restated Agreement and 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 and 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 Trust 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 the 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.
The Amended and Restated Agreement and 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 Amended and Restated Agreement and 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.
Under the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required to hold annual meetings to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It is not anticipated that the Trust will hold shareholders' meetings unless required by law or the Declaration of Trust. The Trust will be required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on the Board if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees have been elected by the shareholders of the Trust. The Board is required to call a meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of persons serving as Trustee if requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares of the Trust.
Shares of the Trust do not entitle their holders to cumulative voting rights, so that the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust may elect all of the Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees. As determined by the Trustees, shareholders are entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value (number of shares held times the net asset value of the applicable class of the applicable Fund).
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may create additional funds by establishing additional series of shares in the Trust. The establishment of additional series would not affect the interests of current shareholders in the existing Funds. As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees have not determined to establish another series of shares in the Trust.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, the Trustees may establish and issue multiple classes of shares for each Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees have authorized the issuance of four classes of shares for the Bond and Earnings Driven Growth series, designated Class I Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares, and two classes of shares for the Growth Opportunities series, designated Class A Shares and Class C Shares.
Each share of each class of a Fund is entitled to such dividends and distributions out of the income earned on the assets belonging to that Fund which are attributable to such class as are declared in the discretion of the Trustees. In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of the Trust, shares of each class of each Fund are entitled to receive their proportionate share of the assets which are attributable to such class of such Fund and which are available for distribution as the Trustees in their sole discretion may determine. Shareholders are not entitled to any preemptive, conversion or subscription rights. All shares, when issued, will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.
Subject to shareholder approval (if then required), the Trustees may authorize each Fund to invest all or part of its investable assets in a single open-end investment company that has substantially the same investment objectives, policies and restrictions as the Fund. As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees do not have any plan to authorize any Fund to so invest its assets.
Under Delaware law, shareholders of a Delaware statutory trust are entitled to the same limitation of personal liability extended to stockholders of Delaware corporations. As a result, to the extent that the Trust or a shareholder is subject to the jurisdiction of a court that does not apply Delaware law, there is a possibility that the shareholders of a statutory trust such as the Trust may be personally liable for debts or claims against the Trust. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides that shareholders shall not be subject to any personal liability for the acts or obligations of the Trust. The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of the Trust property for all losses and expenses of any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability, which is considered remote, is limited to circumstances in which a court refuses to apply Delaware law and the Trust itself would be unable to meet its obligations.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 125 High Street, Boston, MA 02110, is the
independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audits the Trust's annual financial statements and
expresses an opinion thereon.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA 02110, serves as the Funds' custodian, except for the Growth Opportunities Fund. The Custodian of the Growth Opportunities Fund's assets is PFPC Trust Company, 301 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19809. The Trust has authorized the Custodians to appoint one or more subcustodians for the assets of the Funds held outside the United States. The securities and other assets of the Funds are held by each Custodian or any subcustodian separate from the securities and assets of each other Fund.
PEPCO, One American Row, P.O. Box 5056, Hartford, CT 06102-5056, acts as Transfer Agent for the Trust (the "Transfer Agent"). Pursuant to a Transfer Agent and Service Agreement, PEPCO receives a fee, which is a combination of a base fee allocated among each Phoenix Fund class and a per account fee of between $6.45 and $17.30, depending on whether the account information is held directly by PEPCO or through an intermediary, plus out-of-pocket expenses. The Transfer Agent is authorized to engage subagents to perform certain shareholder servicing functions from time to time for which such agents shall be paid a fee by the Transfer Agent. Fees paid by the Funds, in addition to the fee paid to PEPCO, will be reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The fiscal year of the Trust ends on September 30. The Trust will send financial statements to its shareholders at least semiannually. An annual report containing financial statements audited by the Trust's independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will be sent to shareholders each year and is available without charge upon request.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds' financial statements for the Trust's fiscal year ended September 30, 2006, included in the Trust's 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders, and the Predecessor Funds' financial statements are incorporated herein by reference.
APPENDIX
A-1 AND P-1 COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
The Money Market Fund will only invest in commercial paper which at the date of investment is rated A-l by Standard & Poor's Corporation or P-1 by Moody's Investors Services, Inc., or, if not rated, is issued or guaranteed by companies which at the date of investment have an outstanding debt issue rated AA or higher by Standard & Poor's or Aa or higher by Moody's.
Commercial paper rated A-1 by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") has the following characteristics: Liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements. Long-term senior debt is rated "A" or better. The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing. Basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer's industry is well established and the issuer has a strong position within the industry. The reliability and quality of management are unquestioned.
The rating P-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's"). Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4) liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the relationship which exists with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa--Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa--Bonds that are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group the 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 fluctuations of protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A--Bonds that are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa--Bonds that are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Moody's also provides credit ratings for preferred stocks. Preferred stock occupies a junior position to bonds within a particular capital structure and that these securities are rated within the universe of preferred stocks.
aaa--An issue that is rated "aaa" is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
aa--An issue that is rated "aa" is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.
a--An issue that is rated "a" is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the "aaa" and "aa" classifications, earnings and asset protections are, nevertheless, expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
baa--An issue that is rated "baa" is considered to be a medium grade preferred stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of time.
Moody's ratings for municipal notes and other short-term loans are designated Moody's Investment Grade (MIG). This distinction is in recognition of the differences between short-term and long-term credit risk. Loans bearing the designation MIG 1 are of the best quality, enjoying strong protection by establishing cash flows of funds for their servicing or by established and broad-based access to the market for refinancing, or both. Loans bearing the designation MIG 2 are of high quality, with margins of protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group. A short term issue having a demand feature (i.e., payment relying on external liquidity and usually payable on demand rather than fixed maturity dates) is differentiated by Moody's with the use of the Symbol VMIG, instead of MIG.
Moody's also provides credit ratings for tax-exempt commercial paper. These are promissory obligations (1) not having an original maturity in excess of nine months, and (2) backed by commercial banks. Notes bearing the designation P-1 have a superior capacity for repayment. Notes bearing the designation P-2 have a strong capacity for repayment.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
AAA--Bonds rated AAA have the higher rating assigned by Standard & Poor's Corporation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA--Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and differ from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
A--Bonds rated A have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds in higher rated categories.
BBB--Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for bonds in this category than in higher rated categories.
S&P's top ratings for municipal notes issued after July 29, 1984 are SP-1 and SP-2. The designation SP-1 indicates a very strong capacity to pay principal and interest. A "+" is added for those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics. An "SP-2" designation indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
Commercial paper rated A-2 or better by S&P is described as having a very strong degree of safety regarding timeliness and capacity to repay. Additionally, as a precondition for receiving an S&P commercial paper rating, a bank credit line and/or liquid assets must be present to cover the amount of commercial paper outstanding at all times.
The Moody's Prime-2 rating and above indicates a strong capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
GLOSSARY
COMMERCIAL PAPER: Short-term promissory notes of large corporations with excellent credit ratings issued to finance their current operations.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT: Negotiable certificates representing a commercial bank's obligations to repay funds deposited with it, earning specified rates of interest over given periods.
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES: Negotiable obligations of a bank to pay a draft which has been drawn on it by a customer. These obligations are backed by large banks and usually are backed by goods in international trade.
TIME DEPOSITS: Non-negotiable deposits in a banking institution earning a specified interest rate over a given period of time.
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS: Bonds and notes issued by corporations and other business organizations in order to finance their long-term credit needs.
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
PART C -- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. EXHIBITS
a.1 Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 1, 2000, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 (File No. 033-65137) on January 25, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference.
a.2 Amendment to the Declaration of Trust of the Registrant, dated November 16, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
b.1. By-Laws dated November 16, 2005, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
b.2. Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, dated August 23, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
c. Reference is made to Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of Trust. See Exhibit a.
d.1. Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant, on behalf of Phoenix Bond Fund, and Phoenix Earning Driven Growth Fund, and Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("PIC") effective November 20, 2002, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 (File No. 033-65137) on January 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.2. Amendment to Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and PIC dated June 8, 2006, on behalf of Growth Opportunities Fund, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 033-65137) on June 9, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
d.3. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and SCM Advisors LLC ("SCM") dated July 1, 1998, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 (File No. 033-65137) on January 27, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.4. Investment Subadvisory Agreement Amendment between PIC and Seneca effective July 1, 1998 for the purpose of amending the Subadvisory Agreement of the same date in order to correct a typographical error in such Subadvisory Agreement, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 (File No. 033-65137) on January 25, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.5. Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Seneca dated November 20, 2002, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 (File No. 033-65137) on January 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.6. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. ("Turner") on behalf of Phoenix Growth Opportunities Fund dated June 9, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 (File No. 033-65137) on June 9, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference.
d.7. Third Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Seneca Capital Management LLC dated September 1, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
d.8. Second Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("PIC"), to be filed by amendment. d.9. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. ("Duff & Phelps"), on behalf of Global Utilities Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund, to be filed by amendment. d.10. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Euclid Advisors LLC ("Euclid"), on behalf of Market Neutral Fund, to be filed by amendment. d.11. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. ("Goodwin"), on behalf of CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Core Bond Fund, Money Market Fund, Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund and Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, to be filed by amendment. d.12. Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc. ("Halbis"), on behalf of Emerging Markets Bond Fund, to be filed by amendment. d.13. Fourth Amendment to Subadvisory Agreement between PIC and SCM, on behalf of High Yield Fund, to be filed by amendment. |
e.1. Underwriting Agreement between Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation ("PEPCO") and Registrant dated July 1, 1998 and filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 (File No. 033-65137) on January 25, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. A Form of Underwriting Agreement between PEPCO and Registrant was previously filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 (File No. 033-65137) on May 20, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.
e.2. Form of Sales Agreement between PEPCO and dealers (June 2006), filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
f. Not applicable.
g.1. Master Custodian Contract between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") dated May 1, 1997, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 (File No. 033-65137) on January 24, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.2. Amendment dated February 10, 2000 to Master Custodian
Contract dated May 1, 1997 between Registrant and State
Street, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No.
14 (File No. 033-65137) on January 29, 2004 and
incorporated herein by reference.
g.3. Amendment dated July 2, 2001 to Master Custodian Contract dated May 1, 1997 between Registrant and State Street, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 (File No. 033-65137) on January 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.4. Amendment dated May 10, 2002 to Master Custodian Contract dated May 1, 1997 between Registrant and State Street, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 (File No. 033-65137) on January 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.
g.5. Custodian Services Agreement between Registrant and PFPC Trust Company on behalf of Phoenix Growth Opportunities Fund, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
h.1.* Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement dated June 8, 2006 between Registrant and PIC on behalf of Bond Fund, Earnings Driven Growth Fund and Growth Opportunities Fund, filed via EDGAR herewith.
h.2. Amended and Restated Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Phoenix Funds and PEPCO dated July 1, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
h.3. Administration Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO dated July 1, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
h.4. Second Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement between the Registrant and PIC, to be filed by amendment.
h.5. Amendment No. 1 to Schedule A to Administration Agreement between Registrant and PEPCO, to be filed by amendment.
i. Opinion and consent of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, filed via EDGAR with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 (File No. 033-65137) on February 29, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
j.* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed via EDGAR herewith.
k. None.
l. Share Purchase Agreement (the "Share Purchase Agreement") between Registrant and GMG/Seneca Capital Management, L.P., filed via EDGAR with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 (File No. 033-65137) on February 29, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference.
m.1.* Class A Shares Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 effective March 1, 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
m.2.* Class B Shares Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 effective March 1, 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
m.3.* Class C Shares Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 effective March 1, 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
m.4. Amendment No. 1 to Appendix A of Class A Shares Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to be filed by amendment.
m.5. Amendment No. 1 to Appendix A of Class B Shares Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to be filed by amendment.
m.6. Amendment No. 1 to Appendix A of Class C Shares Amended and Restated Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to be filed by amendment.
m.7. Class T Shares Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to be filed by amendment.
n.1. 2006 Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Distribution Plan, adopted August 23, 2006, filed via EDGAR with Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 (File No. 033-65137) on January 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
n.2. Amendment No. 1 to Schedule A of 2006 Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Multi-Class Distribution Plan, to be filed by amendment.
o. Reserved.
p.1.* Amended and Restated Codes of Ethics of the Phoenix Funds and the Distributor (PEPCO) dated February 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.2.* Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of the Adviser (PIC) dated February 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.3.* Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of the Subadviser (SCM Advisors) dated June 1, 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.4.* Code of Ethics of the Subadviser (Turner) dated February 1, 2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.5.* Amended and Restated Code of Ethics of Subadviser (Duff & Phelps), dated August 30, 2006, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.6.* Code of Ethics of Subadviser (Euclid), dated June 2005, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.7.* Code of Ethics of Subadviser (Goodwin), dated January 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
p.8.* Code of Ethics of Subadviser (Halbis), dated February 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
q.* Power of Attorney for all Trustees, dated May 30, 2007, filed via EDGAR herewith.
ITEM 24. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE FUND
None.
ITEM 25. INDEMNIFICATION
The Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 1, 2001 and the Bylaws of the Registrant provide that no trustee or officer will be indemnified against any liability to which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of such person's duties. The Amended and Restated Investment Advisory Agreement, Underwriting Agreement, Master Custodian Contract and Transfer Agency and Service Agreement each provides that the Trust will indemnify the other party (or parties, as the case may be) to the agreement for certain losses.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be available to trustees, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant 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 Registrant 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 Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 26. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
See "Management of the Fund " in the Prospectus and " Services of the Adviser and Subadviser" and "Management of the Trust" in the Statement of Additional Information which is included in this Post-Effective Amendment. For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature of directors and officers of the Adviser and Subadvisers, reference is made to the Adviser's and Subadviser's current Form ADV (PIC: SEC File No. 801-5995; Duff & Phelps: SEC File No. 801-14813; Euclid: SEC File No. 801-54263; Goodwin: SEC File No. 801-8177; Halbis: SEC File No. 801-64301; SCM
Advisors: SEC File No. 801-51559 and Turner: SEC File No. 801-36220) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 27. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) PEPCO serves as the principal underwriter for the following registrants:
Phoenix Adviser Trust, Phoenix Asset Trust, Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Phoenix Equity Series Fund, Phoenix Equity Trust, Phoenix Insight Funds Trust, Phoenix Institutional Mutual Funds, Phoenix Investment Series Fund, Phoenix Investment Trust 06, Phoenix Investment Trust 97, Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund, Phoenix Multi-Series Trust, Phoenix Opportunities Trust, Phoenix PHOLIOs(SM), Phoenix Portfolios, Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund, Phoenix Life Variable Universal Life Account, Phoenix Life Variable Accumulation Account, PHL Variable Accumulation Account, Phoenix Life and Annuity Variable Universal Life Account, PHLVIC Variable Universal Life Account, PHL Variable Separate Account MVA1 and The Phoenix Edge Series Fund.
(b) Directors and executive officers of PEPCO are as follows:
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND OFFICES BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH DISTRIBUTOR WITH REGISTRANT ---------------- ---------------- --------------- George R. Aylward Director and President 56 Prospect Street Executive Vice President P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 John H. Beers Vice President and Secretary Assistant Secretary One American Row P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Kevin J. Carr Vice President Vice President, Counsel, One American Row and Assistant Secretary Chief Legal Officer P.O. Box 5056 and Secretary Hartford, CT 06102-5056 John R. Flores Vice President and Anti-Money Laundering Officer One American Row Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Assistant Secretary P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Stephen D. Gresham Director and None 56 Prospect Street Senior Vice President P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 Michael E. Haylon Director None One American Row P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 David C. Martin Vice President and None One American Row Chief Compliance Officer P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Glenn H. Pease Vice President, Finance None 56 Prospect Street and Treasurer P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 David R. Pellerin Vice President and None 56 Prospect Street Chief Financial Officer P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 |
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS AND OFFICES POSITIONS AND OFFICES BUSINESS ADDRESS WITH DISTRIBUTOR WITH REGISTRANT ---------------- ---------------- --------------- Jacqueline M. Porter Assistant Vice President Vice President and 56 Prospect Street Assistant Treasurer P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 Francis G. Waltman President Senior Vice President 56 Prospect Street P.O. Box 150480 Hartford, CT 06115-0480 |
(c) To the best of the Registrant's knowledge, no commissions or other compensation was received by any principal underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant or an affiliated person of such affiliated person, directly or indirectly, from the Registrant during the Registrant's last fiscal year.
ITEM 28. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
Persons maintaining physical possession of accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated thereunder include:
Secretary of the Fund: Principal Underwriter, Administrator and Transfer Agent: Kevin J. Carr, Esq. Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation One American Row One American Row P.O. Box 5056 P.O. Box 5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Hartford, CT 06102-5056 Investment Adviser: Custodian and Dividend Dispersing Agent for All Funds Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. except Growth Opportunities Fund: 56 Prospect Street State Street Bank and Trust Company P.O. Box 150480 225 Franklin Street Hartford, CT 06115-0480 Boston, MA 02110 Subadviser for Bond Fund, Earnings Driven Custodian and Dividend Dispersing Agent for Growth Growth Fund and High Yield Fund: Opportunities Fund: SCM Advisors LLC PFPC Trust Company 909 Montgomery Street 301 Bellevue Parkway San Francisco, CA 94133 Wilmington, DE 19809 Subadviser for Growth Opportunities Fund: Subadviser for Global Utilities Fund and Real Estate Securities Fund: Turner Investment Partners, Inc. Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100 55 East Monroe Street Berwyn, PA 19312 Chicago, IL 60603 Subadviser for Market Neutral Fund: Subadviser for Emerging Markets Bond Fund: Euclid Advisors LLC Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc. 900 Third Avenue 450 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10022 New York, NY 10018 |
Subadviser for CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund, Core Bond Fund, Money Market Fund,
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund and Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund:
Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT 06115
ITEM 29. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
None.
ITEM 30. UNDERTAKINGS
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for the effectiveness of this registration statement under rule 485(b) of the Securities Act and has duly caused this amendment to the registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Hartford, and the State of Connecticut on the 27th day of June, 2007.
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
ATTEST: /s/ KEVIN J. CARR By: /s/ GEORGE R. AYLWARD ------------------------------ ------------------------------- KEVIN J. CARR GEORGE R. AYLWARD SECRETARY PRESIDENT |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this amendment to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 27th day of June, 2007.
SIGNATURE TITLE --------- ----- /s/ George R. Aylward Trustee and President (principal ------------------------------------------ executive officer) George R. Aylward /s/ W. Patrick Bradley Chief Financial Officer and ------------------------------------------ Treasurer (principal financial and W. Patrick Bradley accounting officer) __________________________________________ E. Virgil Conway* Trustee __________________________________________ Harry Dalzell-Payne* Trustee __________________________________________ Francis E. Jeffries* Trustee __________________________________________ Leroy Keith, Jr.* Trustee __________________________________________ Marilyn E. LaMarche* Trustee __________________________________________ Philip R. McLoughlin* Trustee and Chairman __________________________________________ Geraldine M. McNamara* Trustee __________________________________________ James M. Oates* Trustee __________________________________________ Richard E. Segerson* Trustee __________________________________________ Ferdinand L.J. Verdonck* Trustee *By /s/ George R. Aylward -------------------------------------- |
*George R. Aylward, Attorney-in-Fact, pursuant to powers of attorney
EXHIBIT h.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXPENSE LIMITATION AGREEMENT
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
This Amended and Restated Expense Limitation Agreement (the "Agreement") is effective as of June 8, 2006 by and between Phoenix Opportunities Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the "Registrant"), on behalf of each series of the Registrant listed in Appendix A (each a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds") and the Adviser of each of the Funds, Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the "Adviser").
WHEREAS, the Adviser renders advice and services to the Funds pursuant to the terms and provisions of one or more Investment Advisory Agreements entered into between the Registrant and the Adviser (the "Advisory Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Adviser desires to maintain the expenses of each Fund at a level below the level to which each such Fund might otherwise be subject; and
WHEREAS, the Adviser understands and intends that the Registrant will rely on this Agreement in preparing post-effective amendments to the Registrant's registration statement on Form N-1A and in accruing the expenses of the Registrant for purposes of calculating net asset value and for other purposes, and expressly permits the Registrant to do so.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Limit on Fund Expenses. The Adviser hereby agrees to limit each Fund's Expenses to the respective rate of Total Fund Operating Expenses ("Expense Limit") specified for that Fund in Appendix A of this Agreement for the time period indicated.
2. Definition. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Total Fund Operating Expenses" with respect to a Fund is defined to include all expenses necessary or appropriate for the operation of the Fund including the Adviser's investment advisory or management fee under the Advisory Agreement and other expenses described in the Advisory Agreement that the Fund is responsible for and have not been assumed by the Adviser, but does not include front-end or contingent deferred loads, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses, such as litigation.
3. Recoupment of Fees and Expenses. The Adviser agrees that it shall not be entitled to be reimbursed by a Fund for any expenses that it has waived or limited unless authorized by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
4. Term, Termination and Modification. This Agreement shall become effective on the date specified herein and shall remain in effect, unless sooner terminated as provided below in this Paragraph. This Agreement shall automatically renew for one-year terms with respect to a Fund unless the Adviser provides written notice
to the Fund of the termination of this Agreement, or the modification to the Expense Limit specified for a Fund in Appendix A of this Agreement, within thirty (30) days of the end of the then current term for that Fund. Subsequent to the initial term indicated on Appendix A, the amount of the Expense Limit shall be as disclosed in the then current prospectus of the Fund. This Agreement may be terminated by the Registrant on behalf of any one or more of the Funds at any time without payment of any penalty or by the Board of Trustees of the Registrant upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the Adviser. In addition, this Agreement shall terminate with respect to a Fund upon termination of the Advisory Agreement with respect to such Fund.
5. Assignment. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned without the written consent of the other party.
6. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule, or shall otherwise be rendered invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
7. Captions. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only and in no way define or limit any of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of Delaware without giving effect to the conflict of laws principles thereof; provided that nothing herein shall be construed to preempt, or to be inconsistent with, any Federal securities law, regulation or rule, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended and any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
9. Computation. If the fiscal year to date Total Fund Operating Expenses of a Fund at the end of any month during which this Agreement is in effect exceed the Expense Limit for that Fund (the "Excess Amount"), the Adviser shall waive or reduce its fee under the Advisory Agreement or remit to that Fund an amount that is sufficient to pay the Excess Amount computed on the last day of the month.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their duly authorized officers.
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST PHOENIX INVESTMENT COUNSEL, INC.
By: /s/ Francis G. Waltman By: /s/ John H. Beers ---------------------------------- -------------------------------- Francis G. Waltman John H. Beers Senior Vice President Vice President and Clerk |
APPENDIX A
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHOENIX FUND TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSE LIMIT ------------ ---------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------------------------------------- Class A Class B Class C Class I Term ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------------------------------------- Phoenix Bond Fund 1.15% 1.90% 1.90% 0.90% February 1, 2007-January 31, 2008 ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------------------------------------- Phoenix Earnings Driven Growth Fund 1.45% 2.20% 2.20% 1.20% February 1, 2007-January 31, 2008 ----------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- --------------------------------------- Phoenix Growth Opportunities Fund 1.25% -- 2.00% -- June 8, 2006-May 31, 2008 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Exhibit j
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form N-1A of our reports dated: November 17, 2006, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the September 30, 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders of Phoenix Bond Fund; December 20, 2006, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the October 31, 2006 Annual Reports to Shareholders of Phoenix Core Bond Fund, Phoenix High Yield Fund, Phoenix Money Market Fund, Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, and Phoenix Market Neutral Fund; January 15, 2007, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the November 30, 2006 Annual Report to Shareholders of Phoenix Emerging Markets Bond Fund and Phoenix Real Estate Securities Fund; and June 22, 2007, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights which appear in the April 30, 2007 Annual Reports to Shareholders of Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund and Phoenix Global Utilities Fund (all constituting, in part, the Phoenix Opportunities Trust), which are also incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the headings "Financial Highlights", "Non-Public Holdings Information", "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" and "Reports to Shareholders" in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Boston, Massachusetts June 26, 2007 |
EXHIBIT m.1
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(the "Fund")
CLASS A SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(the "Fund")
CLASS A SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
The Fund, on behalf of its series listed in Appendix A, as may be amended from time to time, and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (the "Distributor"), a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, have entered into a Distribution Agreement pursuant to which the Distributor acts as principal underwriter of each series and class of shares of the Fund for sale to the permissible purchasers. The Trustees of the Fund have determined to adopt this amended and restated Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") with respect to Class A shares of the Fund and have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class A shareholders.
The Fund shall pay to the Distributor, at the end of each month, an amount on an annual basis equal to 0.25% of the average daily value of the net assets of any series of the Fund's Class A shares, as compensation for the Distributor's services as distributor of Class A Shares in connection with any activities or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of the Class A Shares. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, payment of compensation, including incentive compensation to securities dealers and financial institutions and organizations to obtain various distribution related and/or shareholder services for the investors in the Class A Shares or investors in a series of Phoenix PHOLIOs(SM) which in turn invests in the Class A shares; payment of compensation to and expenses of personnel of the Distributor who support the distribution of the Class A Shares; expenses related to the cost of financing or providing such financing from the Distributor's or an affiliate's resources in connection with the Distributor's payment of such distribution expenses and the payment of other direct distribution costs such as the cost of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses. Shareholder services include, but are not limited to, transmitting prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, proxy statements and other materials to shareholders; providing educational materials; providing facilities to answer questions about the Funds; receiving and answering correspondence; assisting shareholders in completing application forms and selecting dividend and other account options and providing such other information and services as the Distributor or Fund may reasonable request.
At least quarterly in each year this Plan remains in effect, the Fund's Principal Accounting Officer or Treasurer, or such other person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or
payable by the Fund, shall prepare and furnish to the Trustees of the Fund for their review, and the Trustees shall review, a written report complying with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Act regarding the amounts expended under this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
This plan shall not take effect until it, together with any related agreement, has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Fund's Trustees as well as a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any related agreement (the "Disinterested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or any related agreement and this Plan.
This Plan shall remain in effect for one year from the date of its adoption and may be continued thereafter if specifically approved at least annually by a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund as well as a majority of the Disinterested Trustees. This Plan may be amended at any time, provided that (a) the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the distribution expenses without the approval of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund and (b) all material amendments to this Plan must be approved by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Fund and of the Disinterested Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of such vote.
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Disinterested Trustees then in office.
Any related agreement shall be in writing and shall provide that (a) such agreement shall be subject to termination, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund on not more than 60 days' written notice to the other party to the agreement and (b) such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class A shares of the Fund. In the event this Plan is terminated or otherwise discontinued, no further payments hereunder will be made hereunder.
The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to Paragraph 3 hereof, and any other information, estimates, projections and other materials that serve as a basis therefor, considered by the Trustees of the Fund, for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the agreement or report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
A copy of the Fund's Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") is on file in the office of the Secretary of the State of Delaware. The Declaration of Trust refers to the Trustees collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the Fund may be held to any personal liability, nor may any resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of the Fund but the Fund property only shall be liable.
Amended and Restated March 1, 2007
APPENDIX A
Phoenix Bond Fund
Phoenix Earnings Driven Growth Fund
Phoenix Growth Opportunities Fund
EXHIBIT m.2
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(the "Fund")
CLASS B SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(the "Fund")
CLASS B SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
The Fund, on behalf of its series listed in Appendix A, as may be amended from time to time, and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (the "Distributor"), a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, have entered into a Distribution Agreement pursuant to which the Distributor acts as principal underwriter of each series and class of shares of the Fund for sale to the permissible purchasers. The Trustees of the Fund have determined to adopt this amended and restated Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") with respect to Class B shares of the Fund and have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class B shareholders.
The Fund shall pay to the Distributor its "Allocable Portion", as hereinafter defined, at the end of each month, the distribution and service fee allowable under the Rules of Conduct of NASD Regulation, Inc. (the "Rules of Conduct") an amount on an annual basis equal to 0.75% of the average daily value of the net assets of any series of the Fund's Class B shares, as compensation for distribution services and a fee of 0.25% of the average daily value of the net assets of any series of the Fund's Class B shares for shareholder services. Distribution services include, but are not limited to, payment of compensation, including incentive compensation to securities dealers and financial institutions and organizations; payment of compensation to and expenses of personnel of the Distributor who support the distribution of the Class B shares; expenses related to the cost of financing or providing such financing from the Distributor's or an affiliate's resources in connection with the Distributor's payment of such distribution expenses and the payment of other direct distribution costs such as the cost of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses. Shareholder services include, but are not limited to, transmitting prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, proxy statements and other materials to shareholders; providing educational materials; providing facilities to answer questions about the Funds; receiving and answering correspondence; assisting shareholders in completing application forms and selecting dividend and other account options and providing such other information and services as the Distributor or Fund may reasonable request.
For purposes of applying the limitation set forth in the Rules of Conduct on the maximum amount of the distribution fee payable in respect of the Class B Shares of any series, the Fund elects to add to the six and one quarter percent (6.25%) of the issue price of the Class B Shares, or such other percentage as may be proscribed in such Rules of Conduct, interest thereon at the rate of prime plus one percent per annum. A contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") also
shall be payable by the holders of Class B Shares in the case of early redemptions of such Class B Shares.
Any Distribution Agreement in respect of Class B Shares of any series
may provide that: (I) the Principal Distributor in respect of such Distribution
Agreement will be deemed to have fully earned its Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee payable in respect of Class B Shares of such series upon the
sale of each "Initial Issue Commission Share" (as hereinafter defined) of such
series taken into account in determining such Principal Distributor's Allocable
Portion of such Distribution Fee; (II) except as provided in (III) below, the
Fund's obligation to pay such Principal Distributor its Allocable Portion of the
Distribution Fee payable in respect of the Class B Shares of such series shall
be absolute and unconditional and shall not be subject to dispute, offset,
counterclaim or any defense whatsoever (it being understood that such provision
is not a waiver of the Fund's right to pursue such Principal Distributor and
enforce such claims against the assets of such Principal Distributor other than
its right to the Distribution Fees and CDSCs in respect of the Class B Shares of
such series); (III) the Fund's obligation to pay such Principal Distributor its
Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fee payable in respect of the Class B
Shares of such series shall not be terminated or modified except to the extent
required by a change in the Act or the Rules of Conduct enacted or promulgated
after June 1, 2000 (a "Change-in-Applicable-Law"), or in connection with a
"Complete Termination" (as hereinafter defined) of this Plan in respect of the
Class B Shares of such series; (IV) the Fund will not waive or change any CDSC
in respect of the Class B Shares of such series, except as provided in the
Fund's Prospectus or statement of additional information without the consent of
the Principal Distributor (or its assigns); (V) except to the extent required by
a Change-in-Applicable-Law, neither the termination of such Principal
Distributor's role as principal distributor of the Class B Shares of such
series, nor the termination of such Distribution Agreement nor the termination
of this Plan will terminate such Principal Distributor's right to its Allocable
Portion of the CDSCs in respect of Class B Shares of such series sold prior to
such termination; (VI) except as provided in the Fund's Prospectus and statement
of additional information, until such Principal Distributor has been paid its
Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees in respect of the Class B Shares of
such series, the Fund will not adopt a plan of liquidation in respect of such
series without the consent of such Principal Distributor (or its assigns); and
(VII) such Principal Distributor may sell and assign its rights to its Allocable
Portion of the Distribution Fees and CDSCs (but not such Principal Distributor's
obligations to the Fund under the Distribution Agreement) to raise Funds to make
the expenditures related to the distribution of Class B Shares of such series
and in connection therewith, upon receipt of notice of such sale and assignment,
the Fund shall pay to the purchaser or assignee such portion of the Principal
Distributor's Allocable Portion of the Distribution Fees in respect of the Class
B Shares of such series so sold or assigned. For purposes of this Plan, the term
"Allocable Portion" means, in respect of Distribution Fees payable in respect of
the Class B Shares of any series as applied to any Principal Distributor, the
portion of such Distribution Fees and CDSCs allocated to such Principal
Distributor in accordance with the Allocation Schedule (as hereinafter defined).
For purposes of this Plan, the term "Complete Termination" of this Plan means,
in respect of any series, a termination of this Plan involving the cessation of
payments of Distribution Fees hereunder in respect of Class B Shares of such
series and the cessation of payments of distribution fees pursuant to every
other rule 12b-1 plan of the Fund in respect of such series for every future
class of shares which, in the
good faith determination of the Board of Trustees of the Fund, has substantially similar economic characteristics to the Class B Shares taking into account the total sales charge, contingent deferred sales charge and other similar charges, it being understood that the existing Class A Shares and the existing Class C Shares do not have substantially similar economic characteristics to the Class B Shares. For purposes of this Plan, the term "Allocation Schedule" means, in respect of the Class B Shares of any series, a schedule which shall be approved in the same manner as this Plan as contemplated by Section 3 hereof for assigning to each Principal Distributor of Class B Shares of such series the portion of the total Distribution Fees payable by the Fund in respect of the Class B Shares of such series which has been earned by such Principal Distributor, which shall be attached to and become a part of any Distribution Agreement in respect of Class B Shares. For purposes of clause (I) of the first sentence of this Section 3, the term "Initial Issue Commission Share" shall mean, in respect of any series, a Class B Share which is a Commission Share issued by such series under circumstances other than in connection with a permitted free exchange with another Fund. For purposes of the foregoing definition a "Commission Share" shall mean, in respect of any series, each Class B Share of such series which is issued under circumstances which would normally give rise to an obligation of the holder of such Class B Share to pay a CDSC upon redemption of such Share, including, without limitation, any Class B Share of such Fund issued in connection with a permitted free exchange, and any such Class B Share shall not cease to be a Commission Share prior to the redemption (including a redemption in connection with a permitted free exchange) or conversion even though the obligation to pay the CDSC shall have expired or conditions for thereof still exist.
At least quarterly in each year this Plan remains in effect, the Fund's Principal Accounting Officer or Treasurer, or such other person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Fund, shall prepare and furnish to the Trustees of the Fund for their review, and the Trustees shall review, a written report complying with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under the Act regarding the amounts expended under this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
This plan shall not take effect until it, together with any related agreement, has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Fund's Trustees as well as a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any related agreement (the "Disinterested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or any related agreement.
This Plan shall remain in effect for one year from the date of its adoption and may be continued thereafter if specifically approved at least annually by a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund as well as a majority of the Disinterested Trustees. This Plan may be amended at any time, provided that (a) the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the
amount of the distribution and service expenses without the approval of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class B shares of the Fund and (b) all material amendments to this Plan must be approved by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Fund and of the Disinterested Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of such vote.
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Disinterested Trustees then in office.
Any related agreement shall be in writing and shall provide that (a) such agreement shall be subject to termination, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class B shares of the Fund on not more than 60 days' written notice to the other party to the agreement and (b) such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class B shares of the Fund. In the event this Plan is terminated or otherwise discontinued, no further payments hereunder will be made hereunder.
The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports made pursuant to Paragraph 3 hereof, and any other information, estimates, projections and other materials that serve as a basis therefor, considered by the Trustees of the Fund, for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the agreement or report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
A copy of the Fund's Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") is on file in the office of the Secretary of the State of Delaware. The Declaration of Trust refers to the Trustees collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the Fund may be held to any personal liability, nor may any resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of the Fund but the Fund property only shall be liable.
Amended and Restated March 1, 2007
APPENDIX A
Phoenix Bond Fund
Phoenix Earnings Driven Growth Fund
EXHIBIT m.3
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(the "Fund")
CLASS C SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
PHOENIX OPPORTUNITIES TRUST
(the "Fund")
CLASS C SHARES
AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION PLAN PURSUANT TO RULE 12b-1
under the
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
The Fund, on behalf of its series listed in Appendix A, as may be amended from time to time, and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation (the "Distributor"), a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, have entered into a Distribution Agreement pursuant to which the Distributor acts as principal underwriter of each series and class of shares of the Fund for sale to the permissible purchasers. The Trustees of the Fund have determined to adopt this amended and restated Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act") with respect to Class C shares of the Fund and have determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its Class C shareholders.
The Fund shall pay to the Distributor, at the end of each month, an amount on an annual basis equal to 0.75% of the average daily value of the net assets of any series of the Fund's Class C shares, as compensation for distribution services and a fee of 0.25% of the average daily value of the net assets of any series of the Fund's Class C shares for shareholder services. Distribution services include, but are not limited to, payment of compensation, including incentive compensation to securities dealers and financial institutions and organizations; payment of compensation to and expenses of personnel of the Distributor who support the distribution of the Class C shares; expenses related to the cost of financing or providing such financing from the Distributor's or an affiliate's resources in connection with the Distributor's payment of such distribution expenses and the payment of other direct distribution costs such as the cost of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses. Shareholder services include, but are not limited to, transmitting prospectuses, statements of additional information, shareholder reports, proxy statements and other materials to shareholders; providing educational materials; providing facilities to answer questions about the Funds; receiving and answering correspondence; assisting shareholders in completing application forms and selecting dividend and other account options and providing such other information and services as the Distributor or Fund may reasonably request.
At least quarterly in each year this Plan remains in effect, the Fund's Principal Accounting Officer or Treasurer, or such other person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or payable by the Fund, shall prepare and furnish to the Trustees of the Fund for their review, and the Trustees shall review, a written report complying with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 under
the Act regarding the amounts expended under this Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
This plan shall not take effect until it, together with any related agreement, has been approved by a vote of at least a majority of the Fund's Trustees as well as a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or in any related agreement (the "Disinterested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on this Plan or any related agreement.
This Plan shall remain in effect for one year from the date of its adoption and may be continued thereafter if specifically approved at least annually by a vote of at least a majority of the Trustees of the Fund as well as a majority of the Disinterested Trustees. This Plan may be amended at any time, provided that (a) the Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount of the distribution and service expenses without the approval of at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class C shares of the Fund and (b) all material amendments to this Plan must be approved by a majority vote of the Trustees of the Fund and of the Disinterested Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of such vote.
While this Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the Act) of the Fund shall be committed to the discretion of the Disinterested Trustees then in office.
Any related agreement shall be in writing and shall provide that (a) such agreement shall be subject to termination, without penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class C shares of the Fund on not more than 60 days' written notice to the other party to the agreement and (b) such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
This Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Act) of the Class C shares of the Fund. In the event this Plan is terminated or otherwise discontinued, no further payments hereunder will be made hereunder.
The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related agreements and all reports
made pursuant to Paragraph 3 hereof, and any other information, estimates, projections and other materials that serve as a basis therefor, considered by the Trustees of the Fund, for a period of not less than six years from the date of this Plan, the agreement or report, as the case may be, the first two years in an easily accessible place.
A copy of the Fund's Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration of Trust") is on file in the office of the Secretary of the State of Delaware. The Declaration of Trust refers to the Trustees collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally, and no Trustee, shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the Fund may be held to any personal liability, nor may any resort be had to their private property for the satisfaction of any obligation or claim or otherwise in connection with the affairs of the Fund but the Fund property only shall be liable.
Amended and Restated March 1, 2007
APPENDIX A
Phoenix Bond Fund
Phoenix Earnings Driven Growth Fund
Phoenix Growth Opportunities Fund
EXHIBIT p.1
This Code of Ethics applies to all Access Persons of each Phoenix advisory and broker-dealer subsidiary in their management and administration of the Funds(1). The Advisers include Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.; Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.; Engemann Asset Management; Euclid Advisors, LLC; Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC, Phoenix Variable Advisors, Inc.; Seneca Capital Management, LLC; and Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC (for use herein referred to collectively as "Adviser"). Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation is a registered broker/dealer, a related subsidiary which currently provide services to the Funds and acts as the principal underwriter of the Funds. Access Persons of the investment advisers and subadvisers to the Funds that are not affiliated with Phoenix are governed by separate codes. To the extent necessary, each subsidiary may impose further limitations of personal trading subject to notifying the Chief Legal Officer and the Chief Compliance Officer of the applicable Fund.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE ABOVE, THE PROHIBITIONS IN SECTION 2 BELOW ARE IMPOSED BY RULE 17J-1, AND APPLY TO ALL AFFILIATED PERSONS OF THE FUNDS AND THEIR INVESTMENT ADVISERS AND SUBADVISERS, WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE GOVERNED BY THIS CODE OF ETHICS.
1. STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
Each Adviser holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving their respective shareholders and clients, each Adviser strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees and the Fund's securities transactions.
While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of their employees, officers, trustees, and directors, each Adviser recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the Fund, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment by the Fund.
In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), each Adviser has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures.
When Access Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
(a) At all times, the interests of Fund shareholders must be paramount;
(b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
(c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
(d) Compliance with all applicable federal securities laws must be maintained.
2. UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
It is unlawful for any Affiliated person of any Fund or any of its Advisers, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by any Fund:
(a) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any Fund;
(b) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to any Fund or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to any Fund, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(c) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any Fund; or to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any Fund.
(d) to divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Access Person": pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, means any Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Fund's investment adviser. All of Advisers directors, officers, and general partners are presumed to be Access Persons of any Fund advised by the investment adviser. All of the Funds directors, officers, and general partners are presumed to be Access Persons of the Fund.
(b) In addition, Access Persons include any director, officer or general partner of PEPCO, the principal underwriter of the Funds, who, in the ordinary course of business, makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund for which PEPCO acts, or whose functions
or duties in the ordinary course of business relate to the making of any recommendation to the Fund regarding the purchase or sale of Covered Securities.
(c) Advisory Person of a Fund or of a Fund's investment adviser means:
(i) Any director, officer, general partner or employee of the Fund or investment advisor (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by a Fund, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
(ii) Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund.
(iii) Any Investment Personnel.
(d) "Affiliated person" of an issuer is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such issuer.
(e) "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally, beneficial ownership means having or sharing, directly or indirectly through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise, a direct or indirect "pecuniary interest" in the security. For the purposes hereof,
(i) "Pecuniary interest" means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security.
(ii) "Indirect pecuniary interest" includes, but is not limited to: (a) securities held by members of the person's "immediate family" (this means any child, child-in-law, stepchild, grandchild, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or sibling-in-law and includes adoptive relationships) sharing the same household (which ownership interest may be rebutted); (b) a general partner's proportionate interest in portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership; (c) a person's right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities (otherwise, a right to dividends alone will not constitute a pecuniary interest in securities); (d) a person's interest in securities held by a trust; (e) a person's right to acquire securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable; and (f) a
performance-related fee, other than an asset based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment manager, trustee, or person or entity performing a similar function, with certain exceptions (see Rule 16a-1(a)(2)).
(f) "Chief Compliance Officer" refers to the person appointed by the Boards of the funds pursuant to the provisions of Rule 38a-1. Such person is identified on Schedule A hereto.
(g) "Compliance Officer" may refer to the Fund's designated Compliance Officer or an Adviser's Compliance Officer or any person designated by each such to perform the administrative functions of this Code. Such persons are identified on Schedule B hereto.
(h) "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the 1940 Act.
(i) "Covered Security" means all securities, including OPTIONS, exchange traded funds and those issued by any reportable fund, except securities that are direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and shares of traditional, unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies.
(j) "Disinterested Trustee" means a Trustee of a Fund who is not an "interested person" of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
(k) "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(l) "Investment Personnel" shall mean:
(i) any employee of the Fund or Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Fund or Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund; and
(ii) any natural person who controls the Fund or an Adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund. Investment Personnel includes any Portfolio Manager or other investment person, such as an analyst or trader, who provides information and advice to a Portfolio Manager or assists in the execution of the investment decisions.
(m) "Limited Offering" or "Private Placement" means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.
(n) "Managed Portfolio" shall mean those Funds, individually and collectively, for which the Portfolio Manager makes buy and sell decisions. For those Funds operating as series companies, Managed Portfolio shall include only the series for which the Portfolio Manager serves as the Portfolio Manager.
(o) "Portfolio Manager" means the person or portfolio management team entrusted to make or participate in the making of the buy and sell decisions for a Fund, or series thereof; as disclosed in the Fund(s) prospectus.
(p) "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into a security.
(q) "Reportable Fund" includes those 1940 Act registered investment companies for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as adviser or sub-adviser, or principal underwriter.
(r) "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act.
(s) "Security Held or to be Acquired" by a Fund means:
(i) any Covered Security which, within the most recent 15 days:
(A) is or has been held by the Fund; or
(B) is being or has been considered by the Fund or any of
its investment advisers for purchase by the Fund; and
(ii) any option to purchase or sell, and any security convertible into or exchangeable for, a Covered Security described in paragraph (p)(i) of this Section.
A security is "being considered for purchase or sale" when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the Investment Personnel making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.
4. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
The preclearance prohibitions of Section 5 of this Code, shall not apply to:
(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Advisory Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. This exemption will also apply to personal brokerage
accounts for which a third party (e.g. broker, financial advisor) makes all investment decisions on behalf of the Access Person. The discretionary arrangement must be documented to the Adviser's Compliance Officer or his or her designee.
(b) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Advisory Person or the Fund.
(c) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.
(d) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(e) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
(a) IPO Rule: No AccessPerson may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. No NASD registered person may participate in an IPO pursuant to NASD Rule 2790.
(b) Limited Offering/Private Placement Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited Offering or Private Placement except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will make a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to grant approval for transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings, and will maintain these records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(c) Preclearance Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly
acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security
unless such transaction has been precleared by the Adviser's
Compliance Officer. ALL OPTION TRANSACTIONS MUST BE PRECLEARED.
Preclearance is required prior to executing any trade through any
personal brokerage account, unless specifically exempted under
Section 4 above. Preclearance is valid through the business day
next following the day preclearance is given.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will monitor investment activity by the Advisory Person involving the precleared transaction.
(ii) Compliance reserves up to one business day to respond to any request for preclearance.
NOTE: EACH ADVISER'S COMPLIANCE OFFICER MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRECLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRECLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF THE TRANSACTION IS NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF HE OR SHE REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT DENYING PRECLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF A FUND. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE FUND'S CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE DECISION OF THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL BE FINAL.
(d) Open Order Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in any Covered Security on a day during which a Fund has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e., buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until the Fund's order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of an issuer ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall make available an updated list of such issuers quarterly.
2. Purchases or sales approved by the Adviser's Compliance Officer in his/her discretion.
(e) Blackout Rule: No Investment Personnel may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security within seven calendar days before and after a Managed Portfolio trades in that Security.
Transactions permitted under the Blackout Rule must also satisfy the Open Order Rule and the Preclearance Rule, if and to the extent the transaction is not covered by exceptions to those rules.
(f) Ban on Short-term Trading. ADVISORY PERSONS MUST HOLD ALL REPORTABLE SECURITIES, INCLUDING OPTIONS, for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition. Options must be written for a minimum 60 day term.
(g) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Advisor or the Fund. All gifts and entertainment received or given must be reported to the Advisor's Compliance Department.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 5(D) (E) AND (F) MUST BE DISGORGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FUND.
(h) Service as Director. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization by the President or the Compliance Officer of the Fund. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(i) Market Timing Prohibited. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Portfolio, or is managed by such Adviser/Subadvisor or any affiliated adviser or subadviser. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
6. REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
(a) The Code of Ethics, and any amendments thereto, shall be provided to every Access Person.
(b) All Access Persons (other than Disinterested Trustees) shall direct their brokers to supply, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal securities trade and a copy of each periodic account statement to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(c) Every Access Person shall report to the Fund the information described in Section 6(c) of this Code with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Security, provided that
(i) a Disinterested Trustee of the Fund need not report securities transactions unless the Trustee knew or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a Fund Trustee, should have known that during the 15-day period immediately before or after the Trustee's transaction in a Covered Security, the Fund purchased or sold the Covered Security or the Fund or any of its investment advisers or subadvisers considered purchasing or selling the Covered Security, and
(ii) An Access Person whose duplicate broker trade confirmations or account statements are received by the Adviser's Compliance Officer, pursuant to Section 6(a) with respect to the time period required by Section 6(c), may reference that duplicate information in their quarterly report if all of the information required in Section 6(c) is contained in those confirmations and statements.
(d) Every report required pursuant to Section 6(b) above shall be made not later than 15 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
(i) with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) had or acquired any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
(A) The date of the transaction, the title and number of shares; the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities, of each Covered Security involved; and, as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number;
(B) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(C) The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected; and
(D) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
(ii) with respect to any account established during the quarter in which Securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:
(A) The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; and
(B) The date the account was established.
(iii) Access Persons are required to report transactions in any affiliated mutual fund for which they have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; except as specifically exempted by Section 4 above.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(e) No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter on or before January 31 of each year, each Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) must submit to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a report of his or her personal securities holdings (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively), which must include the following information (the Applicable Date for the Initial Holdings Report is the date the person became an Access Person; the Applicable Date for the Annual Holdings Report must be a date no earlier than December 31 of the prior year):
(i) The title and number of shares; and/or the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities; and, as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(ii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the Applicable Date.
(iii) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(f) Each Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) shall submit annually to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a certification by the Access Person that he or she has received, read and understood the Code of Ethics, has complied with the Code's requirements, and has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the Code's requirements. The certification will be submitted to the Compliance Officer by January 31 of each year.
(g) Any report made under this Section 6 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
(h) (i) Each Fund's Compliance Officer shall furnish to the applicable Fund's Board of Trustees annually, and such Board will consider, a written report that:
(A) Summarizes the current procedures under the Code of Ethics;
(B) Describes any issues arising from the Code of Ethics or procedures since the last report to the Board, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
(C) Certifies that the Fund or the Adviser, as applicable, has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.
(ii) The Fund's Compliance Officer shall obtain from each investment adviser and the subadviser to the Fund whose Access Persons are governed by its own Code of Ethics, a written report including the information and certification required in (B) and (C) above with respect to that Code.
(iii) The Board will consider all of these reports.
(iv) These reports will be available to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds.
(i) Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(j) An Access Person need not make reports under this Section 6 with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
(k) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will review all reports and other information submitted under this Section 6. This review will include such comparisons with trading records of the Fund as are necessary or appropriate to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
(l) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are required to make reports under the Code, and shall inform those Access Persons of their reporting obligations. Each Adviser's Compliance Officer shall promptly notify any Access Person when any report has not been filed on a timely basis.
(m) Please refer to Schedule B for person(s) to contact for preclearance and to file Annual Holdings and Quarterly Personal Securities Transaction reports.
7. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Board of Trustees of a Fund may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate. Provided further, the Adviser's Compliance Officer shall review and present sanctions levied for non-compliance at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Please see attached Schedule A of Sanctions that may be levied for violations of this Code.
8. EXCEPTIONS
Each Adviser's Compliance Officer, in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer, may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code based on equitable considerations. The exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions, and may apply to past as well as future transactions, provided, however, that no exception will be granted where the exceptions would result in a violation of Rule 17j-1. To the extent any such exception relates to an Access Person of a Fund, the exception will be reported to a Fund's Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Compliance Officer shall promptly report any and all exceptions to the Chief Compliance Officer of the applicable Fund and the Chief Compliance Officer may provide an independent report to the applicable Board regarding his/her assessment of the merits and potential repercussions of granting any such exceptions.
9. RECORDKEEPING
All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rules 17j-1 and 204A-1.
10. OTHER CODES OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics does not amend or supercede any other Code(s) of Ethics that may affect the duties and obligations of any person affected hereby.
(Revised February 2007; approved May 2007)
SCHEDULE A
Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds: Marc Baltuch
SCHEDULE B
Person to contact for preclearance and reporting requirements: Frances Crisafulli |
CERTIFICATION:
By my signature below, I certify that I have received, read, and understood the foregoing policies of the Phoenix Funds Code of Ethics, and will comply in all respects with such policies.
Please print or type name: ___________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q REPORT AFFILIATED MF INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT Q REPORT TRANSACTIONS ANNUAL REPORT PRE-CLEAR ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- All Access Persons All Access Persons Investment Personnel All Access Persons Advisory Persons ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - written written warning written warning written warning written warning warning o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within the the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 same year - $100 fine n fine payable to the fine payable to the fine payable to the payable to the Phoenix Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Foundation and suspension o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within of trading privileges for the same year - the same year - the same year - 30 days suspension of trading suspension of trading suspension of trading o 3rd violation within the privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days same year - suspension of trading privileges for 90 days ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- PRE-CLEAR IPOS & LIMITED 60-DAY HOLDING MARKET TIMING PROHIBITION OFFERINGS* BLACKOUT REQUIREMENT AND Q CERTIFICATE OPEN ORDER RULE ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Investment Personnel ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - Reported Reported to Chief disgorgement of written warning possible grounds for to Chief Legal Officer Legal Officer and profits on the o 2nd violation - termination at and President of Phoenix President of Phoenix personal trade violation within the determination of Chief Investment Counsel for Investment Counsel for o 2nd violation - same year - $50.00 Legal Officer and determination of determination of Reported to Chief fine payable to the President of Phoenix appropriate sanctions. appropriate sanctions. Legal Officer and Phoenix Foundation Investment Counsel o 2nd violation - possible o 2nd violation - President of Phoenix o 3rd violation within grounds for termination possible grounds for Investment Counsel the same year - termination for determination of suspension of trading appropriate sanctions. privileges for 60 days o 3rd violation - possible grounds for termination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
*s/t NASD Prohibition Rule 2790.
EXHIBIT p.2
This Code of Ethics applies to all Access Persons of Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
1. STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
The Adviser holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving their respective shareholders and clients, the Adviser strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees and the securities transactions in any managed account.
While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of their employees, officers, trustees, and directors, the Adviser recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the managed account, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment by the managed account.
In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Sections 204-2 and 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Adviser has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. When Access Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
(a) At all times, the interests of the Adviser and the Adviser's clients must be paramount;
(b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
(c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
(d) Compliance with all applicable federal securities laws must be maintained, to include the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(e) Access Persons are required to adhere to the standards of business conduct outlined in The Phoenix Companies Code of Conduct.
(f) Access Persons of the Advisor are required to adhere to the Phoenix Funds Code of Ethics.
2. UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
It is unlawful for any Affiliated person, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by any client account:
(a) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client;
(b) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to any client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to any client, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(c) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any client; or to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any client;
(d) to divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Access Person" means any Director, officer, general partner, Portfolio Manager or Advisory Person of the adviser. An Access person is any supervised person who has access to nonpublic information regarding purchase or sales in managed accounts, or portfolio holdings of a managed account. The Compliance Department shall maintain a list of the Adviser's Access Persons.
(b) "Adviser" means Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
(c) "Advisory Person" means
(i) any employee of the Adviser or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser, who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser for a Client, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
(ii) Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund.
(iii) Any Investment Personnel.
(d) "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder. Generally, beneficial ownership means having or sharing, directly or indirectly through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship, or otherwise, a direct or indirect "pecuniary interest" in the security. For the purposes hereof,
(i) "Pecuniary interest" means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security.
(ii) "Indirect pecuniary interest" includes, but is not limited to: (a) securities held by members of the person's "immediate family" (this means any child, child-in-law, stepchild, grandchild, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or sibling-in-law and includes adoptive relationships) sharing the same household (which ownership interest may be rebutted); (b) a general partner's proportionate interest in portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership; (c) a person's right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities (otherwise, a right to dividends alone will not constitute a pecuniary interest in securities); (d) a person's interest in securities held by a trust; (e) a person's right to acquire securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable; and (f) a performance-related fee, other than an asset based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment manager, trustee, or person or entity performing a similar function, with certain exceptions (see Rule 16a-1(a)(2)).
(e) "Chief Compliance Officer" refers to the person appointed by the Advisor pursuant to the provisions of Section 206(4)-7.
(f) "Client" means each and every investment company, or series thereof, or other institutional account managed by the Adviser, individually and collectively.
(g) "Compliance Officer" may refer to the Adviser's designated Compliance Officer or any person designated to perform the administrative functions of this Code.
(h) "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
(i) "Covered Security" means all securities, including options, exchange traded funds and those issued by any reportable fund, except securities that are direct obligations of the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and shares of traditional, unaffiliated registered open-end investment companies.
(j) "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(k) "Investment Personnel" shall mean:
(i) any employee of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities; and
(ii) any natural person who controls the Adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund. Investment Personnel includes any Portfolio Manager or other investment person, such as an analyst or trader, who provides information and advice to a Portfolio Manager or assists in the execution of the investment decisions.
(l) "Limited Offering" or "Private Placement" means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.
(m) "Managed Account" shall mean those Clients' accounts, individually and collectively, for which the Portfolio Manager makes buy and sell decisions.
(n) "Portfolio Manager" means the person or portfolio management team entrusted to make or participate in the making of the buy and sell decisions for a Client.
(o) "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into a security.
(p) "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act.
(q) "Reportable Fund" includes those 1940 Act registered investment companies for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as adviser or sub-adviser, or principal underwriter.
4. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
The preclearance prohibitions of Section 5 of this Code, shall not apply to:
(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Advisory Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. This exemption will also apply to personal brokerage accounts for which a third party (e.g. broker, financial advisor) makes all investment decisions on behalf of the Access Person. The discretionary arrangement must be documented to the Adviser's Compliance Department.
(b) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Advisory Person or the managed account.
(c) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.
(d) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(e) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
(a) IPO Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. No NASD registered person may participate in an IPO pursuant to NASD Rule 2790.
(b) Limited Offering/Private Placement Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited Offering or Private Placement except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will make a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to grant approval for transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings, and will maintain these records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(c) Preclearance Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly
acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security
unless such transaction has been precleared by the Adviser's
Compliance Officer. All option transactions must be precleared.
Preclearance is required prior to executing any trade through any
personal brokerage account, unless specially exempted under
Section 4 above.
Preclearance is valid through the business day next following the day preclearance is given.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will monitor investment activity by the Advisory Person involving the precleared transaction.
(ii) Compliance reserves up to one business day to respond to any request for preclearance.
NOTE: THE ADVISER'S COMPLIANCE OFFICER MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRECLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRECLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF THE TRANSACTION IS NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF HE OR SHE REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT DENYING PRECLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF A MANAGED ACCOUNT. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE ADVISER'S CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE DECISION OF THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL BE FINAL.
(d) Open Order Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in any Covered Security on a day during which a Managed Account has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e., buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until such order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of an issuer ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall make available an updated list of such issuers quarterly.
2. Purchases or sales approved by the Adviser's Compliance Officer in his/her discretion.
(e) Blackout Rule: No Investment Personnel may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security within seven calendar days before and after a Managed Account trades in that Covered Security.
Transactions permitted under the Blackout Rule must also satisfy the Open Order Rule and the Preclearance Rule, if and to the extent the transaction is not covered by exceptions to those rules.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 5(D) AND (E) MUST BE DISGORGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FUND.
(f) Ban on Short-term Trading. Advisory Persons must hold all reportable securities, including options, for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition. Options must be written for a minimum 60 day term.
(g) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Advisor or the Fund. All gifts and entertainment received or given must be reported to the Advisor's Compliance Department.
(h) Service as Director. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization by the President or the Compliance Officer of the Adviser. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(i) Market Timing Prohibited. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Account, or is managed by such Adviser/Subadvisor or any affiliated adviser or subadviser. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
6. REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
(a) The Advisor shall provide a copy of the Code of Ethics, and any amendments thereto, to all Access Persons.
(b) All Access Persons shall direct their brokers to supply, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal securities trade and a copy of each periodic account statement to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(c) Every Access Person shall report to the Adviser's Compliance Officer the information described in Section 6(c) of this Code with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the Covered Security, provided that an Access Person whose duplicate broker trade confirmations or account statements are received by the Adviser's Compliance Officer, pursuant to Section 6(a) with respect to the time period required by
Section 6(c), may reference that duplicate information in their quarterly report if all of the information required in Section 6(c) is contained in those confirmations and statements.
(d) Every report required pursuant to Section 6(b) above shall be made not later than 15 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
(i) with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person had or acquired any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
(A) The date of the transaction, the title and number of shares; the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities, of each Covered Security involved; as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number;
(B) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(C) The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected; and
(D) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected.
(ii) with respect to any account established during the quarter in which Securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:
(A) The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; and
(B) The date the account was established.
(iii) Access Persons are required to report transactions in any affiliated mutual fund for which they have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; except as specifically exempted by Section 4 above.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(e) No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter on or before January 31 of each year, each Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) must submit to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a report of his or her personal securities holdings (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively), which must include the following information
(the Applicable Date for the Initial Holdings Report is the date the person became an Access Person; the Applicable Date for the Annual Holdings Report must be a date no earlier than December 31 of the prior year):
(i) The title, type and number of shares; and/or the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities; and as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(ii) The title, number of shares, and, as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of any Reportable Fund holding in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(iii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the Applicable Date.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(f) Each Access Person shall submit annually to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a certification by the Access Person that he or she has received, read and understood the Code of Ethics, has complied with the Code's requirements, and has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the Code's requirements. The certification will be submitted to the Compliance Officer by January 31 of each year.
(g) Any report made under this Section 6 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
(h) (i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall submit an annual report to the Directors of the Adviser that summarizes the current Code of Ethics procedures, identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action, and recommends appropriate changes to the Code, if any.
(ii) The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall submit to the managed fund's Compliance Officer an annual written report that
(A) Summarizes the current procedures under the Code of Ethics;
(B) Describes any issues arising from the Code of Ethics or procedures since the last report, including, but not limited to, information about
material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
(C) Certifies that the Adviser, has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.
(iii) These reports will be available to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds.
(i) Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(j) An Access Person need not make reports under this Section 6 with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
(k) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will review all reports and other information submitted under this Section 6. This review will include such comparisons with trading records of managed accounts as are necessary or appropriate to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
(l) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are required to make reports under the Code, and shall inform those Access Persons of their reporting obligations. Each Adviser's Compliance Officer shall promptly notify any Access Person when any report has not been filed on a timely basis.
7. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Directors of the Adviser may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate. Provided further, the Adviser's Compliance Officer shall review and present sanctions levied for non-compliance at each regularly scheduled Fund Board meeting. Recommended sanctions are attached as Schedule A.
8. EXCEPTIONS
The Adviser's Compliance Officer, may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code based on equitable considerations. The exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions, and may apply to past as well as future transactions, provided, however, that no exception will be granted where the exceptions would result in a violation of Section 204-2. Exceptions granted will be reported to the Directors of the Advisor, as well as the Boards of any managed fund.
9. RECORDKEEPING
All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1.
10. OTHER CODES OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics does not amend or supercede any other Code(s) of Ethics that may affect the duties and obligations of any person affected hereby.
By my signature below, I certify that I have received, read, and understood the foregoing policies of the Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. Code of Ethics, and will comply in all respects with such policies.
Please print or type name: ___________________________________
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q REPORT AFFILIATED MF INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT Q REPORT TRANSACTIONS ANNUAL REPORT PRE-CLEAR ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- All Access Persons All Access Persons Investment Personnel All Access Persons Advisory Persons ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - written written warning written warning written warning written warning warning o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation within the the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 the same year - $50.00 same year - $100 fine n fine payable to the fine payable to the fine payable to the payable to the Phoenix Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Foundation and suspension o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation within of trading privileges for the same year - the same year - the same year - 30 days suspension of trading suspension of trading suspension of trading o 3rd violation within the privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days same year - suspension of trading privileges for 90 days ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- PRE-CLEAR IPOS & LIMITED 60-DAY HOLDING MARKET TIMING PROHIBITION OFFERINGS* BLACKOUT REQUIREMENT AND Q CERTIFICATE OPEN ORDER RULE ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Investment Personnel ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ---------------------------- o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - Reported Reported to Chief disgorgement of written warning possible grounds for to Chief Legal Officer Legal Officer and profits on the o 2nd violation - termination at and President of Phoenix President of Phoenix personal trade violation within the determination of Chief Investment Counsel for Investment Counsel for o 2nd violation - same year - $50.00 Legal Officer and determination of determination of Reported to Chief fine payable to the President of Phoenix appropriate sanctions. appropriate sanctions. Legal Officer and Phoenix Foundation Investment Counsel o 2nd violation - possible o 2nd violation - President of Phoenix o 3rd violation within grounds for termination possible grounds for Investment Counsel for the same year - termination determination of suspension of trading appropriate sanctions. privileges for 60 days o 3rd violation - possible grounds for termination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
*s/t NASD Prohibition Rule 2790.
EXHIBIT p.3
SCM ADVISORS LLC
CODE OF ETHICS
Including
SCM's Policy on Personal Trading
(Amended and Restated as of June 1, 2007)
CODE OF ETHICS
Including
SCM's Policy on Personal Trading
(Amended and Restated as of June 1, 2007)
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO USE THIS CODE:
1. Terms in BOLDFACE TYPE have special meanings as used in this Code. To understand this Code, you need to read the definitions of these terms. The definitions can be found in Part III of this Code.
2. To understand what parts of this Code apply to you, you need to know whether you fall into one of these categories:
o ACCESS PERSON
o ADVISORY PERSON
If you are not an ADVISORY PERSON you are, by default, an ACCESS PERSON. A current list of ADVISORY PERSONS can be found on the SCM Intranet. If you are not sure which category applies to you, ask the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
This Code has three (3) sections:
Part I - Standards of Conduct
Part II - Personal Trading
Part III - Terms Defined
There are also three (3) Reporting Forms that ACCESS PERSONS and ADVISORY PERSONS must complete pursuant to this Code. You can get copies of the Reporting Forms from the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
NOTE: If you are an ADVISORY PERSON, you are also an ACCESS PERSON, so you must comply with both the ACCESS PERSON provisions and the ADVISORY PERSON provisions.
3. The CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER has the authority to grant written waivers of the provisions of this Code in appropriate instances. However:
o SCM expects that waivers will be granted only in rare instances, and
o Some provisions of this Code that are mandated by SEC rule cannot be waived.
PART I - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES - THESE APPLY TO ALL PERSONNEL
SCM is a fiduciary for its investment advisory and sub-advisory clients. Because of this fiduciary relationship, it is generally improper for SCM or its personnel to:
o Use for their own benefit (or the benefit of anyone other than the ADVISORY CLIENT) information about SCM's trading or recommendations for ADVISORY CLIENT accounts; or
o Take advantage of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available for SCM's ADVISORY CLIENTS.
Also, as a matter of business policy, SCM wants to avoid even the appearance that SCM, its personnel, or others receive any improper benefit from information about ADVISORY CLIENT trading or accounts, or from our relationships with our ADVISORY CLIENTS or with the brokerage community.
SCM expects all personnel to comply with the spirit of this Code, as well as the specific rules contained in this Code. SCM and this Code require all employees to comply with all applicable federal securities laws, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Bank Secrecy Act and Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and any rules adopted by any government agency under any of those statutes. In addition, all employees must report promptly to the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER any violations of this Code of which they become aware.
SCM treats violations of this Code (including violations of the spirit of this Code) very seriously. It is important for employees to avoid actions that, while they may not actually involve a conflict of interest or an abuse of an ADVISORY CLIENT'S trust, may have the appearance of impropriety. If you violate either the letter or the spirit of this Code, SCM might impose penalties or fines, require disgorgement of trading gains, or suspend or terminate your employment.
Improper trading activity can constitute a violation of this Code. But you can also violate this Code by failing to file required reports, or by making inaccurate or misleading reports or statements concerning trading activity or securities accounts. Your conduct can violate this Code, even if no ADVISORY CLIENTS are harmed by your conduct.
If you have any doubt or uncertainty about what this Code requires or permits, you should ask the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. Don't assume you know the answer.
PART I - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT (CONTINUED)
B. GENERAL ANTI-FRAUD PROHIBITION - THIS APPLIES TO ALL PERSONNEL
It is a violation of this Code of Ethics for any officer, director or employee of SCM, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly:
o To employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud any ADVISORY CLIENT of SCM;
o To make any untrue statement of a material fact to any ADVISORY CLIENT of SCM or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to the ADVISORY CLIENT, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
o To engage in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any ADVISORY CLIENT of SCM;
o To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any ADVISORY CLIENT of SCM;
o To engage in any transaction in securities on the basis of material, nonpublic information in violation of applicable law.
C. GIFTS TO OR FROM BROKERS OR ADVISORY CLIENTS--THIS APPLIES TO ALL PERSONNEL
No personnel may accept or receive on their own behalf or on behalf of SCM any gift or other accommodations from a vendor, broker, securities salesman, ADVISORY CLIENT, or prospective ADVISORY CLIENT (a "business contact") that might create a conflict of interest or interfere with the impartial discharge of the recipient's responsibilities to SCM or its ADVISORY CLIENTS or place the recipient or the Firm in a difficult or embarrassing position. This prohibition applies equally to gifts to members of the FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD of SCM personnel.
No personnel may give on his or her own behalf or on behalf of SCM any gift or other accommodation to a business contact that may be construed as an improper attempt to influence the recipient.
In no event should gifts to or from any one-business contact have a value that exceeds the annual limitation on the dollar value of gifts established by the NASD from time to time (currently $100).
These policies are not intended to prohibit normal business entertainment. For more information, please review the firm's Policy Regarding Gifts or ask the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
PART I - STANDARDS OF CONDUCT (CONTINUED)
D. SERVICE ON THE BOARD OR AS AN OFFICER OF ANOTHER COMPANY - THIS APPLIES TO ALL PERSONNEL
To avoid conflicts of interest, inside information, and other compliance and business issues, SCM prohibits all its employees from serving as officers or members of the board of any other for-profit entity, except with the advance written approval of the CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER and CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER of SCM. SCM can deny approval for any reason. This prohibition does not apply to service as an officer or board member of any parent or subsidiary of SCM. Any transactions for any ADVISORY CLIENT account in securities of any company that any employee of SCM serves as an officer or board member must be pre-approved by the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. Also, you must: (a) certify on a quarterly basis that neither you nor any member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD has such a position with a public company, and (b) inform the Compliance Department immediately if you or any member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD assumes such a position.
PART II - PERSONAL TRADING
A. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS - THESE APPLY TO ALL ACCESS PERSONS (INCLUDING ALL ADVISORY PERSONS)
NOTE: One of the most complicated parts of complying with this Code is understanding what holdings, transactions, and accounts you must report and what accounts are subject to trading restrictions. For example, accounts of certain members of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD are covered, as are certain categories of trust accounts, certain investment pools in which you might participate, and certain accounts that others may be managing for you. To be sure you understand what holdings, transactions, and accounts are covered, it is essential that you carefully review the definitions of COVERED SECURITY, FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD, and BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP in the "Definitions" section at the end of this Code. For your own protection and the protection of SCM, you should always err on the side of reporting if you have any question as to whether you are required to report.
ALSO: You must file the reports described below, even if you have no holdings, transactions, or accounts to list in the reports.
1. Initial Holdings Reports. No later than 10 days after you become an ACCESS PERSON, you must file with the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER a Holdings Report (See Attachment A- copies of all reporting forms are available from the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER and on the SCM Intranet).
The report requires you to list all COVERED SECURITIES in which you (or members of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD) have BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. It also requires you to list all brokers, dealers, and banks where you maintained an account in which any securities (not just COVERED SECURITIES) were held for the direct or indirect benefit of you or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD on the date you became an ACCESS PERSON. The report must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date you became an ACCESS PERSON.
The report also requires you to confirm that you have read and understand this Code, that you understand that it applies to you and members of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD and that you understand that you are an ACCESS PERSON and, if applicable, an ADVISORY PERSON under this Code.
PART II - PERSONAL TRADING (CONTINUED)
2. Quarterly Transaction Reports. No later than 15 DAYS after the end of March, June, September, and December each year, you must complete and submit to the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER a Quarterly Transactions Report. This Report will be disseminated by the Compliance Department to all ACCESS PERSONS via e-mail.
The Report requires you to list all transactions (other than
transactions effected pursuant to an AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN)
during the most recent calendar quarter in COVERED SECURITIES, in
which transactions you (or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD) had
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. The report also requires you to list all
brokers, dealers, and banks where you or a member of your
FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD established an account in which any securities
(not just COVERED SECURITIES) were held during the quarter for the
direct or indirect benefit of you or a member of your
FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD.
Every Quarterly Transactions Report shall contain the following information:
o The date of the transaction, the title, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), and the number of shares, and the principal amount of each security involved;
o The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
o The price at which the transaction was effected;
o The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
o The date when you submit the report.
Copies of statements or confirmations containing the information specified above may be submitted in lieu of listing the transactions. Persons submitting statements (or causing statements to be submitted) will be deemed to have satisfied this reporting requirement, and need only sign off quarterly on having complied.
For periods in which no reportable transactions were effected, the Quarterly Transactions Report shall contain a representation that no transactions subject to the reporting requirements were effected during the relevant time period.
PART II - PERSONAL TRADING (CONTINUED)
3. Annual Holdings Reports. No later than JANUARY 30TH of each year, you must file with the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER an Annual Holdings Report on Attachment A. The report must state the date on which you submit it.
The Report requires you to list all COVERED SECURITIES, including shares of mutual funds, in which you (or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD) had BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP as of December 31 of the prior year. It also requires you to list all brokers, dealers, and banks where you or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD maintained an account in which any securities (not just COVERED SECURITIES) were held for the direct or indirect benefit of you or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD on December 31 of the prior year.
The report also requires you to confirm that you have read and understand this Code and have complied with its requirements, that you understand that it applies to you and members of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD, and that you understand that you are an ACCESS PERSON and, if applicable, an ADVISORY PERSON under this Code.
4. Personal Accounts; Duplicate Confirmation Statements. All personal brokerage accounts of SCM personnel and/or any members of their FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD must be maintained at a brokerage approved by the Compliance Department (See Attachment D). Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Compliance Department. If you or any member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD has, or intends to open, a securities account with any broker, dealer, or bank, including a broker on the approved list, you or your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD member must (a) notify the Compliance Department and (b) direct that broker, dealer, or bank to send, directly to the Firm's CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, contemporaneous duplicate copies of all transaction confirmation statements and all account statements relating to that account.
5. Exceptions to Reporting Requirements. An ACCESS PERSON is not required to file reports under paragraphs A.1, A.2 or A.3 above with respect to accounts over which neither the ACCESS PERSON nor any member of his or her FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD exercises any direct or indirect influence or control.
PART II - PERSONAL TRADING (CONTINUED)
B. TRANSACTION RESTRICTIONS - THESE APPLY TO ALL ACCESS PERSONS (INCLUDING ALL ADVISORY PERSONS).
1. Pre-clearance. You and members of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD are prohibited from engaging in any transaction in a COVERED SECURITY (other than as excepted below) for any account in which you or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD has any BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP, unless you obtain, in advance of the transaction, written pre-clearance for that transaction from the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. All requests for pre-clearance must be submitted to the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER via e-mail using the SCM E-mail/Outlook Pre-clearance Form (See Attachment C).
Once obtained, pre-clearance is valid only for the day on which it is granted. The CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER may revoke a pre-clearance any time after it is granted and before you execute the transaction. The CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER may deny or revoke pre-clearance for any reason. In no event will pre-clearance be granted for any COVERED SECURITY if, to the knowledge of the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, the Firm has a buy or sell order pending for that same security or a closely related security (such as an option relating to that security, or a related convertible or exchangeable security) for any ADVISORY CLIENT. Please note that obtaining pre-clearance for a transaction does not guarantee that the trade will not be later reversed should a subsequent trade in the same security be effected in any account.
PART II - PERSONAL TRADING (CONTINUED)
The pre-clearance requirements DO NOT apply to the following categories of transactions:
o Transactions in shares of open-end mutual funds that are not registered investment companies advised or sub-advised by SCM.(1) Closed-end funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) require pre-clearance.
o Transactions that occur by operation of law or under any other circumstance in which neither the ACCESS PERSON nor any member of his or her FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD exercises any direct or indirect influence or control over the account in which the transaction occurred.
o Purchases of COVERED SECURITIES pursuant to an AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN.
2. Initial Public Offerings and Private Placements. Neither you nor any member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD may acquire any BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP in any COVERED SECURITY in: (a) an initial public offering, under any circumstances; or (b) a private placement (including a private placement of interests in a hedge fund or other investment limited partnership), except with specific approval from SCM's CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (in addition to normal pre-clearance from the Compliance Department).
3. Short-Term Trading. Neither you nor any member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD may purchase and sell, or sell and purchase, shares of any Fund sub-advised by SCM within any period of 60 calendar days. If you or any member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD purchase and sell, or sell and purchase, any other COVERED SECURITY (or any closely related security, such as an option or a related convertible or exchangeable security) within any period of 60 calendar days, then the Firm will require any profits from the transactions to be donated to a charity designated by the Firm.
PART II - PERSONAL TRADING (CONTINUED)
C. BLACKOUT PERIODS - APPLIES TO ALL ADVISORY PERSONS ONLY
No ADVISORY PERSON (including any member of the FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD of such ADVISORY PERSON) may purchase or sell any COVERED SECURITY within the seven calendar days immediately before or after a calendar day on which any ADVISORY CLIENT account purchases or sells that COVERED SECURITY (or any closely related security, such as an option or a related convertible or exchangeable security). If any such transactions occur, SCM, at the sole discretion of the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER and the senior management of SCM, will generally require any profits from the transactions to be donated to a charity designated by the Firm. Program trades and ADVISORY CLIENT account liquidations that occur in an ADVISORY CLIENT'S account during an ADVISORY PERSON'S blackout period may not, at the sole discretion of the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER and senior management of SCM, require an ADVISORY PERSON to reverse his or her purchase or sell. Note that the total blackout period is 15 days (the day of the ADVISORY CLIENT trade, plus seven days before and seven days after).
NOTE: It sometimes happens that an ADVISORY PERSON who is responsible for making investment recommendations or decisions for ADVISORY CLIENT accounts (such as a portfolio manager or analyst) determines--within the seven calendar days after the day he or she (or a member of his or her FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD) has purchased or sold for his or her own account a COVERED SECURITY that was not, to the ADVISORY PERSON's knowledge, then under consideration for purchase by any ADVISORY CLIENT account--that it would be desirable for ADVISORY CLIENT accounts as to which the ADVISORY PERSON is responsible for making investment recommendations or decisions to purchase or sell the same COVERED SECURITY (or a closely related security). In this situation, the ADVISORY PERSON MUST put the ADVISORY CLIENTS' interests first, and promptly make the investment recommendation or decision in the ADVISORY CLIENTS' interest, rather than delaying the recommendation or decision for ADVISORY CLIENTS until after the seventh day following the day of the transaction for the ADVISORY PERSON'S (or FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD member's) own account to avoid conflict with the blackout provisions of this Code. Additionally, such ADVISORY PERSON shall submit a written report to the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER describing the circumstances of the purchase or sale of the COVERED SECURITY for his or her own account, and attesting that at the time of such purchase or sale, the ADVISORY PERSON did not have actual knowledge that the COVERED SECURITY was being considered for purchase or sale by any ADVISORY CLIENT account. SCM recognizes that this situation may occur in entire good faith, and will not require disgorgement of profits in such instances if it appears, in the sole discretion of the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER and senior management of SCM, that the ADVISORY PERSON acted in good faith and in the best interests of SCM's ADVISORY CLIENTS.
PART III - TERMS DEFINED
A. DEFINITIONS
These terms have special meanings in this Code of Ethics:
o ACCESS PERSON
o ADVISORY CLIENT
o ADVISORY PERSON
o AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
o BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
o CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER
o CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
o COVERED SECURITY
o EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
o FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD
The special meanings of these terms as used in this Code of Ethics are explained below. Some of these terms (such as "beneficial ownership") are sometimes used in other contexts, not related to Codes of Ethics, where they have different meanings. For example, "beneficial ownership" has a different meaning in this Code of Ethics than it does in the SEC's rules for proxy statement disclosure of corporate directors' and officers' stockholdings, or in determining whether an investor has to file 13D or 13G reports with the SEC.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT OR QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER AN INVESTMENT, ACCOUNT OR PERSON IS COVERED BY ANY OF THESE DEFINITIONS, ASK THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. DON'T JUST ASSUME YOU KNOW THE ANSWER.
Access Person means: (A) any officer, director, general partner or employee of SCM who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, influences, or obtains information regarding, the purchase or sale of any securities (even if they are not COVERED SECURITIES) for any ADVISORY CLIENT account, or any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales (whether or not they are COVERED SECURITIES).
Advisory Client means any Fund or managed portfolio that SCM Advisors LLC serves as Advisor or Sub-Advisor.
PART III - TERMS DEFINED (CONTINUED)
Advisory Person means any ACCESS PERSON who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in or influences (A) the purchase or sale of any securities (even if they are not COVERED SECURITIES) for any client account or (B) any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales. SCM's EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE members are also ADVISORY PERSONS. A person who is an ACCESS PERSON solely by virtue of the fact that that person obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of any securities or any recommendation with respect to such purchases or sales, but does not make, participate in, or influence such purchases, sales, or recommendations is not an ADVISORY PERSON.
Automatic Investment Plan means a program in which regular periodic purchases (or withdrawals) are made automatically in (or from) investment accounts in accordance with a predetermined schedule and allocation. An Automatic Investment Plan includes a dividend reinvestment plan.
PART III - TERMS DEFINED (CONTINUED)
Beneficial Ownership means any opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in the profit from any transaction in securities. It also includes transactions over which you exercise investment discretion (other than for a client of SCM), even if you don't share in the profits.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP is a very broad concept. Some examples of
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP include:
o Securities held in a person's own name, or that are held for the
person's benefit in nominee, custodial or "street name" accounts.
o Securities owned by or for a partnership in which the person is a
general partner (whether the ownership is under the name of that
partner, another partner or the partnership or through a nominee,
custodial or "street name" account).
o Securities that are being managed for a person's benefit on a
discretionary basis by an investment adviser, broker, bank, trust
company, or other manager, unless the securities are held in a
"blind trust" or similar arrangement under which the person is
prohibited by contract from communicating with the manager of the
account and the manager is prohibited from disclosing to the
person what investments are held in the account. (Just putting
securities into a discretionary account is not enough to remove
them from a person's BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. This is because, unless
the account is a "blind trust" or similar arrangement, the owner
of the account can still communicate with the manager about the
account and potentially influence the manager's investment
decisions.)
o Securities in a person's individual retirement account.
o Securities in a person's account in a 401(k) or similar retirement
plan, even if the person has chosen to give someone else
investment discretion over the account.
o Securities owned by a trust of which the person is either a
trustee or a beneficiary.
o Securities owned by a corporation, partnership, or other entity
that the person controls (whether the ownership is under the name
of that person, under the name of the entity or through a nominee,
custodial or "street name" account).
This is not a complete list of the forms of ownership that could constitute BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP for purposes of this Code. You should ask the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER if you have any questions or doubts at all about whether you or a member of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD would be considered to have BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP in any particular situation.
PART III - TERMS DEFINED (CONTINUED)
Chief Compliance Officer means the person designated to perform the functions of the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. You can reach the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER by calling (415) 486-6500 (or by e-mail at compliance@scmadv.com). For purposes of reviewing the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER'S own transactions and reports under this Code, the functions of the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER are performed by an alternate Compliance Officer of the firm.
Three alternate Compliance Officers have been designated for SCM: (1)
Chief Operating Officer, (2) Chairman of the Executive Committee and
(3) Director of Equity.
The CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER will create a list of all ACCESS PERSONS and update the list with reasonable frequency. The CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER will circulate a copy of this Code and any amendments hereto to each ACCESS PERSON, together with an acknowledgement of receipt, which shall be signed and returned to the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER by each ACCESS PERSON promptly after he or she becomes an ACCESS PERSON and at least once a year thereafter.
Chief Operating Officer means the person designated to perform the functions of the CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER. You can reach the CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER by calling (415) 486-6500 (or by e-mail at compliance@scmadv.com). The CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER will coordinate with the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER on certain compliance related matters such as personal trading, approval of ACCESS PERSONS to participate in IPOs and private placements and approval of ACCESS PERSONS to serve on a company's Board of Directors. The CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER or an alternate Compliance Officer will review the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER'S own transactions and reports under this Code.
PART III - TERMS DEFINED (CONTINUED)
Covered Security means anything that is considered a "security" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, including, but not limited to:
o Equities
o Corporate Bonds
o Municipal Bonds
o Closed-End Mutual Funds
o Open-End Mutual Funds of any ADVISORY CLIENT
o Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
o SPDRs
o QQQQs
o Investments in limited partnerships
o Options on equities, indexes and currencies
o Investments in foreign mutual funds
o Investments in investment clubs
This list is not all-inclusive of every security defined as a COVERED SECURITY. If you are unsure whether you need to pre-clear a particular transaction, contact the Compliance Department for assistance.
For the purposes of this Code, the following securities are exempt from the definition of COVERED SECURITY and as such, do not need to be pre-cleared with the Compliance Department:
o Direct obligations of the US Government
o Money market mutual funds.
o Open end mutual funds that are not ADVISORY CLIENTS.
If you have any question or doubt about whether an investment is considered a security or a COVERED SECURITY under this Code, ask the CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER.
PART III - TERMS DEFINED (CONTINUED)
Executive Committee shall mean the following persons, individually and collectively: Albert Gutierrez, Doug S. Couden, Sam Austin, Diane M. Spirandelli and Steve Go.
o Your spouse or domestic partner (unless they do not live in the same household as you and you do not contribute in any way to their support).
o Your children, if they: (A) are under the age of 18 or (B) live in the same household as you or (C) receive any support from you.
o Any of these people who live in your household: your stepchildren, grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, including adoptive relationships.
Comment - There are a number of reasons why this Code covers transactions in which members of your FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD have BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP. First, the SEC regards any benefit to a person that you help support financially as indirectly benefiting you, because it could reduce the amount that you might otherwise contribute to that person's support. Second, members of your household could, in some circumstances, learn of information regarding the Firm's trading or recommendations for client accounts, and must not be allowed to benefit from that information.
ATTACHMENT A
HOLDINGS REPORT
For the Year/Period Ended: ___________________
(month/day/year)
Check here if this is an Initial Holdings Report
The following is a complete list of accounts, which fall within the firm's Code of Ethics and Policy on Personal Trading. The accounts listed shall include those of your family/household as defined in the firm's Code of Ethics. PLEASE ATTACH COPIES OF STATEMENTS IF MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT.
Account Name(s):______________________________________________ Acct #_________________________ Firm:_______________________________________________________________________________________ ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY OUTSIDE INVESTMENT ADVISORS ----------------------------------------------- Name/Address of Advisor _____________________________________________________________________________ Name of Account/Number_____________________________________________________________________________ I have no discretion over the above account ________ I may use discretion over the above account _______ PARTNERSHIPS (LIMITED OR GENERAL) --------------------------------- Name of Partnership__________________________________________________________________________________ Limited/General Partner _______________________________________________________________________________ % of your interest _______ Can you make or influence investments by the partnership? Yes ___ No ____ SECURITIES ACQUIRED BY PRIVATE PLACEMENT ---------------------------------------- (Include description, details of acquisition and custodian OR attach copy of most recent statement) ACCOUNTS MANAGED OUTSIDE OF THE FIRM ------------------------------------ Do you manage or participate in the management of accounts outside of the firm? Yes ______ No ______ If yes, provide complete details below or on a separate sheet of paper. PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING _____ I have no securities holdings _____ I DO NOT MAINTAIN TRADING ACCOUNTS OUTSIDE OF THE FIRM, OTHER THAN THOSE PERMISSIBLE UNDER THE FIRM'S CODE OF ETHICS, LISTED ABOVE. I understand the firm will be requesting copies of confirms and statements or other similar evidence of ownership, from the entities above. |
------------------------------------------- ------------- Employee's signature Date -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCM ADVISORS LLC 17 PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL |
ATTACHMENT B
CODE OF ETHICS
ANNUAL CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE
This Code of Ethics (the "Code") has been adopted by SCM Advisors LLC, primarily for the purpose of providing rules and guidelines for employees with respect to their personal securities transactions. The firm is required to adopt a Code in accordance with Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and Rule 17j-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
I have read, understand and agree to comply with the Code of Ethics of SCM Advisors LLC.
SCM ADVISORS LLC PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
ATTACHMENT C
PERSONAL TRADING - REQUEST FOR PRE-CLEARANCE
[YOU ARE BEING PROVIDED A SAMPLE OF THIS FORM IF YOU WISH TO REQUEST A PRE-CLEAR MANUALLY; THIS FORM IS AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH YOUR OUTLOOK MAIL PROGRAM.] PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL FAX:415-486-6724 QUESTIONS: 415-486-6726 ----------------------- ---------------- ----------------------- From: Tel: ------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------- (print name) In accordance with the Code of Ethics for SCM Advisors, I hereby: No. of request trade clearance for Shares --------- ------------------------------ --------------- stocks (common or preferred); bonds (coupon/maturity) Purchase Sale [if sale, please indicate purchase date: ] --------- --------- ---------------- Check here if proposed Purchase is in an initial public offering --------- request trade clearance for private placement of --------- ----------------------------- request authorization to serve on Board of public company --------- notify of brokerage account #* ; broker/dealer --------- ---------------------- *If this is checked, please sign if you have requested the firm to provide duplicate confirmations and statements to the Firm's Compliance Officer. Signature: ----------------------------------------- I am a: Portfolio Manager Advisory Person Access Person --------- -------- --------- I certify that: 1. I have received and read the Code within the past year and believe that this transaction is consistent with the Code's policy of requiring detection, disclosure and prevention of conflicts of interest in personal trading activities. 2. If approved, I will execute the trade within the day of approval. Furthermore, I understand that this pre-clearance is only valid for this day and I will need to receive separate pre-clearance if I wish to effect a transaction in this security on another day. Signature: Date: ------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- APPROVED: Date: -------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------- NOT APPROVED/REASON: Date: ------------------------------------------------- --------------------- |
ATTACHMENT D
APPROVED BROKER LIST FOR EMPLOYEE PERSONAL ACCOUNTS
EMPLOYEES AND MEMBERS OF THEIR FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD, AS DEFINED IN THE SCM CODE OF ETHICS, MAY MAINTAIN BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING LIST OF APPROVED BROKERS. PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT IS REQUIRED TO OPEN A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT WITH ANY BROKER NOT LISTED BELOW.
AG Edwards
Ameritrade
Banc of America
Bear Stearns
Charles Schwab
Citigroup
Conifer Securities
E*Trade
Fidelity
Friedman Billings Ramsey
Harris Direct
Oppenheimer
Options Express
Merrill Lynch
Morgan Stanley
Scottrade
Smith Barney
T. Rowe Price
TD Waterhouse
UBS
US Bancorp
Vanguard
Wachovia
Wells Fargo
FEBRUARY 1, 2007
SUB-ADVISED AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS
Phoenix Opportunities Trust
1sen4 Phoenix Bond Fund
1sen1 Phoenix Earnings Driven Growth Fund
Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
1pdp4 Phoenix Strategic Growth Fund
Phoenix Series Fund
1pdp10 Phoenix High Yield Fund
Phoenix Insight Funds Trust
1pdp11 Phoenix Insight High Yield Fund
1pdp12 Phoenix Insight Bond Fund
SUB-ADVISED NON-AFFILIATED MUTUAL FUNDS
1dunham5 Dunham Corporate/Gov't Bond Fund
EXHIBIT p.4
TURNER INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC.
TURNER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC
CODE OF ETHICS AND PERSONAL TRADING POLICY
Dated February 1, 2005
Turner Investment Partners, Inc. and Turner Investment Management LLC ("Turner") each owes a fiduciary duty to all of its clients. All Turner employees have an affirmative duty of utmost good faith to deal fairly, to act in our clients' best interests at all times, and to make full and fair disclosure of material facts. To fulfill this duty:
1. We shall conduct business in a fair, lawful, and ethical manner;
2. We at all times shall furnish individualized, competent, disinterested, and continuous advice to our clients regarding the sound management of their investments;
3. We shall develop a reasonable, independent basis for our investment advice;
4. We shall offer our clients only those pre-approved products/services that have been determined to be appropriate for their specific needs and which provide fair value;
5. We shall respect and protect the right to privacy of all our clients by keeping all information about clients (including former clients) in strict confidence;
6. We shall seek to obtain best execution on behalf of each client, and brokers are selected with a view to obtaining best execution. Turner believes that best execution is typically achieved not by negotiating the lowest commission rate, but by seeking to obtain the best overall result (including price, commission rate and other relevant facts) for the client, all as more fully set forth in Turner's Best Execution Policy in its Compliance Manual;
7. We shall avoid and eliminate all actual or apparent conflicts of interest because we owe our clients undivided loyalty. When a conflict cannot be avoided or eliminated, full and fair disclosure of the conflict shall be made to the parties involved;
8. Management of Turner shall lead by example, creating an environment encouraging honesty and fair play by all employees in the conduct of his or her duties; and
9. Management of Turner shall review (and find acceptable) the qualifications, experience and training of all individuals prior to assigning any supervisory responsibilities.
Employees must comply with all applicable federal securities laws. Employees shall have and maintain sufficient knowledge of all laws that govern their duties and profession. Compliance with applicable federal securities laws is an essential part of
upholding our fiduciary duty to our clients.
Employees are not permitted in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, of a security held or to be acquired by a client:
1. To defraud such client in any manner;
2. To mislead such client, including by making a statement that omits material facts;
3. To engage in any act, practice or course of conduct which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon such client;
4. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to such client; or
5. To engage in any manipulative practice with respect to securities, including price manipulation.
To guarantee professional, candid, and confidential relationships to our clients, employees shall maintain the confidentiality of all information entrusted to us by our clients. Material, nonpublic information about Turner's securities recommendations and about client securities holdings and transactions shall not be misused in violation of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the rules and regulations thereunder. This information is not to be used for personal gain or to be shared with others for their personal benefit.
Turner's policy and procedures for the prevention of insider trading set forth elsewhere in its Compliance Manual are incorporated into this Code of Ethics.
A. Personal investments: An employee should consider himself the beneficial owner of those securities held by him, his spouse, his minor children, a relative who shares his house, or persons by reason of any contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship that provides him with sole or shared voting or investment power.
B. Employees are barred from purchasing any securities (to include Common Stock and related Options, Convertible securities, Options, or Futures on Indexes) in which the firm has either a long or short position. If an employee owns a position in any security, he must get written pre-clearance from the Chairman or President to add to or sell the position. ALL SECURITY TRANSACTIONS (BUY OR SELL) REQUIRE WRITTEN CLEARANCE IN ADVANCE. Approval is good for 48 hours; if a trade has not been executed, subsequent approvals are necessary until the trade is executed. The Exception Committee (the Chairman, Vice Chairman, President, and Director of Compliance) must approve any exceptions to this rule.
C. Employees may not purchase initial public offerings. Transactions in private placements/limited partnerships and exchange traded funds (regardless of legal structure) require written pre-clearance. Mutual fund transactions are excluded from pre-clearance,
but must be reported (including in particular all mutual funds for which Turner serves as investment adviser or sub-adviser). Transactions in individual securities in IRA's, and Rollover IRA's that are self-directed (i.e. stocks or bonds, not mutual funds), and ESOP's (employee stock ownership plans) require pre-clearance. Pre-clearance is not required for non-volitional transactions, including automatic dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan acquisitions, gifts of securities over which an employee has no control of the timing of the gift, and transactions that result from corporate action applicable to all similar security holders (such as stock splits, tender offers, mergers, stock dividends, etc.). Non-volitional transactions should be reported.
D. Blackout Restrictions: Employees are subject to the following restrictions when their purchases and sales of securities coincide with trades of Turner Clients (including investment companies):
1. Purchases and sales within three days following a client trade. Employees are prohibited from purchasing or selling any security within three calendar days after a client transaction in the same (or a related) security. The Exception Committee must approve exceptions. If an employee makes a prohibited transaction without an exception the employee must unwind the transaction and relinquish any gain from the transaction to charity.
2. Purchases within seven days before a client purchase. An employee who purchases a security within seven calendar days before a client purchases the same (or a related) security is prohibited from selling the security for a period of six months following the client's trade. The Exception Committee must approve exceptions. If an employee makes a prohibited sale without an exception within the six-month period, the employee must relinquish any gain from the transaction to charity.
3. Sales within seven days before a client sale. An employee who sells a security within seven days before a client sells the same (or a related) security must relinquish to charity the difference between the employee's sale price and the client's sale price (assuming the employee's sale price is higher). The Exception Committee must approve exceptions.
4. These restrictions do not apply to proprietary investment partnerships for which the firm acts as an adviser in which the officers and employees of the adviser have an equity interest of less than 50%.
E. Short Term Trading Rule - Employees may not take profits in any individual security in less than 60 days (includes Options, Convertibles and Futures). If an individual must trade with in this period, the Exception Committee must grant approval or the employee must relinquish such profits to charity. The closing of positions at a loss is not prohibited. Options that are out of the money may be exercised in less than 60 days. Turner's proprietary partnerships may take profits in less than 60 days. Mutual fund transactions are excluded from this rule.
F. Reporting: Consistent with the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 - Rules 204-2 (a)(2) and (a)(3), and with the provisions of Rule 17j-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, all employees are considered access persons and must submit the following:
1. Initial Holdings Report - within ten (10) days of hire, all new employees are required to file a signed and dated Initial Holdings Report, setting forth the title, type of security and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the number of shares, and the principal amount of each covered security in which they have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; and the name of any broker, dealer, or bank with whom an account is maintained in which any covered securities are held for their direct or indirect benefit. The information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the person becomes an employee.
2. Annual Holdings Report - on an annual basis, all employees are required to file within thirty (30) days of year-end a signed and dated Annual Holdings Report listing all securities beneficially owned as of December 31st. Within this Report, all employees must list the title and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the number of shares, and the principal amount of each covered security in which they had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; and the name of any broker, dealer, or bank with whom an account was maintained in which any covered securities were held for their direct or indirect benefit. The information must be current as of a date no more than 45 days prior to the date the report was submitted.
3. Quarterly Transaction Reports - All employees must submit within ten (10) days following the end of each calendar quarter a signed and dated report listing all transactions executed during that preceding calendar quarter, along with duplicate statements/confirmations. For each transaction, employees are required to list the date of the transaction, the title, type of security, and exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, the interest rate and maturity date (if applicable), the number of shares and the principal amount of each covered security involved; the nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or other type of acquisition/disposition); the price at which the transaction was effected; the name of any broker, dealer, or bank through which the transaction was effected; and the date the employee submits the report. Statements are reviewed by one of the firm's Series 24 principals. Brokerage, IRA's, Rollover IRA's (which are self-directed), ESOP's, private placements, and limited partnerships must all be reported as personal trading.
4. Annual Certification - All employees are required to certify annually to the Compliance Department that: (i) they have read and understand the Personal Trading Policy/Code of Ethics; (ii) they have complied with all requirements of the Personal Trading Policy/Code of Ethics; and (iii) they have reported all transactions required to be reported under the Personal Trading Policy/Code of Ethics.
G. Violation of the Personal Investments/Code of Ethics policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Violation of the Code of Ethics may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Employees shall promptly report any violations of the Code of Ethics to Turner's Chief Compliance Officer. Such reports will be treated confidentially to the extent permitted by law and investigated promptly and appropriately. The sooner the Compliance Department learns of a violation, the sooner Turner can take corrective measures.
Turner will make available to all employees a copy of its Code of Ethics and any material amendments. Employees are required to acknowledge, in writing, their receipt of the code and any material amendments.
The Chief Compliance Officer will review, at least annually, the adequacy of the Code and the effectiveness of its implementation.
AS YOU ARE AWARE, TURNER MUST COMPLY WITH THE INDUSTRY'S ETHICS RULES. WE MAY HAVE TAKEN A BROADER STANCE THAN OTHER COMPANIES REGARDING TRADING DISCLOSURES AND HOLDINGS REPORTING, BUT IT IS THIS STRICT CODE OF ETHICS AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT HAS MADE TURNER WHAT IT IS TODAY, AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE AND LEADER WITHIN OUR INDUSTRY.
AS EMPLOYEES OF TURNER, WE AGREE TO ABIDE BY INTERNAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES. WE MUST BE AWARE THAT QUARTERLY TRADING DISCLOSURES AND HOLDINGS REPORTING IS A REQUIREMENT OF OUR EMPLOYMENT AT TURNER.
IT IS YOUR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION, WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE CLOSE OF THE QUARTER END.
WE HOLD SPECIAL APPRECIATION FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE COMPLIED STRICTLY AND CONSISTENTLY, AND SUPPORT THEIR GOOD EFFORTS IN THAT REGARD.
WE WILL NOT TOLERATE A VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY; THEREFORE A PENALTY MUST BE SET FOR THOSE WHO CONSCIOUSLY DISREGARD THIS POLICY. ANY EMPLOYEE WHO HAS NOT MET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE TRADING DISCLOSURES AND HOLDINGS REPORT POLICY AND PROVIDED SUCH INFORMATION TO THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE 10TH DAY AFTER QUARTER END WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION. SUCH DISCIPLINARY ACTION MAY INCLUDE A WRITTEN DISCIPLINARY LETTER TO BE INCLUDED IN THE EMPLOYEE'S PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT RECORDS OR A REQUIREMENT THAT THE EMPLOYEE LEAVE THE PREMISES AND STAY AWAY WITHOUT PAY UNTIL THE REPORT HAS BEEN FILED.
FUTURE DISREGARD OF THIS POLICY BY ANY INDIVIDUAL WILL RESULT IN FURTHER DISCIPLINARY ACTION (INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF TERMINATION), THE SEVERITY DEPENDING ON THE LIABILITY SUCH DISREGARD PLACES UPON TURNER, AMONG OTHER FACTORS.
LAST AMENDED: FEBRUARY 1, 2005
EXHIBIT p.5
DUFF & PHELPS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT CO.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
CODE OF ETHICS (AUGUST 30, 2006)
A. Statement of Ethical Principles
The Adviser holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving their respective shareholders and clients, the Adviser strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees and the securities transactions in any managed account.
While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of their employees, officers, trustees, and directors, the Adviser recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the managed account, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment by the managed account.
In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Section 204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Adviser has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. When Supervised Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
Supervised Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
a) At all times, the interests of Adviser Clients must be paramount;
b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility and;
d) Information concerning the identity of security holdings and financial circumstances of clients is confidential.
e) Ensure that the investment management and overall business of the firm complies with the policies of Duff & Phelps, Phoenix Companies and applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws and regulations.
f) Supervised Persons are required to adhere to the standards of business conduct in The Phoenix Companies Code of Conduct.
B. Unlawful Actions
a) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client;
b) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to any client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to any client, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
c) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any client; or to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any client;
d) to divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
A. "Supervised Persons" include directors, officers, and partners of the adviser (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions); Employees of the adviser; and Any other person who provides advice on behalf of the adviser and is subject to the adviser's supervision and control.
B. "Access Person" means any director, officer, general partners and partners of the adviser (or other persons occupying a similar status or performing similar functions), who has access to nonpublic information regarding any clients' purchase or sale of securities, or nonpublic information regarding the portfolio holdings of any fund the adviser or its control affiliates manage or is involved in making securities recommendations to clients, or has access to such recommendations that are non-public, or Advisory Person of the Adviser. The Compliance Department shall maintain a list of the Adviser's Access Persons.
C. "Adviser" means Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.
D. "Advisory Person" means (i) any employee of the Adviser or
of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser,
who, in connection with his regular functions or duties,
makes, participates in or obtains information regarding the
purchase or sale of a security by the Adviser for the
Client, or whose functions relate to the making of any
recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
(ii) any natural person in a control relationship to the
Adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations
made to the Client with regard to the purchase or sale of a
security. This grouping customarily includes the Portfolio
Manager and other investment personnel comprising an
investment team, such as an analyst or trader, who provide
information and advice that enter into the investment
decision to buy or sell a security for a Client.
E. A security is "being considered for purchase or sale" when a recommendation to purchase or sell a security has been made and communicated and, with respect to the Advisory Person making the recommendation, when such person seriously considers making such a recommendation.
F. "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same
manner as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in determining whether a
person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the
rules and regulations thereunder. An Access person is
presumed to be a beneficial owner of securities that are
held by his or her immediate family members sharing the
access person's household.
G. "Client" means each and every investment company, or series thereof, or other account managed by the Adviser, individually and collectively.
H. "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in
Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act, as amended.
I. "Initial Public Offering" means a public sale of an issue not previously offered to the public.
J. "Managed Fund or Portfolio" shall mean those Clients, individually and collectively, for whom the Portfolio Manager makes buy and sell decisions.
K. "Portfolio Manager" means the person (or one of the persons) entrusted with the day-to-day management of the Client's portfolio.
L. "Private Placement" or "Limited Offering" means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505 or Rule 506 thereunder.
M. "Purchase or sale of a reportable security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into, a security that is held or to be acquired for a Client.
N. "Reportable security" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2(a)(36) of the Investment Company Act, as amended,
and Rule 204A-1 as amended, including all ETFs and UIT ETFs
except that it shall not include transactions and holdings
in direct obligations of Government of the United States;
money market instruments; bankers' acceptances, bank
certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase
agreements and other high quality short-term debt
instruments; shares of money market funds; transactions and
holdings in shares of open-end mutual funds, unless the
adviser or a control affiliate acts as the investment
adviser or principal underwriter for the fund; and
transactions in units of unit investment trust if the unit
investment trust is invested exclusively in unaffiliated
open-end mutual funds.
The prohibitions of Section 4 of this Code shall not apply to:
A. Purchases or sales of reportable securities effected in any account over which the Access Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Compliance Officer.
B. Purchases or sales of reportable securities (1) not eligible for purchase or sale by the Client; or (2) specified from time to time by the Directors, subject to such rules, if any, as the Directors shall specify.
C. Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Access Person or the Client.
D. Purchases of shares of reportable securities necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and the subsequent sales of such reportable securities.
E. Purchases of reportable securities effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
F. Purchases or sales of reportable securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
G. Transactions of reportable securities effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan.
A. IPO Rule: No Access Person may purchase any securities in an Initial Public Offering, except with the prior approval of the Compliance Department. This rule also applies to IPO's offered through the Internet.
B. Private Placement Rule or "Limited Offering": No Access Person may purchase securities any in a Private Placement or Limited Offering unless such purchase has been approved by the Compliance Department. Any such approved purchase should be disclosed to the Client if that issuer's securities are being considered for purchase or sale by the Client.
C. Pre-Clearance Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell a reportable security unless such purchase or sale has been pre-cleared by the Compliance Department. Pre-clearance is required prior to executing a trade through a personal brokerage account or an Internet brokerage account. Pre-clearance is also required for transactions in puts, calls, ETF's, UIT ETFs, closed-end funds, and other well-known stock indices (e.g. the S&P 500). Pre-clearance is valid through the next business day (3 p.m. cst) following pre-clearance approval.
Exceptions: The following reportable securities transactions do not require pre-clearance:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of reportable securities of issuers ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale. The Phoenix Companies Compliance Department maintains this list on the Intranet web site and updates it after the end of each quarter. A paper copy is available for review in the DPIM compliance department.
2. Purchase orders of reportable securities sent directly to the issuer via mail (other than in connection with a Private Placement or Limited Offering) or sales of such securities which are redeemed directly by the issuer via mail.
3. Transactions of reportable securities effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan.
NOTE: THE COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRE-CLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRE-CLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF IT IS BELIEVED THAT DENYING PRE-CLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE CLIENT OR THE ADVISER. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE ADVISER'S COUNSEL. THE DECISION OF COUNSEL SHALL BE FINAL.
D. Open Order Rule: No Access Person may purchase or sell, directly or indirectly, any reportable security in which he has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership, when the Client has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e. buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until the Client's order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following reportable securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of reportable securities of issuers ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale.
2. Purchases or sales of reportable securities approved by the Compliance Department in his/her discretion.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF THIS
SECTION 4D MUST BE DISGORGED.
E. Blackout Rule: If a Portfolio Manager's portfolio holds a reportable security that is the subject of a proposed personal trade by that Portfolio Manager, such personal trade may be permitted only as follows:
1. If the proposed personal trade is on the same side as the last portfolio transaction in that security, the personal trade cannot occur within two days of such portfolio transaction (i.e. neither at T nor T + 1 calendar day).
2. If the proposed personal trade is on the opposite side of the last portfolio transaction in that security, the personal trade cannot occur unless (a) it is more than two days after the portfolio transaction (i.e. T + 2 calendar days or later) AND (b) the pre-clearance request, if required, for such personal transaction at the time of purchase or sale, is to the reasonable satisfaction of the Compliance Department, and an explanation of the reasons the portfolio is not effecting a similar transaction.
3. Portfolio Managers of Mutual Funds may not directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a covered security within seven calendar days before and after the Fund portfolio trades in that security.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL
TRADE IN VIOLATION OF THIS SECTION 4E MUST BE DISGORGED.
F. Holding Period Rule: Access Persons must hold each
reportable security, for a period of not less than sixty
(60) days, whether or not the purchase of such reportable
security was an exempt transaction under any other provision
of Section 4.
G. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meal and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Client or the Adviser. All gifts and entertainment received or given must be reported to the Compliance Department.
H. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization from Counsel or the Compliance Department. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
I. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is managed by such Adviser/Sub-advisor or any affiliated adviser/sub-advisor. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through asset allocation programs, automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
J. No Supervised Person shall divulge or act upon any material, non-public information as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
A. All Access Persons shall direct their brokers to supply, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal reportable securities trade and a copy, at least quarterly, of an account statement to the Compliance Department.
B. Every Access Person shall report to the Adviser the information described in Section 5C of this Code with respect to transactions in any reportable security in which such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the reportable security; provided, however, that an Access Person shall not be
required to make a report with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence. Additionally every Access Persons must include Phoenix affiliated mutual fund transactions not included in any received brokerage statements, including Phoenix-Fidelity 401K for which the Adviser does not require broker confirms or statements.
C. Every transaction report required pursuant to Section 5B above shall be made not later than 15days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
(i) The date of the transaction, the title and the number of shares, and the principal amount of each reportable security involved;
(ii) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(iii) The price at which the transaction was effected;
(iv) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected; and
(v) The date of approval of the transaction and the person who approved it as required by Section 4B or C above.
D. Each Access Person shall submit an Initial Holdings and Annual Holdings report listing all personal reportable securities holdings to the Compliance Department upon the commencement of service and annually thereafter (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively). The information on the Initial Holdings Report must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to the date the individual becomes an Access Person. An Initial Holdings Report must be submitted to Compliance no later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person. The Annual Holdings Report holdings information shall be as of December 31 and include a certification by the Access Person that he or she has read and understood the Code of Ethics and has complied with the Code's requirements. The annual report and certification will be submitted to the Compliance Department by January 31. Annually, any Phoenix affiliated mutual fund, open or closed must be disclosed including those held in the Access Person's Phoenix Fidelity 401K plan. If the Access Person does not own any Phoenix funds in the Phoenix Fidelity 401K plan he/she does not need to disclose the open-end mutual fund holdings
Every "Initial Holdings Report" and "Annual Holdings Report"
required pursuant to Section 5D above shall contain the following information:
(i) The title and type of reportable security, and as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number, number of shares, and principal amount of each reportable security in which the access person has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership;
(ii) The name of any broker,, dealer or bank with which the access person maintains an account in which any reportable securities are held for the access person's direct or indirect benefit;
(iii) The date the access person submits the report.
(iv) For "Annual Holdings Report" only, a certification by the access person that he or she has read and understood the Code and has complied with the Code's requirements.
Exceptions to reporting requirements (Quarterly Transactions and Initial and Annual Holdings):
Any report with respect to reportable securities held in accounts over which the access person had no direct or indirect influence or control;
(ii) A transaction report with respect to reportable securities transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan;
(iii) A transaction report if the report would duplicate information contained in broker trade confirmations or account statements received no later than 30 days after the end of the applicable calendar quarter;
(iv) Any person who is an access person by virtue of being a director of a Fund, but who is not an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) with respect to that Fund need not make an initial or annual holdings report under 5D;
(v) Any person who is an access person by virtue of being a director of a Fund, but who is not an "interested person" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) with respect to that Fund need not make a quarterly transaction report under 5C above unless such person, at the time of any transaction during the quarter, knew, or in the ordinary course of fulfilling his or her official duties as a director of the Fund should have known, that the security such person purchased or sold is or was purchased
or sold by the Fund or was being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund.
E. Any report made under this Section 5 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
F. The Compliance Officer shall submit an annual report to the Adviser's Fund Board of Directors that summarizes the current Code of Ethics procedures, identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action, and recommends appropriate changes to the Code, if any.
G. Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Compliance Department. No employee will be terminated or otherwise retaliated against for submitting any potential violations of this Code.
H. The Adviser's Compliance Personnel will review all reports and other information submitted under Section 5. This review will include such comparisons with trading records of client accounts as are necessary or appropriate to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
I. The Adviser's Compliance Personnel will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are required to make reports under the Code, and shall inform those Access Persons of their reporting obligations.
The Adviser will maintain and cause to be maintained in an easily accessible place, the following records:
(i) A copy of any Code of Ethics for the organization that is in effect, or at any time within the past (5) years was in effect.
(ii) A record of any violation or of any action taken as a result of the violation of any such Code that occurred during the current year and the past five (5) calendar years;
(iii) A copy of each report made by an access person during the current year and the past five (5) calendar years as required by Rule 17j-1 and/or Rule 204A-1 and Section 5C and 5D of this Code, including any information provided in lieu of the reports under Section 5C and 5D above;
(iv) A list of all persons, currently or with in the past
five (5) years who are or were required to make reports pursuant to Rule 17j-1 and/or Rule 204A-1 and Section 5C and 5D above, or who were responsible for reviewing those reports, together with an appropriate description of their title or employment;
(v) A copy of each report made by the Compliance Officer pursuant to Section 5F above during the current year and the past five (5) calendar years;
(vi) A record of any decision made during the current year and the past five (5) calendar years by the Compliance Officer, and the reasons supporting each such decision, to grant prior approval pursuant to Section 4A and 4B above for acquisition by an access person of securities in an initial public offering or a private placement transaction.
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Parent of the Adviser or if applicable the Funds Board of Directors, in addition to any remedial action already taken by the respective adviser or related entity, may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate (see under separate cover the currently imposed sanctions), including, among other things, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate.
EXHIBIT p.6
POLICY AND PROCEDURES OF
PHOENIX/ZWEIG ADVISERS LLC AND EUCLID ADVISORS LLC
DESIGNED TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING
POLICY AND PROCEDURES OF
PHOENIX/ZWEIG ADVISERS LLC AND EUCLID ADVISORS LLC
DESIGNED TO DETECT AND PREVENT INSIDER TRADING
SECTION I. POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING
A. INTRODUCTION
Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC and Euclid Advisors LLC (each of which is hereinafter referred to as an "Adviser" or the "Adviser") each seeks to foster a reputation for integrity and professionalism. That reputation is a vital business asset. The confidence and trust placed in us by our clients is something we should value and endeavor to protect. To further that goal, this Policy Statement implements procedures to deter the misuse of material, nonpublic information in securities transactions.
Trading securities while in possession of material, nonpublic information or improperly communicating that information to others may expose you to stringent penalties. Criminal sanctions may include a fine of up to $1,000,000 and/or ten years imprisonment. The Securities and Exchange Commission can recover the profits gained or losses avoided through the violative trading, impose a penalty of up to three times the illicit windfall and issue an order permanently barring you from the securities industry. Finally, you may be sued by investors seeking to recover damages for insider trading violations.
Regardless of whether a government inquiry occurs, the Advisers view seriously any violation of this Policy Statement. Such violations constitute grounds for disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal.
B. SCOPE OF THE POLICY STATEMENT
This Policy Statement is drafted broadly; it will be applied and interpreted in a similar manner. This Policy Statement applies to securities trading and information handling by directors, officers and employees of the Advisers (including spouses, minor children and adult members of their households).
This Policy Statement on Insider Trading and the following procedures to implement the Adviser's Policy represent the Adviser's current such Policy Statement and Procedures. Such Policy Statement and Procedures may be revised or supplemented from time to time by the issuance of a new Policy Statement and Procedures or a supplement or memorandum from the Adviser's chief executive officer and/or compliance officer.
The law of insider trading is unsettled and continuously developing; an individual legitimately may be uncertain about the application of the Policy Statement in a particular circumstance. Often, a single question can forestall disciplinary action or complex legal problems. You should direct any questions relating to this Policy Statement to the Compliance Officer, who is Marc Baltuch, or, in his absence, Melinda Reibel or Jennifer Marinpetro. You also must notify the Compliance Officer immediately if you have any reason to believe that a violation of this Policy Statement has occurred or is about to occur.
C. POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING
No person to whom this Policy Statement applies, including you, may trade, either personally or on behalf of others (such as mutual funds and private accounts managed by the Advisers), while in possession of material, nonpublic information; nor may any personnel of an Adviser communicate material, nonpublic information to others in violation of the law. This section reviews principles important to this Policy Statement.
1. WHAT IS MATERIAL INFORMATION?
Information is material where there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in making his or her investment decisions. Generally, this is information whose disclosure will have a substantial effect on the price of a company's securities. No simple "bright line" test exists to determine when information is material; assessments of materiality involve a highly fact-specific inquiry. For this reason, you should direct any questions about whether information is material to the Compliance Officer.
Material information often relates to a company's results and operations, including, for example, dividend changes, earnings results, changes in previously released earnings estimates, significant merger or acquisition proposals or agreements, major litigation, liquidation problems, and extraordinary management developments.
Material information also may relate to the market for a company's securities. Information about a significant order to purchase or sell securities may, in some contexts, be deemed material. Similarly, prepublication information regarding reports in the financial press also may be deemed material. For example, the United States Supreme Court upheld the criminal convictions of insider trading defendants who capitalized on prepublication information about the WALL STREET JOURNAL'S Heard on the Street column.
2. WHAT IS NONPUBLIC INFORMATION?
Information is "public" when it has been disseminated broadly to investors in the marketplace. Tangible evidence of such dissemination is the best indication that the information is public. For example, information is public after it has become available to the general public through a public filing with the SEC or some other government agency, the Dow Jones "tape" or the WALL STREET JOURNAL or some other publication of general circulation, and after sufficient time has passed so that the information has been disseminated widely.
3. IDENTIFYING INSIDE INFORMATION
Before executing any trade for yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by an Adviser, you must determine whether you have access to material, nonpublic information. If you think that you might have access to material, nonpublic information, you should take the following steps.
i. Report the information and proposed trade immediately to the Compliance Officer.
ii. Do not purchase or sell the securities on behalf of yourself or others, including investment companies or private accounts managed by the Advisers.
iii. Do not communicate the information inside or outside the Advisers, other than to the Compliance Officer.
iv. After the Compliance Officer has reviewed the issue, the firm will determine whether the information is material and nonpublic and, if so, what action the firm should take.
You should consult with the Compliance Officer before taking any action. This degree of caution will protect you, your clients and the firm.
4. CONTACTS WITH PUBLIC COMPANIES
For the Advisers, contacts with public companies represent an important part of our research efforts. An Adviser may make investment decisions on the basis of the firm's conclusions formed through such contacts and analysis of publicly-available information. Difficult legal issues arise, however, when, in the course of these contacts, an employee of an Adviser or other person subject to this Policy Statement becomes aware of material, nonpublic information. This could happen, for example, if a company's Chief Financial Officer prematurely discloses quarterly results to an analyst, or an investor relations representative makes a selective disclosure of adverse news to a handful of investors. In such situations, the Adviser must make a judgment as to its further conduct. To protect yourself, your clients and the firm, you should contact the Compliance Officer immediately if you believe that you may have received material, nonpublic information.
5. TENDER OFFERS
Tender offers represent a particular concern in the law of insider trading for two reasons. First, tender offer activity often produces extraordinary gyrations in the price of the target company's securities. Trading during this time period is more likely to attract regulatory attention (and produces a disproportionate percentage of insider trading cases). Second, the SEC has adopted a rule which expressly forbids trading and "tipping" while in possession of material, nonpublic information regarding a tender offer received from the tender offeror, the target company or anyone acting on behalf of either. Employees of an Adviser and others subject to this Policy Statement should exercise particular caution any time they become aware of nonpublic information relating to a tender offer.
SECTION II. PROCEDURES TO IMPLEMENT THE ADVISERS' POLICY STATEMENT ON INSIDER TRADING
The following procedures have been established to aid the officers, directors and employees of the Advisers in avoiding insider trading, and to aid the Advisers in preventing, detecting and imposing sanctions against insider trading. Every officer, director and employee of an Adviser must follow these procedures or risk serious sanctions, including dismissal, substantial personal liability and criminal penalties. If you have any questions about these procedures, you should consult the Compliance Officer.
A. PERSONAL SECURITIES TRADING
1. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
(a) IPO Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. No NASD registered person may participate in an IPO pursuant to NASD Rule 2790.
(b) Limited Offering/Private Placement Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited Offering or Private Placement except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will make a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to grant approval for transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings, and will maintain these records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(c) Preclearance Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security unless such transaction has been precleared by the Adviser's Compliance Officer. Preclearance is required prior to executing any trade through any personal brokerage account, unless specially exempted under Section 4 above. Preclearance is valid through the business day next following the day preclearance is given.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will monitor
investment activity by the Advisory Person involving
the precleared transaction.
(ii) Compliance reserves up to one business day to respond
to any request for preclearance.
NOTE: THE COMPLIANCE OFFICER MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRECLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRECLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF THE TRANSACTION IS NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF HE OR SHE REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT DENYING PRECLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF A FUND. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE FUND'S CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE DECISION OF THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL BE FINAL.
(f) Open Order Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in any Covered Security on a day during which a Fund has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e., buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until the Fund's order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of an issuer ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall make available an updated list of such issuers quarterly.
2. Purchases or sales approved by the Adviser's Compliance Officer in his/her discretion.
(g) Blackout Rule: No Investment Personnel may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security within seven calendar days before and after a Managed Portfolio trades in that Security.
Transactions permitted under the Blackout Rule must also satisfy the Open Order Rule and the Preclearance Rule, if and to the extent the transaction is not covered by exceptions to those rules.
(h) Ban on Short-term Trading Profits. Advisory Persons must hold each Security for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition.
(i) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Advisor or the Fund. All gifts received must be reported to the Advisor's Compliance Department.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 1(F) (G) AND (H) MUST BE DISGORGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FUND.
(j) Service as Director. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization by the President or the Compliance Officer of the Fund. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(k) Market Timing Prohibited. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Portfolio, or is managed by such Adviser/Subadvisor or any affiliated adviser or subadviser. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall
not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
2. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
The preclearance prohibitions of Section 1 of this Code, shall not apply to:
(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Advisory Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. This exemption will also apply to personal brokerage accounts for which a third party (e.g. broker, financial advisor) makes all investment decisions on behalf of the Access Person. The discretionary arrangement must be documented to the Adviser's Compliance Officer or his or her designee.
(b) Purchases or sales of securities not eligible for purchase or sale by the Fund.
(c) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Advisory Person or the Fund.
(d) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.
(e) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(f) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
3. ACCOUNTS COVERED
Advance clearance must be obtained for any personal transaction in a security by an officer, director or employee of an Adviser if such person has, or as a result of the transaction acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security.
The term "beneficial ownership" is defined by rules of the SEC which will be applicable in all cases. Generally, under the SEC rules, a person is regarded as having beneficial ownership of securities held in the name of:
a) a husband, wife or a minor child;
b) a relative (including in-laws, step-children, or step-parents) sharing the same house;
c) anyone else if the officer, director or employee:
(i) obtains benefits substantially equivalent to ownership of the securities; or
(ii) can obtain ownership of the securities immediately or at some future time.
4. EXEMPTION FROM CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT
Clearance is not required for any account over which an officer, director or employee has no influence or control; however, the existence of such an account must be reported to the Compliance Officer. The Compliance Officer, in his sole discretion, has the authority to request further information and documentation regarding any account over which an officer, director or employee reports he has no influence or control.
B. REPORT OF TRANSACTIONS
1. TRANSACTIONS AND ACCOUNTS COVERED
a) All personal transactions in any account for which advance clearance is required must also be reported in the next quarterly transaction report after the transaction is effected.
b) Every officer, director and employee of an Adviser must file a report when due even if such person made no purchases or sales of securities during the period covered by the report.
c) Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Compliance Department.
2. TIME OF REPORTING
A. Reports of personal transactions must be made within 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Thus, reports are due on the 10th day of January, April, July and October.
B. The January Report also requires an annual listing of all non-exempt securities holdings as of December 31 of the preceding year (a current listing will also be required upon the effectiveness of this Policy Statement). New employees will be required to provide a listing of all non-exempt securities
holdings as of the date of commencement of employment.
3. FORM OF REPORTING
The report must be on the form provided by the Compliance Department. A copy of the form is attached.
4. RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT
The responsibility for taking the initiative to report is imposed on each individual required to make a report. Any effort by the Compliance Department to facilitate the reporting process does not change or alter that responsibility.
5. WHERE TO FILE REPORT
All reports must be filed with the Compliance Department.
6. CODE OF ETHICS REPORTS
In addition, "Access Persons" of Phoenix/Zweig Advisers LLC., The Zweig Fund, Inc., The Zweig Total Return Fund, Inc., Phoenix-Zweig Trust, Euclid Advisors LLC (i) are required to make any reports required under the Code of Ethics of such advisers or funds, as the case may be, and (ii) must comply with all the other provisions (including the personal trading restrictions) of such Code of Ethics.
C. HIGH-RISK TRADING ACTIVITIES
Certain high-risk trading activities, if used in the management of a personal trading portfolio, are risky not only because of the nature of the securities transactions themselves, but also because of the potential that action necessary to close out the transactions may become prohibited during the pendency of the transactions. Examples of such activities include short sales of common stock and trading in derivative instruments such as option contracts to purchase ("call") or sell ("put") securities at certain predetermined prices. Officers, directors and employees of the Advisers should understand that short sales and trading in derivative instruments involve special risks - derivative instruments, for example, ordinarily have greater price volatility than the underlying security. The fulfillment of the obligations owed by each officer, director and employee to his or her employer may heighten those risks. For example, if an Adviser becomes aware of material, nonpublic information about the issuer of the underlying securities, such Adviser's personnel may find themselves "frozen" in a position in a derivative security. The Advisers will not bear any losses resulting in personal accounts through the implementation of this Policy Statement.
D. RESTRICTIONS ON DISCLOSURES
Officers, directors and employees of the Advisers shall not disclose any nonpublic information (whether or not it is material) relating to the Advisers or their securities transactions on behalf of clients to any person outside an Adviser (unless such disclosure has been authorized by such Adviser). Material, nonpublic information may not be communicated to anyone, including persons within an Adviser, except as provided in Section I above. Such information must be secured. For example, access to files containing material, nonpublic information and computer files containing such information should be restricted, and conversations containing such information, if appropriate at all, should be conducted in private (for example, not by cellular telephone, to avoid potential interception).
E. REVIEW
The Compliance Officer will review and consider any proper request of an officer, director or employee of an Adviser for relief or exemption from any restriction, limitation or procedure contained herein, which restriction, limitation or procedure is claimed to cause a hardship for such person. The Compliance Officer's decision is completely within his sole discretion.
F. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Board of Trustees of a Fund may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate. Provided further, the Adviser's Compliance Officer shall review and present sanctions levied for non-compliance at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Please see attached Appendix B of Sanctions that may be levied for violations of this Code.
G. RECORDKEEPING
All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rules 17j-1 and 204A-1.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and understand this Policy Statement on Insider Trading. I certify that I have, to date, complied and will continue to comply with this Policy Statement. I understand that any violation of this Policy Statement may lead to sanctions, including dismissal.
form 2a
SECTION III. SUPERVISORY PROCEDURES
The Advisers have assigned the Compliance Officer the primary responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of the Advisers' policy and procedures against insider trading. Supervisory Procedures can be divided into two classifications - prevention of insider trading and detection of insider trading.
1. PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
To prevent insider trading, the Compliance Officer should:
i. provide, on a regular basis, an education program to familiarize officers, directors and employees with the Advisers' policy and procedures;
ii. answer questions regarding the Advisers' policy and procedures;
iii. resolve issues of whether information received by an officer, director or employee of an Adviser is material and nonpublic and determine what action, if any, should be taken;
iv. review on a regular basis and update as necessary an Adviser's policy and procedures;
v. when it has been determined that an officer, director or employee of an Adviser has material, nonpublic information:
1. implement measures to prevent dissemination of such information, and
2. if necessary, restrict officers, directors and employees from trading the securities; and
vi. promptly review, and either approve or disapprove, in writing, each request of an officer, director or employee of an Adviser for clearance to trade in specified securities.
2. DETECTION OF INSIDER TRADING
To detect insider trading, the Compliance Officer should:
i. review the trading activity reports filed by each officer, director and employee;
ii. review the trading activity of mutual funds and private accounts managed by the Advisers;
iii. review trading activity (if any) of an Adviser's own account;
iv. promptly investigate all reports of any possible violations of the Advisers' Policy and Procedures to Detect and Prevent Insider Trading; and
v. coordinate the review of such reports with other appropriate officers, directors or employees of an Adviser.
3. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Board of Trustees of the Fund may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate.
4. GENERAL REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
On an as-needed or periodic basis, the Advisers may find it useful for the Compliance Officer to prepare a written report to the management and/or Board of Directors of an Adviser setting forth some or all of the following:
i. a summary of existing procedures to detect and prevent insider trading;
ii. a summary of any changes in procedures made in the last year;
iii. full details of any investigation since the last report (either internal or by a regulatory agency) of any suspected insider trading, the results of the investigation and a description of any changes in procedures prompted by any such investigation;
iv. an evaluation of the current procedures and a description of any anticipated changes in procedures; and
v. a description of the Advisers' continuing educational program regarding insider trading, including the dates of such programs since the last report to management.
form 2a
rv 6/05
INVESTMENT REPORTING MATRIX (APPENDIX A TO CODE OF ETHICS) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type of Investment Reportable Preclearance ----------------- ---------- ------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bank Conversions YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bankers Acceptance NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blind Trusts YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Call/Matured Securities YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash Management Accounts (No Securities Trading)* NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Closely Held Corporate Stock YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Co-op Apartment Shares NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commercial Paper NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Convertible Bonds YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CORPORATE BONDS YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CORPORATE MERGERS/TENDERS YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend Reinvestment Plans YES- annually NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FAMILY BUSINESS (PRIVATE) NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Foreign Government Bonds YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Futures YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GIFTS OF SECURITIES YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial Public Offering NOT ALLOWED N/A -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Insurance Company Conversions YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Limit Orders/Good Til Canceled YES Every Other Day -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Money Market Funds- Direct NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Municipal Bonds YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mutual Funds- Closed End YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mutual Funds- Open End- Direct NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opening of a Bank Trading Account YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Opening of a Brokerage Account YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Options (60 + days) YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Private Partnerships- Affiliated ** NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Private Investment Partnerships- Unaffiliated YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restricted Stock (Private Placements) YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rights Offering (including over subscriptions)-Exercising YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Structured Notes YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stock- Purchase/Sales YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stock- Short Sales YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stock- Dividends/Splits YES-annually NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN WITH CORPORATE ISSUER YES-annually NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfer of a Brokerage Account YES YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trust Accounts YES See Compliance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unit Investment Trust YES NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US Government Securities NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US Savings Bonds (EE) NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Variable Annuities NO NO -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WRAP ACCOUNTS YES See Compliance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zweig Fund/Zweig Total Return Fund YES See Compliance and Legal -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVES MUST RECEIVE PERMISSION FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE BROKER/DEALER TO OPEN THIS ACCOUNT. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** THIS INFORMATION WILL NOT BE REPORTABLE TO COMPLIANCE; HOWEVER, THE INFORMATION WILL BE MAINTAINED BY THE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PARTNERSHIPS' GENERAL COUNSEL. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1/1/98 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
APPENDIX B - SANCTIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Q REPORT AFFILIATED MF ANNUAL REPORT PRE-CLEAR INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT Q REPORT TRANSACTIONS ----------------------- -------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ All Access Persons All Access Persons Investment Personnel All Access Persons Advisory Persons -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - written warning written warning written warning written warning written warning o 2nd violation o 2nd violation within o 2nd violation o 2nd violation within within the same year - the same year - $50.00 within the same year - the same year - $100 $50.00 fine payable to fine payable to the $50.00 fine payable to fine payable to the the Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation the Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation o 3rd violation o 3rd violation within o 3rd violation and suspension of within the same year - the same year - within the same year - trading privileges suspension of trading suspension of trading suspension of trading for 30 days privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days o 3rd violation within the same year - suspension of trading privileges for 90 days -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ PRE-CLEAR IPOS & 60-DAY HOLDING MARKET TIMING PROHIBITION LIMITED OFFERINGS* BLACKOUT REQUIREMENT AND Q CERTIFICATE OPEN ORDER RULE -------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ Advisory Personnel Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Investment Personnel Investment Personnel -------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------- ------------------------ o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - o 1st violation - Reported to Chief disgorgement of written warning _possible grounds for Reported to Chief Legal Officer and profits on the o 2nd violation - termination at Legal Officer and President of Phoenix personal trade violation within the determination of Chief President of Phoenix for Investment Counsel o 2nd violation - same year - $50.00 Legal Officer and Investment Counsel determination of Reported to Chief fine payable to the President of Phoenix for determination appropriate sanctions. Legal Officer and Phoenix Foundation Investment Counsel of appropriate o 2nd violation - President of Phoenix o 3rd violation within sanctions. possible grounds for Investment Counsel the same year - o 2nd violation - termination for determination of suspension of trading possible grounds for appropriate sanctions. privileges for 60 days termination o 3rd violation - possible grounds for termination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
*s/t NASD Prohibition Rule 2790.
EXHIBIT p.7
CODE OF ETHICS OF THE SUBADVISER
This Code of Ethics applies to all Access Persons of Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc.
1. STATEMENT OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
The Adviser holds its employees to a high standard of integrity and business practices. In serving their respective shareholders and clients, the Adviser strives to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest in connection with the personal trading activities of its employees and the securities transactions in any managed account.
While affirming their confidence in the integrity and good faith of all of their employees, officers, trustees, and directors, the Adviser recognizes that the knowledge of present or future portfolio transactions or the power to influence portfolio transactions, if held by such individuals, could place them in a position where their personal interests might conflict with the interests of the managed account, if they were to trade in securities eligible for investment by the managed account.
In view of the foregoing and of the provisions of Sections 204-2 and 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, the Adviser has determined to adopt this Code of Ethics to specify and prohibit certain types of transactions deemed to create conflicts of interest (or at least the potential for or the appearance of such a conflict) and to establish reporting requirements and enforcement procedures. When Access Persons covered by the terms of this Code of Ethics engage in personal securities transactions, they must adhere to the following general principles as well as to the Code's specific provisions:
(a) At all times, the interests of the Adviser and the Adviser's clients must be paramount;
(b) Personal transactions must be conducted consistent with this Code of Ethics in a manner that avoids any actual or potential conflict of interest; and
(c) No inappropriate advantage should be taken of any position of trust and responsibility.
(d) Compliance with all applicable federal securities laws must be maintained, to include the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(e) Access Persons are required to adhere to the standards of business conduct outlined in The Phoenix Companies Code of Conduct.
(f) Access Persons of the Advisor are required to adhere to the Phoenix Funds Code of Ethics.
2. UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
It is unlawful for any Affiliated person, in connection with the purchase or sale, directly or indirectly, by the person of a Security Held or to be Acquired by any client account:
(a) to employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud any client;
(b) to make any untrue statement of a material fact to any client or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made to any client, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;
(c) to engage in any act, practice or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit on any client; or to engage in any manipulative practice with respect to any client;
(d) to divulge or act upon any material, non-public information, as such term is defined under relevant securities laws.
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) "Access Person" means any Director, officer, general partner, Portfolio Manager or Advisory Person of the adviser. An Access person is any supervised person who has access to nonpublic information regarding purchase or sales in managed accounts, or portfolio holdings of a managed account. The Compliance Department shall maintain a list of the Adviser's Access Persons.
(b) "Adviser" means Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc.
(c) "Advisory Person" means
(i) any employee of the Adviser or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser, who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes, participates in, or obtains information regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Adviser for a Client, or whose functions relate to the making of any recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales; and
(ii) Any natural person in a control relationship to the Fund or investment adviser who obtains information concerning recommendations made to the Fund with regard to the purchase or sale of Covered Securities by the Fund.
(iii) Any Investment Personnel.
(d) "Beneficial ownership" shall be interpreted in the same manner
as it would be under Rule 16a-1(a)(2) in determining whether a
person is the beneficial owner of a security for purposes of
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act") and the rules and regulations thereunder.
Generally, beneficial ownership means having or sharing,
directly or indirectly through any contract, arrangement,
understanding, relationship, or otherwise, a direct or
indirect "pecuniary interest" in the security. For the
purposes hereof,
(i) "Pecuniary interest" means the opportunity, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from a transaction in the security.
(ii) "Indirect pecuniary interest" includes, but is not limited to: (a) securities held by members of the person's "immediate family" (this means any child, child-in-law, stepchild, grandchild, parent, parent-in-law, stepparent, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or sibling-in-law and includes adoptive relationships) sharing the same household (which ownership interest may be rebutted); (b) a general partner's proportionate interest in portfolio securities held by a general or limited partnership; (c) a person's right to dividends that is separated or separable from the underlying securities (otherwise, a right to dividends alone will not constitute a pecuniary interest in securities); (d) a person's interest in securities held by a trust; (e) a person's right to acquire securities through the exercise or conversion of any derivative security, whether or not presently exercisable; and (f) a performance-related fee, other than an asset based fee, received by any broker, dealer, bank, insurance company, investment company, investment manager, trustee, or person or entity performing a similar function, with certain exceptions (see Rule --- 16a-1(a)(2)).
(e) "Chief Compliance Officer" refers to the person appointed by the Advisor pursuant to the provisions of Section 206(4)-7.
(f) "Client" means each and every investment company, or series thereof, or other account managed by the Adviser, individually and collectively.
(g) "Compliance Officer" may refer to the Adviser's designated Compliance Officer or any person designated to perform the administrative functions of this Code.
(h) "Control" shall have the same meaning as that set forth in
Section 2(a)(9) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act").
(i) "Covered Security" means all securities, including options,
exchange traded funds and those issued by any reportable fund,
except securities that are direct obligations of the
Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank
+certificates of deposit, commercial paper and shares of
traditional, unaffiliated registered open-end investment
companies.
(j) "Initial Public Offering" means an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the issuer of which, immediately before the registration, was not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(k) "Investment Personnel" shall mean:
(i) any employee of the Adviser (or of any company in a control relationship to the Adviser) who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities; and
(ii) any natural person who controls the Adviser and who obtains information concerning recommendations made regarding the purchase or sale of securities by the Fund. Investment Personnel includes any Portfolio Manager or other investment person, such as an analyst or trader, who provides information and advice to a Portfolio Manager or assists in the execution of the investment decisions.
(l) "Limited Offering" or "Private Placement" means an offering that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Section 4(2) or Section 4(6) thereof, or pursuant to Rule 504, Rule 505, or Rule 506 thereunder.
(m) "Managed Account" shall mean those Clients' accounts, individually and collectively, for which the Portfolio Manager makes buy and sell decisions.
(n) "Portfolio Manager" means the person or portfolio management team entrusted to make or participate in the making of the buy and sell decisions for a Client.
(o) "Purchase or sale of a security" includes, among other things, the writing of an option to purchase or sell a security or the purchase or sale of a security that is exchangeable for or convertible into a security.
(p) "Security" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(36) of the 1940 Act.
(q) "Reportable Fund" includes those 1940 Act registered investment companies for which the Adviser or an affiliate acts as adviser or sub-adviser, or principal underwriter.
4. EXEMPTED TRANSACTIONS
The preclearance prohibitions of Section 5 of this Code, shall not apply to:
(a) Purchases or sales effected in any account over which the Advisory Person has no direct or indirect influence or control in the reasonable estimation of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. This exemption will also apply to personal brokerage accounts for which a third party (e.g. broker, financial advisor) makes all investment decisions on behalf of the Access Person. The discretionary arrangement must be documented to the Adviser's Compliance Department.
(b) Purchases or sales which are non-volitional on the part of either the Advisory Person or the managed account.
(c) Purchases of shares necessary to establish an automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to an automatic dividend reinvestment plan, and subsequent sales of such securities.
(d) Purchases effected upon the exercise of rights issued by an issuer pro rata to all holders of a class of its securities, to the extent such rights were acquired from such issuer, and sales of such rights so acquired.
(e) Purchase or sale of securities issued under an employee stock purchase or incentive program unless otherwise restricted.
5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
(a) IPO Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in an Initial Public Offering (including IPOs offered through the Internet), except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer. No NASD registered person may participate in an IPO pursuant to NASD Rule 2790.
(b) Limited Offering/Private Placement Rule: No Access Person may directly or indirectly acquire beneficial ownership in any securities in a Limited Offering or Private Placement except with the prior written approval of the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will make a record of any decision, and the reasons supporting the decision, to grant approval for transactions in IPOs and Limited Offerings, and will maintain these records for at least five years after the end of the fiscal year in which the approval is granted.
(c) Preclearance Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security unless such transaction has been precleared by the Adviser's Compliance Officer. All option transactions must be precleared. Preclearance is required prior to executing any trade through any personal brokerage account, unless specially exempted under Section 4 above.
Preclearance is valid through the business day next following the day preclearance is given.
(i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer will monitor investment activity by the Advisory Person involving the precleared transaction.
(ii) Compliance reserves up to one business day to respond to any request for preclearance.
NOTE: THE ADVISER'S COMPLIANCE OFFICER MAY DENY APPROVAL OF ANY TRANSACTION REQUIRING PRECLEARANCE UNDER THIS PRECLEARANCE RULE, EVEN IF THE TRANSACTION IS NOMINALLY PERMITTED UNDER THIS CODE OF ETHICS, IF HE OR SHE REASONABLY BELIEVES THAT DENYING PRECLEARANCE IS NECESSARY FOR THE PROTECTION OF A MANAGED ACCOUNT. ANY SUCH DENIAL MAY BE APPEALED TO THE ADVISER'S CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER. THE DECISION OF THE CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER SHALL BE FINAL.
(d) Open Order Rule: No Advisory Person may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in any Covered Security on a day during which a Managed Account has a pending "buy" or "sell" order for that security of the same type (i.e., buy or sell) as the proposed personal trade, until such order is executed or withdrawn.
Exceptions: The following securities transactions are exempt from the Open Order Rule:
1. Purchases or sales of up to 500 shares of an issuer ranked in the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500) at the time of purchase or sale The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall make available an updated list of such issuers quarterly.
2. Purchases or sales approved by the Adviser's Compliance Officer in his/her discretion.
(e) Blackout Rule: No Investment Personnel may directly or indirectly acquire or dispose of beneficial ownership in a Covered Security within seven calendar days before and after a Managed Account trades in that Covered Security.
Transactions permitted under the Blackout Rule must also satisfy the Open Order Rule and the Preclearance Rule, if and to the extent the transaction is not covered by exceptions to those rules.
ANY PROFITS REALIZED BY A PORTFOLIO MANAGER ON A PERSONAL TRADE IN VIOLATION OF SECTIONS 5(D) AND (E) MUST BE DISGORGED AT THE REQUEST OF THE FUND.
(f) Ban on Short-term Trading. Advisory Persons must hold all reportable securities, including options, for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from date of acquisition. Options must be written for a minimum 60 day term.
(g) Gifts. No Access Person shall accept any gift or other item (for the purpose of this Code "gifts" include but are not limited to cash, merchandise, gifts, prizes, travel expenses, meals and certain types of entertainment) of more than $100 in value from any person or entity that does business with or on behalf of the Advisor or the Fund. All gifts and entertainment received or given must be reported to the Advisor's Compliance Department.
(h) Service as Director. No Advisory Person shall serve on the board of directors of a publicly traded company without prior authorization by the President or the Compliance Officer of the Adviser. If board service is authorized, such Advisory Person shall have no role in making investment decisions with respect to the publicly traded company.
(i) Market Timing Prohibited. No Portfolio Manager shall engage in excessive trading or market timing activities with respect to any mutual fund whether or not such mutual fund is a Managed Account, or is managed by such Adviser/Subadvisor or any affiliated adviser or subadviser. For the purposes of the foregoing, "market timing" shall be defined as a purchase and redemption, regardless of size, in and out of the same mutual fund within any sixty (60) day period. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Portfolio Managers investing in mutual funds through automatic reinvestment programs, and any other non-volitional investment vehicles. Portfolio Managers shall provide quarterly certifications as to their compliance with this restriction.
6. REPORTING AND COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
(a) The Advisor shall provide a copy of the Code of Ethics, and any amendments thereto, to all Access Persons.
(b) All Access Persons shall direct their brokers to supply, at the same time that they are sent to the Access Person, a copy of the confirmation for each personal securities trade and a copy of each periodic account statement to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(c) Every Access Person shall report to the Adviser's Compliance
Officer the information described in Section 6(c) of this Code
with respect to transactions in any Covered Security in which
such Access Person has, or by reason of such transaction
acquires, any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the
Covered Security, provided that an Access Person whose
duplicate broker trade confirmations or account statements are
received by the Adviser's Compliance Officer, pursuant to
Section 6(a) with respect to the time period required by
Section 6(c), may reference that duplicate information in their quarterly report if all of the information -- required in Section 6(c) is contained in those confirmations and statements.
(d) Every report required pursuant to Section 6(b) above shall be made not later than 15 days after the end of the calendar quarter in which the transaction to which the report relates was effected, and shall contain the following information:
(i) with respect to any transaction during the quarter in a Covered Security in which the Access Person had or acquired any direct or indirect beneficial ownership:
(A) The date of the transaction, the title and number of shares; the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities, of each Covered Security involved; as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number;
(B) The nature of the transaction (i.e., purchase, sale, or any other type of acquisition or disposition);
(C) The price of the Covered Security at which the transaction was effected; and
(D) The name of the broker, dealer or bank with or through whom the transaction was effected.
(ii) with respect to any account established during the quarter in which Securities were held during the quarter for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person:
(A) The name of the broker, dealer, or bank with whom the Access Person established the account; and
(B) The date the account was established.
(iii) Access Persons are required to report transactions in any affiliated mutual fund for which they have any direct or indirect beneficial ownership; except as specifically exempted by Section 4 above.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(e) No later than 10 days after becoming an Access Person, and annually thereafter on or before January 31 of each year, each Access Person (other than Disinterested Trustees) must submit to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a report of his or her personal securities holdings (the "Initial Holdings Report" and the "Annual Holdings Report", respectively), which must include the following information
(the Applicable Date for the Initial Holdings Report is the date the person became an Access Person; the Applicable Date for the Annual Holdings Report must be a date no earlier than December 31 of the prior year):
(i) The title, type and number of shares; and/or the maturity date, principal amount and interest rate of debt securities; and as applicable, the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of each Covered Security in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(ii) The title, number of shares, and, as applicable the exchange ticker symbol or CUSIP number of any Reportable Fund holding in which the Access Person had any direct or indirect beneficial ownership as of the Applicable Date.
(iii) The name of any broker, dealer or bank with whom the Access Person maintained an account in which securities were held for the direct or indirect benefit of the Access Person as of the Applicable Date.
(iv) The date the report is submitted by the Access Person.
(f) Each Access Person shall submit annually to the Adviser's Compliance Officer a certification by the Access Person that he or she has received, read and understood the Code of Ethics, has complied with the Code's requirements, and has disclosed or reported all personal securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported pursuant to the Code's requirements. The certification will be submitted to the Compliance Officer by January 31 of each year.
(g) Any report made under this Section 6 may contain a statement that the report shall not be construed as an admission by the person making such report that he or she has any direct or indirect beneficial ownership in the security to which the report relates.
(h) (i) The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall submit an annual report to the Directors of the Adviser that summarizes the current Code of Ethics procedures, identifies any violations requiring significant remedial action, and recommends appropriate changes to the Code, if any.
(ii) The Adviser's Compliance Officer shall submit to the managed fund's Compliance Officer an annual written report that
(A) Summarizes the current procedures under the Code of Ethics;
(B) Describes any issues arising from the Code of Ethics or procedures since the last report, including, but not limited to, information about
material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
(C) Certifies that the Adviser, has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.
(iii) These reports will be available to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Funds.
(i) Any Access Person shall immediately report any potential violation of this Code of which he or she becomes aware to the Adviser's Compliance Officer.
(j) An Access Person need not make reports under this Section 6 with respect to transactions effected for any account over which such person does not have any direct or indirect influence or control.
(k) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will review all reports and other information submitted under this Section 6. This review will include such comparisons with trading records of managed accounts as are necessary or appropriate to determine whether there have been any violations of the Code.
(l) Each Adviser's Compliance Officer will maintain a list of all Access Persons who are required to make reports under the Code, and shall inform those Access Persons of their reporting obligations. Each Adviser's Compliance Officer shall promptly notify any Access Person when any report has not been filed on a timely basis.
7. SANCTIONS
Upon discovering a violation of this Code, the Directors of the Adviser may impose such sanctions as it deems appropriate, including inter alia, a letter of censure or suspension or termination of employment, or suspension of personal trading privileges for such period as it may deem appropriate. Provided further, the Adviser's Compliance Officer shall review and present sanctions levied for non-compliance at each regularly scheduled Fund Board meeting. Recommended sanctions are attached as Schedule A.
8. EXCEPTIONS
The Adviser's Compliance Officer, may grant written exceptions to provisions of the Code based on equitable considerations. The exceptions may be granted to individuals or classes of individuals with respect to particular transactions, classes of transactions or all transactions, and may apply to past as well as future transactions, provided, however, that no exception will be granted where the exceptions would result in a violation of Section 204-2. Exceptions granted will be reported to the Directors of the Advisor, as well as the Boards of any managed fund.
9. RECORDKEEPING
All Code of Ethics records will be maintained pursuant to the provisions of Rules 204A-1 and 17j-1.
10. OTHER CODES OF ETHICS
This Code of Ethics does not amend or supercede any other Code(s) of Ethics that may affect the duties and obligations of any person affected hereby.
Approved March 1, 2007
By my signature below, I certify that I have received, read, and understood the foregoing policies of the Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. Code of Ethics, and will comply in all respects with such policies.
Name Date
Please print or type name: ___________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INITIAL HOLDINGS REPORT Q REPORT Q REPORT AFFILIATED MF TRANSACTIONS -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ All Access Persons All Access Persons Investment Personnel -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ o 1st violation - written warning o 1st violation - written warning o 1st violation - written warning o 2nd violation within the same o 2nd violation within the same o 2nd violation within the same year - $50.00 fine payable to the year - $50.00 fine payable to the year - $50.00 fine payable to the Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation Phoenix Foundation o 3rd violation within the same 3rd violation within the same o 3rd violation within the same year - suspension of trading year - suspension of trading year - suspension of trading privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days privileges for 30 days -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- ANNUAL REPORT PRE-CLEAR -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- All Access Persons Advisory Persons -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- o 1st violation - written warning o 1st violation - written warning o 2nd violation within the same year - $100 fine payable to the Phoenix Foundation and suspension of trading privileges for 30 days o 3rd violation within the same year - suspension of trading privileges for 90 days ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ PRE-CLEAR IPOS & LIMITED OFFERINGS* BLACKOUT 60-DAY HOLDING REQUIREMENT -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ Advisory Personnel Investment Personnel Advisory Personnel -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ o 1st violation - Reported to Chief o 1st violation - disgorgement of o 1st violation - written warning Legal Officer and President of profits on the personal trade o 2nd violation - violation Goodwin Capital Advisers for o 2nd violation - Reported to within the same year - $50.00 fine determination of appropriate Chief Legal Officer and President payable to the Phoenix Foundation sanctions. of Goodwin Capital Advisers for o 3rd violation within the same o 2nd violation - possible grounds determination of appropriate year - suspension of trading for termination sanctions. privileges for 60 days o 3rd violation - possible grounds for termination -------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- MARKET TIMING PROHIBITION AND Q CERTIFICATE OPEN ORDER RULE ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- Investment Personnel Investment Personnel ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- o 1st violation - possible o 1st violation - Reported to Chief Legal - grounds for termination at Officer and President of Goodwin Capital determination of Chief Legal Advisers for determination of appropriate Officer and President of Goodwin sanctions. Capital Advisers o 2nd violation - possible grounds for termination ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------- |
*s/t NASD Prohibition Rule 2790
EXHIBIT p.8
CODE OF ETHICS/ STAFF DEALING
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
COMPLIANCE MANUAL TAB 7
CODE OF ETHICS/ STAFF DEALING
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------1
II. DEFINITIONS-------------------------------------------------------1
III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES------------------------------------------------2
IV. RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES---------------------3
V. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES---------------------------------------------7
VI. REPORTING---------------------------------------------------------8
VII. EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS AND EXEMPT SECURITITES------------------------9
VIII. ADMINISTRATION OF CODE OF ETHICS---------------------------------10
IX. OTHER LAWS, RULES AND STATEMENTS OF POLICY-----------------------11
X. RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING IN HSBC GROUP SECURITIES-----------------11
EXHIBITS -----------------------------------------------------------------12
I. INTRODUCTION
Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Act") requires registered investment advisers to adopt and enforce codes of ethics setting forth standards of conduct and that require compliance with Federal Securities Laws. This HSBC Investments (USA) Inc. and Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc. ("HSBCUSA") code of ethics (the "Code") is based on the principle that its officers, directors, and employees have a fiduciary duty to place the interests of clients first and to conduct all personal securities transactions in accordance with the requirements of the Code, in compliance with Federal Securities Laws, and in a manner that avoids actual or potential conflicts of interest and does not otherwise take inappropriate advantage of a client relationship or abuse a position of trust and responsibility in respect of a client. Persons covered by this Code must adhere to this general principle as well as comply with the specific provisions of this code.
II. DEFINITIONS
a. ACCESS PERSON Any officer, director or Investment Personnel of HSBCUSA; or any person who obtains information concerning recommendations made to Advisory Clients regarding the purchase or sale of securities by Advisory Clients.
b. ADVISORY CLIENT Any client (including mutual funds, closed-end funds, and managed accounts) for which HSBCUSA serves as an investment adviser, sub-adviser, renders investment advice, or makes investment decisions.
c. BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP Shall be interpreted subject to the provisions of Rule 16a-1(a) (exclusive of Section (a)(1) of such Rule) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
d. CODE Includes the Code of Ethics/Staff Dealing Polices and Procedures and the Policies and Procedures Regarding Material Non-public Information and Chinese Walls as set out at Tab 8 of the HSBCUSA compliance Manual.
e. COVERED PERSON Access Persons and employees of HSBCUSA.
f. FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS Includes the Securities Act of 1933, as amended; the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended; Title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999, any rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under any of these statutes; the Bank Secrecy Act as it applies to funds and investment advisers and any rules adopted thereunder by the Commission or the Department of Treasury.
g. FUND Any Advisory Client that is registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
h. HSBC GROUP SECURITIES Any Securities (and related investments on Securities) issued by any member of the HSBC Group, together with ADRs, Warrants, Options and other derivatives thereon.
i. IMMEDIATE FAMILY Includes an employee's spouse, minor children and/or other family members sharing the same household with the employee.
j. INVESTMENT PERSONNEL Any HSBCUSA employee who, in connection with his or her regular functions or duties, makes or participates in making recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities by Advisory Clients.
k. OUTSIDE DIRECTOR Any HSBCUSA director who is not employed by HSBCUSA.
l. SECURITY Any note, stock, treasury stock, share of open- or closed-end investment company, bond, debenture, evidence of indebtedness, certificate of interest or participation in any profit-sharing agreement, collateral-trust certificate, pre-organization certificate or subscription, transferable share, investment contract, voting-trust certificate, certificate of deposit for a security, fractional undivided interest in oil, gas, or other mineral rights, any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege on any security (including a certificate of deposit) or on any group or index of securities (including any interest therein or based on the value thereof), or any put, call, straddle, option, or privilege entered into on a national securities exchange relating to foreign currency, or, in general, any interest or instrument commonly known as a security, or any certificate of interest or participation in, temporary or interim certificate for, receipt for, guarantee of, or warrant or right to subscribe to or purchase, any security. For purposes of this Code, the term Security does not include Securities issued by the Government of the United States, bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper and high quality short-term debt instruments, including repurchase agreements, commodities, futures and options traded on a commodities exchange, including currency futures. However, futures and options on any group or index of Securities are Securities.
III. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Persons covered by the Code must adhere to these general principles as well as comply with the Code's specific provisions
a. Covered Persons must not deal, or procure, advise or cause any other person to deal, in any investment in relation to which he/she has acquired unpublished price sensitive information, or in any investments related thereto.
b. Covered Persons must not deal, or procure, advise or cause any other person to deal, on the basis of confidential information that is in his or her possession as a result of his or her employment with HSBCUSA.
c. Covered Persons must not deal in circumstances that present a conflict of interest with HSBCUSA's clients.
d. Covered Persons must not deal if such dealing could potentially commit the employee to a financial liability which could not easily be met from readily available funds or which over-extends the employee's financial resources.
e. Covered Persons must not deal if such dealing could adversely affect the employee's good standing, reputation or best interests of HSBCUSA.
f. Covered Persons must not deal in circumstances that affect his or her duties to HSBCUSA.
g. Covered Persons must observe the spirit of these principles and any applicable regulatory requirements or legislation.
h. Covered Persons who have knowledge of a violation of the Code must immediately report the matter, anonymously or directly to a Compliance Officer or member of the local management committee and ultimately to the Chief Compliance Officer. HSBCUSA will investigate all such reports confidentially as possible. Adverse action will not be taken against an employee because he or she, in good faith, reports or participates in the investigation of a violation of this policy. Failure to report a violation of the Code pursuant to this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.
IV. RESTRICTIONS ON PERSONAL INVESTING ACTIVITIES
a. INSIDER TRADING
HSBCUSA forbids any Covered Person from trading, either personally or on behalf of others (including client accounts managed by HSBCUSA), on material non-public information or communicating material non-public information to others in violation of the law. This conduct is frequently referred to as "insider trading". This policy applies to every person subject to the Code and extends to activities within and outside their duties at HSBCUSA. The HSBCUSA Policies and Procedures Regarding Material Non-Public Information and Chinese Walls are located at Tab 8 of the Compliance Manual and are incorporated by reference.
b. ARRANGEMENTS WITH BROKERS
Covered Persons may not engage, and may not permit any other person or entity to engage, in any purchase or sale of publicly-traded Securities of which you have, or by reason of the transaction will acquire, Beneficial Ownership, except through a registered broker-dealer.
Covered Persons, except Outside Directors, must notify the Compliance Department and get its approval prior to opening any personal brokerage account. The form letter at Exhibit A can be used to request Compliance approval and notify the broker of the requirement to provide duplicate trade confirmations and account statements. HSBCUSA should be named as an interested party on all personal brokerage accounts such that the broker-dealer provides duplicate periodic statements and trade confirmations directly to HSBCUSA.
c. BLACK OUT PERIOD
Covered Persons, except Outside Directors are subject to the following black out period.
1. If a purchase or sale order is pending or under active consideration for any Advisory Client, neither the same Security nor any related Security may be bought or sold subject to the following conditions:
(A). Investment Personnel are restricted from purchasing or selling a Security (or related Security) for a period of seven calendar days before and after an Advisory Client purchases or sells the same Security.
(B). All other Covered Persons are restricted from purchasing or selling a Security (or related Security) for a period of one calendar day before and after the Advisory Client purchases or sells the same security.
2. The blackout period is subject to the following exceptions:
(A). The blackout period shall not apply to any purchase or sale of a Security for any Advisory Client if such transaction was initiated by a cash advice and not an investment decision or recommendation.
(B). The blackout period shall not apply to transactions in equity Securities
(i) having a market capitalization in excess of $5 billion; or
(ii) having a market capitalization in excess of $1 billion if the transaction in question and the aggregate amount of such Securities and any related Securities purchased and sold during the preceding 60 days does not exceed the greater of $10,000 or 100 shares.
(C). The blackout period shall not apply to any purchase or sale of shares of open-end investment companies advised by HSBCUSA or its affiliates.
(D). The blackout period shall not apply to any purchase or sale of Exchange Traded Funds based on a market index.
(E). In certain circumstances, with prior approval from a Compliance Officer, exceptions may be granted to the blackout period.
Personal Securities transactions that are exempt from the blackout period remain subject to the other provisions of this Code, including pre-clearance and the 30 Day holding Period. A Security shall not be deemed to be under active consideration merely by virtue of being included on an "approved list."
d. 30 DAY HOLDING PERIOD
Investments must be held for a minimum period of 30 calendar days after purchase (from trade date). The 30-day holding period does not apply to derivatives related to indices (i.e. not related to specific stock). Under pressing and unforeseen circumstances, requests may be made to a Compliance Officer to waive the minimum holding period for a particular transaction. Such waivers shall be granted infrequently.
e. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERINGS
Covered Persons may not acquire Securities in an initial public offering, excluding shares of open-end investment companies, unless pre-approved by a Compliance Officer. Written approval must be documented prior to the purchase of any Securities in an initial public offering by such Covered Person.
f. SHORT SELLING
Short selling (selling Securities which you do not own), including writing an uncovered option on a Security, is prohibited.
g. PRIVATE PLACEMENTS
Covered Persons may not purchases or sell Securities that are not publicly traded unless they provide full details of the proposed transaction (including written certification that the investment opportunity did not arise by virtue of such person's activities on behalf of any Advisory Client) and the transaction is pre-approved by Compliance. Written approval must be documented prior to the purchase or sale of any private placement by such Covered Person.
h. UNREASONABLE TRADING
Covered Persons must not undertake any transaction which
1. commits you to a financial liability which you are not able to meet from readily available funds or otherwise which are not commensurate with, or over-extend, your financial resources;
2. may affect your good standing and reputation of that of HSBCUSA or the HSBC Group; or
3. reduces your contribution to the work of your department and/or affects your duties to HSBCUSA or its Advisory Clients.
A Compliance Officer reserves the right, in any event, to require an employee to close out or reverse a transaction.
i. RECEIVING CREDIT OR SPECIAL FACILITIES
Covered Persons must not request or accept from a broker, any credit or special trading facilities in connection with a transaction.
j. TRANSACTIONS LIKELY TO CAUSE CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH DUTIES TO CLIENTS
Covered Persons must not trade in a Security at a time or in a manner which you know, or should know, is likely to have an adverse effect on the particular interests of any Advisory Client of HSBCUSA.
k. PROCURING OTHER PERSONS TO TRADE
If you are precluded from trading under the procedures set out in the Code, you must not procure any other person to enter into such a transaction or communicate any information or opinion to another person if you know or have reason to believe that the other person will, as a result, enter into such a transaction or counsel or procure someone else to do so.
l. TRANSACTIONS WITH CLIENTS
Subject to the other provisions of the Compliance Manual and to the extent permitted under Federal Securities Laws, a Covered Person may not trade in Securities directly with any HSBCUSA or HSBC Group client unless the client is a broker.
m. TRANSACTIONS IN SECURITIES HAVING AN HSBC GROUP INVOLVEMENT
There may be instances where you will not be permitted to trade in certain Securities as a result of the involvement of an affiliated HSBC Group company in a particular transaction. Accordingly, HSBCUSA and the HSBC Group reserve the right to prohibit without explanation trading by Covered Persons in order to prevent possible conflicts of interests and to comply with applicable law.
n. GIFTS
HSBCUSA employees may not solicit or accept from a broker/dealer or other vendor that transacts business with HSBCUSA or its client accounts, any gifts of more than de minimis value. Gifts of cash or equivalents in any amount may not be accepted.
Every time gifts and/or hospitality are received, details must be recorded in the gift register maintained by the Compliance Department. An estimate of value must be recorded by the recipient for all gifts and hospitality received/accepted. For this purpose, unsolicited meals, such as business lunches where the giver is in attendance, need not be recorded provided they are not so frequent or extensive as to raise any question of impropriety.
Prior approval from the relevant departmental Head must be sought for any gifts accepted above US$50 per person nominal value. Should the gift/hospitality offered be in excess of US$100 per person the approval of the Compliance Department must also be received prior to acceptance. Compliance will then determine whether the gift hospitality may be accepted or should be returned/refused, or perhaps offered to charity.
Prior Compliance Department approval must also be obtained where travel expenses or conference/seminar fees are paid for by a third party.
o. SERVICE AS A DIRECTOR OR OFFICER OF AN OUTSIDE COMPANY
No Covered Person shall commence service on the Board of Directors of a publicly traded company or any company in which any Advisory Client has an interest without prior authorization from the Human Resources Department and the Compliance Department.
V. COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
a. PRE-CLEARANCE OF PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
Covered Persons, excluding Outside Directors may purchase or sell a Security only if:
1. the Covered Person obtains prior approval in writing from the Compliance Department;
2. in the absence of the Compliance Department, the Chief Operating Officer, or a member of the Local Management Committee ("LMC") may approve trades; except no LMC member may approve trades for him/herself. The CEO HSBCUSA must approve trades placed by a member of the LMC. If the CEO HSBCUSA is not available, the COO HSBCUSA may approve trades for other LMC members. The Global CEO Investments or his/her designee must approve trades placed by the CEO HSBCUSA.
3. the purchase or sale is executed by the close of business on the day pre-clearance is given; and
4. the Compliance Department does not rescind such approval prior to execution of the transaction.
Approvals are valid until the close of business on the day approval has been granted. Accordingly, GTC (good till canceled) orders are prohibited. If a trade is not executed or is partially executed by the close of business, resubmitting a new pre-clearance form is required.
A Trade Approval Form is attached as Exhibit B.
Any authorised signatory (including the Compliance Officer) may, despite the procedure for pre-clearance outlined above, refuse to authorize any transaction or require that the number of transactions being undertaken by you be reduced if, in his/her opinion, such transactions are affecting your contribution to the work of your Department or placing undue burden on dealing staff or for any other reason.
In the event that the employee is not in the office on the day a trade is to be undertaken, he/she must telephone the Compliance Officer (or in his/her absence his Department Head line manger) for permission to be arranged and documented. The Compliance Officer (or in his/her absence a designated alternative) must complete the Pre-Clearance Form while the staff member is giving the details over the phone.
The provisions of this section do not apply to Securities transactions of Outside Directors unless at the time the Outside Director entered into the transaction he knew, or, in the ordinary course of fulfilling his official duties as an Outside Director, should have known that during the seven day period preceding or following his transaction an Advisory Client engaged in, is engaging in, or is going to engage in, a transaction in the same Security.
Pre-Clearance is not required for trades in shares of open-end investment companies including those advised by HSBCUSA or its affiliates.
VI. REPORTING
Every Covered Person shall provide initial and annual reports as described below with respect to Securities in which such Covered Person has any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership. Every Covered Person shall provide quarterly reports with respect to transactions in any Security in which such Covered Person has, or by reason of such transaction acquires, any direct or indirect Beneficial Ownership in the Security. For purposes of reporting, the Code treats all securities as reportable Securities including mutual funds advised by HSBCUSA with the exceptions noted below.
a. INITIAL AND ANNUAL HOLDINGS REPORTS (Exhibit C)
Covered Persons must report to the Compliance Department their personal Securities holdings at the time they become a Covered Person and at least annually thereafter. The initial and annual holdings reports must be current as of a date not more than 45 days prior to either the individual's becoming a Covered Person or to the date the report is submitted.
b. QUARTERLY TRANSACTION REPORTS (Exhibit D)
The quarterly transaction report must be completed and submitted to the Compliance Department no later than 30 calendar days after the close of a calendar quarter.
VII. EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS AND EXEMPT SECURITITES
a. EXEMPT TRANSACTIONS
The provisions of this Code do not apply to the following transactions.
1. Any transactions in securities or in securities held in accounts over which you have no direct or indirect influence or control.
2. Transactions effected pursuant to an automatic investment plan, including purchases of shares of open-end investment companies advised by HSBCUSA through automatic payroll deduction.
3. Purchases of Securities by exercise of rights issued to the holders of a class of Securities pro rata, to the extent they are issued with respect to Securities of which you have Beneficial Ownership.
4. Acquisitions or dispositions of Securities as the result of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, merger, consolidation, spin-off or other similar corporate distribution or reorganization applicable to all holders of a class of Securities of which you have Beneficial Ownership.
5. Such other specific transactions as may be exempted from time to time by a Compliance Officer. On a case-by-case basis when no abuse is involved a Compliance Officer may exempt a specific transaction from any of the provisions of this Code except the provisions set forth above under Section VI Reporting.
b. EXEMPT SECURITIES
The following types of securities are exempt from the provisions of the Code.
1. Securities that are direct obligations of the United States Government;
2. Money market instruments which include bankers' acceptances, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper, repurchase agreements and other high quality short-term debt instruments;
3. Shares of money market funds, including those advised by HSBCUSA or its affiliates;
4. Open-end investment companies, excluding any open-end investment company other than money market funds advised by HSBCUSA; and
5. Units of a unit investment trust if the unit investment trust is invested exclusively in unaffiliated mutual funds.
VIII. ADMINISTRATION OF CODE OF ETHICS
a. REVIEWS
At least quarterly, the Chief Compliance Officer or his delegate will review the securities holdings and transactions of all Access Persons for any apparent conflicts of interest or violations of the Code.
b. INVESTMENT COMPANY REPORTING
No less frequently than annually, the Compliance Department will furnish to the Board of Directors/Trustees of each Fund a written report that
1. With respect to the Fund, describes any issues arising under the Code since the last report to the Board of Directors/Trustees, including, but not limited to, information about material violations of the Code or procedures and sanctions imposed in response to the material violations; and
2. Certifies that HSBCUSA has adopted procedures reasonably necessary to prevent Access Persons from violating the Code.
c. SANCTIONS
If it is determined that a material violation of this Code has occurred, the Compliance Officer shall advise the CEO and the CEO may impose sanctions as deemed appropriate including a letter of censure, personal trading suspension, disgorgement of profits, or termination of employment.
IX. OTHER LAWS, RULES AND STATEMENTS OF POLICY
Nothing contained in this Code shall be interpreted as relieving any Covered Person from acting in accordance with the provision of any applicable law, rule or regulation or any other statement of policy or procedure adopted by HSBCUSA, any Advisory Client that is a registered investment company and their affiliates, where such law, rule, regulation policy or procedure governs the conduct of such Covered Person.
X. RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING IN HSBC GROUP SECURITIES
All HSBC employees are subject to the Code for Dealing in Group Securities, which is incorporated by reference and attached as Exhibit E. Employees of HSBC Holdings plc or any of its subsidiary undertakings may not deal:
1. In Group Securities if in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information; and
2. In any derivative instrument (with the exception of employee option plans operated by the Group) over any Group Securities at any time.
Applications to deal and notification of dealing in Group Securities where required should be made using the HSBC Group Securities Dealing Forms in the e-Forms system in Lotus Notes.
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT REQUEST FORM LETTER-----------------------------------A-1 EXHIBIT B EMPLOYEE TRADE PRECLEARANCE FORM----------------------------------------B-1 EXHIBIT C INITIAL AND ANNUAL BROKERAGE ACCOUNT DISCLOSURE AND HOLDINGS REPORT-----C-1 EXHIBIT D QUARTERLY PERSONAL SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS CERTIFICATION----------------D-1 EXHIBIT E CODE FOR DEALING IN GROUP SECURITIES------------------------------------E-2 EXHIBIT F COMPLIANCE OFFICERS-----------------------------------------------------F-1 |
EXHIBIT A
BROKERAGE ACCOUNT REQUEST FORM LETTER
RE: Account Number(s):
Dear:
I am obligated by my employer, HSBC Investments (USA) Inc. or Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc., to instruct you to send copies of all trade confirmations for each trade executed by you for my account(s) as well as account statements to the attention of the Compliance Department at the following address:
Attn: Compliance Department
HSBC Investments (USA) Inc. or Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc.
452 5th Avenue - 18th Floor
New York, NY 10018
In addition, please provide the Compliance Department with account numbers for any new accounts opened on my behalf prior to activating the account for trading.
Your cooperation is very much appreciated. Should you have any questions please contact the Compliance Officer, Sal Iocolano at (212) 525-2309.
Sincerely,
EXHIBIT B
EMPLOYEE TRADE PRE-CLEARANCE FORM
PLEASE USE A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH SECURITY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name of Employee (please print) Tel. No: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Name on Account (if different) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Broker Account Number ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- | | Buy | | Sell Ticker Symbol ------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quantity Issue Name (Full Security Description) ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Special Instructions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Approvals ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This area reserved for Compliance Department use only ------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- Trade Has Been: Signature: Date: | | Approved | | Not Approved ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ APPROVALS ARE VALID UNTIL THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON THE DAY APPROVAL HAS BEEN GRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, GTC (GOOD TILL CANCELED) ORDERS ARE PROHIBITED. IF A TRADE IS NOT EXECUTED BY THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS RESUBMITTING A NEW PRE-CLEARANCE FORM IS REQUIRED. IT IS EACH EMPLOYEE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO COMPLY WITH ALL PROVISIONS OF THE CODE. OBTAINING PRE-CLEARANCE SATISFIES THE PRE-CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE AND DOES NOT IMPLY COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE'S OTHER PROVISIONS. PRE-CLEARANCE PROCEDURES APPLY TO ALL EMPLOYEES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY (AS DEFINED BY THE CODE) INCLUDING: A) ALL ACCOUNTS IN THE NAME OF THE EMPLOYEE OR THE EMPLOYEE'S SPOUSE OR MINOR CHILDREN; B) ALL ACCOUNTS IN WHICH ANY OF SUCH PERSONS HAVE A BENEFICIAL INTEREST; AND C) ALL OTHER ACCOUNTS OVER WHICH ANY SUCH PERSON EXERCISES ANY INVESTMENT DISCRETION. PLEASE SEE THE CODE FOR THE COMPLETE DEFINITION OF IMMEDIATE FAMILY. BY SIGNING BELOW THE EMPLOYEE CERTIFIES THE FOLLOWING: THE EMPLOYEE AGREES THAT THE ABOVE ORDER IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF ETHICS AND IS NOT BASED ON KNOWLEDGE OF AN ACTUAL CLIENT ORDER WITHIN THE PREVIOUS SEVEN CALENDAR DAYS IN THE SECURITY THAT IS BEING PURCHASED OR SOLD, OR KNOWLEDGE THAT THE SECURITY IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR PURCHASE OR SALE IN ONE OR MORE SPECIFIC CLIENT ACCOUNTS, OR KNOWLEDGE OF A CHANGE OR PENDING CHANGE OF AN INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATION. IF THE TRANSACTION IS A SALE, THE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE SECURITY WAS HELD FOR AT LEAST 30 CALENDAR DAYS. THE EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE REQUESTED TRANSACTION IS NOT A SHORT SALE, INCLUDING WRITING AN UNCOVERED OPTION ON A SECURITY. THE EMPLOYEE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE IS NOT IN POSSESSION OF MATERIAL, INSIDE INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE SECURITY OR ISSUER OF THE SECURITY. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Employee Signature: Date: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
EXHIBIT C
HSBC INVESTMENTS (USA) INC., AND
HALBIS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (USA) INC.
INITIAL AND ANNUAL
BROKERAGE ACCOUNT DISCLOSURE AND HOLDINGS REPORT
INFORMATION MUST BE CURRENT AS OF A DATE NOT MORE THAN 45 DAYS PRIOR TO EITHER THE INDIVIDUAL'S BECOMING A COVERED PERSON OR TO THE DATE THE REPORT IS SUBMITTED.
I. BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS
Please list in the space below any brokerage accounts including those of your Immediate Family.
Check here if you have no brokerage accounts: | |
If this is an Annual Report, check here if all of your brokerage accounts have been reported to Compliance: | |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ACCOUNT HOLDER RELATIONSHIP NAME OF BROKER ACCOUNT NUMBER BROKER'S PHONE NUMBER TO EMPLOYEE ------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------ ------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ II. PERSONAL SECURITIES HOLDINGS Please list all Securities in which you have Beneficial Ownership and all Securities in non-client accounts for which you make investment decisions. This includes not only Securities held by brokers, but also Securities held at home, in safe deposit boxes, by an issuer or through any account in which you have a pecuniary interest. IF THIS IS AN INITIAL REPORT, ATTACH YOUR MOST RECENT ACCOUNT STATEMENT(S) LISTING SECURITIES IN THAT ACCOUNT; IF YOU OWN SECURITIES THAT ARE NOT HELD IN A BROKERAGE ACCOUNT, LIST THEM BELOW. Check here if you have no reportable Securities holdings: | | If this is an Annual Report, check here if all of your Securities holdings have been reported through duplicate account statements: | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name of Security Quantity Total Value Custodian --------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ---------------------------------------- 1. --------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ---------------------------------------- 2. --------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ---------------------------------------- 3. --------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ---------------------------------------- 4. --------- -------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------------- ---------------------------------------- 5. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
III. OTHER INFORMATION
Please complete the following questions.
1. List any corporation, public or private, for profit or not for profit, of which you are an officer or director or of which you hold 5% or more of its outstanding stock and briefly describe its business activities.
2. List any partnership of which you are either general or limited partner and briefly describe for each its business activities and your status as a general or limited partner.
List any joint ventures or any other businesses in which you are engaged other than your employment with HSBC Investments (USA) Inc. and Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc.
3.
4. List any trustee or executor relationships you have other than those pertaining to your Immediate Family.
5. List any broker-dealer firms in which you or a member of your Immediate Family have equity interest or are a subordinated debt holder of.
6. List the names of any Immediate Family members employed by or affiliated with a broker-dealer firm and describe the position they hold and the related firm name.
7. List the names of issuers of privately placed securities or limited partnership interests that you have purchased or sold in the last two years.
IV. DISCIPLINARY HISTORY
A. In the past ten years, have you: YES NO 1. Been convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere ("no contest") in adomestic, foreign, or military court to any felony? | | | | 2. Been charged with any felony? | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. In the past ten years, have you: 1. Been convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere ("no contest") in a domestic, foreign, or military court to a misdemeanor involving: investments or an investment-related business, or any fraud, false statements, or omissions, wrongful taking of property, bribery, perjury, forgery, counterfeiting, extortion, or a conspiracy to commit any of these offenses? | | | | 2. Been charged with a misdemeanor listed in Item B(1)? | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C. Has the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) ever: 1. found you to have made a false statement or omission? | | | | 2. found you to have been involved in a violation of SEC or CFTC regulations or statutes? | | | | 3. found you to have been a cause of an investment-related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked, or restricted? | | | | 4. entered an order against you in connection with investment-related activity? | | | | 5. imposed a civil money penalty on you or ordered you to cease and desist from any activity? | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D. Has any other federal regulatory agency, any state regulatory agency, or any foreign financial regulatory authority: 1. ever found you to have made a false statement or omission, or been dishonest, unfair, or unethical? | | | | 2. ever found you to have been involved in a violation of investment-related regulations or statutes? | | | | 3. ever found you to have been a cause of an investment-related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked, or restricted? | | | | 4. in the past ten years, entered an order against you in connection with an investment-related activity? | | | | 5. ever denied, suspended, or revoked your registration or license, or otherwise prevented you by order from associating with an investment-related business or restricted your activity? | | | | |
YES NO
E. Has any self-regulatory organization or commodities exchange ever: 1. found you to have made a false statement or omission? | | | | 2. found you to have been involved in a violation of its rules (other than a violation designated as a "minor rule violation" under a plan approved by the SEC)? | | | | 3. found you to have been the cause of an investment-related business having its authorization to do business denied, suspended, revoked, or restricted? | | | | 4. disciplined you by expelling or suspending you from membership, barring or suspending you from association with other members, or otherwise restricting your activities? | | | | |
F. Has an authorization to act as an attorney, accountant, or federal contractor granted to you ever been revoked or suspended? | | | |
G. Are you now the subject of any regulatory proceeding that could result in a "yes" answer to any part of Item C., D., or E.? | | | |
H. 1. Has any domestic or foreign court:
a. in the past ten years, enjoined you in connection with any investment-related activity? | | | |
b. ever found that you were involved in a violation of investment-related statutes or regulations? | | | |
c. ever dismissed, pursuant to a settlement agreement, an investment-related civil action brought against you by a state or foreign financial regulatory authority? | | | |
2. Are you now the subject of any civil proceeding that could result in a "yes" answer to any part of Item H(1)? | | | |
V. CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to HSBC Investments (USA) Inc. and Halbis Capital Management (USA) Inc.'s Code of Ethics and Insider Trading Policy and Procedures (together, the "Code"), I recognize that I must disclose or report all personal Securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported thereunder and comply in all other respects with the requirements of the Code. By signing below I certify that:
a. I have read and understand the Code;
b. the attached account statements and the accounts listed above constitute
all of my brokerage accounts and those of my Immediate Family;
c. I have reported all Securities of which I have Beneficial Ownership as
defined in the Code; and
d. all other information provided herein is accurate and complete;
I also agree to cooperate fully with any investigation or inquiry as to whether a possible violation of the Code has occurred. I understand that failure to comply in all aspects with the foregoing and these policies and procedures may lead to sanctions including dismissal.
---------------------------------------------- Signature -------------------- MM/DD/YY ---------------------------------------------- -------------------- Print Name Date |
EXHIBIT D
HSBC INVESTMENTS (USA) INC., AND
HALBIS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (USA) INC.
QUARTERLY PERSONAL SECURITIES
TRANSACTIONS CERTIFICATION
Please list any changes to information previously submitted. Changes would
include addition of new accounts, termination of accounts and/or changes to
status of account.
a. List brokerage accounts OPENED during the quarter. (Attach additional
sheets if necessary.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACCOUNT HOLDER ACCOUNT NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER RELATIONSHIP TO EMPLOYEE BROKER DEALER NAME ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- b. List brokerage accounts CLOSED during the quarter. (Attach additional sheets if necessary.) Check here if no accounts have been closed during the quarter: | | ------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACCOUNT HOLDER ACCOUNT NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER RELATIONSHIP TO EMPLOYEE BROKER DEALER NAME ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
List any Security transactions not reported during the quarter. (Attach additional sheets if necessary.)
Check here if all Security transactions have been reported during the quarter: | |
If you had no Securities transactions during the quarter write "None" in the space below.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATE SECURITY SHARES BUY/SELL BROKER PRICE ----------- -------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------------- ---------------- ----------- -------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------------- ---------------- ----------- -------------------------- ------------ -------------- ------------------- ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
I hereby certify that I have complied with the requirements of the Code of Ethics/Staff Dealing Procedures and the Policies and Procedures Regarding Material Non-public Information and Chinese Walls, for the quarter ended _________________. Pursuant to the Code, I have disclosed or reported all personal Securities transactions required to be disclosed or reported thereunder, and complied in all other respects with the requirements of the Code. I also agree to cooperate fully with any investigation or inquiry as to whether a possible violation of the Code has occurred.
Signature: ------------------------------------------ Print Name: Date: MM/DD/YY ----------------------------------------- --------- |
EXHIBIT E
DEFINITIONS
(1) In this Code the following definitions apply unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "close period" means any of the periods when a Restricted Employee is prohibited from dealing as specified in paragraph (4) of this Code;
(b) "dealing" includes any acquisition or disposal of, or agreement to acquire or dispose of, any Group Securities and the grant, acceptance, acquisition, disposal, exercise or discharge of an option (whether for the call, or put, or both) or other right or obligation, present or future, conditional or unconditional, to acquire or dispose of securities or any interest in Group Securities and "deal" shall be construed accordingly;
(c) "Group Securities" means any equity, debt or other securities of HSBC Holdings plc or any subsidiary undertaking or derivative instruments;
(d) "prohibited period" means any period to which paragraph (7) of this Code applies;
(e) "Restricted Employee" means the following who, because of their office or employment in HSBC Holdings plc or subsidiary undertaking, are likely to be in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information in relation to HSBC Holdings plc:
(i) Group General Managers;
(ii) Directors (including non-executive Directors) of any Designated Subsidiary;
(iii) members of Executive or Management Committees of HSBC Holdings plc or any Designated Subsidiary;
(iv) regular attendees at Board, Audit, Executive or Management Committee meetings of HSBC Holdings plc or any Designated Subsidiary;
(v) members of the Disclosure Committees (formed pursuant to the requirements of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act) of HSBC Holdings plc or any Designated Subsidiary
(vi) the chief financial officer of any Designated Subsidiary;
(vii) the company secretary of HSBC Holdings plc or of any Designated Subsidiary;
(viii) executives who report directly to the Group Chairman or the Group Chief Executive;
(ix) secretaries and personal assistants of any of the above;
(x) all members of Compliance, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Legal, Planning and Group Company Secretary's departments of HSBC Holdings plc; and
(xi) functional heads of the compliance, finance, corporate affairs, legal, planning and company secretarial departments of any Designated Subsidiary and any other person within such function who is so designated from time to time by the functional head. Functional heads must designate as Restricted Employees those employees within their own respective functions who, because of their office or employment are likely to be in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information in relation to HSBC Holdings plc. Functional Heads must give notice to such Restricted Employee that they have been so designated. It is the responsibility of each such functional head to keep under review the employees within their function who are designated as Restricted Employees;
"Designated Subsidiary" includes all Major Subsidiaries (the entities who's Chief Executives report to the Group Chairman or Group Chief Executive) and any other subsidiary so designated from time to time by the Group Company Secretary. The current Designated Subsidiaries are:
CCF S.A.;
Grupo Financiero Bital S.A. de C.V.;
Hang Seng Bank Limited;
Household International, Inc.;
HSBC Bank Argentina S.A.;
HSBC Bank Brasil S.A. - Banco Multiplo;
HSBC Bank Canada;
HSBC Bank Middle East;
HSBC Bank plc;
HSBC Bank USA; and
The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.
(f) "unpublished price-sensitive information" means information which:
(i) relates to particular securities or to a particular issuer or to particular issuers of securities and not to securities generally or issuers of securities generally (and, for these purposes, information shall be treated as relating to an issuer of securities which is a company not only where it is about the company but also where it may affect the company's business prospects);
(ii) is specific or precise;
(iii) has not been made public within the meaning of section 58 of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 (e.g. by announcement to the Stock Exchanges); and
(iv) if it were made public would be likely to have a significant effect in the price or value of any securities.
and, without prejudice to the generality of the above, it should be considered that any unpublished information regarding transactions required to be notified in accordance with Chapters 10 and 11 of the UK Listing Rules and Chapter 14 of the Hong Kong Listing Rules (being acquisitions and disposals and transactions with related or connected persons) and information of the kind referred to in the paragraphs of the UK Listing Rules set out below and the equivalent Hong Kong requirements, is price-sensitive:
9.1 and 9.2 general obligation of disclosure 9.10(a) alterations to capital structure 9.11 and 9.12 notification of major interests in shares 15.1, 15.9, 15.13 and 15.15 purchase of own securities 16.13 and 16.15 notification of Directors' interests |
Full details of these requirements can be found at www.fsa.gov.uk/ukla/2_listinginfo.html
DEALINGS BY ALL EMPLOYEES
(2) Employees of HSBC Holdings plc or any of its subsidiary undertakings may not deal:
(a) in Group Securities if in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information; and
(b) in any derivative instrument (with the exception of employee option plans operated by the Group) over any Group Securities at any time.
DEALINGS BY RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES
(3) A Restricted Employee must not deal in any Group Securities on considerations of a short term nature. A Restricted Employee must take reasonable steps to prevent any dealings by or on behalf of any person connected with him (within the meaning of section 346 of the Companies Act 1985 - see paragraph (11) of this Code) in any Group Securities on considerations of a short term nature.
(4) A Restricted Employee must not deal in any Group Securities during a "close period". A close period is the period from the close of business at the relevant financial year end (31 December) up to and including the time of announcement of the HSBC Holdings plc annual results and the period from the close of business at the relevant half-year end (30 June) up to and including the time of the announcement of the HSBC Holdings plc interim results.
(5) A Restricted Employee must not deal in any Group Securities at any time when he is in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information in relation to those securities, or otherwise where clearance to deal is not given under paragraph (7) of the Code.
(6) A Restricted Employee must not deal in any Group Securities without advising the Group Company Secretary in advance and receiving clearance. In his own case, the Group Company Secretary must receive clearance from the Group Chairman (or in his absence the Group Chief Executive or in his absence the Group Finance Director). Dealings by Restricted Employees should take place without delay (normally within 24 hours) after clearance has been received.
(7) A Restricted Employee must not be given clearance (as required by paragraph (6) of this Code) to deal in any Group Securities during a prohibited period. A "prohibited period" means:
(a) any close period;
(b) any period when there exists any matter which constitutes unpublished price-sensitive information in relation to the securities (whether or not the Restricted Employee has knowledge of such matter) and the proposed dealing would (if permitted) take place after the time when it has become reasonably probable that an announcement will be required in relation to that matter; or
(c) any period when the person responsible for the clearance otherwise has reason to believe that the proposed dealing is in breach of this Code.
(8) A written record will be maintained of the receipt of any advice received from a Restricted Employee pursuant to paragraph (6) of this Code and of any clearance given. Written confirmation that such advice and clearance (if any) have been recorded will be given to the Restricted Employee concerned. Restricted Employees
must send notifications of any dealings in Group Securities to the Group Company Secretary.
(9) In exceptional circumstances where it is the only reasonable course of action available to a Restricted Employee, clearance may be given for a Restricted Employee to sell (but not to purchase) Group Securities when he or she would otherwise be prohibited from so doing. An example of the type of circumstance which may be considered exceptional for these purposes would be a pressing financial commitment on the part of the Restricted Employee that cannot otherwise be satisfied. The determination of whether circumstances are exceptional for this purpose must be made by the person responsible for the clearance.
(10) Where a Restricted Employee is a sole trustee (other than a bare trustee), the provisions of this Code will apply, as if he or she was dealing on his or her own account. Where a Restricted Employee is a co-trustee (other than a bare trustee), he or she must advise his co-trustees that he or she is a Restricted Employee of HSBC Holdings. If he or she is not a beneficiary, a dealing in Group Securities undertaken by that trust will not be regarded as a dealing by the Restricted Employee for the purposes of this Code, where the decision to deal is taken by the other trustees acting independently of the Restricted Employee or by investment managers on behalf of the trustees. The other trustees or the investment managers will be assumed to have acted independently of the Restricted Employee for this purpose where they:
(a) have taken the decision to deal by a majority without consultation with, or other involvement of, the Restricted Employee concerned; or
(b) if they have delegated the decision making to a committee of which the Restricted Employee is not a member.
(11) A Restricted Employee must (so far as is consistent with his duties of confidentiality) seek to prohibit (by taking the steps set out in paragraph (12) of this Code) any dealing in Group Securities during a close period or at any time when the Restricted Employee is in possession of unpublished price-sensitive information in relation to those securities and would be prohibited from dealing under paragraph (7)(b) of this Code:
(a) by or on behalf of any person connected with him (within the meaning of section 346 of the Companies Act 1985 - see summary below); or
(b) by an investment manager on his behalf or on behalf of any person connected with him where either he or any person connected with him has funds under management with that investment manager, whether or not discretionary (save as provided in paragraphs (10) and (17) of this Code).
In addition, under the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Model Code, the restrictions on dealing in such periods apply equally to any dealings in respect of which the Restricted Employees is interested in the securities of associated companies, being companies where HSBC Holdings plc and its subsidiaries have an interest in 20 per cent or more of an issued class of shares.
Summary of section 346 of the Companies Act (which, for the purposes of this Code applies to Restricted Employees as if they were Directors)
A person connected with a Restricted Employee is:
(i) the Restricted Employee's spouse and children under the age of 18;
(ii) a company in which the Restricted Employee, together with
certain relevant persons, is interested in at least one-fifth of
the equity share capital or is entitled to exercise or control
the exercise of one-fifth of the voting power at any general
meeting. Broadly speaking, when calculating the Restricted
Employee's holding in the equity share capital or voting power
of a company, it is also necessary to take into the reckoning
the holdings in such company of: (a) any person falling within
(i), (iii) or (iv); and (b) any other body corporate which is
more than one-half owned or controlled by the Restricted
Employee or such other persons. The rules in this area are
extremely complex and, should you be in any doubt as to their
application, you should seek further advice;
(iii) a person acting in his capacity as trustee of any trust the beneficiaries of which include the Restricted Employee or any person referred to in (i) or (ii) above, or of a trust whose terms confer a power on the trustees that may be exercised for the benefit of the Restricted Employee or any such person (except a trustee under an employees' share scheme or a pension scheme); or
(iv) a person acting in his capacity as a partner of the Restricted Employee or of any person who, by virtue of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, is connected with that Restricted Employee.
(12) For the purposes of paragraph (11) of this Code, a Restricted Employee must advise all such connected persons and investment managers:
(a) of the name of HSBC Holdings plc, (and, where relevant, the names of any subsidiary undertakings in whose securities they could invest);
(b) of the close periods during which they cannot deal in Group Securities;
(c) of any other periods when the Restricted Employee knows he is not himself free to deal in Group Securities under the provisions of this Code unless his duty of confidentiality to HSBC Holdings plc prohibits him from disclosing such periods; and
(d) that they must advise the Restricted Employee immediately after they have dealt in Group Securities (save as provided in paragraphs (10) and (17) of this Code).
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
(13) The grant of options by the Board of Directors under an employees' share scheme to individuals who are not Directors or Restricted Employees may be permitted during a prohibited period if such grant could not reasonably be made at another time and failure to make the grant would be likely to indicate that HSBC Holdings plc was in a prohibited period. (13A) Subject to paragraph (13B) below, the award of securities, the grant of options and the grant of rights (or other interests) to acquire securities by HSBC Holdings plc to Directors and/or Restricted Employees of HSBC Holdings plc is permitted in a prohibited period if: (a) the award or grant is made under the terms of an employees' share scheme; (b) the terms of such employees' share scheme set out: (i) the timing of the award or grant and such terms have either: - previously been approved by shareholders or summarised or described in a document sent to shareholders, or - the timing of the award or grant is in accordance with the timing of previous awards or grants under the scheme; and (ii) the amount or value of the award or grant or the basis on which the amount or value of the award or grant is calculated; and (c) the failure to make the award or grant would be likely to indicate that HSBC Holdings plc is in a prohibited period. (13B) The following dealings are not covered by paragraph (13A) and are consequently subject to the provisions of this Code, unless they fall within paragraph (20)(h): (a) a discretionary award or grant under an employees' share scheme, which would not otherwise have been made but for the event that led to the commencement of the prohibited period; and (b) an award or grant under an employees' share scheme which is made in a prohibited period during which the relevant scheme was introduced, or in the case of an existing scheme, the relevant scheme was amended. |
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS
(14) The Group Company Secretary may allow the exercise of an option or right under an employees' share scheme which has been approved by shareholders, or the conversion of a convertible security, where the final date for the exercise of such option or right, or conversion of such security, falls during any prohibited period and the Restricted Employee could not reasonably have been expected to exercise it at an earlier time when he was free to deal. (see also (20)(h)).
(15) Where an exercise or conversion is permitted pursuant to paragraph (14) or (20)(h) of this Code, the Group Company Secretary may not, however, give clearance for the sale of securities acquired pursuant to such exercise or conversion.
(16) The Group Company Secretary may allow a Restricted Employee who is a director to acquire qualification shares without regard to the provisions of this Code where, under the company's Articles of Association, the final date for acquiring such shares falls during a prohibited period and the Restricted Employee could not reasonably have been expected to acquire those shares at another time.
(17) A Restricted Employee may enter into a scheme in which only Group Securities are purchased pursuant to a regular standing order or direct debit arrangement, or by regular deduction from the Restricted Employee's salary, or where such securities are acquired by way of a standing election to reinvest dividends or other distributions received if the following provisions are complied with:
(a) the Restricted Employee does not enter into the scheme during a prohibited period;
(b) the Restricted Employee does not carry out the first purchase of Group Securities within the scheme during a prohibited period, unless the Restricted Employee is irrevocably bound under the terms of the scheme to carry out the first purchase of securities at a fixed point in time which falls in a prohibited period;
(c) the Restricted Employee does not cancel or vary the terms of his participation, or carry out sales of the securities within the scheme during a prohibited period; and
(d) before entering into the scheme or cancelling the scheme or varying the terms of his/her participation or carrying out sales of the Group Securities within the scheme, he obtains clearance under paragraph (6) of this Code.
(18) The provisions of this Code do not apply to an investment by a Restricted Employee in a scheme or arrangement where the assets of the scheme or arrangement are invested at the discretion of a third party or to a dealing by the
Restricted Employee in the units of an authorised unit trust or in the shares of an open ended investment company. In the case of a scheme investing only in Group Securities the provisions of paragraph (17) of this Code apply.
GUIDANCE ON OTHER DEALINGS
(19) For the avoidance of doubt, the following constitute dealings for the purposes of this Code and are consequently subject to the provisions of this Code:
(a) dealings between Restricted Employees;
(b) off-market dealings;
(c) transfers for no consideration by a Restricted Employee other than transfers where the Restricted Employee retains a beneficial interest under the Companies Act 1985 (see summary of section 346 in paragraph (11) above and paragraph (20)(f));
(d) entering into, or terminating, assigning or novating any stock lending agreement in respect of securities of the company;
(e) using as security, or otherwise granting a charge, lien or other encumbrance over, securities of the company; and
(f) any transaction, or the exercise of any power or discretion, effecting a change in the ownership of a beneficial interest in securities of the company.
(20) For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding the definition of dealing contained in paragraph (1)(b) of this Code, the following dealings are not subject to the provisions of this Code:
(a) undertakings or elections to take up entitlements under a rights issue or other offer (including an offer of shares in lieu of a cash dividend);
(b) the take up of entitlements under a rights issue or other offer (including an offer of shares in lieu of a cash dividend);
(c) allowing entitlements to lapse under a rights issue or other offer (including an offer of shares in lieu of a cash dividend);
(d) the sale of sufficient entitlements nil-paid to allow take up of the balance of the entitlements under a rights issue;
(e) undertakings to accept, or the acceptance of, a takeover offer;
(f) dealings by a Restricted Employee with his or her spouse and infant children.
(g) transfers of shares arising out of the operation of an employees' share scheme into a saving scheme investing only in Group Securities following:
(i) exercise of an option under a savings related share option scheme; or
(ii) release of shares from a profit sharing scheme.
(h) with the exception of a disposal of securities received by a Restricted Employee as a participant, dealings in connection with an Inland Revenue approved "Save-as-you-earn" share option scheme, or any other employees' share scheme under which participation is extended, on similar terms to those contained in an Inland Revenue approved "Save-as-you-earn" share option scheme, to all or most employees of the participating companies in that scheme;
(i) with the exception of a disposal of securities received by a Restricted Employee as a participant, dealings in connection with an Inland Revenue approved profit share scheme, or any similar profit share scheme under which participation is extended, on similar terms to those contained in an Inland Revenue approved profit share scheme, to all or most employees of the participating companies in that scheme;
(j) arrangements which involve a sale of Group Securities with the intention of making a matched purchase of such securities on the next business day ("bed and breakfast" dealings);
(k) transfers of shares already held by means of a matched sale and purchase into a saving scheme or into a pension scheme in which the relevant Restricted Employee is a participant or beneficiary;
(l) the cancellation or surrender of an option under an employees' share scheme;
(m) transfers of securities by an independent trustee of an employees' share scheme to a beneficiary who is not a Restricted Employee; and
(n) bona fide gifts to a Restricted Employee by a third party.
EXHIBIT F
HSBC INVESTMENTS (USA) INC., AND
HALBIS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT (USA) INC.
COMPLIANCE OFFICERS
Please direct questions regarding the applicability of this Code to one of the Compliance Officers listed below.
EXHIBIT q
POWER OF ATTORNEY
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named trusts, with their respective file numbers under the Securities Act of 1933 noted, hereby constitute and appoint George R. Aylward, Tracy L. Rich and Kevin J. Carr, or any of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all registration statements on Form N-1A, amendments thereto, and such other filings as may be appropriate, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.
Phoenix Adviser Trust (333-106142) Phoenix Asset Trust (333-08045) Phoenix CA Tax-Exempt Bond Fund (002-83024) Phoenix Equity Series Fund (333-29043) Phoenix Equity Trust (002-16590) Phoenix Insight Funds Trust (033-64915) Phoenix Institutional Mutual Funds (033-80057) Phoenix Investment Series Fund (033-06930) Phoenix Investment Trust 06 (033-01922) Phoenix Investment Trust 97 (333-34537) Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund (033-19423) Phoenix Multi-Series Trust (033-45758) Phoenix PHOLIOs(sm) (333-05039) Phoenix Portfolios (333-45675) Phoenix Opportunities Trust (033-65137) Phoenix Series Fund (002-14069) Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund (033-06931) |
I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.
I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this 30th day of May, 2007.
/s/ E. Virgil Conway /s/ Harry Dalzell-Payne ------------------------------------ ----------------------- E. Virgil Conway, Trustee Harry Dalzell-Payne, Trustee /s/ Francis E. Jeffries /s/ Dr. Leroy Keith, Jr. ------------------------------------ ------------------------ Francis E. Jeffries, Trustee Dr. Leroy Keith, Jr., Trustee /s/ Marilyn E. LaMarche /s/ Philip R. McLoughlin ------------------------------------ ------------------------ Marilyn E. LaMarche, Trustee Philip R. McLoughlin, Trustee /s/ Geraldine M. McNamara /s/ James M. Oates ------------------------------------ ------------------ Geraldine M. McNamara, Trustee James M. Oates, Trustee /s/ Richard E. Segerson /s/ Ferdinand L. J. Verdonck ------------------------------------ ---------------------------- Richard E. Segerson, Trustee Ferdinand L. J. Verdonck, Trustee |
All signatures need not appear on the same copy of this Power of Attorney.