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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0000950116-00-000418.txt : 20000307
<SEC-HEADER>0000950116-00-000418.hdr.sgml : 20000307
ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950116-00-000418
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 497
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1
FILED AS OF DATE: 20000301
FILER:
COMPANY DATA:
COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS
CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000357059
STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: []
IRS NUMBER: 236732199
STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE
FISCAL YEAR END: 1231
FILING VALUES:
FORM TYPE: 497
SEC ACT:
SEC FILE NUMBER: 002-75526
FILM NUMBER: 559178
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
STREET 1: ONE COMMERCE SQ
STREET 2: 2005 MARKET ST
CITY: PHILADELPHIA
STATE: PA
ZIP: 19103
BUSINESS PHONE: 2152552127
MAIL ADDRESS:
STREET 1: ONE COMMERCE SQ
STREET 2: 2005 MARKET ST
CITY: PHILADELPHIA
STATE: PA
ZIP: 19103
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19950828
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DELAWARE GROUP TREASURY RESERVES INC
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703
FORMER COMPANY:
FORMER CONFORMED NAME: DELAWARE TREASURY RESERVES
DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19880718
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>497
<SEQUENCE>1
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
DELAWARE
INVESTMENTS
-----------
Philadelphia * London
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
Class A o Class B o Class C
Prospectus
February 29, 2000
Current Income Fund
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the accuracy of this prospectus, and any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
2
<PAGE>
Table of contents
Fund profile page
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
How we manage the Fund page
Our investment strategies
The risks of investing in the Fund
Who manages the Fund page
Investment manager
Portfolio managers
Fund administration (Who's who)
About your account page
Investing in the Fund
Choosing a share class
How to reduce your sales charge
How to buy shares
Retirement plans
How to redeem shares
Account minimum
Special services
Dividends, distributions and taxes
Certain management considerations page
Financial highlights page
3
<PAGE>
Profile: Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
What is the Fund's goal?
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund seeks to provide a high stable level of
income, while attempting to minimize fluctuations in principal and provide
maximum liquidity. Although the Fund will strive to achieve its goal, there is
no assurance that it will.
What are the Fund's main investment strategies?
We invest primarily in short- and intermediate-term securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. We may
invest in instruments that use these government securities as collateral. We may
also invest up to 20% of the Fund's net assets in corporate notes and bonds,
certificates of deposit and obligations of U.S. and foreign banks, commercial
paper, certain asset-backed securities and non-agency mortgage-backed
securities.
The level of income the Fund provides will vary depending on current interest
rates and the specific securities in the portfolio. However, since longer term
rates are generally less volatile than short-term rates, the Fund's income may
fluctuate less than a money market fund's income.
What are the main risks of investing in the Fund?
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose
part or all of the money you invest. The price of Fund shares will increase and
decrease according to changes in the value of the Fund's investments. This Fund
will be affected primarily by adverse changes in interest rates. When interest
rates rise, the value of bonds in the portfolio will likely decline. For a more
complete discussion of risk, please turn to page ___.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other
government agency.
You should keep in mind that an investment in the Fund is not a complete
investment program; it should be considered just one part of your total
financial plan. Be sure to discuss this Fund with your financial adviser to
determine whether it is an appropriate choice for you.
Who should invest in the Fund
o Investors with intermediate or long-term financial goals.
o Investors seeking monthly income.
o Investors who would like a relatively conservative income investment to help
balance a growth-oriented long-term portfolio.
o Investors seeking a high quality investment with a measure of capital
preservation.
Who should not invest in the Fund
o Investors with very short-term financial goals.
o Investors who are unwilling to accept share prices that may fluctuate,
especially, over the short term.
o Investors who want an investment with a fixed share price, such as a money
market fund.
4
<PAGE>
How has the Fund performed?
This bar chart and table can help you evaluate the risks of investing in the
Fund. We show how returns for the Fund's Class A shares have varied over the
past ten calendar years, as well as the average annual returns of all shares for
one, five and ten years and since inception, if applicable. The Fund's past
performance does not necessarily indicate how it will perform in the future.
GRAPHIC OMITTED: BAR CHART SHOWING TOTAL RETURN (CLASS A) FPO
Year-by-year total return (Class A)
1999 1.07%
1998 7.46%
1997 5.23%
1996 3.69%
1995 8.71%
1994 -1.88%
1993 5.31%
1992 5.62%
1991 13.04%
1990 9.32%
During the periods illustrated in this bar chart, the Fund's highest quarterly
return was 4.49% for the quarter ended December 31, 1998 and its lowest
quarterly return was - 1.45% for the quarter ended March 31, 1994.
The maximum Class A sales charge of 2.75%, which is normally deducted when you
purchase shares, is not reflected in the total returns above and in the bar
chart. If this fee were included, the returns would be less than those shown.
The average annual returns shown in the table on page ___ do include the sales
charge.
5
<PAGE>
How has the Fund performed? (continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average annual returns for periods ending 12/31/99
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A B C
Merrill Lynch One-to-
(if redeemed)* (if redeemed)* Three Year Treasury
(Inception 11/24/85) (Inception 5/2/94) (Inception 11/29/95) Index
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 year -1.75% -1.68% -0.75% 3.06%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 years 4.62% 4.31% N/A 6.50%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lifetime** 5.39% 3.71% 3.63% 6.58%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The table above shows the Fund's average annual returns over various time
periods compared to the performance of the Merrill Lynch One-to-Three Year
Treasury Index. You should remember that unlike the Fund, the index is unmanaged
and doesn't reflect the actual costs of operating a mutual fund, such as the
costs of buying, selling and holding the securities.
* If shares were not redeemed, the returns for Class B would be 0.22%, 4.31%
and 3.71% for the one-year, five-year and lifetime periods, respectively.
Returns for Class C would be 0.20% and 3.63% for the one-year and lifetime
periods, respectively.
** Lifetime returns are shown if the Fund or Class existed for less than 10
years. Index returns are for 10 years. Index returns for Class B and Class
C lifetimes were 5.99% and 5.52%, respectively. Maximum sales charges are
included in the Fund returns above.
6
<PAGE>
What are the Fund's fees and expenses?
Sales charges are fees paid directly from your investments when you buy or sell
shares of the Fund.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A B C
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on
purchases as a percentage of offering price 2.75% none none
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge (load)
as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption price, whichever is lower none(1) 2%(2) 1%(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on
reinvested dividends none none none
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption fees none none none
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Annual fund operating expenses are deducted from the Fund's assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.15%(4) 1.00% 1.00%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other expenses 0.35% 0.35% 0.35%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total operating expenses 1.00% 1.85% 1.85%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
to the cost of investing in other mutual funds with similar investment
objectives. We show the cumulative amount of Fund expenses on a hypothetical
investment of $10,000 with an annual 5% return over the time shown.(5) This is
an example only, and does not represent future expenses, which may be greater or
less than those shown here.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS(6) A B B C C
(if redeemed) (if redeemed)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1 year $374 $188 $388 $188 $288
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 years $585 $582 $682 $582 $582
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 years $812 $1,001 $1,001 $1,001 $1,001
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 years $1,466 $1,947 $1,947 $2,169 $2,169
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) A purchase of Class A shares of $1 million or more may be made at net asset
value. However, if you buy the shares through a financial adviser who is
paid a commission, a contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on
redemptions made within two years of purchase. Additional Class A purchase
options that involve a contingent deferred sales charge may be permitted
from time to time and will be disclosed in the prospectus if they are
available.
(2) If you redeem Class B shares during the first two years after you buy them,
you will pay a contingent deferred sales charge of 2%, which declines to 1%
during the third year, and 0% thereafter.
(3) Class C shares redeemed within one year of purchase are subject to a 1%
contingent deferred sales charge.
(4) The Board of Trustees adopted a formula for calculating 12b-1 plan expenses
for Class A shares that went into effect on June 1, 1992. Under this
formula, 12b-1 plan expenses will not be more than 0.15% or less than
0.10%.
(5) The Fund's actual rate of return may be greater or less than the
hypothetical 5% return we use here. Also, this example assumes that the
Fund's total operating expenses remain unchanged in each of the periods we
show.
(6) The Class B example reflects the conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after approximately five years. Information for years six through
ten reflects expenses of the Class A shares.
7
<PAGE>
How we manage the Fund
Our investment strategies
We analyze economic and market conditions, seeking to identify the securities or
market sectors that we think are the best investments for the Fund. Following
are descriptions of how the portfolio managers pursue the Fund's investment
goals.
We take a disciplined approach to investing, combining investment strategies and
risk management techniques that can help shareholders meet their goals.
We invest primarily in short- and intermediate-term fixed income securities
including:
o securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government such as U.S.
Treasuries,
o securities issued by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities
such as securities of the Government National Mortgage Association.
We may invest in instruments that use these government securities as collateral.
We may invest up to 20% of the Fund's net assets in corporate notes and bonds,
certificates of deposit and obligations of both U.S. and foreign banks,
commercial paper, certain asset-backed securities and non-agency mortgage-backed
securities.
The Fund's level of income and the stability of its share price will be directly
affected by changes in short- and intermediate-term interest rates. We
anticipate that the level of income could be higher and more stable than a money
market fund. However, the Fund's share price will increase and decrease with
changes in interest rates. This makes its risk level greater than that of a
money market fund.
We strive to reduce the effects of interest rate changes on the share price by
keeping the average effective maturity below five years. The average effective
maturity is determined by averaging the individual effective maturity of all
securities in the portfolio. If we believe that interest rates are historically
low, we may shorten the average effective maturity to three years or less.
Conversely, if we believe rates are high and therefore likely to go lower, we
may increase average effective maturity to as high as five years. We may
purchase individual securities with a remaining maturity of up to 15 years.
The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental. This means that the Board of
Trustees may change the objective without obtaining shareholder approval. If the
objective were changed, we would notify shareholders before the change in the
objective became effective.
8
<PAGE>
The securities we typically invest in
Fixed-income securities offer the potential for greater income payments than
stocks, and also may provide capital appreciation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities How we use them
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Direct U.S. Treasury obligations include Treasury We may invest without limit in U.S. Treasury securities, though they
bills, notes and bonds of varying maturities. U.S. are typically not our largest holding because they generally do not
Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith offer as high a level of current income as other fixed income
and credit" of the United States. securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-backed securities: Fixed-income securities There is no limit on government-related mortgage-backed securities.
that represent pools of mortgages, with investors
receiving principal and interest payments as the We may invest up to 35% of net assets in mortgage-backed securities
underlying mortgage loans are paid back. Many are issued by private entities if at the time they are issued they are
issued and guaranteed against default by the U.S. 100% collateralized by securities or certificates issued or guaranteed
government or its agencies or instrumentalities, by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These
such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, securities must be rated in one of the two highest categories by a
Fannie Mae and the Government National Mortgage nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) at the
Association. Others are issued by private financial time of purchase.
institutions, with some fully collateralized by
certificates issued or guaranteed by the government The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities that are not
or its agencies or instrumentalities. government securities and are not directly guaranteed by the U.S.
government in any way. They are secured by the underlying collateral of
the private issuer. These include collateralized mortgage obligations
(CMOs), real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) and commercial
mortgage-backed securities (CMBSs). We may invest in these securities only
if they are rated in the highest quality category , such as AAA, by an
NRSRO. However, the Fund may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in
securities that are not government securities or do not use government
securities as collateral.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset-backed securities: Bonds or notes backed by We may invest only in asset-backed securities rated in the highest
accounts receivable including home equity, quality category, such as AAA, by an NRSRO. However, we may not
automobile or credit loans. invest more than 20% of the Fund's net assets in securities
(including these asset-backed securities) that are not government
securities or do not use government securities as collateral.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase agreements: An agreement between a buyer, Typically, we use repurchase agreements as a short-term investment for
such as the Fund, and seller of securities in which the Fund's cash position. In order to enter into these repurchase
the seller agrees to buy the securities back within agreements, the Fund must have collateral of at least 102% of the
a specified time at the same price the buyer paid repurchase price. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements in
for them, plus an amount equal to an agreed upon which the collateral is U.S. government securities.
interest rate. Repurchase agreements are often
viewed as equivalent to cash.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate swap agreements: In an interest rate We may use interest rate swaps to adjust the Fund's sensitivity to
swap, a fund receives payments from another party interest rates to hedge against changes in interest rates.
based on a floating interest rate in return for
making payments based on a fixed interest rate. An Interest rate swaps will be considered illiquid securities (see below).
interest rate swap can also work in reverse, with a
fund receiving payments based on a fixed interest
rate and making payments based on a floating
interest rate.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities How we use them
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Restricted securities: Privately placed securities We may invest without limitation in privately placed securities that are
whose resale is restricted under securities law. eligible for resale only among certain institutional buyers without
registration. These are commonly known as "Rule 144A Securities." Other
restricted securities must be limited to 10% of total Fund assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illiquid securities: Securities that do not have a We may invest up to 10% of total assets in illiquid securities.
ready market and cannot be easily sold within
seven days at approximately the price that a fund
has valued them.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The Fund may also invest in other securities including certificates of deposit
and obligations of both U.S. and foreign banks; corporate debt and commercial
paper; and American Depositary Receipts. Please see the Statement of Additional
Information for further descriptions on these securities as well as those
listed in the table above.
Borrowing from banks
The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes or to facilitate redemptions. The Fund will not borrow money in excess
of one-third of the value of its net assets.
Lending securities
The Fund may lend up to 25% of its assets to qualified brokers, dealers and
investors for their use in security transactions.
Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
The Fund may buy or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis;
that is, paying for securities before delivery or taking delivery at a later
date. The Fund will designate cash or securities in amounts sufficient to cover
its obligations, and will value the designated assets daily.
Portfolio turnover
We anticipate that the Fund's annual portfolio turnover will be less than 100%.
A turnover rate of 100% would occur if a Fund sold and replaced securities
valued at 100% of its net assets within one year.
10
<PAGE>
The risks of investing in the Fund
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may
receive little or no return on your investment, and the risk that you may lose
part or all of the money you invest. Before you invest in the Fund you should
carefully evaluate the risks. An investment in the Fund typically provides the
best results when held for a number of years. Following are the chief risks
you assume when investing in the Fund. Please see the Statement of Additional
Information for further discussion of these risks and other risks not
discussed here.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks How we strive to manage them
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Market risk is the risk that all or a majority of the We maintain a long-term investment approach and focus on bonds we
securities in a certain market--like the stock or bond believe will provide a steady income stream regardless of interim
market--will decline in value because of factors such market fluctuations. We do not try to predict overall market
as economic conditions, future expectations or movements and generally do not trade for short-term purposes.
investor confidence.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry and security risk is the risk that the value We diversify the Fund's assets across a variety of sectors in the
of securities in a particular industry or the value bond market. We also follow a rigorous selection process before
of an individual stock or bond will decline because choosing securities for the portfolio.
of changing expectations for the performance of that
industry or for the individual company issuing the stock
or bond.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate risk is the risk that securities, We do not try to increase return by predicting and aggressively
particularly bonds with longer maturities, will capitalizing on interest rate moves. Instead, we aim to maintain
decrease in value if interest rates rise. a short- to intermediate-average maturity that helps us reduce
the effects of interest rate volatility.
Swaps may be particularly sensitive to interest rate
changes. Depending on the actual movements of The Fund will not invest in interest rate swaps with
interest rates and how well the portfolio manager maturities of more than two years. Each business day we will
anticipates them, a fund could experience a higher or calculate the amount the Fund must pay for any swaps it holds and
lower return than anticipated. will segregate enough cash or other liquid securities to cover that
amount.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit risk is the possibility that a bond's issuer By focusing primarily on U.S. Treasury securities and other
(or an entity that insures the bond) will be unable securities that are backed by the U.S. government, we minimize
to make timely payments of interest and principal. the possibility that any of the securities in our portfolio will
not pay interest or principal. U.S. government securities are
generally considered to be of the highest quality.
When selecting non-government securities and the dealers with whom
we do interest rate swaps, we focus on those with high quality ratings
and do careful credit analysis before investing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepayment risk is the risk that homeowners will We take into consideration the likelihood of prepayment when we
prepay mortgages during periods of low interest select mortgages. We may look for mortgage securities that have
rates, forcing a fund to reinvest their money at characteristics that make them less likely to be prepaid, such as
interest rates that might be lower than those on the low outstanding loan balances or below-market interest prepaid
mortgage. Prepayment risk may also affect rates.
other types of debt securities, but generally to a
lesser extent than mortgage securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity risk is the possibility that securities We limit exposure to illiquid securities. Swap agreements will be
cannot be readily sold within seven days at treated as illiquid securities, but most swap dealers will be
approximately the price that a fund values them. willing to repurchase interest rate swaps.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
Who manages the Fund
Investment manager
The Fund is managed by Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware
Management Business Trust which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. Delaware Management Company makes investment
decisions for the Fund, manages the Fund's business affairs and provides daily
administrative services. For these services, the manager was paid 0.50% of
average daily net assets for the last fiscal year.
Portfolio managers
Paul A. Grillo and Stephen R. Cianci have day-to-day responsibilities for making
investment decisions for the Fund.
Paul A. Grillo, Vice President/Portfolio Manager of the Fund, holds a BA in
Business Management from North Carolina State University and an MBA in Finance
from Pace University. Mr. Grillo became co-manager of the Fund in January 1999.
Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1993, Mr. Grillo served as mortgage
strategist and trader at the Dreyfus Corporation. He also served as mortgage
strategist and portfolio manager for the Chemical Investment Group and as
financial analyst at Chemical Bank. Mr. Grillo is a CFA charterholder.
Stephen R. Cianci, Vice President/Portfolio Manager of the Fund, holds a BS and
an MBA in finance from Widener University. Mr. Cianci became co-manager of the
Fund in January 1999. He joined Delaware Investments in 1992 and assumed
responsibility for maintaining the Fixed Income Department's investment grade
analytical systems. These responsibilities included portfolio analysis and the
analysis of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Mr. Cianci is an
Adjunct Professor of Finance at Widener University and a CFA charterholder.
12
<PAGE>
Who's who?
This diagram shows the various organizations involved with managing,
administering, and servicing the Delaware Investments funds.
GRAPHIC OMITTED: DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH
MANAGING, ADMINISTERING, AND SERVICING THE DELAWARE INVESTMENTS FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Board of Trustees
Investment manager The Fund Custodian
Delaware Management Company The Chase Manhattan Bank
One Commerce Square 4 Chase Metrotech Center
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Brooklyn, NY 11245
Portfolio managers Distributor Service agent
(see page __ for details) Delaware Distributors, L.P. Delaware Service Company, Inc.
1818 Market Street 1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Financial advisers
Shareholders
</TABLE>
Board of Trustees A mutual fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which has
oversight responsibility for the management of the fund's business affairs.
Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the
investment manager, the distributor and others that perform services for the
fund. At least 40% of the Board of Trustees must be independent of the fund's
investment manager and distributor. These independent fund trustees, in
particular, are advocates for shareholder interests.
Investment manager An investment manager is a company responsible for selecting
portfolio investments consistent with the objective and policies stated in the
mutual fund's prospectus. The investment manager places portfolio orders with
broker/dealers and is responsible for obtaining the best overall execution of
those orders. A written contract between a mutual fund and its investment
manager specifies the services the manager performs. Most management contracts
provide for the manager to receive an annual fee based on a percentage of the
fund's average daily net assets. The manager is subject to numerous legal
restrictions, especially regarding transactions between itself and the funds it
advises.
Portfolio managers Portfolio managers are employed by the investment manager to
make investment decisions for individual portfolios on a day-to-day basis.
Custodian Mutual funds are legally required to protect their portfolio
securities and most funds place them with a qualified bank custodian who
segregates fund securities from other bank assets.
Distributor Most mutual funds continuously offer new shares to the public
through distributors who are regulated as broker-dealers and are subject to NASD
Regulation, Inc. (NASD) rules governing mutual fund sales practices.
Service agent Mutual fund companies employ service agents (sometimes called
transfer agents) to maintain records of shareholder accounts, calculate and
disburse dividends and capital gains and prepare and mail shareholder statements
and tax information, among other functions. Many service agents also provide
customer service to shareholders.
Financial advisers Financial advisers provide advice to their clients, analyzing
their financial objectives and recommending appropriate funds or other
investments. Financial advisers are compensated for their services, generally
through sales commissions, and through 12b-1 and/or service fees deducted from
the fund's assets.
Shareholders Like shareholders of other companies, mutual fund shareholders have
specific voting rights, including the right to elect trustees. Material changes
13
<PAGE>
in the terms of a fund's management contract must be approved by a shareholder
vote, and funds seeking to change fundamental investment objectives or policies
must also seek shareholder approval.
About your account
Investing in the Fund
You can choose from a number of share classes for the Fund. Because each share
class has a different combination of sales charges, fees, and other features,
you should consult your financial adviser to determine which class best suits
your investment goals and time frame.
Choosing a share class
Class A
o Class A shares have a front-end sales charge of up to 2.75% that you pay
when you buy the shares. The offering price for Class A shares includes the
front-end sales charge.
o If you invest $100,000 or more, your front-end sales charge will be
reduced.
o You may qualify for other reduced sales charges, as described in "How to
reduce your sales charge," and under certain circumstances the sales charge
may be waived; please see the Statement of Additional Information.
o Class A shares are also subject to an annual 12b-1 fee no greater than
0.30% (currently 0.15%) of average daily net assets, which is lower than
the 12b-1 fee for Class B and Class C shares.
o Class A shares generally are not subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge except in the limited circumstances described in the table below.
Class A Sales Charges
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of purchase Sales charge as % Sales charge as % of amount Dealer's commission as %
of offering price invested of offering price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $100,000 2.75% 2.83% 2.35%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but 2.00% 2.05% 1.75%
Under $250,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but 1.00% 1.01% 0.75%
Under $$1 million
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As shown below, there is no front-end sales charge when you purchase $1 million or more of Class A shares. However, if
your financial adviser is paid a commission on your purchase, you will have to pay a limited contingent deferred
sales charge of 1% if you redeem these shares within the first year unless a specific waiver of the charge applies.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of purchase Sales charge as % Sales charge as % of amount Dealer's commission as %
of offering price invested of offering price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1 million up to $5 none none 0.50%
million
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount over $5 million none none 0.25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
Class B
o Class B shares have no front-end sales charge, so the full amount of your
purchase is invested in the Fund. However, you will pay a contingent
deferred sales charge if you redeem your shares within three years after
you buy them.
o If you redeem Class B shares during the two years after you buy them, the
shares will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 2%. The
contingent deferred sales charge is 1% during the third year, and 0%
thereafter.
o Under certain circumstances the contingent deferred sales charge may be
waived; please see the Statement of Additional Information.
o For approximately five years after you buy your Class B shares, they are
subject to annual 12b-1 fees no greater than 1% of average daily net
assets, of which 0.25% are service fees paid to the distributor, dealers or
others for providing services and maintaining accounts.
o Because of the higher 12b-1 fees, Class B shares have higher expenses and
any dividends paid on these shares are lower than dividends on Class A
shares.
o Approximately five years after you buy them, Class B shares automatically
convert into Class A shares with a 12b-1 fee of no more than 0.30%
(currently 0.15%). Conversion may occur as late as three months after the
fifth anniversary of purchase, during which time Class B's higher 12b-1
fees apply.
o You may purchase up to $250,000 of Class B shares at any one time. The
limitation on maximum purchases varies for retirement plans.
Class C
o Class C shares have no front-end sales charge, so the full amount of your
purchase is invested in the Fund. However, you will pay a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% if you redeem your shares within 12 months
after you buy them.
o Under certain circumstances the contingent deferred sales charge may be
waived; please see the Statement of Additional Information.
o Class C shares are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee which may not be greater
than 1% of average daily net assets, of which 0.25% are service fees paid
to the distributor, dealers or others for providing services and
maintaining shareholder accounts.
o Because of the higher 12b-1 fees, Class C shares have higher expenses and
pay lower dividends than Class A shares.
o Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares do not automatically convert into
another class.
o You may purchase any amount less than $1,000,000 of Class C shares at any
one time. The limitation on maximum purchases varies for retirement plans.
Each share class of the Fund has adopted a separate 12b-1 plan that allows it to
pay distribution fees for the sales and distribution of its shares. Because
these fees are paid out of the 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.
15
<PAGE>
About your account (continued)
How to reduce your sales charge
We offer a number of ways to reduce or eliminate the sales charge on shares.
Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for detailed information
and eligibility requirements. You can also get additional information from your
financial adviser. You or your financial adviser must notify us at the time you
purchase shares if you are eligible for any of these programs.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Program How it works Share class
A B C
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Letter of Intent Through a Letter of Intent you X Although the Letter of Intent and Rights of
agree to invest a certain amount Accumulation do not apply to the purchase of
in Delaware Investments Funds Class B and C shares, you can combine your
(except money market funds with purchase of Class A shares with your purchase
no sales charge) over a 13-month of B and C shares to fulfill your Letter of
period to qualify for reduced Intent or qualify for Rights of Accumulation.
front-end sales charges.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rights of You can combine your holdings or X
Accumulation purchases of all funds in the
Delaware Investments family (except
money market funds with no sales
charge) as well as the holdings and
purchases of your spouse and children
under 21 to qualify for reduced
front-end sales charges.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reinvestment of Up to 12 months after you redeem For Class For Class B, your account Not
redeemed shares shares, you can reinvest the A, you will will be credited with the available.
proceeds with no additional sales not have to contingent deferred sales
charge. pay an charge you previously paid
additional on the amount you are
front-end reinvesting. Your schedule
sales for contingent deferred
charge. sales charges and
conversion to Class A
will not start over again;
it will pick up from the
point at which you redeemed
your shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIMPLE IRA, SEP These investment plans may X There is no reduction in sales charges for
IRA, SARSEP, qualify for reduced sales charges Class B or Class C shares for group purchases
Prototype Profit by combining the purchases of all by retirement plans.
Sharing, Pension, members of the group. Members of
401(k), SIMPLE these groups may also qualify to
401(k), 403(b)(7), purchase shares without a
457 Retirement and front-end sales charge and may
Plans qualify for a waiver of any
contingent deferred sales charges.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
16
<PAGE>
How to buy shares
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A PERSON]
Through your financial adviser
Your financial adviser can handle all the details of purchasing shares,
including opening an account. Your adviser may charge a separate fee for this
service.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF AN ENVELOPE]
By mail
Complete an investment slip and mail it with your check, made payable to the
fund and class of shares you wish to purchase, to Delaware Investments, 1818
Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3682. If you are making an initial
purchase by mail, you must include a completed investment application (or an
appropriate retirement plan application if you are opening a retirement account)
with your check.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A JAGGED LINE]
By wire
Ask your bank to wire the amount you want to invest to First Union Bank, ABA
#031201467, Bank Account number 2014 12893 4013. Include your account number and
the name of the fund in which you want to invest. If you are making an initial
purchase by wire, you must call us so we can assign you an account number.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF AN EXCHANGE SYMBOL]
By exchange
You can exchange all or part of your investment in one or more funds in the
Delaware Investments family for shares of other funds in the family. Please keep
in mind, however, that under most circumstances you are allowed to exchange only
between like classes of shares. To open an account by exchange, call the
Shareholder Service Center at 800.523.1918.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A KEYPAD]
Through automated shareholder services
You can purchase or exchange shares through Delaphone, our automated telephone
service, or through our web site, www.delawareinvestments.com. For more
information about how to sign up for these services, call our Shareholder
Service Center at 800.523.1918.
17
<PAGE>
About your account (continued)
How to buy shares (continued)
Once you have completed an application, you can generally open an account with
an initial investment of $1,000 and make additional investments at any time for
as little as $100. If you are buying shares in an IRA or Roth IRA, under the
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, or the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, or through
an Automatic Investing Plan, the minimum purchase is $250, and you can make
additional investments of $25 or more. The minimum for an Education IRA is $500.
The minimums vary for retirement plans other than IRAs, Roth IRAs or Education
IRAs.
The price you pay for shares will depend on when we receive your purchase order.
If we or an authorized agent receive your order before the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on a
business day, you will pay that day's closing share price which is based on the
Fund's net asset value. If we receive your order after the close of regular
trading, you will pay the next business day's price. A business day is any day
that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. We reserve the right to
reject any purchase order.
We determine the Fund's net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular
trading of the New York Stock Exchange each business day that the Exchange is
open. We calculate this value by adding the market value of all the securities
and assets in the Fund's portfolio, deducting all liabilities, and dividing the
resulting number by the number of shares outstanding. The result is the net
asset value per share. We price securities and other assets for which market
quotations are available at their market value. We price fixed-income securities
on the basis of valuations provided to us by an independent pricing service that
uses methods approved by the board of directors. Any fixed-income securities
that have a maturity of less than 60 days we price at amortized cost. For all
other securities, we use methods approved by the Board of Trustees that are
designed to price securities at their fair market value.
Retirement plans
In addition to being an appropriate investment for your Individual Retirement
Account (IRA), Roth IRA and Education IRA, shares in the Fund may be suitable
for group retirement plans. You may establish your IRA account even if you are
already a participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. For more
information on how shares in the Fund can play an important role in your
retirement planning or for details about group plans, please consult your
financial adviser, or call 800.523.1918.
18
<PAGE>
How to redeem shares
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A PERSON]
Through your financial adviser
Your financial adviser can handle all the details of redeeming your shares. Your
adviser may charge a separate fee for this service.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF AN ENVELOPE]
By mail
You can redeem your shares (sell them back to the fund) by mail by writing to:
Delaware Investments, 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3682. All
owners of the account must sign the request, and for redemptions of more than
$50,000, you must include a signature guarantee for each owner. Signature
guarantees are also required when you request redemption proceeds to be sent to
an address other than the address of record on an account.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A TELEPHONE]
By telephone
You can redeem up to $50,000 of your shares by telephone. You may have the
proceeds sent to you by check, or, if you redeem at least $1,000 of shares, you
may have the proceeds sent directly to your bank by wire. Bank information must
be on file before you request a wire redemption.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A JAGGED LINE]
By wire
You can redeem $1,000 or more of your shares and have the proceeds deposited
directly to your bank account the next business day after we receive your
request. If you request a wire deposit, a bank wire fee may be deducted from
your proceeds. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire
redemption.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A KEYPAD]
Through automated shareholder services
You can redeem shares through Delaphone, our automated telephone service, or
through our web site, www.delawareinvestments.com. For more information about
how to sign up for these services, call our Shareholder Service Center at
800.523.1918.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A HAND HOLDING A PEN]
Through checkwriting
You may redeem Class A shares by writing checks of $500 or more. Checks must be
signed by all owners of the account unless you indicate otherwise on your
Investment Application. The checkwriting feature is not available for retirement
plans. Also, because dividends are declared daily, you may not close your
account by writing a check. When you write checks you are subject to bank
regulations and may be subject to a charge if the check amount exceeds the value
of your account.
19
<PAGE>
About your account (continued)
How to redeem shares (continued)
If you hold your shares in certificates, you must submit the certificates with
your request to sell the shares. We recommend that you send your certificates by
certified mail.
When you send us a properly completed request to redeem or exchange shares
before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally
4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), you will receive the net asset value as determined on
the business day we receive your request. We will deduct any applicable
contingent deferred sales charges. You may also have to pay taxes on the
proceeds from your sale of shares. We will send you a check, normally the next
business day, but no later than seven days after we receive your request to sell
your shares. If you purchased your shares by check, we will wait until your
check has cleared, which can take up to 15 days, before we send your redemption
proceeds.
If you are required to pay a contingent deferred sales charge when you redeem
your shares, the amount subject to the fee will be based on the shares' net
asset value when you purchased them or their net asset value when you redeem
them, whichever is less. This arrangement assures that you will not pay a
contingent deferred sales charge on any increase in the value of your shares.
You also will not pay the charge on any shares acquired by reinvesting dividends
or capital gains. If you exchange shares of one fund for shares of another, you
do not pay a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. If
you later redeem those shares, the purchase price for purposes of the contingent
deferred sales charge formula will be the price you paid for the original
shares, not the exchange price. The redemption price for purposes of this
formula will be the NAV of the shares you are actually redeeming.
Account minimum
If you redeem shares and your account balance falls below the required account
minimum of $1,000 ($250 for IRAs and Roth IRAs, Uniform Gift to Minors Act
accounts or accounts with automatic investing plans and $500 for Education IRAs)
for three or more consecutive months, you will have until the end of the current
calendar quarter to raise the balance to the minimum. If your account is not at
the minimum by the required time, you will be charged a $9 fee for that quarter
and each quarter after that until your account reaches the minimum balance. If
your account does not reach the minimum balance, your Fund may redeem your
account after 60 days' written notice to you.
20
<PAGE>
Special services
To help make investing with us as easy as possible, and to help you build your
investments, we offer the following special services.
Automatic Investing Plan
The Automatic Investing Plan allows you to make regular monthly or quarterly
investments directly from your checking account.
Direct Deposit
With Direct Deposit you can make additional investments through payroll
deductions, recurring government or private payments such as social security or
direct transfers from your bank account.
Wealth Builder Option
With the Wealth Builder Option you can arrange automatic monthly exchanges
between your shares in one or more Delaware Investments funds. Wealth Builder
exchanges are subject to the same rules as regular exchanges (see below) and
require a minimum monthly exchange of $100 per fund.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Through our Dividend Reinvestment Plan, you can have your distributions
reinvested in your account or the same share class in another fund in the
Delaware Investments family. The shares that you purchase through the Dividend
Reinvestment Plan are not subject to a front-end sales charge or to a contingent
deferred sales charge. Under most circumstances, you may reinvest dividends only
into like classes of shares.
Exchanges
You can exchange all or part of your shares for shares of the same class in
another Delaware Investments fund without paying a sales charge and without
paying a contingent deferred sales charge at the time of the exchange. However,
if you exchange shares from a money market fund that does not have a sales
charge you will pay any applicable sales charges on your new shares. When
exchanging Class B and Class C shares of one fund for the same class of shares
in other funds, your new shares will be subject to the same contingent deferred
sales charge as the shares you originally purchased. The holding period for the
contingent deferred sales charge will also remain the same, with the amount of
time you held your original shares being credited toward the holding period of
your new shares. You don't pay sales charges on shares that you acquired through
the reinvestment of dividends. You may have to pay taxes on your exchange. When
you exchange shares, you are purchasing shares in another fund so you should be
sure to get a copy of the fund's prospectus and read it carefully before buying
shares through an exchange.
21
<PAGE>
About your account (continued)
Special services (continued)
MoneyLineSM On Demand Service
Through our MoneyLineSM On Demand Service, you or your financial adviser may
transfer money between your Fund account and your predesignated bank account by
telephone request. This service is not available for retirement plans. MoneyLine
has a minimum transfer of $25 and a maximum transfer of $50,000, except for
purchases into IRAs. Delaware Investments does not charge a fee for this
service; however, your bank may assess one.
MoneyLine Direct Deposit Service
Through our MoneyLine Direct Deposit Service you can have $25 or more in
dividends and distributions deposited directly to your bank account. Delaware
Investments does not charge a fee for this service; however, your bank may
assess one. This service is not available for retirement plans.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
Through our Systematic Withdrawal Plan you can arrange a regular monthly or
quarterly payment from your account made to you or someone you designate. If the
value of your account is $5,000 or more, you can make withdrawals of at least
$25 monthly, or $75 quarterly. You may also have your withdrawals deposited
directly to your bank account through our MoneyLine Direct Deposit Service.
Dividends, distributions and taxes
Dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Short-term capital gains if any,
may be paid quarterly, but the board of trustees may choose to distribute them
less frequently. Long-term capital gains, if any, will be distributed annually.
We automatically reinvest all dividends and capital gains, unless you tell us
otherwise.
Tax laws are subject to change, so we urge you to consult your tax adviser about
your particular tax situation and how it might be affected by current tax law.
The tax status of your dividends from the Fund is the same whether you reinvest
your dividends or receive them in cash. Distributions from the Fund's long-term
capital gains are taxable as capital gains, while distributions from short-term
capital gains and net investment income are generally taxable as ordinary
income. Any capital gains may be taxable at different rates depending on the
length of time the Fund held the assets. In addition, you may be subject to
state and local taxes on distributions.
We will send you a statement each year by January 31 detailing the amount and
nature of all dividends and capital gains that you were paid for the prior year.
22
<PAGE>
Certain management considerations
Year 2000
As with other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and individuals
around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by its service providers do not properly process and calculate date-related
information from and after January 1, 2000. This is commonly known as the "Year
2000 Problem." The Fund has taken steps to obtain satisfactory assurances that
its major service providers have taken steps reasonably designed to address the
Year 2000 Problem on the computer systems that the service providers use. There
can be no assurance that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse
impact on the business of the Fund. The Year 2000 Problem may also adversely
affect the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The portfolio
managers and investment professionals of the Fund consider Year 2000 compliance
(including, but not limited to, any or all of the following: impact on business,
cost of compliance plan review and contingency planning, and vendor compliance)
in the securities selection and investment process. However, there can be no
guarantee that, even with their due diligence efforts, they will be able to
predict the effect of Year 2000 on any company or the performance of its
securities.
Investments by fund of funds
The Fund accepts investments from the series portfolios of Delaware Group
Foundation Funds, a fund of funds. From time to time, the Fund may experience
large investments or redemptions due to allocations or rebalancings by
Foundation Funds. While it is impossible to predict the overall impact of these
transactions over time, there could be adverse effects on portfolio management.
For example, the Fund may be required to sell securities or invest cash at times
when it would not otherwise do so. These transactions could also have tax
consequences if sales of securities result in gains, and could also increase
transaction costs or portfolio turnover. The manager will monitor transactions
by Foundation Funds and will attempt to minimize any adverse effects on both the
Fund and Foundation Funds as a result of these transactions.
23
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The Financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance. All "per share" information reflects financial results
for a single Fund share. This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the
Fund's annual report, which is available upon request by calling 800.523.1918.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Class A
Delaware Limited-Term Year Ended 12/31
Government Fund
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050 $8.990
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from investment
operations:
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income 0.519 0.540 0.601 0.600 0.699
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments (0.429) 0.079 (0.150) (0.280) 0.060
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.090 0.619 0.451 0.320 0.759
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends:
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Dividends from net investment
income (0.520) (0.539) (0.601) (0.600) (0.699)
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends (0.520) (0.539) (0.601) (0.600) (0.699)
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $8.270 $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total return(1) 1.07% 7.46% 5.23% 3.69% 8.71%
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratios and supplemental data:
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net assets, end of period
(000 omitted) $262,776 $317,329 $355,079 $464,649 $653,451
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets 1.00% 1.01% 0.98% 0.93% 0.96%
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets 6.12% 6.32% 6.85% 6.80% 7.71%
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Portfolio turnover 175% 69% 79% 83% 73%
- --------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
(1) Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a
share during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net
asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ----------
Period
Class B Class C 11/28/95(1
Delaware Limited-Term Year Ended 12/31 Year Ended 12/31 through
Government Fund 12/31/95
- --------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------- ----------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1999 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050 $8.990 $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050 $9.010
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) from investment
operations:
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Net investment income 0.447 0.467 0.522 0.524 0.622 0.447 0.467 0.524 0.524 0.051
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Net realized gain (loss) on
investments (0.429) 0.079 (0.150) (0.280) 0.060 (0.431) 0.079 (0.152) (0.280) 0.040
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.018 0.546 0.372 0.244 0.682 0.016 0.546 0.372 0.244 0.091
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Less dividends:
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Dividends from net investment
income (0.448) (0.466) (0.522) (0.524) (0.622) (0.446) (0.466) (0.522) (0.524) (0.051)
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Total dividends (0.448) (0.466) (0.522) (0.524) (0.622) (0.446) (0.466) (0.522) (0.524) (0.051)
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Net asset value, end of period $8.270 $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050 $8.270 $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Total return(2) 0.22% 6.55% 4.35% 2.81% 7.80% 0.20% 6.56% 4.34% 2.81% (1)
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Ratios and supplemental data:
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Net assets, end of period
(000 omitted) $12,483 $13,900 $12,119 $12,959 $12,313 $6,638 $4,932 $3,580 $3,090 $33
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Ratio of expenses to average
net assets 1.85% 1.86% 1.83% 1.78% 1.81% 1.85% 1.86% 1.83% 1.78% (1)
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Ratio of net investment income
to average net assets 5.27% 5.47% 5.98% 5.91% 6.86% 5.27% 5.47% 5.98% 5.78% (1)
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
Portfolio turnover 175% 69% 79% 83% 73% 175% 69% 79% 83% (1)
- --------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ----------
</TABLE>
(1) Date of initial public offering; ratios of expenses and net investment
income to average net assets, portfolio turnover and total return have been
omitted as management believes that such ratios and return for the
relatively short period are not meaningful.
(2) Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a
share during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net
asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge.
24
<PAGE>
How to read the Financial highlights
Net investment income (loss)
Net investment income (loss) includes dividend and interest income earned from
the Fund's investments; it is after expenses have been deducted.
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
A realized gain occurs when we sell an investment at a profit, while a realized
loss occurs when we sell an investment at a loss. When an investment increases
or decreases in value but we do not sell it, we record an unrealized gain or
loss. The amount of realized gain per share that we pay to shareholders is
listed under "Less distributions-Distributions from net realized gain on
investments."
Net asset value (NAV)
This is the value of a mutual fund share, calculated by dividing the net assets
by the number of shares outstanding.
Total return
This represents the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an
investment in a fund. In calculating this figure for the financial highlights
table, we include applicable fee waivers, exclude front-end and contingent
deferred sales charges, and assume the shareholder has reinvested all dividends
and realized gains.
Net assets
Net assets represent the total value of all the assets in a fund's portfolio,
less any liabilities, that are attributable to that class of the fund.
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
The expense ratio is the percentage of net assets that a fund pays annually for
operating expenses and management fees. These expenses include accounting and
administration expenses, services for shareholders, and similar expenses.
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
We determine this ratio by dividing net investment income by average net assets.
Portfolio turnover
This figure tells you the amount of trading activity in a fund's portfolio. For
example, a fund with a 50% turnover rate has bought and sold half of the value
of its total investment portfolio during the stated period.
25
<PAGE>
How to use this glossary
This glossary includes definitions of investment terms used throughout the
Prospectus. If you would like to know the meaning of an investment term that is
not explained in the text please check the glossary.
Amortized cost
Amortized cost is a method used to value a fixed-income security that starts
with the face value of the security and then adds or subtracts from that value
depending on whether the purchase price was greater or less than the value of
the security at maturity. The amount greater or less than the par value is
divided equally over the time remaining until maturity.
Average maturity
An average of when the individual bonds and other debt securities held in a
portfolio will mature.
Bond
A debt security, like an IOU, issued by a company, municipality or government
agency. In return for lending money to the issuer, a bond buyer generally
receives fixed periodic interest payments and repayment of the loan amount on a
specified maturity date. A bond's price changes prior to maturity and typically
is inversely related to current interest rates. Generally, when interest rates
rise, bond prices fall, and when interest rates fall, bond prices rise.
Bond ratings
Independent evaluations of creditworthiness, ranging from Aaa/AAA (highest
quality) to D (lowest quality). Bonds rated Baa/BBB or better are considered
investment grade. Bonds rated Ba/BB or lower are commonly known as junk bonds.
See also Nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
Capital
The amount of money you invest.
Capital appreciation
An increase in the value of an investment.
Capital gains distributions
Payments to mutual fund shareholders of profits (realized gains) from the sale
of a fund's portfolio securities. Usually paid once a year; may be either
short-term gains or long-term gains.
Commission
The fee an investor pays to a financial adviser for investment advice and help
in buying or selling mutual funds, stocks, bonds or other securities.
Compounding
Earnings on an investment's previous earnings.
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Measurement of U.S. inflation; represents the price of a basket of commonly
purchased goods.
Contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC)
Fee charged by some mutual funds when shares are redeemed (sold back to the
fund) within a set number of years; an alternative method for investors to
compensate a financial adviser for advice and service, rather than an up-front
commission.
Corporate bond
A debt security issued by a corporation. See bond.
Depreciation
A decline in an investment's value.
Diversification
The process of spreading investments among a number of different securities,
asset classes or investment styles to reduce the risks of investing.
26
<PAGE>
Dividend distribution
Payments to mutual fund shareholders of dividends passed along from the fund's
portfolio of securities.
Duration
A measurement of a fixed-income investment's price volatility. The larger the
number, the greater the likely price change for a given change in interest
rates.
Expense ratio
A mutual fund's total operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of its total
net assets. Operating expenses are the costs of running a mutual fund, including
management fees, offices, staff, equipment and expenses related to maintaining
the fund's portfolio of securities and distributing its shares. They are paid
from the fund's assets before any earnings are distributed to shareholders.
Financial adviser
Financial professional (e.g., broker, banker, accountant, planner or insurance
agent) who analyzes clients' finances and prepares personalized programs to meet
objectives.
Fixed-income securities
With fixed-income securities, the money you originally invest is paid back at a
pre-specified maturity date. These securities, which include government,
corporate or municipal bonds, as well as money market securities, typically pay
a fixed rate of return (often referred to as interest). See Bonds.
Inflation
The increase in the cost of goods and services over time. U.S. inflation is
frequently measured by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Investment goal
The objective, such as long-term capital growth or high current income, that a
mutual fund pursues.
Management fee
The amount paid by a mutual fund to the investment adviser for management
services, expressed as an annual percentage of the fund's average daily net
assets.
Market capitalization
The value of a corporation determined by multiplying the current market price of
a share of common stock by the number of shares held by shareholders. A
corporation with one million shares outstanding and the market price per share
of $10 has a market capitalization of $10 million.
Maturity
The length of time until a bond issuer must repay the underlying loan principal
to bondholders.
Merrill Lynch One-to-Three Year Treasury Index
An unmanaged index of U.S. Treasury notes and bonds with maturities greater than
or equal to one year and less than three years. It does not include inflation
linked U.S. government bonds.
NASD Regulation, Inc. (NASD)
A self-regulating organization, consisting of brokerage firms (including
distributors of mutual funds), that is responsible for overseeing the actions of
its members.
27
<PAGE>
Nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO)
A company that assesses the credit quality of bonds, commercial paper, preferred
and common stocks and municipal short-term issues, rating the probability that
the issuer of the debt will meet the scheduled interest payments and repay the
principal. Ratings are published by such companies as Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. (Moody's), Standard & Poor's (S&P), Duff & Phelps, Inc. (Duff), and Fitch
IBCA, Inc. (Fitch).
Net asset value (NAV)
The daily dollar value of one mutual fund share. Equal to a fund's net assets
divided by the number of shares outstanding.
Preferred stock
Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and
liquidation of assets. Preferred stocks also often pay dividends at a fixed rate
and are sometimes convertible into common stock.
Principal
Amount of money you invest (also called capital). Also refers to a bond's
original face value, due to be repaid at maturity.
Prospectus
The official offering document that describes a mutual fund, containing
information required by the SEC, such as investment objectives, policies,
services and fees.
Redeem
To cash in your shares by selling them back to the mutual fund.
Risk
Generally defined as variability of value; also credit risk, inflation risk,
currency and interest rate risk. Different investments involve different types
and degrees of risk.
Sales charge
Charge on the purchase or redemption of fund shares sold through financial
advisers. May vary with the amount invested. Typically used to compensate
advisers for advice and service provided.
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Federal agency established by Congress to administer the laws governing the
securities industry, including mutual fund companies.
Share classes
Different classifications of shares; mutual fund share classes offer a variety
of sales charge choices.
Signature guarantee
Certification by a bank, brokerage firm or other financial institution that a
customer's signature is valid; signature guarantees can be provided by members
of the STAMP program.
Standard deviation
A measure of an investment's volatility; for mutual funds, measures how much a
fund's total return has typically varied from its historical average.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The document serving as "Part B" of a fund's prospectus that provides more
detailed information about the fund's organization, investments, policies and
risks.
Stock
An investment that represents a share of ownership (equity) in a corporation.
Stocks are often referred to as "equities."
Total return
An investment performance measurement, expressed as a percentage, based on the
combined earnings from dividends, capital gains and change in price over a given
period.
28
<PAGE>
Uniform Gift to Minors Act and Uniform Transfers to Minors Act
Federal and state laws that provide a simple way to transfer property to a minor
with special tax advantages.
Volatility
The tendency of an investment to go up or down in value by different magnitudes.
Investments that generally go up or down in value in relatively small amounts
are considered "low volatility" investments, whereas those investments that
generally go up or down in value in relatively large amounts are considered
"high volatility" investments.
29
<PAGE>
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
annual and semi-annual report to shareholders. In the Fund's shareholder
reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment
strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the report
period. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in the current
Statement of Additional Information, which we have filed electronically with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and which is legally a part of this
prospectus. If you want a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information,
the annual or semi-annual report, or if you have any questions about investing
in the Fund, you can write to us at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103,
or call toll-free 800.523.1918. You may also obtain additional information about
the Fund from your financial adviser.
You can find reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR database
on the SEC web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can also get copies of this
information, after payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at
publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
Washington, D.C. 20549- 0102. Information about the Fund, including its
Statement of Additional Information, can be reviewed and copied at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
You can get information on the public reference room by calling the SEC at
202.942.8090.
Web site
www.delawareinvestments.com
E-mail
service@delinvest.com
Shareholder Service Center
800o523o1918
Call the Shareholder Service Center Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern
time:
o For fund information; literature; price, yield and performance figures.
o For information on existing regular investment accounts and retirement plan
accounts including wire investments; wire redemptions; telephone
redemptions and telephone exchanges.
Delaphone Service
800o362oFUND (800o362o3863)
o For convenient access to account information or current performance
information on all Delaware Investments Funds seven days a week, 24 hours a
day, use this Touch-Tone(R) service.
Investment Company Act file number: 811-3363
Fund Symbols
CUSIP NASDAQ
Class A 245912308 DTRIX
Class B 245912605 DTIBX
Class C 245912704 DTICX
DELAWARE
INVESTMENTS
---------------------
Philadelphia * London
P-002 -- PP 2/00
30
<PAGE>
DELAWARE
INVESTMENTS
-----------
Philadelphia * London
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
Institutional Class
Prospectus
February 29, 2000
Current Income Fund
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the accuracy of this prospectus, and any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
2
<PAGE>
Table of contents
Fund profile page
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
How we manage the Fund page
Our investment strategies
The securities we typically invest in
The risks of investing in the Fund
Who manages the Fund page
Investment manager
Portfolio managers
Fund administration (Who's who)
About your account page
Investing in the Fund
How to buy shares
How to redeem shares
Account minimum
Exchanges
Dividends, distributions and taxes
Certain management considerations
Financial highlights page
3
<PAGE>
Profile: Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
What is the Fund's goal?
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund seeks to provide a high stable level of
income, while attempting to minimize fluctuations in principal and provide
maximum liquidity. Although the Fund will strive to achieve its goal, there is
no assurance that it will.
What are the Fund's main investment strategies?
We invest primarily in short- and intermediate-term securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. We may
invest in instruments that use these government securities as collateral. We
may also invest up to 20% of the Fund's net assets in corporate notes and bonds,
certificates of deposit and obligations of U.S. and foreign banks, commercial
paper, certain asset-backed securities and non-agency mortgage-backed
securities.
The level of income the Fund provides will vary depending on current interest
rates and the specific securities in the portfolio. However, since longer term
rates are generally less volatile than short-term rates, the Fund's income may
fluctuate less than a money market fund's income.
What are the main risks of investing in the Fund?
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may lose
part or all of the money you invest. The price of Fund shares will increase and
decrease according to changes in the value of the Fund's investments. This Fund
will be affected primarily by adverse changes in interest rates. When interest
rates rise, the value of bonds in the portfolio will likely decline. For a more
complete discussion of risk, please turn to page ___.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other
government agency.
You should keep in mind that an investment in the Fund is not a complete
investment program; it should be considered just one part of your total
financial plan. Be sure to discuss this Fund with your financial adviser to
determine whether it is an appropriate choice for you.
Who should invest in the Fund
o Investors with intermediate or long-term financial goals.
o Investors seeking monthly income.
o Investors who would like a relatively conservative income investment to
help balance a growth-oriented long-term portfolio.
o Investors seeking a high quality investment with a measure of capital
preservation.
Who should not invest in the Fund
o Investors with very short-term financial goals.
o Investors who are unwilling to accept share prices that may fluctuate,
especially, over the short term.
o Investors who want an investment with a fixed share price, such as a money
market fund.
4
<PAGE>
How has Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund performed?
This bar chart and table can help you evaluate the risks of investing in the
Fund. We show how returns for the Fund's Institutional Class shares have varied
over the past ten calendar years, as well as the average annual returns for one,
five and ten years. Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund's Institutional Class
commenced operations on June 1, 1992. Return information for the Institutional
Class for the periods prior to the time the Institutional Class commenced
operations is calculated by taking the performance of Delaware Limited-Term
Government Fund A Class and eliminating all sales charges that apply to Class A
shares. However, for those periods, no adjustment has been made to eliminate the
impact of 12b-1 plan payments, and performance may have been affected had such
an adjustment been made. The Fund's past performance is not necessarily an
indication of how it will perform in the future.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: BAR CHART SHOWING YEAR BY YEAR TOTAL RETURN (INSTITUTIONAL
CLASS) FPO]
Year-by-year total return (Institutional Class)
1999 1.22%
1998 7.62%
1997 5.39%
1996 3.84%
1995 8.87%
1994 -1.74%
1993 5.46%
1992 5.77%
1991 13.04%
1990 9.32%
During the ten years illustrated in this bar chart, the Institutional Class'
highest return was 4.53% for the quarter ended December 31, 1998 and its lowest
return was -1.42% for the quarter ended March 31, 1994.
Average annual return as of 12/31/99
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------------------------
Institutional Merrill Lynch One- to-Three Year
Class Treasury Index
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------------------------
1 year 1.22% 3.06%
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------------------------
5 years 5.35% 6.50%
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------------------------
Lifetime
(Inception 6/1/92) 5.84% 5.63%
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------------------------
5
<PAGE>
What are the Fund's fees and expenses?
You do not pay sales charges directly from your investments when you buy or sell
shares of the Institutional Class.
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases as none
a percentage of offering price
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
Maximum contingent deferred sales charge
(load) as a none percentage of original purchase
price or redemption price, whichever is lower
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on reinvested none
dividends
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
Redemption fees none
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
Exchange Fees(1) none
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
Annual fund operating expenses are deducted from the Fund's assets.
------------------------------------------------------ -----------
Management fees 0.50%
------------------------------------------------------ -----------
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees none
------------------------------------------------------ -----------
Other expenses 0.35%
------------------------------------------------------ -----------
Total operating expenses 0.85%
------------------------------------------------------ -----------
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
to the cost of investing in other mutual funds with similar investment
objectives. We show the cumulative amount of Fund expenses on a hypothetical
investment of $10,000 with an annual 5% return over the time shown.(2) This is
an example only, and does not represent future expenses, which may be greater or
less than those shown here.
--------------- ------------
1 year $87
--------------- ------------
3 years $271
--------------- ------------
5 years $471
--------------- ------------
10 years $1,049
--------------- ------------
(1) Exchanges are subject to the requirements of each fund in the Delaware
Investments family. A front-end sales charge may apply if you exchange your
shares into a fund that has a front-end sales charge.
(2) The Fund's actual rate of return may be greater or less than the
hypothetical 5% return we use here. Also, this example assumes that the Fund's
total operating expenses remain unchanged in each of the periods we show.
6
<PAGE>
How we manage the Fund
Our investment strategies
We analyze economic and market conditions, seeking to identify the securities or
market sectors that we think are the best investments for the Fund. Following
are descriptions of how the portfolio managers pursue the Fund's investment
goals.
We take a disciplined approach to investing, combining investment strategies and
risk management techniques that can help shareholders meet their goals.
We invest primarily in short- and intermediate-term fixed income
securities including:
o securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government such as U.S.
Treasuries,
o securities issued by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities such as
securities of the Government National Mortgage Association.
We may invest in instruments that use these government securities as collateral.
We may invest up to 20% of the Fund's net assets in corporate notes and bonds,
certificates of deposit and obligations of both U.S. and foreign banks,
commercial paper, certain asset-backed securities and non-agency mortgage-backed
securities.
The Fund's level of income and the stability of its share price will be directly
affected by changes in short- and intermediate-term interest rates. We
anticipate that the level of income could be higher and more stable than a money
market fund. However, the Fund's share price will increase and decrease with
changes in interest rates. This makes its risk level greater than that of a
money market fund.
We strive to reduce the effects of interest rate changes on the share price by
keeping the average effective maturity below five years. The average effective
maturity is determined by averaging the individual effective maturity of all
securities in the portfolio. If we believe that interest rates are historically
low, we may shorten the average effective maturity to three years or less.
Conversely, if we believe rates are high and therefore likely to go lower, we
may increase average effective maturity to as high as five years. We may
purchase individual securities with a remaining maturity of up to 15 years.
The Fund's investment objective is non-fundamental. This means that the Board of
Trustees may change the objective without obtaining shareholder approval. If the
objective were changed, we would notify shareholders before the change in the
objective became effective.
7
<PAGE>
The securities we typically invest in
Fixed-income securities offer the potential for greater income payments than
stocks, and also may provide capital appreciation.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities How we use them
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Direct U.S. Treasury obligations include Treasury We may invest without limit in U.S. Treasury securities, though they are
bills, notes and bonds of varying maturities. U.S. typically not our largest holding because they generally do not offer as high
Treasury securities are backed by the "full faith a level of current income as other fixed income securities.
and credit" of the United States.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-backed securities: Fixed-income securities There is no limit on government-related mortgage-backed securities.
that represent pools of mortgages, with investors
receiving principal and interest payments as the We may invest up to 35% of net assets in mortgage-backed securities
underlying mortgage loans are paid back. Many are issued by private entities if at the time they are issued they are
issued and guaranteed against default by the U.S. 100% collateralized by securities or certificates issued or guaranteed
government or its agencies or instrumentalities, by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These
such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, securities must be rated in one of the two highest categories by a
Fannie Mae and the Government National Mortgage nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) at the
Association. Others are issued by private financial time of purchase.
institutions, with some fully collateralized by
certificates issued or guaranteed by the government The Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities that are not
or its agencies or instrumentalities. government securities and are not directly guaranteed by the U.S. government
in any way. They are secured by the underlying collateral of the private
issuer. These include collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), real estate
mortgage investment conduits (REMICs) and commercial mortgage-backed
securities (CMBSs). We may invest in these securities only if they are rated
in the highest quality category, such as AAA, by an NRSRO. However, the
Fund may not invest more than 20% of its net assets in securities that are
not government securities or do not use government securities as collateral.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset-backed securities: Bonds or notes backed by We may invest only in asset-backed securities rated in the highest
accounts receivable including home equity, quality category, such as AAA, by an NRSRO. However, we may not invest
automobile or credit loans. more than 20% of the Fund's net assets in securities (including these
asset-backed securities) that are not government securities or do not use
government securities as collateral.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase agreements: An agreement between a buyer, Typically, we use repurchase agreements as a short-term investment for the
such as a Fund, and seller of securities in Fund's cash position. In order to enter into these repurchase agreements, the
which the seller agrees to buy the securities back Fund must have collateral of at least 102% of the repurchase price. The Fund
within a specified time at the same price the buyer will only enter into repurchase agreements in which the collateral is U.S.
paid for them, plus an amount equal to an agreed government securities.
upon interest rate. Repurchase agreements are often
viewed as equivalent to cash.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate swap agreements: In an interest rate We may use interest rate swaps to adjust the Fund's sensitivity to
swap, a fund receives payments from another party interest rates to hedge against changes in interest rates.
based on a floating interest rate in return for
making payments based on a fixed interest rate. An Interest rate swaps will be considered illiquid securities (see below).
interest rate swap can also work in reverse, with a
fund receiving payments based on a fixed interest
rate and making payments based on a floating
interest rate.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Restricted securities: Privately placed securities We may invest without limitation in privately placed securities that are
whose resale is restricted under securities law. eligible for resale only among certain institutional buyers without
registration. These are commonly known as "Rule 144A Securities." Other
restricted securities must be limited to 10% of total Fund assets.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illiquid securities: Securities that do not have a We may invest up to 10% of total assets in illiquid securities.
ready market and cannot be easily sold within
seven days at approximately the price that a
Fund has valued them.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The Fund may also invest in other securities including certificates of deposit
and obligations of both U.S. and foreign banks; corporate debt and commercial
paper; and American Depositary Receipts. Please see the Statement of Additional
Information for further descriptions on these securities as well as those
listed in the table above.
Borrowing from banks
The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes or to facilitate redemptions. The Fund will not borrow money in excess
of one-third of the value of its net assets.
Lending securities
The Fund may lend up to 25% of its assets to qualified brokers, dealers and
investors for their use in security transactions.
Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
The Fund may buy or sell securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis;
that is, paying for securities before delivery or taking delivery at a later
date. The Fund will designate cash or securities in amounts sufficient to cover
its obligations, and will value the designated assets daily.
Portfolio turnover
We anticipate that the Fund's annual portfolio turnover will be less than 100%.
A turnover rate of 100% would occur if a Fund sold and replaced securities
valued at 100% of its net assets within one year.
9
<PAGE>
The risks of investing in the Fund
Investing in any mutual fund involves risk, including the risk that you may
receive little or no return on your investment, and the risk that you may lose
part or all of the money you invest. Before you invest in the Fund you should
carefully evaluate the risks. An investment in the Fund typically provides the
best results when held for a number of years. Following are the chief risks
you assume when investing in the Fund. Please see the Statement of Additional
Information for further discussion of these risks and the other risks not
discussed here.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks How we strive to manage them
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Market risk is the risk that all or a majority of We maintain a long-term investment approach and focus on bonds we believe will
the securities in a certain market--like the stock provide a steady income stream regardless of interim market fluctuations. We
or bond --will decline in value because of factors do not try to predict overall market movements and generally do not trade for
such market as economic conditions, future short-term purposes.
expectations or investor confidence.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry and security risk is the risk that the We diversify the Fund's assets across a variety of sectors in the bond market.
value of securities in a particular industry or We also follow a rigorous selection process before choosing securities for the
the value of an individual stock or bond will portfolio.
decline because of changing expectations for the
performance of that industry or for the individual
company issuing the stock or bond.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate risk is the risk that securities, We do not try to increase return by predicting and aggressively capitalizing
particularly bonds with longer maturities, will on interest rate moves. Instead, we aim to maintain a short- to
decrease in value if interest rates rise. intermediate-average maturity that helps us reduce the effects of interest
rate volatility.
Swaps may be particularly sensitive to interest
rate changes. Depending on the actual movements of The Fund will not invest in interest rate swaps with maturities of more than
interest rates and how well the portfolio two years. Each business day we will calculate the amount the Fund must pay
manager anticipates them, a fund could experience for any swaps it holds and will segregate enough cash or other liquid
a higher or lower return than anticipated. securities to cover that amount.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit risk is the possibility that a bond's By focusing primarily on U.S. Treasury securities and other securities that
issuer (or an entity that insures the bond) will are backed by the U.S. government, we minimize the possibility that any of the
be unable to make timely payments of interest and securities in our portfolio will not pay interest or principal. U.S.
principal. government securities are generally considered to be of the highest quality.
When selecting non-government securities and the dealers with whom we do
interest rate swaps, we focus on those with high quality ratings and do
careful credit analysis before investing.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepayment risk is the risk that homeowners will We take into consideration the likelihood of prepayment when we select
prepay mortgages during periods of low interest mortgages. We may look for mortgage securities that have characteristics that
rates, forcing a Fund to reinvest their money make them less likely to be prepaid, such as low outstanding loan
at interest rates that might be lower than those balances or below-market interest rates.
on the prepaid mortgage. Prepayment risk may also
affect other types of debt securities, but
generally to a lesser extent than mortgage
securities.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquidity risk is the possibility that securities We limit exposure to illiquid securities. Swap agreements will be treated as
cannot be readily sold within seven days at illiquid securities, but most swap dealers will be willing to repurchase
approximately the price that a fund values them. interest rate swaps.
- ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
Who manages the Fund
Investment manager
The Fund is managed by Delaware Management Company, a series of Delaware
Management Business Trust which is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. Delaware Management Company makes investment
decisions for the Fund, manages the Fund's business affairs and provides daily
administrative services. For these services, the manager was paid 0.50% of
average daily net assets for the last fiscal year.
Portfolio managers
Paul A. Grillo and Stephen R. Cianci have day-to-day responsibilities for making
investment decisions for the Fund.
Paul A. Grillo, Vice President/Portfolio Manager of the Fund, holds a BA in
Business Management from North Carolina State University and an MBA in Finance
from Pace University. Mr. Grillo became co-manager of the Fund in January 1999.
Prior to joining Delaware Investments in 1993, Mr. Grillo served as mortgage
strategist and trader at the Dreyfus Corporation. He also served as mortgage
strategist and portfolio manager for the Chemical Investment Group and as
financial analyst at Chemical Bank. Mr. Grillo is a CFA charterholder.
Stephen R. Cianci, Vice President/Portfolio Manager of the Fund, holds a BS and
an MBA in finance from Widener University. Mr. Cianci became co-manager of the
Fund in January 1999. He joined Delaware Investments in 1992 and assumed
responsibility for maintaining the Fixed Income Department's investment grade
analytical systems. These responsibilities included portfolio analysis and the
analysis of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. Mr. Cianci is an
Adjunct Professor of Finance at Widener University and a CFA charterholder.
11
<PAGE>
Who's who?
This diagram shows the various organizations involved with managing,
administering, and servicing the Delaware Investments funds.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: DIAGRAM SHOWING THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH
MANAGING, ADMINISTERING, AND SERVICING THE DELAWARE INVESTMENTS FUNDS]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Board of Trustees
Investment manager The Fund Custodian
Delaware Management Company The Chase Manhattan Bank
One Commerce Square 4 Chase Metrotech Center
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Brooklyn, NY 11245
Portfolio managers Distributor Service agent
(see page __ for details) Delaware Distributors, L.P. Delaware Service Company, Inc.
1818 Market Street 1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 Philadelphia, PA 19103
Shareholders
</TABLE>
Board of Trustees A mutual fund is governed by a Board of Trustees which has
oversight responsibility for the management of the fund's business affairs.
Trustees establish procedures and oversee and review the performance of the
investment manager, the distributor and others that perform services for the
fund. At least 40% of the Board of Trustees must be independent of the fund's
investment manager and distributor. These independent fund trustees, in
particular, are advocates for shareholder interests.
Investment manager An investment manager is a company responsible for selecting
portfolio investments consistent with the objective and policies stated in the
mutual fund's prospectus. The investment manager places portfolio orders with
broker/dealers and is responsible for obtaining the best overall execution of
those orders. A written contract between a mutual fund and its investment
manager specifies the services the manager performs. Most management contracts
provide for the manager to receive an annual fee based on a percentage of the
fund's average daily net assets. The manager is subject to numerous legal
restrictions, especially regarding transactions between itself and the funds it
advises.
Portfolio managers Portfolio managers are employed by the investment manager to
make investment decisions for individual portfolios on a day-to-day basis.
Custodian Mutual funds are legally required to protect their portfolio
securities and most funds place them with a qualified bank custodian who
segregates fund securities from other bank assets.
Distributor Most mutual funds continuously offer new shares to the public
through distributors who are regulated as broker-dealers and are subject to NASD
Regulation, Inc. (NASD) rules governing mutual fund sales practices.
Service agent Mutual fund companies employ service agents (sometimes called
transfer agents) to maintain records of shareholder accounts, calculate and
disburse dividends and capital gains and prepare and mail shareholder statements
and tax information, among other functions. Many service agents also provide
customer service to shareholders.
Shareholders Like shareholders of other companies, mutual fund shareholders have
specific voting rights, including the right to elect trustees. Material changes
in the terms of a fund's management contract must be approved by a shareholder
vote, and funds seeking to change fundamental investment objectives or policies
must also seek shareholder approval.
12
<PAGE>
About your account
Investing in the Fund
Institutional Class shares are available for purchase only by the following:
o retirement plans introduced by persons not associated with brokers or
dealers that are primarily engaged in the retail securities business and
rollover individual retirement accounts from such plans;
o tax-exempt employee benefit plans of the Fund's manager or its affiliates
and of securities dealer firms with a selling agreement with the
distributor;
o institutional advisory accounts of the Fund's manager, or its affiliates and
those having client relationships with Delaware Investment Advisers, an
affiliate of the manager, or its affiliates and their corporate sponsors, as
well as subsidiaries and related employee benefit plans and rollover
individual retirement accounts from such institutional advisory accounts;
o a bank, trust company or similar financial institution investing for its
own account or for the account of its trust customers for whom the
financial institution is exercising investment discretion in purchasing
shares of the Class, except where the investment is part of a program that
requires payment to the financial institution of a Rule 12b-1 Plan fee; or
o registered investment advisers investing on behalf of clients who consist
solely of institutions and high net-worth individuals having at least
$1,000,000 entrusted to the adviser for investment purposes. Use of
institutional class shares is restricted to advisers who are not affiliated
or associated with a broker or dealer and who derive compensation for
their services exclusively from their advisory clients.
13
<PAGE>
How to buy shares
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF AN ENVELOPE]
By mail
Complete an investment slip and mail it with your check, made payable to the
fund and class of shares you wish to purchase, to Delaware Investments, 1818
Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3682. If you are making an initial
purchase by mail, you must include a completed investment application (or an
appropriate retirement plan application if you are opening a retirement account)
with your check.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A JAGGED LINE]
By wire
Ask your bank to wire the amount you want to invest to First Union Bank, ABA
#031201467, Bank Account number 2014128934013. Include your account number and
the name of the fund in which you want to invest. If you are making an initial
purchase by wire, you must call us at 800.510.4015 so we can assign you an
account number.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF AN EXCHANGE SYMBOL]
By exchange
You can exchange all or part of your investment in one or more funds in the
Delaware Investments family for shares of other funds in the family. Please keep
in mind, however, that you may not exchange your shares for Class B or Class C
shares. To open an account by exchange, call your Client Services Representative
at 800.510.4015.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A PERSON]
Through your financial adviser
Your financial adviser can handle all the details of purchasing shares,
including opening an account. Your adviser may charge a separate fee for this
service.
14
<PAGE>
About your account (continued)
How to buy shares (continued)
The price you pay for shares will depend on when we receive your purchase order.
If we or an authorized agent receive your order before the close of regular
trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on a
business day, you will pay that day's closing share price which is based on the
Fund's net asset value. If we receive your order after the close of regular
trading, you will pay the next business day's price. A business day is any day
that the New York Stock Exchange is open for business. We reserve the right to
reject any purchase order.
We determine the Fund's net asset value (NAV) per share at the close of regular
trading of the New York Stock Exchange each business day that the Exchange is
open. We calculate this value by adding the market value of all the securities
and assets in a Fund's portfolio, deducting all liabilities, and dividing the
resulting number by the number of shares outstanding. The result is the net
asset value per share. We price securities and other assets for which market
quotations are available at their market value. We price fixed-income securities
on the basis of valuations provided to us by an independent pricing service that
uses methods approved by the board of directors. Any fixed-income securities
that have a maturity of less than 60 days we price at amortized cost. For all
other securities, we use methods approved by the board of trustees that are
designed to price securities at their fair market value.
15
<PAGE>
How to redeem shares
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF AN ENVELOPE]
By mail
You can redeem your shares (sell them back to the fund) by mail by writing to:
Delaware Investments, 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3682. All
owners of the account must sign the request, and for redemptions of more than
$50,000, you must include a signature guarantee for each owner. You can also fax
your written request to 215.255.8864. Signature guarantees are also required
when you request redemption proceeds to be sent to an address other than the
address of record on an account.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A TELEPHONE]
By telephone
You can redeem up to $50,000 of your shares by telephone. You may have the
proceeds sent to you by check, or, if you redeem at least $1,000 of shares, you
may have the proceeds sent directly to your bank by wire. Bank information must
be on file before you request a wire redemption.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A JAGGED LINE]
By wire
You can redeem $1,000 or more of your shares and have the proceeds deposited
directly to your bank account the next business day after we receive your
request. Bank information must be on file before you request a wire redemption.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A PERSON]
Through your financial adviser
Your financial adviser can handle all the details of redeeming your shares. Your
adviser may charge a separate fee for this service.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED: ILLUSTRATION OF A HAND HOLDING A PEN]
Through checkwriting
You may redeem shares by writing checks of $500 or more. Checks must be signed
by all owners of the account unless you indicate otherwise on your Investment
Application. Also, because dividends are declared daily, you may not close your
account by writing a check. When you write checks you are subject to bank
regulations and may be subject to a charge if the check amount exceeds the
value of your account.
16
<PAGE>
About your account (continued)
How to redeem shares (cont.)
If you hold your shares in certificates, you must submit the certificates with
your request to sell the shares. We recommend that you send your certificates by
certified mail.
When you send us a properly completed request to redeem or exchange shares
before the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally
4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), you will receive the net asset value as determined on
the business day we receive your request. You may also have to pay taxes on the
proceeds from your sale of shares. We will send you a check, normally the next
business day, but no later than seven days after we receive your request to sell
your shares. If you purchased your shares by check, we will wait until your
check has cleared, which can take up to 15 days, before we send your redemption
proceeds.
Account minimum
If you redeem shares and your account balance falls below $250, the Fund may
redeem your account after 60 days' written notice to you.
Exchanges
You can exchange all or part of your shares for shares of the same class in
another Delaware Investments fund. If you exchange shares to a fund that has a
sales charge you will pay any applicable sales charges on your new shares. You
don't pay sales charges on shares that are acquired through the reinvestment of
dividends. You may have to pay taxes on your exchange. When you exchange shares,
you are purchasing shares in another fund so you should be sure to get a copy of
the fund's prospectus and read it carefully before buying shares through an
exchange. You may not exchange your shares for Class B and Class C shares of the
funds in the Delaware Investments family.
Dividends, distributions and taxes
Dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Short-term capital gains if any,
may be paid quarterly, but the board of trustees may choose to distribute
them less frequently. Long-term capital gains, if any, will be distributed
annually. We automatically reinvest all dividends and capital gains.
Tax laws are subject to change, so we urge you to consult your tax adviser about
your particular tax situation and how it might be affected by current tax law.
The tax status of your dividends from this Fund is the same whether you reinvest
your dividends or receive them in cash. Distributions from a Fund's long-term
capital gains are taxable as capital gains, while distributions from short-term
capital gains and net investment income are generally taxable as ordinary
income. Any capital gains may be taxable at different rates depending on the
length of time the Fund held the assets. In addition, you may be subject to
state and local taxes on distributions.
We will send you a statement each year by January 31 detailing the amount and
nature of all dividends and capital gains that you were paid for the prior year.
17
<PAGE>
Certain management considerations
Year 2000
As with other mutual funds, financial and business organizations and individuals
around the world, the Fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
used by its service providers do not properly process and calculate date-related
information from and after January 1, 2000. This is commonly known as the "Year
2000 Problem." The Fund has taken steps to obtain satisfactory assurances
that its major service providers have taken steps reasonably designed to
address the Year 2000 Problem on the computer systems that the service providers
use. There can be no assurance that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any
adverse impact on the business of the Fund. The Year 2000 Problem may also
adversely affect the issuers of securities in which the Fund invests. The
portfolio managers and investment professionals of the Fund consider Year 2000
compliance (including, but not limited to, any or all of the following: impact
on business, cost of compliance plan review and contingency planning, and vendor
compliance) in the securities selection and investment process. However, there
can be no guarantee that, even with their due diligence efforts, they will be
able to predict the effect of Year 2000 on any company or the performance of
its securities.
Investments by fund of funds
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund accepts investments from the series
portfolios of Delaware Group Foundation Funds, a fund of funds. From time to
time, the Fund may experience large investments or redemptions due to
allocations or rebalancings by Foundation Funds. While it is impossible to
predict the overall impact of these transactions over time, there could be
adverse effects on portfolio management. For example, the Fund may be required
to sell securities or invest cash at times when it would not otherwise do so.
These transactions could also have tax consequences if sales of securities
result in gains, and could also increase transaction costs or portfolio
turnover. The manager will monitor transactions by Foundation Funds and will
attempt to minimize any adverse effects on both Delaware Limited-Term Government
Fund and Foundation Funds as a result of these transactions.
18
<PAGE>
Financial highlights
The Financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance. All "per share" information reflects financial results
for a single Fund share. This information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included in the
Fund's annual report, which is available upon request by calling 800.523.1918.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund Institutional Class
Year Ended 12/31
- ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, beginning of year $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050 $8.990
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from investment operations
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income 0.531 0.553 0.605 0.613 0.712
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net realized gain (loss) on investments (0.428) 0.079 (0.150) (0.280) 0.060
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations 0.103 0.632 0.455 0.333 0.772
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Dividends from net investment income (0.533) (0.552) (0.605) (0.613) (0.712)
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends (0.533) (0.552) (0.605) (0.613) (0.712)
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value, end of year $8.270 $8.700 $8.620 $8.770 $9.050
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total return(1) 1.22% 7.62% 5.39% 3.84% 8.87%
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratios and supplemental data
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) $4,448 $21,201 $32,902 $30,349 $37,460
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratio of expenses to average net assets 0.85% 0.86% 0.83% 0.78% 0.81%
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets 6.27% 6.47% 6.98% 6.92% 7.86%
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Portfolio turnover 175% 69% 79% 83% 73%
- ------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
(1) Total investment return is based on the change in net asset value of a share
during the period and assumes reinvestment of distributions at net asset value.
19
<PAGE>
How to read the Financial highlights
Net investment income (loss)
Net investment income (loss) includes dividend and interest income earned from a
fund's investments; it is after expenses have been deducted.
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
A realized gain occurs when we sell an investment at a profit, while a realized
loss occurs when we sell an investment at a loss. When an investment increases
or decreases in value but we do not sell it, we record an unrealized gain or
loss. The amount of realized gain per share that we pay to shareholders is
listed under "Less distributions-Distributions from realized gain on
investments."
Net asset value (NAV)
This is the value of a mutual fund share, calculated by dividing the net assets
by the number of shares outstanding.
Total return
This represents the rate that an investor would have earned or lost on an
investment in a fund. In calculating this figure for the financial highlights
table, we include applicable fee waivers and assume the shareholder has
reinvested all dividends and realized gains.
Net assets
Net assets represent the total value of all the assets in a fund's portfolio,
less any liabilities that are attributable to that class of the fund.
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
The expense ratio is the percentage of net assets that a fund pays annually for
operating expenses and management fees. These expenses include accounting and
administration expenses, services for shareholders, and similar expenses.
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
We determine this ratio by dividing net investment income by average net assets.
Portfolio turnover
This figure tells you the amount of trading activity in a fund's portfolio. For
example, a fund with a 50% turnover rate has bought and sold half of the value
of its total investment portfolio during the stated period.
20
<PAGE>
Glossary
This glossary includes definitions of investment terms used throughout the
Prospectus. If you would like to know the meaning of an investment term that is
not explained in the text please check the glossary.
Amortized cost
Amortized cost is a method used to value a fixed-income security that starts
with the face value of the security and then adds or subtracts from that value
depending on whether the purchase price was greater or less than the value of
the security at maturity. The amount greater or less than the par value is
divided equally over the time remaining until maturity.
Average maturity
An average of when the individual bonds and other debt securities held in a
portfolio will mature.
Bond
A debt security, like an IOU, issued by a company, municipality or government
agency. In return for lending money to the issuer, a bond buyer generally
receives fixed periodic interest payments and repayment of the loan amount on a
specified maturity date. A bond's price changes prior to maturity and typically
is inversely related to current interest rates. Generally, when interest rates
rise, bond prices fall, and when interest rates fall, bond prices rise. See also
Nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
Bond ratings
Independent evaluations of creditworthiness, ranging from Aaa/AAA (highest
quality) to D (lowest quality). Bonds rated Baa/BBB or better are considered
investment grade. Bonds rated Ba/BB or lower are commonly known as junk bonds.
See also Nationally recognized statistical rating organization. See also
Nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
Capital
The amount of money you invest.
Capital appreciation
An increase in the value of an investment.
Capital gains distributions
Payments to mutual fund shareholders of profits (realized gains) from the sale
of a fund's portfolio securities. Usually paid once a year; may be either
short-term gains or long-term gains.
Compounding
Earnings on an investment's previous earnings.
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Measurement of U.S. inflation; represents the price of a basket of commonly
purchased goods.
Corporate bond
A debt security issued by a corporation. See bond.
Cost basis
The original purchase price of an investment, used in determining capital gains
and losses.
Depreciation
A decline in an investment's value.
Diversification
The process of spreading investments among a number of different securities,
asset classes or investment styles to reduce the risks of investing.
21
<PAGE>
Dividend distribution
Payments to mutual fund shareholders of dividends passed along from the fund's
portfolio of securities.
Dividend distribution
Payments to mutual fund shareholders of dividends passed along from the fund's
portfolio of securities.
Duration
A measurement of a fixed-income investment's price volatility. The larger the
number, the greater the likely price change for a given change in interest
rates.
Expense ratio
A mutual fund's total operating expenses, expressed as a percentage of its total
net assets. Operating expenses are the costs of running a mutual fund, including
management fees, offices, staff, equipment and expenses related to maintaining
the fund's portfolio of securities and distributing its shares. They are paid
from the fund's assets before any earnings are distributed to shareholders.
Financial adviser
Financial professional (e.g., broker, banker, accountant, planner or insurance
agent) who analyzes clients' finances and prepares personalized programs to meet
objectives.
Fixed-income securities
With fixed-income securities, the money you originally invest is paid back at a
pre-specified maturity date. These securities, which include government,
corporate or municipal bonds, as well as money market securities, typically pay
a fixed rate of return (often referred to as interest). See Bonds.
Inflation
The increase in the cost of goods and services over time. U.S. inflation is
frequently measured by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Investment goal
The objective, such as long-term capital growth or high current income, that a
mutual fund pursues.
Management fee
The amount paid by a mutual fund to the investment adviser for management
services, expressed as an annual percentage of the fund' s average daily net
assets.
Market capitalization
The value of a corporation determined by multiplying the current market price of
a share of common stock by the number of shares held by shareholders. A
corporation with one million shares outstanding and the market price per share
of $10 has a market capitalization of $10 million.
Maturity
The length of time until a bond issuer must repay the underlying loan principal
to bondholders.
Merrill Lynch One-to-Three Year Treasury Index
An unmanaged index of U.S. Treasury notes and bonds with maturities greater than
or equal to one year and less than three years. It does not include inflation
linked U.S. government bonds.
NASD Regulation, Inc. (NASD)
A self-regulating organization, consisting of brokerage firms (including
distributors of mutual funds), that is responsible for overseeing the actions of
its members.
Nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO)
A company that assesses the credit quality of bonds, commercial paper, preferred
and common stocks and municipal short-term issues, rating the probability that
the issuer of the debt will meet the scheduled interest payments and repay the
principal. Ratings are published by such companies as Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. (Moody's), Standard & Poor's (S&P), Duff & Phelps, Inc. (Duff), and Fitch
IBCA, Inc. (Fitch).
22
<PAGE>
Net asset value (NAV)
The daily dollar value of one mutual fund share. Equal to a fund's net assets
divided by the number of shares outstanding.
Preferred stock
Preferred stock has preference over common stock in the payment of dividends and
liquidation of assets. Preferred stocks also often pay dividends at a fixed rate
and are sometimes convertible into common stock.
Principal
Amount of money you invest (also called capital). Also refers to a bond's
original face value, due to be repaid at maturity.
Prospectus
The official offering document that describes a mutual fund, containing
information required by the SEC, such as investment objectives, policies,
services and fees.
Redeem
To cash in your shares by selling them back to the mutual fund.
Risk
Generally defined as variability of value; also credit risk, inflation risk,
currency and interest rate risk. Different investments involve different types
and degrees of risk.
Sales charge
Charge on the purchase or redemption of fund shares sold through financial
advisers. May vary with the amount invested. Typically used to compensate
advisers for advice and service provided.
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)
Federal agency established by Congress to administer the laws governing the
securities industry, including mutual fund companies.
Share classes
Different classifications of shares; mutual fund share classes offer a variety
of sales charge choices.
Signature guarantee
Certification by a bank, brokerage firm or other financial institution that a
customer's signature is valid; signature guarantees can be provided by members
of the STAMP program.
Standard deviation
A measure of an investment's volatility; for mutual funds, measures how much a
fund's total return has typically varied from its historical average.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
The document serving as "Part B" of a fund's prospectus that provides more
detailed information about the fund's organization, investments, policies and
risks.
Stock
An investment that represents a share of ownership (equity) in a corporation.
Stocks are often referred to as "equities."
Total return
An investment performance measurement, expressed as a percentage, based on the
combined earnings from dividends, capital gains and change in price over a given
period.
Volatility
The tendency of an investment to go up or down in value by different magnitudes.
Investments that generally go up or down in value in relatively small amounts
are considered "low volatility" investments, whereas those investments that
generally go up or down in value in relatively large amounts are considered
"high volatility" investments.
23
<PAGE>
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
annual and semi-annual report to shareholders. In the Fund's shareholder
reports, you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment
strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance during the report
period. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in the current
Statement of Additional Information, which we have filed electronically with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and which is legally a part of this
prospectus. If you want a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information,
the annual or semi-annual report, or if you have any questions about investing
in the Fund, you can write to us at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103,
or call toll-free 800.523.1918. You may also obtain additional information about
the Fund from your financial adviser.
You can find reports and other information about the Fund on the EDGAR database
on the SEC web site (http://www.sec.gov). You can also get copies of this
information, after payment of a duplicating fee, by e-mailing the SEC at
publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. Information about the Fund, including its
Statement of Additional Information, can be reviewed and copied at the
Securities and Exchange Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.
You can get information on the public reference room by calling the SEC at
202.942.8090.
Web site
www.delawareinvestments.com
E-mail
service@delinvest.com
Client Services Representative
800.510.4015
Delaphone Service
800-362-FUND (800.362.3863)
For convenient access to account information or current performance information
on all Delaware Investments Funds seven days a week, 24 hours a day, use this
Touch-Tone service.
DELAWARE
INVESTMENTS
Philadelphia * London
Investment Company Act file number: 811-3363
Fund Symbols
CUSIP NASDAQ
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund Institutional Class 245912506 DTINX
P-002 [--] PP 2/00
24
<PAGE>
Delaware Investments includes
funds with a wide range of
investment objectives. Stock DELAWARE LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUND
funds, income funds, national
and state-specific tax-exempt
funds, money market funds, A CLASS
global and international funds B CLASS
and closed-end funds give C CLASS
investors the ability to
create a portfolio that fits INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
their personal financial
goals. For more information,
shareholders of the Fund DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS
Classes should contact their
financial adviser or call
Delaware Investments at
800-523-1918, and shareholders
of the Institutional Class
should contact Delaware
Investments at 800-510-4015.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Delaware Management Company
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
NATIONAL DISTRIBUTOR
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 PART B
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING,
DIVIDEND DISBURSING, STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTING SERVICES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
AND TRANSFER AGENT
Delaware Service Company, Inc.
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103 February 29, 2000
LEGAL COUNSEL
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young,
LLP
One Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
Two Commerce Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank
4 Chase Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245
DELAWARE
INVESTMENTS
============
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 29, 2000
DELAWARE GROUP LIMITED-TERM GOVERNMENT FUNDS
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund
1818 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
For more information about Institutional Class: 800-510-4015
For Prospectus, Performance and Information on Existing Accounts of
Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares: Nationwide 800-523-1918
Dealer Services: (BROKER/DEALERS ONLY) Nationwide 800-362-7500
Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds ("Limited-Term Funds") is
a professionally-managed mutual fund of the series type which currently offers
one series of shares: Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund (the "Fund").
The Fund offers Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares (Class A
Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares together referred to as the "Fund
Classes"), and Institutional Class shares ("Institutional Class"). All
references to "shares" in this Part B refer to all Classes of shares of
Limited-Term Funds, except where noted.
This Statement of Additional Information ("Part B" of the registration
statement) supplements the information contained in the current Prospectus for
the Fund Classes dated February 29, 2000 and the current Prospectus for the
Institutional Class dated February 29, 2000, as they may be amended from time to
time. Part B should be read in conjunction with the respective Class'
Prospectus. Part B is not itself a prospectus but is, in its entirety,
incorporated by reference into each Class' Prospectus. A prospectus relating to
the Fund Classes and a prospectus relating to the Institutional Class may be
obtained by writing or calling your investment dealer or by contacting the
Fund's national distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P. (the "Distributor"), at
the above address or by calling the above phone numbers. The Fund's financial
statements, the notes relating thereto, the financial highlights and the report
of independent auditors are incorporated by reference from the Annual Report
into this Part B. The Annual Report will accompany any request for Part B. The
Annual Report can be obtained, without charge, by calling 800-523-1918.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page Page
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Cover Page Redemption and Exchange
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Objective and Policies Income Dividends and Realized Securities Profits
Distributions
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounting and Tax Issues Investment Management Agreement
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Information Officers and Trustees
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trading Practices and Brokerage General Information
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchasing Shares Financial Statements
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Plans Appendix A - Ratings
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value Appendix B - Investment Objectives of the Funds
in the Delaware Investments Family
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Restrictions- Limited-Term Funds has adopted the following
restrictions for the Fund which cannot be changed without approval by the
holders of a "majority" of the Fund's outstanding shares, which is a vote by the
holders of the lesser of a) 67% or more of the voting securities present in
person or by proxy 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. The percentage limitations
contained in the restrictions and policies set forth herein apply at the time of
purchase of securities.
The Fund shall not:
1. Make investments that will result in the concentration (as that term
may be defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), any rule
or order thereunder, or U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff
interpretation thereof) of its investments in the securities of issuers
primarily engaged in the same industry, provided that this restriction does not
limit the Fund from investing in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or in tax-exempt obligations or
certificates of deposit.
2. Borrow money or issue senior securities, except as the 1940 Act, any
rule or order thereunder, or SEC staff interpretation thereof, may permit.
3. Underwrite the securities of other issuers, except that the Fund may
engage in transactions involving the acquisition, disposition or resale of its
portfolio securities, under circumstances where it may be considered to be an
underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act").
4. Purchase or sell real estate, unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this restriction
does not prevent the Fund from investing in issuers which invest, deal or
otherwise engage in transactions in real estate or interests therein, or
investing in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein.
5. Purchase or sell physical commodities, unless acquired as a result
of ownership of securities or other instruments and provided that this
restriction does not prevent the Fund from engaging in transactions involving
futures contracts and options thereon or investing in securities that are
secured by physical commodities.
6. Make loans, provided that this restriction does not prevent the Fund
from purchasing debt obligations, entering into repurchase agreements, loaning
its assets to broker/dealers or institutional investors and investing in loans,
including assignments and participation interests.
Non-Fundamental Restrictions- In addition to the fundamental policies
and investment restrictions described above, and the various general investment
policies described in the prospectus, the Fund will be subject to the following
investment restrictions, which are considered non-fundamental and may be changed
by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval.
1. The Fund is permitted to invest in other investment companies,
including open-end, closed-end or unregistered investment companies, either
within the percentage limits set forth in the 1940 Act, any rule or order
thereunder, or SEC staff interpretation thereof, or without regard to percentage
limits in connection with a merger, reorganization, consolidation or other
similar transaction. However, the Fund may not operate as a "fund of funds"
which invests primarily in the shares of other investment companies as permitted
by Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) of the 1940 Act, if its own shares are utilized as
investments by such a "fund of funds."
2. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
securities which it cannot sell or dispose of in the ordinary course of business
within seven days at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the
investment.
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The Fund is also subject to the following investment restrictions,
which are considered non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees
without shareholder approval.
The Fund shall not:
1. Invest more than 5% of the market or other fair value of its assets
in the securities of any one issuer (other than obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
2. Invest in securities of other investment companies except as part of
a merger, consolidation or other acquisition, and except to the extent that an
issuer of mortgage-backed securities may be deemed to be an investment company,
provided that any such investment in securities of an issuer of a
mortgage-backed security which is deemed to be an investment company will be
subject to the limits set forth in Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, as
amended.
The Fund has been advised by the staff of the SEC that it is the
staff's position that, under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest (a) no more than
10% of its assets in the aggregate in certain CMOs and REMICs which are deemed
to be investment companies under the 1940 Act and issue their securities
pursuant to an exemptive order from the SEC, and (b) no more than 5% of its
assets in any single issue of such CMOs or REMICs.
3. Make loans, except to the extent that purchases of debt obligations
(including repurchase agreements) in accordance with the Fund's investment
objective and policies are considered loans and except that the Fund may loan up
to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers or institutional investors for
their use relating to short sales or other security transactions.
4. Purchase or sell real estate but this shall not prevent the Fund
from investing in securities secured by real estate or interests therein.
5. Purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting or nonvoting
securities of any issuer, or invest in companies for the purpose of exercising
control or management.
6. Engage in the underwriting of securities of other issuers, except
that in connection with the disposition of a security, the Fund may be deemed to
be an "underwriter" as that term is defined in the 1933 Act.
7. Make any investment which would cause more than 25% of the market or
other fair value of its total assets to be invested in the securities of issuers
all of which conduct their principal business activities in the same industry.
This restriction does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
8. Write, purchase or sell options, puts, calls or combinations
thereof, except that the Fund may: (a) write covered call options with respect
to any part or all of its portfolio securities; (b) purchase call options to the
extent that the premiums paid on all outstanding call options do not exceed 2%
of the Fund's total assets; (c) write secured put options; (d) purchase put
options to the extent that the premiums on all outstanding put options do not
exceed 2% of the Fund's total assets and only if the Fund owns the security
covered by the put option at the time of purchase. The Fund may sell put options
or call options previously purchased or enter into closing transactions with
respect to such options.
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9. Enter into futures contracts or options thereon, except that the
Fund may enter into futures contracts to the extent that not more than 5% of the
Fund's assets are required as futures contract margin deposits and only to the
extent that obligations under such contracts or transactions represent not more
than 20% of the Fund's assets.
10. Purchase securities on margin or make short sales of securities.
11. Invest in warrants or rights except where acquired in units or
attached to other securities.
12. Purchase or retain the securities of any issuer any of whose
officers, trustees or security holders is a Trustee or officer of Limited-Term
Funds or of its investment manager if or so long as the trustees and officers of
Limited-Term Funds and of its investment manager together own beneficially more
than 5% of any class of securities of such issuer.
13. Invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or
development programs.
14. Invest more than 10% of the Fund's total assets in repurchase
agreements maturing in more than seven days and other illiquid assets.
15. Borrow money in excess of one-third of the value of its net assets
and then only as a temporary measure for extraordinary purposes or to facilitate
redemptions. The Fund has no intention of increasing its net income through
borrowing. Any borrowing will be done from a bank and to the extent that such
borrowing exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's net assets, asset coverage of at
least 300% is required. In the event that such asset coverage shall at any time
fall below 300%, the Fund shall, within three days thereafter (not including
Sunday or holidays) or such longer period as the SEC may prescribe by rules and
regulations, reduce the amount of its borrowings to such an extent that the
asset coverage of such borrowings shall be at least 300%. The Fund will not
pledge more than 10% of its net assets. The Fund will not issue senior
securities as defined in the 1940 Act, except for notes to banks. Securities
will not be purchased while the Fund has an outstanding borrowing.
Although not a fundamental investment restriction, the Fund currently
does not invest its assets in real estate limited partnerships.
The Funds' investment objective and policies are described in the
Prospectus. Certain additional investment information is provided below.
The Fund will invest in securities for income earnings rather than
trading for profit. The Fund will not vary portfolio investments, except to:
1. eliminate unsafe investments and investments not consistent with the
preservation of the capital or the tax status of the investments of the Fund;
2. honor redemption orders, meet anticipated redemption requirements,
and negate gains from discount purchases;
3. reinvest the earnings from securities in like securities; or
4. defray normal administrative expenses.
Average Effective Maturity
The Fund limits its average effective dollar weighted portfolio
maturity to no more than three to five years. However, many of the securities in
which the Fund invests will have remaining maturities in excess of five years.
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Some of the securities in the Fund's portfolio may have periodic
interest rate adjustments based upon an index such as the 91-day Treasury Bill
rate. This periodic interest rate adjustment tends to lessen the volatility of
the security's price. With respect to securities with an interest rate
adjustment period of one year or less, the Fund will, when determining average
weighted maturity, treat such a security's maturity as the amount of time
remaining until the next interest rate adjustment.
Instruments such as GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC securities and similar securities
backed by amortizing loans generally have shorter effective maturities than
their stated maturities. This is due to changes in amortization caused by
demographic and economic forces such as interest rate movements. These effective
maturities are calculated based upon historical payment patterns. For purposes
of determining the Fund's average effective maturity, the maturities of such
securities will be calculated based upon the issuing agency's payment factors
using industry-accepted valuation models.
Mortgage-Backed Securities
In addition to mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, the Fund may also invest up
to 35% of its assets in securities issued by certain private, nongovernment
corporations, such as financial institutions, if the securities are fully
collateralized at the time of issuance by securities or certificates issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Two
principal types of mortgage-backed securities are collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs) and real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs). The
Fund currently invests in privately-issued CMOs and REMICs only if they are
rated at the time of purchase in the two highest grades by a
nationally-recognized rating agency.
CMOs are debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies or by
financial institutions and other mortgage lenders and collateralized by a pool
of mortgages held under an indenture. CMOs are issued in a number of classes or
series with different maturities. The classes or series are retired in sequence
as the underlying mortgages are repaid. Prepayment may shorten the stated
maturity of the obligation and can result in a loss of premium, if any has been
paid. Certain of these securities may have variable or floating interest rates
and others may be stripped (securities which provide only the principal or
interest feature of the underlying security).
Stripped mortgage securities 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 stripped mortgage security 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" class), while the other class will receive
all of the principal (the "principal-only" class). The yield to maturity on an
interest-only class is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing
interest rates but also 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 the security's yield to
maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated
prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial
investment in these securities even if the securities are rated in the highest
rating categories.
Although stripped mortgage securities 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 been fully developed and, accordingly,
these securities are generally illiquid and to such extent, together with any
other illiquid investments, will not exceed 10% of the Fund's net assets.
REMICs, which were authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are
private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages
secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they
issue multiple classes of securities and certain REMICs also may be stripped.
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The Fund may also invest in CMOs, REMICs and commercial mortgage-backed
securities (CMBS) that are not issued or guaranteed by, or fully collateralized
by securities issued or guaranteed by, the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities ("non-agency mortgage-backed securities"). These securities
are secured by the underlying collateral of the private issuer. The Fund may
invest its assets in such privately-issued CMOs, REMICs and CMBS only if the
securities are rated in the top rating category by a nationally-recognized
statistical rating organization (e.g., AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody's). The Fund
may not invest more than 20% of its assets in securities, including CMOs, REMICS
and CMBS, that are not issued or guaranteed by, or fully collateralized by
securities issued or guaranteed by, the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities.
CMBS are issued by special purpose entities that represent an undivided
interest in a portfolio of mortgage loans backed by commercial properties. The
loans are collateralized by various types of commercial property, which include,
but are not limited to, multi-family housing, retail shopping centers, office
space, hotels and health care facilities. Private lenders, such as banks or
insurance companies, originate these loans and then sell the loans directly into
a CMBS trust or other entity. CMBS are subject to credit risk, prepayment risk
and extension risk. The Manager addresses credit risk by investing in CMBS that
are rated in the top rating category by a nationally-recognized statistical
rating organization. Although prepayment risk is present, it is of a lesser
degree in the CMBS than in the residential mortgage market. Unlike other asset
classes, commercial loans have structural impediments to refinancing that
include lockout periods, prepayment penalties, yield maintenance and defeasance.
These devices reduce the uncertainty introduced by prepayment options. The
Manager carefully analyzes the composition and proportions of various prepayment
provisions to protect against unscheduled payments. Extension risk is the risk
that balloon payments (i.e., the final payment on commercial mortgages, which
are substantially larger than other periodic payments under the mortgage) are
deferred beyond their originally scheduled date for payment. Extension risk
measures the impact of a borrower's ability to pay the balloon payment in a
timely fashion, while maintaining loan payments in accordance with the terms
specified in the loan. For the investor, extension will increase the average
life of the security, generally resulting in lower yield for discount bonds and
a higher yield for premium bonds. The Manager models and stress tests extension
risk and invests only in structures where extension risk is acceptable under
various scenarios.
Asset-Backed Securities
The Fund may invest in securities which are backed by assets such as
receivables on home equity and credit loans, receivables regarding automobile,
mobile home and recreational vehicle loans, wholesale dealer floor plans and
leases or other loans or financial receivables currently available or which may
be developed in the future.
Such receivables are securitized in either a pass-through or a
pay-through structure. Pass-through securities provide investors with an income
stream consisting of both principal and interest payments in respect of the
receivables in the underlying pool. Pay-through asset-backed securities are debt
obligations issued usually by a special purpose entity, which are collateralized
by the various receivables and in which the payments on the underlying
receivables provide the funds to pay the debt service on the debt obligations
issued.
The rate of principal payment on asset-backed securities generally
depends on the rate of principal payments received on the underlying assets.
Such rate of payments may be affected by economic and various other factors such
as changes in interest rates or the concentration of collateral in a particular
geographic area. Therefore, the yield may be difficult to predict and actual
yield to maturity may be more or less than the anticipated yield to maturity.
Due to the shorter maturity of the collateral backing such securities, there
tends to be less of a risk of substantial prepayment than with mortgage-backed
securities but the risk of such a prepayment does exist. Such asset-backed
securities do, however, involve certain risks not associated with
mortgage-backed securities, including the risk that security interests cannot be
adequately or in many cases ever established, and other risks which may be
peculiar to particular classes of collateral. For example, with respect to
credit card receivables, a number of state and federal consumer credit laws give
debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby
reducing the outstanding balance. In the case of automobile receivables, there
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is a risk that the holders may not have either a proper or first security
interest in all of the obligations backing such receivables due to the large
number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements
under state laws. Therefore recoveries on repossessed collateral may not always
be available to support payments on the securities.
Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets
representing the obligations of a number of different parties. To lessen the
effect of failures by obligors on underlying assets to make payments, such
securities may contain elements of credit support. Such credit support falls
into two categories: (i) liquidity protection, and (ii) protection against
losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the underlying assets.
Liquidity protection refers to the provisions of advances, generally by the
entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the receipt of payments
due on the underlying pool is timely. Protection against losses resulting from
ultimate default enhances the likelihood of payments of the obligations on at
least some of the assets in the pool. Such protection may be provided through
guarantees, insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or
sponsor from third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction
or through a combination of such approaches. The Fund will not pay any
additional fees for such credit support, although the existence of credit
support may increase the price of a security.
Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the
transaction include "senior-subordinated securities" (multiple class securities
with one or more classes subordinate to other classes as to the payment of
principal thereof and interest thereon, with the result that defaults on the
underlying assets are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class),
creation of "reserve funds" (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a
portion of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against
future losses) and "over collateralization" (where the scheduled payments on, or
the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceeds that required to make
payments of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). The degree of
credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical
information respecting the level of credit information respecting the level of
credit risk associated with the underlying assets. Delinquencies or losses in
excess of those anticipated could adversely affect the return on an investment
in such issue.
Options
The Fund may purchase call options, write call options on a covered
basis, write secured put options and purchase put options on a covered basis
only, and will not engage in option writing strategies for speculative purposes.
The Fund may invest in options that are either Exchange listed or
traded over-the-counter. Certain over-the-counter options may be illiquid. Thus,
it may not be possible to close option positions and this may have an adverse
impact on the Fund's ability to effectively hedge its securities. The Fund will
not, however, invest more than 10% of its assets in illiquid securities.
A. Covered Call Writing--The Fund may write covered call options from
time to time on such portion of its portfolio, without limit, as Delaware
Management Company (the "Manager") determines is appropriate in seeking to
obtain the Fund's investment objective. A call option gives the purchaser of
such option the right to buy, and the writer, in this case the Fund, has the
obligation to sell the underlying security at the exercise price during the
option period. The advantage to the Fund of writing covered calls is that the
Fund receives a premium which is additional income. However, if the security
rises in value, the Fund may not fully participate in the market appreciation.
During the option period, a covered call option writer may be assigned
an exercise notice by the broker/dealer through whom such call option was sold,
requiring the writer to deliver the underlying security against payment of the
exercise price. This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the option
period or at such earlier time in which the writer effects a closing purchase
transaction. A closing purchase transaction cannot be effected with respect to
an option once the option writer has received an exercise notice for such
option.
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With respect to options on actual portfolio securities owned by the
Fund, the Fund may enter into closing purchase transactions. A closing purchase
transaction is one in which the Fund, when obligated as a writer of an option,
terminates its obligation by purchasing an option of the same series as the
option previously written.
Closing purchase transactions will ordinarily be effected to realize a
profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from
being called, to permit the sale of the underlying security or to enable the
Fund to write another call option on the underlying security with either a
different exercise price or expiration date or both. The Fund may realize a net
gain or loss from a closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the net
amount of the original premium received on the call option is more or less than
the cost of effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a
closing purchase transaction may be partially or entirety offset by the premium
received from a sale of a different call option on the same underlying security.
Such a loss may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation in
the market value of the underlying security. Conversely, a gain resulting from a
closing purchase transaction could be offset in whole or in part by a decline in
the market value of the underlying security.
If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund will realize a
short-term capital gain in the amount of the premium on the option less the
commission paid. Such a gain, however, may be offset by depreciation in the
market value of the underlying security during the option period. If a call
option is exercised, the Fund will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the
underlying security equal to the difference between the cost of the underlying
security and the proceeds of the sale of the security plus the amount of the
premium on the option less the commission paid.
The market value of a call option generally reflects the market price
of an underlying security. Other principal factors affecting market value
include supply and demand, interest rates, the price volatility of the
underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date.
The Fund will write call options only on a covered basis, which means
that the Fund will own the underlying security subject to a call option at all
times during the option period. Unless a closing purchase transaction is
effected, the Fund would be required to continue to hold a security which it
might otherwise wish to sell or deliver a security it would want to hold.
Options written by the Fund will normally have expiration dates between one and
nine months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may be
below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying security at
the time the option is written.
B. Purchasing Call Options--The Fund may purchase call options to the
extent that premiums paid by the Fund do not aggregate more than 2% of the
Fund's total assets. The advantage of purchasing call options is that the Fund
may alter portfolio characteristics, and modify portfolio maturities without
incurring the cost associated with portfolio transactions.
The Fund may, following the purchase of a call option, liquidate its
position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by
selling an option of the same Fund as the option previously purchased. The Fund
will realize a profit from a closing sale transaction if the price received on
the transaction is more than the premium paid to purchase the original call
option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing sale transaction if the
price received on the transaction is less than the premium paid to purchase the
original call option.
Although the Fund will generally purchase only those call options for
which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that
a liquid secondary market on an Exchange will exist for any particular option,
or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on a
Exchange may exist. In such event, it may not be possible to effect closing
transactions in particular options, with the results that the Fund would have to
exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage
commissions upon the exercise of such options and upon the subsequent
disposition of the underlying securities acquired through the exercise of such
options. Further, unless the price of the underlying security changes
sufficiently, a call option purchased by the Fund may expire without any value
to the Fund.
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C. Purchasing Put Options-- The Fund will only purchase put options to
the extent that the premiums on all outstanding put options do not exceed 2% of
the Fund's total assets. A put option purchased by the Fund gives it the right
to sell one of its securities for an agreed price up to an agreed date. However,
the Fund must pay a premium for this right, whether it exercises it or not. The
Fund will, at all times during which it holds a put option, own the security
covered by such option.
The Fund intends to purchase put options in order to protect against a
decline in the market value of the underlying security below the exercise price
less the premium paid for the option ("protective puts"). The ability to
purchase put options will allow the Fund to protect an unrealized gain in an
appreciated security in its portfolio without actually selling the security. If
the security does not drop in value, the Fund will lose the value of the premium
paid. The Fund may sell a put option which it has previously purchased prior to
the sale of the securities underlying such option. Such sales will result in a
net gain or loss depending on whether the amount received on the sale is more or
less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put option which
is sold.
The Fund may sell a put option purchased on individual portfolio
securities. Additionally, the Fund may enter into closing sale transactions. A
closing sale transaction is one in which the Fund, when it is the holder of an
outstanding option, liquidates its position by selling an option of the same
series as the option previously purchased.
D. Writing Put Options--The Fund may also write put options on a
secured basis which means that the Fund will maintain in a segregated account
with its custodian, cash or U.S. government securities in an amount not less
than the exercise price of the option at all times during the option period. The
amount of cash or U.S. government securities held in the segregated account will
be adjusted on a daily basis to reflect changes in the market value of the
securities covered by the put option written by the Fund. Secured put options
will generally be written in circumstances where the Manager wishes to purchase
the underlying security for the Fund's portfolio at a price lower than the
current market price of the security. In such event, the Fund would write a
secured put option at an exercise price which, reduced by the premium received
on the option, reflects the lower price it is willing to pay.
Following the writing of a put option, the Fund may wish to terminate
the obligation to buy the security underlying the option by effecting a closing
purchase transaction. This is accomplished by buying an option of the same
series as the option previously written. The Fund may not, however, effect such
a closing transaction after it has been notified of the exercise of the option.
Futures
Futures contracts are agreements for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of securities. While futures contracts provide for the delivery of
securities, deliveries usually do not occur. A purchase of a futures contract
means the acquisition of a contractual right to obtain delivery to the Fund of
the securities called for by the contract at a specified price during a
specified future month. The Fund will not enter into futures contracts to the
extent that more than 5% of the Fund's assets are required as futures contract
margin deposits and will not engage in such transactions to the extent that
obligations relating to such transactions exceed 20% of the Fund's assets.
Contracts are generally terminated by entering into an offsetting
transaction. When the Fund enters into a futures transaction, it must deliver to
the futures commission merchant selected by the Fund an amount referred to as
"initial margin." This amount is maintained by the futures commission merchant
in an account at the Fund's custodian bank. Thereafter, a "variation margin" may
be paid by the Fund to, or drawn by the Fund from, such account in accordance
with controls set for such account, depending upon changes in the price of the
underlying securities subject to the futures contract.
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In addition, when the Fund engages in futures transactions, to the
extent required by the SEC, it will maintain with its custodian, assets in a
segregated account to cover its obligations with respect to such contracts,
which assets will consist of cash, cash equivalents or high quality debt
securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the difference between the
fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of
the margin payments made by the Fund with respect to such futures contracts.
The Fund may enter into such futures contracts to protect against the
adverse effects of fluctuations in interest rates without actually buying or
selling such securities. Similarly, when it is expected that interest rates may
decline, futures contracts may be purchased to hedge in anticipation of
subsequent purchases of government securities at higher prices.
With respect to options on futures contracts, when the Fund is not
fully invested, it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge
against a market advance due to declining interest rates. The writing of a call
option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining
prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures
contract. If the futures price at the expiration of the option is below the
exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which
provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the
portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract
constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities which
are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at
expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain
the full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any
increase in the price of government securities which the Fund intends to
purchase.
If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund
will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it
receives. Depending on the degree of correlation between the value of its
portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the
Fund's losses from existing options on futures may, to some extent, be reduced
or increased by changes in the value of portfolio securities. The Fund will
purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund's portfolio
against the risk of rising interest rates.
To the extent that interest rates move in an unexpected direction, the
Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of futures contracts or options on
futures contracts or may realize a loss. For example, if the Fund is hedged
against the possibility of an increase in interest rates which would adversely
affect the price of government securities held in its portfolio and interest
rates decrease instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the
increased value of its government securities which it has because it will have
offsetting losses in its futures position. In addition, in such situations, if
the Fund had insufficient cash, it may be required to sell government securities
from its portfolio to meet daily variation margin requirements. Such sales of
government securities may, but will not necessarily, be at increased prices
which reflect the rising market. The Fund may be required to sell securities at
a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
Further, with respect to options on futures contracts, the Fund may
seek to close out an option position by writing or buying an offsetting position
covering the same securities or contracts and have the same exercise price and
expiration date. The ability to establish and close out positions on options
will be subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market, which cannot be
assured.
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Corporate Debt
The Fund may invest in corporate notes and bonds rated A or above.
Excerpts from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") description of those
categories of bond ratings: Aaa--judged to be the best quality. They carry the
smallest degree of investment risk; Aa--judged to be of high quality by all
standards; A--possess favorable attributes and are considered "upper medium"
grade obligations.
Excerpts from Standard & Poor's ("S&P") description of those categories
of bond ratings: AAA--highest grade obligations. They possess the ultimate
degree of protection as to principal and interest; AA--also qualify as high
grade obligations, and in the majority of instances differ from AAA issues only
in a small degree; A--strong ability to pay interest and repay principal
although more susceptible to changes in circumstances.
Commercial Paper
The Fund may invest in short-term promissory notes issued by
corporations which at the time of purchase are rated P-1 and/or A-1. Commercial
paper ratings P-1 by Moody's and A-1 by S&P are the highest investment grade
category.
Bank Obligations
The Fund may invest in certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances
and other short-term obligations of U.S. commercial banks and their overseas
branches and foreign banks of comparable quality, provided each such bank
combined with its branches has total assets of at least one billion dollars. Any
obligations of foreign banks shall be denominated in U.S. dollars. Obligations
of foreign banks and obligations of overseas branches of U.S. banks are subject
to somewhat different regulations and risks than those of U.S. domestic banks.
In particular, a foreign country could impose exchange controls which might
delay the release of proceeds from that country. Such deposits are not covered
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Because of conflicting laws and
regulations, an issuing bank could maintain that liability for an investment is
solely that of the overseas branch which could expose the Fund to a greater risk
of loss. The Fund will only buy short-term instruments in nations where these
risks are minimal. The Fund will consider these factors along with other
appropriate factors in making an investment decision to acquire such obligations
and will only acquire those which, in the opinion of management, are of an
investment quality comparable to other debt securities bought by the Fund.
Portfolio Loan Transactions
The Fund may loan up to 25% of its assets to qualified broker/dealers
or institutional investors for their use relating to short sales or other
security transactions.
It is the understanding of the Manager that the staff of the SEC
permits portfolio lending by registered investment companies if certain
conditions are met. These conditions are as follows: 1) each transaction must
have 100% collateral in the form of cash, short-term U.S. government securities,
or irrevocable letters of credit payable by banks acceptable to the Fund from
the borrower; 2) this collateral must be valued daily and should the market
value of the loaned securities increase, the borrower must furnish additional
collateral to the Fund; 3) Limited-Term Funds must be able to terminate the loan
after notice, at any time; 4) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on any
loan, and any dividends, interest or other distributions on the lent securities,
and any increase in the market value of such securities; 5) the Fund may pay
reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and 6) the voting rights
on the lent securities may pass to the borrower; however, if the trustees of
Limited-Term Funds know that a material event will occur affecting an investment
loan, they must either terminate the loan in order to vote the proxy or enter
into an alternative arrangement with the borrower to enable the trustees to vote
the proxy.
The major risk to which the Fund would be exposed on a loan transaction
is the risk that the borrower would go bankrupt at a time when the value of the
security goes up. Therefore, the Fund will only enter into loan arrangements
after a review of all pertinent facts by the Manager, under the supervision of
12
<PAGE>
the Board of Trustees, including the creditworthiness of the borrowing broker,
dealer or institution and then only if the consideration to be received from
such loans would justify the risk. Creditworthiness will be monitored on an
ongoing basis by the Manager.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Securities
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis. In such transactions, instruments are purchased with payment and delivery
taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an
advantageous yield or price at the time of the transaction. Delivery of and
payment for these securities may take as long as a month or more after the date
of the purchase commitment. The Fund will designate cash or securities in
amounts sufficient to cover its obligations, and will value the designated
assets daily. The payment obligation and the interest rates that will be
received are each fixed at the time the Fund enters into the commitment and no
interest accrues to the Fund until settlement. Thus, it is possible that the
market value at the time of settlement could be higher or lower than the
purchase price if the general level of interest rates has changed.
Repurchase Agreements
Under a repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires ownership and
possession of a security, and the seller agrees to buy the security back at a
specified time and higher price. If the seller is unable to repurchase the
security, the Fund could experience delays and losses in liquidating the
securities. To minimize this possibility, the Fund considers the
creditworthiness of banks and dealers when entering into repurchase agreements.
Restricted Securities
While maintaining oversight, the Board of Trustees has delegated to the
Manager the day-to-day functions of determining whether or not individual Rule
144A Securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund's 10% limitation on
investments in illiquid assets. The Board has instructed the Manager to consider
the following factors in determining the liquidity of a Rule 144A Security: (i)
the frequency of trades and trading volume for the security; (ii) whether at
least three dealers are willing to purchase or sell the security and the number
of potential purchasers; (iii) whether at least two dealers are making a market
in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer).
If the Manager determines that a Rule 144A Security which was
previously determined to be liquid is no longer liquid and, as a result, the
Fund's holdings of illiquid securities exceed the Fund's 10% limit on investment
in such securities, the Manager will determine what action to take to ensure
that the Fund continues to adhere to such limitation.
Concentration
In applying the Fund's fundamental policy concerning concentration that
is described above, it is a matter of non-fundamental policy that: (i) utility
companies will be divided according to their services, for example, gas, gas
transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate
industry; (ii) financial service companies will be classified according to the
end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance and
diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry; and (iii) asset
backed securities will be classified according to the underlying assets securing
such securities.
13
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTING AND TAX ISSUES
The following supplements the information in the Classes' Prospectuses
under the heading Dividends, distributions and taxes.
When the Fund writes a call option, an amount equal to the premium
received by it is included in the Fund's assets and liabilities as an asset and
as an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently "marked
to market" to reflect the current market value of the option written. The
current market value of a written option is the last sale price on the principal
Exchange on which such option is traded or, in the absence of a sale, the mean
between the last bid and asked prices. If an option which the Fund has written
expires on its stipulated expiration date, or if the Fund enters into a closing
purchase transaction, the Fund realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of the
closing transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold)
without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and
the liability related to such option is extinguished. Any such gain or loss is a
short-term capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes. If a call
option which the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund realizes a capital gain
or loss (long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the
underlying security) from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds
from such sale are increased by the premium originally received.
The premium paid by the Fund for the purchase of a put option is
recorded in the section of the Fund's assets and liabilities as an investment
and subsequently adjusted daily to the current market value of the option. For
example, if the current market value of the option exceeds the premium paid, the
excess would be unrealized appreciation and, conversely, if the premium exceeds
the current market value, such excess would be unrealized depreciation. If a put
option which the Fund has purchased expires on the stipulated expiration date,
the Fund realizes a long- or short-term capital loss for federal income tax
purposes in the amount of the cost of the option. If the Fund sells the put
option, it realizes a long- or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on
whether the proceeds from the sale are greater or less than the cost of the
option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a capital gain or loss
(long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the underlying
security) from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such
sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. However, since the
purchase of a put option is treated as a short sale for federal income tax
purposes, the holding period of the underlying security will be affected by such
a purchase.
The initial margin deposits made when entering into futures contracts
are recognized as assets due from the broker. During the period the futures
contract is open, changes in the value of the contract will be reflected at the
end of each day.
Regulated futures contracts held by the Fund at the end of each fiscal
year will be required to be "marked to market" for federal income tax purposes.
Any unrealized gain or loss on futures contracts will therefore be recognized
and deemed to consist of 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss. Therefore, adjustments are made to the tax basis in the
futures contract to reflect the gain or loss recognized at year end.
Other Tax Requirements -- The Fund has qualified and intends to
continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). As such, the Fund will
not be subject to federal income tax, or to any excise tax, to the extent its
earnings are distributed as provided in the Code and it satisfies other
requirements relating to the sources of its income and diversification of its
assets.
14
<PAGE>
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes, the Fund must meet certain specific requirements,
including:
(i) The Fund must maintain a diversified portfolio of securities,
wherein no security (other than U.S. government securities and securities of
other regulated investment companies) can exceed 25% of the Fund's total assets,
and, with respect to 50% of the Fund's total assets, no investment (other than
cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities and securities of other
regulated investment companies) can exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets;
(ii) The Fund must derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, and gains from
the sale or disposition of stock and securities or foreign currencies, or other
income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities, or currencies;
(iii) The Fund must distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income for each of its
fiscal years, and
(iv) The Fund must realize less than 30% of its gross income for each
fiscal year from gains from the sale of securities and certain other assets that
have been held by the Fund for less than three months ("short-short income").
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (the "1997 Act") repealed the 30% short-short
income test for tax years of regulated investment companies beginning after
August 5, 1997; however, this rule may have continuing effect in some states for
purposes of classifying the Fund as a regulated investment company.
The Code requires the Fund to distribute at least 98% of its taxable
ordinary income earned during the calendar year and 98% of its capital gain net
income earned during the 12 month period ending October 31 (in addition to
amounts from the prior year that were neither distributed nor taxed to the Fund)
to you by December 31 of each year in order to avoid federal excise taxes. The
Fund intends as a matter of policy to declare and pay sufficient dividends in
December or January (which are treated by you as received in December) but does
not guarantee and can give no assurances that its distributions will be
sufficient to eliminate all such taxes.
The straddle rules of Section 1092 may apply. Generally, the straddle
provisions require the deferral of losses to the extent of unrecognized gains
related to the offsetting positions in the straddle. Excess losses, if any, can
be recognized in the year of loss. Deferred losses will be carried forward and
recognized in the year that unrealized losses exceed unrealized gains.
The 1997 Act has also added new provisions for dealing with
transactions that are generally called "Constructive Sale Transactions." Under
these rules, the Fund must recognize gain (but not loss) on any constructive
sale of an appreciated financial position in stock, a partnership interest or
certain debt instruments. The Fund will generally be treated as making a
constructive sale when it: 1) enters into a short sale on the same or
substantially identical property; 2) enters into an offsetting notional
principal contract; or 3) enters into a futures or forward contract to deliver
the same or substantially identical property. Other transactions (including
certain financial instruments called collars) will be treated as constructive
sales as provided in Treasury regulations to be published. There are also
certain exceptions that apply for transactions that are closed before the end of
the 30th day after the close of the taxable year.
15
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, the Fund may state total return for each Class in
advertisements and other types of literature. Any statements of total return
performance data for a Class will be accompanied by information on the average
annual compounded rate of return for that Class over, as relevant, the most
recent one-, five- and ten-year (or life of fund, if applicable) periods. The
Fund may also advertise aggregate and average compounded return information of
each Class over additional periods of time.
In presenting performance information for Class A Shares, the Limited
CDSC, applicable only to certain redemptions of those shares, will not be
deducted from any computations of total return. See the Prospectus for the Fund
Classes for a description of the Limited CDSC and the limited instances in which
it applies. All references to a CDSC in this Performance Information section
will apply to Class B Shares or Class C Shares.
Total return performance of each Class will reflect the appreciation or
depreciation of principal, reinvestment of income and any capital gains
distributions paid during any indicated period, and the impact of the maximum
front-end sales charge or CDSC, if any, paid on the illustrated investment
amount, annualized. The results will not reflect any income taxes, if
applicable, payable by shareholders on the reinvested distributions included in
the calculations. As securities prices fluctuate, an illustration of past
performance should not be considered as representative of future results.
The average annual total rate of return for each Class is based on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment that includes capital appreciation and
depreciation during the stated periods. The following formula will be used for
the actual computations:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial purchase order of $1,000 from
which, in the case of only Class A Shares, the maximum
front-end sales charge is deducted;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years;
ERV = redeemable value of the hypothetical $1,000 purchase at
the end of the period after the deduction of the
applicable CDSC, if any, with respect to Class B Shares
and Class C Shares.
Aggregate or cumulative total return is calculated in a similar manner,
except that the results are not annualized. Each calculation assumes the maximum
front-end sales charge, if any, is deducted from the initial $1,000 investment
at the time it is made with respect to Class A Shares and that all distributions
are reinvested at net asset value, and, with respect to Class B Shares and Class
C Shares, reflects the deduction of the CDSC that would be applicable upon
complete redemption of such shares. In addition, the Fund may present total
return information that does not reflect the deduction of the maximum front-end
sales charge or any applicable CDSC.
The average annual total return performance is shown below for each
Class through December 31, 1999, computed as described above. The average annual
total return for Class A Shares at offer reflects the maximum front-end sales
charge of 2.75% paid on the purchase of shares. The average annual total return
for Class A Shares at net asset value (NAV) does not reflect the payment of any
front-end sales charge. Pursuant to applicable regulation, total return shown
for the Institutional Class for the periods prior to the commencement of
operations of such Class is calculated by taking the performance of Class A
Shares and adjusting it to reflect the elimination of all front-end sales
16
<PAGE>
charges. However, for those periods, no adjustment has been made to eliminate
the impact of 12b-1 payments, and performance may have been affected had such an
adjustment been made. The average annual total return for Class B Shares and
Class C Shares including deferred sales charge reflects the deduction of the
applicable CDSC that would be paid if the shares were redeemed on December 31,
1999. The average annual total return for Class B Shares and Class C Shares
excluding deferred sales charge assumes the shares were not redeemed on December
31, 1999 and therefore does not reflect the deduction of a CDSC.
Securities prices fluctuated during the periods covered and past
results should not be considered as representative of future performance.
17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Average Annual Total Return(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 year ended 3 years ended 5 years ended 10 years ended Life of Fund
12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares(2) At Offer
(Inception 11/24/85) -1.75% 3.58% 4.62% 5.39% 5.96%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares At NAV
(Inception 11/24/85) 1.07% 4.55% 5.20% 5.68% 6.17%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Class Shares
(Inception 6/1/92) 1.22% 4.71% 5.35% 5.84% 6.30%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares Including CDSC
(Inception 5/2/94) -1.68% 3.38% 4.31% N/A 3.71%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares Excluding CDSC
(Inception 5/2/94) 0.22% 3.67% 4.31% N/A 3.71%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares Including CDSC
(Inception 11/29/95) -0.75% 3.67% N/A N/A 3.63%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares Excluding CDSC
(Inception 11/29/95) 0.20% 3.67% N/A N/A 3.63%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Manager elected to waive voluntarily the portion of its annual
compensation under its Investment Management Agreement with
Limited-Term Funds on behalf of the Fund to limit operating expenses to
1.00% from the date of the initial public offering through July 31,
1986 and of each class to 0.75% (exclusive of 12b-1 payments with
respect to Class A Shares) from February 25, 1991 until December 30,
1992. In the absence of such voluntary waivers, performance would have
been affected negatively.
(2) Effective June 9, 1997, the maximum front-end sales charge was reduced
from 3.00% to 2.75%. The above performance numbers are calculated using
2.75% as the applicable sales charge for all time periods, and are more
favorable than they would have been had they been calculated using the
former front-end sales charges.
18
<PAGE>
The Fund may also quote the current yield for each Class in
advertisements and investor communications. The yield computation is determined
by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the period by the
maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period and annualizing
the resulting figure, according to the following formula:
a--b 6
YIELD = 2[(-------- + 1) -- 1]
cd
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period;
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of
reimbursements);
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding
during the period that were entitled to receive
dividends;
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day
of the period.
The above formula will be used in calculating quotations of yield of
each Class, based on specified 30-day periods identified in advertising by the
Fund. The 30-day yields as of December 31, 1999 using this formula are shown
below. Yield assumes the maximum front-end sales charge, if any, and does not
reflect the deduction of any CDSC or Limited CDSC. Actual yield may be affected
by variations in front-end sales charges on investments. Past performance, such
as is reflected in quoted yields, should not be considered as a representation
of the results which may be realized from an investment in any class of the Fund
in the future.
------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares 5.76%
------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares 5.06%
------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares 5.06%
------------------------------------------------------
Institutional Shares 6.07%
------------------------------------------------------
On December 31, 1999, the average effective weighted average portfolio
maturity was 4.92 years for the Fund.
Investors should note that the income earned and dividends paid by the
Fund will vary with the fluctuation of interest rates and performance of the
portfolio. The net asset value of the fund may change. Unlike money market
funds, the Fund invests in longer-term securities that fluctuate in value and do
so in a manner inversely correlated with changing interest rates. The Fund's net
asset value will tend to rise when interest rates fall. Conversely, the Fund's
net asset value will tend to fall as interest rates rise. Normally, fluctuations
in interest rates have a greater effect on the prices of longer-term bonds. The
value of the securities held in the Fund will vary from day to day and investors
should consider the volatility of the Fund's net asset value as well as its
yield before making a decision to invest.
From time to time, the Fund may quote actual total return and/or yield
performance for its Classes in advertising and other types of literature. This
information may be compared to that of other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives and to stock, bond an other relevant indices or to
rankings prepared by independent services or other financial or industry
publications that monitor the performance of mutual funds. For example, the
performance of the Fund (or Class) may be compared to data prepared by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., Morningstar, Inc. or the performance of unmanaged
indices compiled or maintained by statistical research firms such as Lehman
Brothers or Salomon Brothers, Inc.
19
<PAGE>
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. maintains statistical performance
databases, as reported by a diverse universe of independently-managed mutual
funds. Morningstar, Inc. is a mutual fund rating service that rates mutual funds
on the basis of risk-adjusted performance. Rankings that compare the Fund's
performance to another fund in appropriate categories over specific time periods
also may be quoted in advertising and other types of literature. The total
return performance reported for these indices will reflect the reinvestment of
all distributions on a quarterly basis and market price fluctuations. The
indices do not take into account any sales charge or other fees. A direct
investment in an unmanaged index is not possible.
Salomon Brothers and Lehman Brothers are statistical research firms
that maintain databases of international market, bond market, corporate and
government-issued securities of various maturities. This information, as well as
unmanaged indices compiled and maintained by these firms, will be used in
preparing comparative illustrations. In addition, the performance of multiple
indices compiled and maintained by these firms may be combined to create a
blended performance result for comparative purposes. Generally, the indices
selected will be representative of the types of securities in which the Fund may
invest and the assumptions that were used in calculating the blended performance
will be described.
Comparative information on the Consumer Price Index may also be
included in advertisements or other literature. The Consumer Price Index, as
prepared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is the most commonly used
measure of inflation. It indicates the cost fluctuations of a representative
group of consumer goods. It does not represent a return from an investment.
Ibbotson Associates of Chicago, Illinois ("Ibbotson") provides
historical returns of the capital markets in the United States, including common
stocks, small capitalization stocks, long-term corporate bonds,
intermediate-term government bonds, long-term government bonds, Treasury bills,
the U.S. rate of inflation (based on the Consumer Price Index), and combinations
of various capital markets. The performance of these capital markets is based on
the returns of different indices. The Fund may use the performance of these
capital markets in order to demonstrate general risk-versus-reward investment
scenarios. Performance comparisons may also include the value of a hypothetical
investment in any of these capital markets. The risks associated with the
security types in any capital market may or may not correspond directly to those
of the Fund. The Fund may also compare performance to that of other compilations
or indices that may be developed and made available in the future.
The Fund may include discussions or illustrations of the potential
investment goals of a prospective investor (including materials that describe
general principles of investing, such as asset allocation, diversification, risk
tolerance, and goal setting, questionnaires designed to help create a personal
financial profile, worksheets used to project savings needs based on assumed
rates of inflation and hypothetical rates of return and action plans offering
investment alternatives), investment management techniques, policies or
investment suitability of the Fund (such as value investing, market timing,
dollar cost averaging, asset allocation, constant ratio transfer, automatic
account rebalancing, the advantages and disadvantages of investing in
tax-deferred and taxable investments), economic and political conditions, the
relationship between sectors of the economy and the economy as a whole, the
effects of inflation and historical performance of various asset classes,
including but not limited to, stocks, bonds and Treasury bills. From time to
time advertisements, sales literature, communications to shareholders or other
materials may summarize the substance of information contained in shareholder
reports (including the investment composition of the Fund), as well as the views
as to current market, economic, trade and interest rate trends, legislative,
regulatory and monetary developments, investment strategies and related matters
believed to be of relevance to the Fund. In addition, selected indices may be
used to illustrate historic performance of selected asset classes. The Fund may
also include in advertisements, sales literature, communications to shareholders
or other materials, charts, graphs or drawings which illustrate the potential
risks and rewards of investment in various investment vehicles, including but
not limited to, domestic stocks, and/or bonds, treasury bills and shares of the
Fund. In addition, advertisements, sales literature, communications to
shareholders or other materials may include a discussion of certain attributes
20
<PAGE>
or benefits to be derived by an investment in the Fund and/or other mutual
funds, shareholder profiles and hypothetical investor scenarios, timely
information on financial management, tax and retirement planning (such as
information on Roth IRAs and Educational IRAs) and investment alternatives to
certificates of deposit and other financial instruments. Such sales literature,
communications to shareholders or other materials may include symbols, headlines
or other material which highlight or summarize the information discussed in more
detail therein.
Materials may refer to the CUSIP numbers of the Fund and may illustrate
how to find the listings of the Fund in newspapers and periodicals. Materials
may also include discussions of other funds, products, and services.
The Fund may quote various measures of volatility and benchmark
correlation in advertising. In addition, the Fund may compare these measures to
those of other funds. Measures of volatility seek to compare the historical
share price fluctuations or total returns to those of a benchmark. Measures of
benchmark correlation indicate how valid a comparative benchmark may be.
Measures of volatility and correlation may be calculated using averages of
historical data. The Fund may advertise its current interest rate sensitivity,
duration, weighted average maturity or similar maturity characteristics.
Advertisements and sales materials relating to the Fund may include information
regarding the background and experience of its portfolio managers.
The following table is an example, for purposes of illustration only,
of cumulative total return performance for each Class through December 31, 1999.
For these purposes, the calculations assume the reinvestment of any realized
securities profits distributions and income dividends paid during the indicated
periods. In addition, these calculations, as shown below, reflect maximum sales
charges, if any, paid on the purchase or redemption of shares, as applicable,
but not any income taxes payable by shareholders on the reinvested distributions
included in the calculations. The performance of Class A Shares may be shown
without reflecting the impact of any front-end sales charge. The performance of
Class B Shares and Class C Shares is calculated both with the applicable CDSC
included and excluded. Pursuant to applicable regulation, total return shown for
the Institutional Class for the periods prior to the commencement of operations
of such Class is calculated by taking the performance of Class A Shares and
adjusting it to reflect the elimination of all sales charges. However, for those
periods, no adjustment has been made to eliminate the impact of 12b-1 payments,
and performance may have been affected had such an adjustment been made.
21
<PAGE>
The net asset value of a Class fluctuates so shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than the original investment, and a Class' results should
not be considered as representative of future performance.
Cumulative Total Return(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 months 6 months 9 months 1 year 3 years 5 years 10 years Life of Fund
ended ended ended ended ended ended ended
12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99 12/31/99
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares(2)
At Offer
(Inception
11/24/85) -2.41% -1.58% -2.23% -1.75% 11.12% 25.35% 69.07% 126.26%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares
At NAV
(Inception
11/24/85) 0.39% 1.22% 0.50% 1.07% 14.29% 28.84% 73.77% 132.59%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Institutional
Class Shares
(Inception 6/1/92) 0.43% 1.30% 0.61% 1.22% 14.80% 29.80% 76.36% 136.67%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares
Including CDSC
(Inception 5/2/94) -1.80% -1.17% -2.06% -1.68% 10.48% 23.49% N/A 22.94%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares
Excluding CDSC
(Inception 5/2/94) 0.18% 0.79% -0.14% 0.22% 11.42% 23.49% N/A 22.94%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares
Including CDSC
(Inception
11/28/95) -0.81% -0.20% -1.11% -0.75% 11.41% N/A N/A 15.69
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares
Excluding CDSC
(Inception
11/28/95) 0.18% 0.78% -0.16% 0.20% 11.41% N/A N/A 15.69%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Manager elected to waive voluntarily the portion of its annual
compensation under its Investment Management Agreement with
Limited-Term Funds on behalf of the Fund to limit operating expenses to
1.00% from the date of the initial public offering through July 31,
1986 and of each class to 0.75% (exclusive of 12b-1 payments with
respect to Class A Shares) from February 25, 1991 until December 30,
1992. In the absence of such voluntary waivers, performance would have
been affected negatively.
(2) Effective June 9, 1997, the maximum front-end sales charge was reduced
from 3.00% to 2.75%. The above performance numbers are calculated using
2.75% as the applicable sales charge for all time periods, and are more
favorable than they would have been had they been calculated using the
former front-end sales charges.
22
<PAGE>
Because every investor's goals and risk threshold are different, the
Distributor, as distributor for the Fund and other mutual funds in the Delaware
Investments family of funds, will provide general information about investment
alternatives and scenarios that will allow investors to assess their personal
goals. This information will include general material about investing as well as
materials reinforcing various industry-accepted principles of prudent and
responsible financial planning. One typical way of addressing these issues is to
compare an individual's goals and the length of time the individual has to
attain these goals to his or her risk threshold. In addition, the Distributor
will provide information that discusses the Manager's overriding investment
philosophy and how that philosophy impacts the Fund's investment disciplines,
and investment disciplines of the funds in the Delaware Investments family,
employed in seeking their objectives. The Distributor may also from time to time
cite general or specific information about the institutional clients of the
Manager's affiliates, including the number of such clients serviced by the
Manager's affiliates.
Dollar-Cost Averaging
For many people, deciding when to invest can be a difficult decision.
Security prices tend to move up and down over various market cycles and logic
says to invest when prices are low. However, even experts can't always pick the
highs and the lows. By using a strategy known as dollar-cost averaging, you
schedule your investments ahead of time. If you invest a set amount on a regular
basis, that money will always buy more shares when the price is low and fewer
when the price is high. You can choose to invest at any regular interval--for
example, monthly or quarterly--as long as you stick to your regular schedule.
Dollar-cost averaging looks simple and it is, but there are important things to
remember.
Dollar-cost averaging works best over longer time periods, and it
doesn't guarantee a profit or protect against losses in declining markets. If
you need to sell your investment when prices are low, you may not realize a
profit no matter what investment strategy you utilize. That's why dollar-cost
averaging can make sense for long-term goals. Since the potential success of a
dollar-cost averaging program depends on continuous investing, even through
periods of fluctuating prices, you should consider your dollar-cost averaging
program a long-term commitment and invest an amount you can afford and probably
won't need to withdraw. Delaware Investments offers three services -- Automatic
Investing Program, Direct Deposit Program and the Wealth Builder Option -- that
can help to keep your regular investment program on track. See Investing by
Electronic Fund Transfer - Direct Deposit Purchase Plan and Automatic Investing
Plan under Investment Plans and Wealth Builder Option under Investment Plans for
a complete description of these services including restrictions or limitations.
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The example below illustrates how dollar-cost averaging can work. In a
fluctuating market, the average cost per share over a period of time will be
lower than the average price per share for the same time period.
Number
Investment Price Per of Shares
Amount Share Purchased
Month 1 $100 $10.00 10
Month 2 $100 $12.50 8
Month 3 $100 $5.00 20
Month 4 $100 $10.00 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------
$400 $37.50 48
Total Amount Invested: $400
Total Number of Shares Purchased: 48
Average Price Per Share: $9.38 ($37.50/4)
Average Cost Per Share: $8.33 ($400/48 shares)
This example is for illustration purposes only. It is not intended to
represent the actual performance of the Fund.
THE POWER OF COMPOUNDING
When you opt to reinvest your current income for additional Fund
shares, your investment is given yet another opportunity to grow. The Fund may
include illustrations showing the power of compounding in advertisements and
other types of literature.
TRADING PRACTICES AND BROKERAGE
Portfolio transactions are executed by the Manager on behalf of the
Fund in accordance with the standards described below.
Brokers, dealers and banks are selected to execute transactions for the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities on the basis of the Manager's judgment
of their professional capability to provide the service. The primary
consideration is to have brokers, dealers or banks execute transactions at best
execution. Best execution refers to many factors, including the price paid or
received for a security, the commission charged, the promptness and reliability
of execution, the confidentiality and placement accorded the order and other
factors affecting the overall benefit obtained by the account on the
transaction. Trades are generally made on a net basis where securities are
either bought or sold directly from or to a broker, dealer or bank. In these
instances, there is no direct commission charged, but there is a spread (the
difference between the buy and sell price) which is the equivalent of a
commission. When a commission is paid, the Fund pays reasonably competitive
brokerage commission rates based upon the professional knowledge of the
Manager's trading department as to rates paid and charged for similar
transactions throughout the securities industry. In some instances, the Fund
pays a minimal share transaction cost when the transaction presents no
difficulty.
The Manager may allocate out of all commission business generated by
all of the funds and accounts under its management, brokerage business to
brokers or dealers who provide brokerage and research services. These services
include advice, either directly or through publications or writings, as to the
value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; furnishing of analyses and reports concerning issuers, securities or
industries; providing information on economic factors and trends; assisting in
determining portfolio strategy; providing computer software and hardware used in
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<PAGE>
security analyses; and providing portfolio performance evaluation and technical
market analyses. Such services are used by the Manager in connection with its
investment decision-making process with respect to one or more funds and
accounts managed by it, and may not be used, or used exclusively, with respect
to the fund or account generating the brokerage.
As provided in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Fund's
Investment Management Agreement, higher commissions are permitted to be paid to
broker/dealers who provide brokerage and research services than to
broker/dealers who do not provide such services, if such higher commissions are
deemed reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided. Although transactions are directed to broker/dealers who
provide such brokerage and research services, Limited-Term Funds believes that
the commissions paid to such broker/dealers are not, in general, higher than
commissions that would be paid to broker/dealers not providing such services and
that such commissions are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage
and research services provided. In some instances, services may be provided to
the Manager which constitute in some part brokerage and research services used
by the Manager in connection with its investment decision-making process and
constitute in some part services used by the Manager in connection with
administrative or other functions not related to its investment decision-making
process. In such cases, the Manager will make a good faith allocation of
brokerage and research services and will pay out of its own resources for
services used by the Manager in connection with administrative or other
functions not related to its investment decision-making process. In addition, so
long as no fund is disadvantaged, portfolio transactions which generate
commissions or their equivalent are allocated to broker/dealers who provide
daily portfolio pricing services to the Fund and to other funds in the Delaware
Investments family. Subject to best execution, commissions allocated to brokers
providing such pricing services may or may not be generated by the funds
receiving the pricing service.
The Manager may place a combined order for two or more accounts or
funds engaged in the purchase or sale of the same security if, in its judgment,
joint execution is in the best interest of each participant and will result in
best execution. Transactions involving commingled orders are allocated in a
manner deemed equitable to each account or fund. When a combined order is
executed in a series of transactions at different prices, each account
participating in the order may be allocated an average price obtained from the
executing broker. It is believed that the ability of the accounts to participate
in volume transactions will generally be beneficial to the accounts and funds.
Although it is recognized that, in some cases, the joint execution of orders
could adversely affect the price or volume of the security that a particular
account or fund may obtain, it is the opinion of the Manager and Limited-Term
Funds' Board of Trustees that the advantages of combined orders outweigh the
possible disadvantages of separate transactions.
Consistent with the Conduct Rules of NASD Regulation, Inc. (the
"NASD"), and subject to seeking best execution, the Manager may place orders
with broker/dealers that have agreed to defray certain Fund expenses such as
custodian fees, and may, at the request of the Distributor, give consideration
to sales of shares of the funds in the Delaware Investments family as a factor
in the selection of brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions.
Portfolio Turnover
Portfolio trading will be undertaken principally to accomplish the
Fund's objective in relation to anticipated movements in the general level of
interest rates, and not for the purpose of realizing capital gains, although
capital gains may be realized on certain portfolio transactions. For example,
capital gains may be realized when a security is sold (i) so that, provided
capital is preserved or enhanced, another security can be purchased to obtain a
higher yield, (ii) to take advantage of what the Manager believes to be a
temporary disparity in the normal yield relationship between the two securities
to increase income or improve the quality of the portfolio, (iii) to purchase a
security which the Manager believes is of higher quality than its rating or
current market value would indicate, or (iv) when the Manager anticipates a
decline in value due to market risk or credit risk. The Fund is free to dispose
of portfolio securities at any time, subject to complying with the Internal
Revenue Code and the 1940 Act, when changes in circumstances or conditions make
25
<PAGE>
such a move desirable in light of the investment objective. The Fund will not
attempt to achieve or be limited to a predetermined rate of portfolio turnover,
such a turnover always being incidental to transactions undertaken with a view
to achieving the Fund's investment objective.
Although the Fund trades principally to seek a high level of income and
stability of principal and not for profits, the portfolio turnover may be high,
particularly if interest rates are volatile. The portfolio turnover rate of the
Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio
securities for the particular fiscal year by the monthly average of the value of
the portfolio securities owned by the Fund during the particular fiscal year,
exclusive of securities whose maturities at the time of acquisition are one year
or less.
During the past two fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999, the
Fund's portfolio turnover rates were 69% and 175%, respectively. The Fund's
portfolio turnover for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 was higher than
normal, which primarily is attributable to volatility in the bond market
throughout the year. The investment strategy for the Fund has not changed and we
do not expect the Fund's portfolio turnover rate to exceed 100% this year,
unless unexpected market conditions prevail.
PURCHASING SHARES
The Distributor serves as the national distributor for the Fund's
shares and has agreed to use its best efforts to sell shares of the Fund. See
the Prospectuses for information on how to invest. Shares of the Fund are
offered on a continuous basis and may be purchased through authorized investment
dealers or directly by contacting Limited-Term Funds or the Distributor.
The minimum initial investment generally is $1,000 for Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Subsequent purchases of such Classes
generally must be at least $100. The initial and subsequent investment minimums
for Class A Shares will be waived for purchases by officers, trustees and
employees of any Delaware Investments fund, the Manager or any of the Manager's
affiliates if the purchases are made pursuant to a payroll deduction program.
Shares purchased pursuant to the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or Uniform
Transfers to Minors Act and shares purchased in connection with an Automatic
Investing Plan are subject to a minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum
subsequent purchase of $25. Accounts opened under the Delaware Investments Asset
Planner service are subject to a minimum initial investment of $2,000 per Asset
Planner Strategy selected. There are no minimum purchase requirements for the
Institutional Class, but certain eligibility requirements must be satisfied.
Each purchase of Class B Shares is subject to a maximum purchase
limitation of $250,000. For Class C Shares, each purchase must be in an amount
that is less than $1,000,000. See Investment Plans for purchase limitations
applicable to retirement plans. Limited-Term Funds will reject any purchase
order for more than $250,000 of Class B Shares and $1,000,000 or more of Class C
Shares. An investor may exceed these limitations by making cumulative purchases
over a period of time. In doing so, an investor should keep in mind, however,
that reduced front-end sales charges apply to investments of $50,000 or more in
Class A Shares, and that Class A Shares are subject to lower annual 12b-1 Plan
expenses than Class B Shares and Class C Shares and generally are not subject to
a CDSC.
Selling dealers are responsible for transmitting orders promptly.
Limited-Term Funds reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of
its shares of the Fund if in the opinion of management such rejection is in the
Fund's best interest. If a purchase is canceled because your check is returned
unpaid, you are responsible for any loss incurred. The Fund can redeem shares
from your account(s) to reimburse itself for any loss, and you may be restricted
from making future purchases in any of the funds in the Delaware Investments
family. The Fund reserves the right to reject purchase orders paid by
third-party checks or checks that are not drawn on a domestic branch of a United
States financial institution. If a check drawn on a foreign financial
institution is accepted, you may be subject to additional bank charges for
clearance and currency conversion.
26
<PAGE>
The Fund also reserves the right, following shareholder notification,
to charge a service fee on non-retirement accounts that, as a result of
redemption, have remained below the minimum stated account balance for a period
of three or more consecutive months. Holders of such accounts may be notified of
their insufficient account balance and advised that they have until the end of
the current calendar quarter to raise their balance to the stated minimum. If
the account has not reached the minimum balance requirement by that time, the
Fund will charge a $9 fee for that quarter and each subsequent calendar quarter
until the account is brought up to the minimum balance. The service fee will be
deducted from the account during the first week of each calendar quarter for the
previous quarter, and will be used to help defray the cost of maintaining
low-balance accounts. No fees will be charged without proper notice, and no CDSC
will apply to such assessments.
The Fund also reserves the right, upon 60 days' written notice, to
involuntarily redeem accounts that remain under the minimum initial purchase
amount as a result of redemptions. An investor making the minimum initial
investment may be subject to involuntary redemption without the imposition of a
CDSC or Limited CDSC if he or she redeems any portion of his or her account.
The NASD has adopted amendments to its Conduct Rules relating to
investment company sales charges. Limited-Term Funds and the Distributor intend
to operate in compliance with these rules.
Class A Shares are purchased at the offering price which reflects a
maximum front-end sales charge of 2.75%; however, lower front-end sales charges
apply for larger purchases. See the table in the Fund Classes' Prospectus. Class
A Shares are also subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses for the life of the
investment.
Class B Shares are purchased at net asset value and are subject to a
CDSC of: (i) 2% if shares are redeemed within two years of purchase; and (ii) 1%
if shares are redeemed during the third year following purchase. Class B Shares
are also subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses which are higher than those to
which Class A Shares are subject and are assessed against the Class B Shares for
approximately five years after purchase. Class B Shares will automatically
convert to Class A Shares at the end of approximately five years after purchase
and, thereafter, be subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of
0.30% (currently no more than 0.15% pursuant to Board action) of average daily
net assets of such shares. See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares, below.
Class C Shares are purchased at net asset value and are subject to a
CDSC of 1% if shares are redeemed within 12 months following purchase. Class C
Shares are also subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses for the life of the
investment which are equal to those to which Class B Shares are subject.
Institutional Class shares are purchased at the net asset value per
share without the imposition of a front-end or contingent deferred sales charge
or 12b-1 Plan expenses. See Plans Under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund Classes under
Purchasing Shares, and Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value in this
Part B.
Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Class
shares represent a proportionate interest in the Fund's assets and will receive
a proportionate interest in the Fund's income, before application, as to Class
A, Class B and Class C Shares, of any expenses under the Fund's 12b-1 Plans.
Certificates representing shares purchased are not ordinarily issued
unless, in the case of Class A Shares or Institutional Class shares, a
shareholder submits a specific request. Certificates are not issued in the case
of Class B Shares or Class C Shares or in the case of any retirement plan
account including self-directed IRAs. However, purchases not involving the
issuance of certificates are confirmed to the investor and credited to the
shareholder's account on the books maintained by Delaware Service Company, Inc.
(the "Transfer Agent"). The investor will have the same rights of ownership with
respect to such shares as if certificates had been issued. An investor that is
permitted to obtain a certificate may receive a certificate representing full
share denominations purchased by sending a letter signed by each owner of the
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<PAGE>
account to the Transfer Agent requesting the certificate. No charge is assessed
by Limited-Term Funds for any certificate issued. A shareholder may be subject
to fees for replacement of a lost or stolen certificate, under certain
conditions, including the cost of obtaining a bond covering the lost or stolen
certificate. Please contact the Fund for further information. Investors who hold
certificates representing any of their shares may only redeem those shares by
written request. The investor's certificate(s) must accompany such request.
Alternative Purchase Arrangements - Class A, B and C Shares
The alternative purchase arrangements of Class A Shares, Class B Shares
and Class C Shares permit investors to choose the method of purchasing shares
that is most suitable for their needs given the amount of their purchase, the
length of time they expect to hold their shares and other relevant
circumstances. Investors should determine whether, given their particular
circumstances, it is more advantageous to purchase Class A Shares and incur a
front-end sales charge and annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of
0.30% (currently, no more than 0.15% pursuant to Board action) of the average
daily net assets of Class A Shares, or to purchase either Class B or Class C
Shares and have the entire initial purchase amount invested in the Fund with the
investment thereafter subject to a CDSC and annual 12b-1 Plan expenses. Class B
Shares are subject to a CDSC if the shares are redeemed within three years of
purchase, and Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC if the shares are redeemed
within 12 months of purchase. Class B and Class C Shares are each subject to
annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of 1% (0.25% of which are service
fees to be paid to the Distributor, dealers or others for providing personal
service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts) of average daily net assets of
the respective Class. Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A
Shares at the end of approximately five years after purchase and, thereafter, be
subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of 0.30% (currently, no
more than 0.15% pursuant to Board action) of average daily net assets of such
shares. Unlike Class B Shares, Class C Shares do not convert to another Class.
The higher 12b-1 Plan expenses on Class B Shares and Class C Shares
will be offset to the extent a return is realized on the additional money
initially invested upon the purchase of such shares. However, there can be no
assurance as to the return, if any, that will be realized on such additional
money. In addition, the effect of any return earned on such additional money
will diminish over time. In comparing Class B Shares to Class C Shares,
investors should also consider the duration of the annual 12b-1 Plan expenses to
which each of the classes is subject and the desirability of an automatic
conversion feature, which is available only for Class B Shares.
For the distribution and related services provided to, and the expenses
borne on behalf of, the Fund, the Distributor and others will be paid, in the
case of Class A Shares, from the proceeds of the front-end sales charge and
12b-1 Plan fees and, in the case of Class B Shares and Class C Shares, from the
proceeds of the 12b-1 Plan fees and, if applicable, the CDSC incurred upon
redemption. Financial advisers may receive different compensation for selling
Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Investors should understand
that the purpose and function of the respective 12b-1 Plans and the CDSCs
applicable to Class B Shares and Class C Shares are the same as those of the
12b-1 Plan and the front-end sales charge applicable to Class A Shares in that
such fees and charges are used to finance the distribution of the respective
Classes. See Plans Under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund Classes.
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<PAGE>
Dividends, if any, paid on Class A Shares, Class B Shares, Class C
Shares and Institutional Class Shares will be calculated in the same manner, at
the same time and on the same day and will be in the same amount, except that
the additional amounts of 12b-1 Plan expenses relating to Class A Shares, Class
B Shares and Class C Shares will be borne exclusively by such shares. See
Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value.
Class A Shares
Purchases of $100,000 or more of Class A Shares at the offering price
carry reduced front-end sales charges as shown in the table in the Fund Classes'
Prospectus, and may include a series of purchases over a 13-month period under a
Letter of Intention signed by the purchaser. See Special Purchase Features -
Class A Shares, below for more information on ways in which investors can avail
themselves of reduced front-end sales charges and other purchase features.
From time to time, upon written notice to all of its dealers, the
Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods during which the
Distributor may reallow to dealers up to the full amount of the front-end sales.
In addition, certain dealers who enter into an agreement to provide extra
training and information on Delaware Investments products and services and who
increase sales of Delaware Investments funds may receive an additional
commission of up to 0.15% of the offering price in connection with sales of
Class A Shares. Such dealers must meet certain requirements in terms of
organization and distribution capabilities and their ability to increase sales.
The Distributor should be contacted for further information on these
requirements as well as the basis and circumstances upon which the additional
commission will be paid. Participating dealers may be deemed to have additional
responsibilities under the securities laws. Dealers who receive 90% or more of
the sales charge may be deemed to be underwriters under the 1933 Act.
Dealer's Commission
As described in the Prospectus, for initial purchases of Class A Shares
of $1,000,000 or more, a dealer's commission may be paid by the Distributor to
financial advisers through whom such purchases are effected.
For accounts with assets over $1 million, the dealer commission resets
annually to the highest incremental commission rate on the anniversary of the
first purchase. In determining a financial adviser's eligibility for the
dealer's commission, purchases of Class A Shares of other Delaware Investments
funds as to which a Limited CDSC applies (see Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under
Redemption and Exchange) may be aggregated with those of the Class A Shares of
the Fund. Financial advisers also may be eligible for a dealer's commission in
connection with certain purchases made under a Letter of Intention or pursuant
to an investor's Right of Accumulation. Financial advisers should contact the
Distributor concerning the applicability and calculation of the dealer's
commission in the case of combined purchases.
An exchange from other Delaware Investments funds will not qualify for
payment of the dealer's commission, unless a dealer's commission or similar
payment has not been previously paid on the assets being exchanged. The schedule
and program for payment of the dealer's commission are subject to change or
termination at any time by the Distributor at its discretion.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares
Class B Shares and Class C Shares are purchased without a front-end
sales charge. Class B Shares redeemed within three years of purchase may be
subject to a CDSC at the rates set forth above, and Class C Shares redeemed
within 12 months of purchase may be subject to a CDSC of 1%. CDSCs are charged
as a percentage of the dollar amount subject to the CDSC. The charge will be
assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the net asset value at the time of
purchase of the shares being redeemed or the net asset value of those shares at
the time of redemption. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in net asset value
above the initial purchase price, nor will a CDSC be assessed on redemptions of
shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. For purposes of this formula, the "net asset value at the time of
purchase" will be the net asset value at purchase of Class B Shares or Class C
Shares of the Fund, even if those shares are later exchanged for shares of
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<PAGE>
another Delaware Investments fund. In the event of an exchange of the shares,
the "net asset value of such shares at the time of redemption" will be the net
asset value of the shares that were acquired in the exchange. See Waiver of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares and Class C Shares under
Redemption and Exchange for the Fund Classes for a list of the instances in
which the CDSC is waived.
During the fourth year after purchase and, thereafter, until converted
automatically into Class A Shares, Class B Shares will still be subject to the
annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to 1% of average daily net assets of those
shares. At the end of approximately five years after purchase, the investor's
Class B Shares will be automatically converted into Class A Shares of the Fund.
See Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares under Redemption and Exchange. Such
conversion will constitute a tax-free exchange for federal income tax purposes.
Investors are reminded that the Class A Shares into which Class B Shares will
convert are subject to ongoing annual 12b-1 Plan expenses of up to a maximum of
0.30% (currently, no more than 0.15% pursuant to Board action) of average daily
net assets of such shares.
In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption of Class B
Shares, it will be assumed that shares held for more than three years are
redeemed first, followed by shares acquired through the reinvestment of
dividends or distributions, and finally by shares held longest during the
three-year period. With respect to Class C Shares, it will be assumed that
shares held for more than 12 months are redeemed first followed by shares
acquired through the reinvestment of dividends or distributions, and finally by
shares held for 12 months or less.
All investments made during a calendar month, regardless of what day of
the month the investment occurred, will age one month on the last day of that
month and each subsequent month.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternative - Class B Shares
Class B Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment will be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently anticipates
compensating dealers or brokers for selling Class B Shares at the time of
purchase from its own assets in an amount equal to no more than 2% of the dollar
amount purchased. In addition, from time to time, upon written notice to all of
its dealers, the Distributor may hold special promotions for specified periods
during which the Distributor may pay additional compensation to dealers or
brokers for selling Class B Shares at the time of purchase. As discussed below,
however, Class B Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses and, if
redeemed within three years of purchase, a CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual 12b-1 Plan fees are paid to the
Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services, and
bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class B Shares. These
payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling Class B
Shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class B 12b-1 Plan may
be in an amount equal to no more than 1% annually. The combination of the CDSC
and the proceeds of the 12b-1 Plan fees makes it possible for the Fund to sell
Class B Shares without deducting a front-end sales charge at the time of
purchase.
Holders of Class B Shares who exercise the exchange privilege described
below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for Class B Shares as
described in this Part B, even after the exchange. See Redemption and Exchange.
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Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares
Class B Shares, other than shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividends, held for five years after purchase are eligible for automatic
conversion into Class A Shares. Conversions of Class B Shares into Class A
Shares will occur only four times in any calendar year, on the 18th day or next
business day of March, June, September and December (each, a "Conversion Date").
If the fifth anniversary after a purchase of Class B Shares falls on a
Conversion Date, an investor's Class B Shares will be converted on that date. If
the fifth anniversary occurs between Conversion Dates, an investor's Class B
Shares will be converted on the next Conversion Date after such anniversary.
Consequently, if a shareholder's fifth anniversary falls on the day after a
Conversion Date, that shareholder will have to hold Class B Shares for as long
as three additional months after the fifth anniversary of purchase before the
shares will automatically convert into Class A Shares.
Class B Shares of the Fund acquired through a reinvestment of dividends
will convert to the corresponding Class A Shares of that fund (or, in the case
of Delaware Group Cash Reserve, the Delaware Cash Reserve Fund Consultant Class)
pro-rata with Class B Shares of that fund not acquired through dividend
reinvestment.
All such automatic conversions of Class B Shares will constitute
tax-free exchanges for federal income tax purposes.
Level Sales Charge Alternative - Class C Shares
Class C Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a front-end
sales charge and, as a result, the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment will be invested in Fund shares. The Distributor currently compensates
dealers or brokers for selling Class C Shares at the time of purchase from its
own assets in an amount equal to no more than 1% of the dollar amount purchased.
As discussed below, Class C Shares are subject to annual 12b-1 Plan expenses
and, if redeemed within 12 months of purchase, a CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC and the annual 12b-1 Plan fees are paid to the
Distributor and others for providing distribution and related services, and
bearing related expenses, in connection with the sale of Class C Shares. These
payments support the compensation paid to dealers or brokers for selling Class C
Shares. Payments to the Distributor and others under the Class C 12b-1 Plan may
be in an amount equal to no more than 1% annually.
Holders of Class C Shares who exercise the exchange privilege described
below will continue to be subject to the CDSC schedule for Class C Shares as
described in this Part B. See Redemption and Exchange.
Plans Under Rule 12b-1 for the Fund Classes
Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, Limited-Term Funds has
adopted a separate plan for each of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares of the Fund (the "Plans"). Each Plan permits the Fund to pay for certain
distribution, promotional and related expenses involved in the marketing of only
the Class of shares to which the Plan applies. The Plans do not apply to the
Institutional Class of shares. Such shares are not included in calculating the
Plans' fees, and the Plans are not used to assist in the distribution and
marketing of shares of the Institutional Class. Shareholders of the
Institutional Class may not vote on matters affecting the Plans.
The Plans permit the Fund, pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, to
pay out of the assets of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
monthly fees to the Distributor for its services and expenses in distributing
and promoting sales of shares of such classes. These expenses include, among
other things, preparing and distributing advertisements, sales literature and
prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, compensating sales and
marketing personnel, and paying distribution and maintenance fees to securities
brokers and dealers who enter into agreements with the Distributor. The Plan
expenses relating to Class B and Class C Shares are also used to pay the
Distributor for advancing the commission costs to dealers with respect to the
initial sale of such shares.
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In addition, the Fund may make payments out of the assets of Class A,
Class B and Class C Shares directly to other unaffiliated parties, such as
banks, who either aid in the distribution of shares of, or provide services to,
such classes.
The maximum aggregate fee payable by the Fund under the Plans, and the
Fund's Distribution Agreement, is on an annual basis up to 0.30% of Class A
Shares' average daily net assets for the year, and up to 1% (0.25% of which are
service fees to be paid to the Distributor, dealers and others for providing
personal service and/or maintaining shareholder accounts) of each of the Class B
Shares' and the Class C Shares' average daily net assets for the year.
Limited-Term Funds' Board of Trustees may reduce these amounts at any time. The
Distributor has agreed to waive these distribution fees to the extent such fees
for any day exceeds the net investment income realized by the Fund Classes for
such day.
On May 21, 1987, the Board of Trustees set the fee for Class A Shares,
pursuant to its Plan, at 0.15% of average daily net assets. This fee was
effective until May 31, 1992. Effective June 1, 1992, the Board of Trustees has
determined that the annual fee, payable on a monthly basis, under the Plan, will
be equal to the sum of: (i) the amount obtained by multiplying 0.10% by the
average daily net assets represented by Class A Shares which were originally
purchased prior to June 1, 1992 in the Investors Series I class (which was
converted into what is now referred to as Class A Shares) on June 1, 1992
pursuant to a Plan of Recapitalization approved by shareholders of the Investors
Series I class), and (ii) the amount obtained by multiplying 0.15% by the
average daily net assets represented by all other Class A Shares. While this is
the method to be used to calculate the 12b-1 fees to be paid by Class A Shares,
the fee is a Class expense so that all shareholders regardless of whether they
originally purchased or received shares in the Investors Series I class, or in
one of the other classes that is now known as Class A Shares will bear 12b-1
expenses at the same rate. While this describes the current formula for
calculating the fees which will be payable under the Class A Shares' Plan
beginning June 1, 1992, the Plan permits a full 0.30% on all assets of Class A
Shares to be paid at any time following appropriate Board approval.
All of the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor and
others, such as broker/dealers, in excess of the amount paid on behalf of Class
A, Class B and Class C Shares would be borne by such persons without any
reimbursement from such Fund Classes. Subject to seeking best execution, the
Fund may, from time to time, buy or sell portfolio securities from or to firms
which receive payments under the Plans.
From time to time, the Distributor may pay additional amounts from its
own resources to dealers for aid in distribution or for aid in providing
administrative services to shareholders.
The Plans and the Distribution Agreement, as amended, have been
approved by the Board of Trustees of Limited-Term Funds, including a majority of
the trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
Limited-Term Funds and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
Plans, by vote cast in person at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting
on the Plans and such Distribution Agreement. Continuation of the Plans and the
Distribution Agreement, as amended, must be approved annually by the Board of
Trustees in the same manner as specified above.
Each year, the trustees must determine whether continuation of the
Plans is in the best interest of shareholders of, respectively, Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares and that there is a reasonable likelihood of
the Plan relating to the Fund Class providing a benefit to that Class. The Plans
and the Distribution Agreement, as amended, may be terminated at any time
without penalty by a majority of those trustees who are not "interested persons"
or by a majority vote of the outstanding voting securities of the relevant Fund
Class. Any amendment materially increasing the percentage payable under the
Plans must likewise be approved by a majority vote of the outstanding voting
securities of the relevant Fund Class, as well as by a majority vote of those
trustees who are not "interested persons." With respect to the Class A Shares'
Plan, any material increase in the maximum percentage payable thereunder must be
32
<PAGE>
approved by a majority of the outstanding voting Class B Shares. Also, any other
material amendment to the Plans must be approved by a majority vote of the
trustees, including a majority of the noninterested trustees of Limited-Term
Funds having no interest in the Plans. In addition, in order for the Plans to
remain effective, the selection and nomination of trustees who are not
"interested persons" of Limited-Term Funds must be effected by the trustees who
themselves are not "interested persons" and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the Plans. Persons authorized to make payments under the
Plans must provide written reports at least quarterly to the Board of Trustees
for their review.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999, 12b-1 Plan payments from
the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares are shown below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares Class B Shares Class C Shares
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Advertising $42 --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports $66 --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broker Trails $384,571 $21,574 $23,799
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broker Sales Charges --- $98,885 $35,703
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer Service Expenses --- --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on Broker Sales Charges $130 $1,526
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commissions to Wholesalers $50,076 $4,418 $1,338
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promotional-Broker Meetings --- $770 ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Promotional-Other $2,279 --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prospectus Printing --- --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone --- --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wholesaler Expenses --- $15,669 ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other --- --- ---
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $437,034 $141,446 $62,366
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
Other Payments to Dealers - Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
From time to time, at the discretion of the Distributor, all registered
broker/dealers whose aggregate sales of Fund Classes exceed certain limits as
set by the Distributor, may receive from the Distributor an additional payment
of up to 0.25% of the dollar amount of such sales. The Distributor may also
provide additional promotional incentives or payments to dealers that sell
shares of the Delaware Investments family of funds. In some instances, these
incentives or payments may be offered only to certain dealers who maintain, have
sold or may sell certain amounts of shares. The Distributor may also pay a
portion of the expense of preapproved dealer advertisements promoting the sale
of Delaware Investments fund shares.
Special Purchase Features - Class A Shares
Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value
Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at net asset value under the
Delaware Investments Dividend Reinvestment Plan and, under certain
circumstances, the Exchange Privilege and the 12-Month Reinvestment Privilege.
Purchases of Class A Shares may be made at net asset value by current
and former officers, trustees and employees (and members of their families) of
the Manager, any affiliate, any of the funds in the Delaware Investments family,
certain of their agents and registered representatives and employees of
authorized investment dealers and by employee benefit plans for such entities.
Individual purchases, including those in retirement accounts, must be for
accounts in the name of the individual or a qualifying family member. Class A
Shares may also be purchased at net asset value by current and former officers,
trustees and employees (and members of their families) of the Dougherty
Financial Group LLC.
Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made by clients of registered
representatives of an authorized investment dealer at net asset value within 12
months after the registered representative changes employment, if the purchase
is funded by proceeds from an investment where a front-end sales charge,
contingent deferred sales charge or other sales charge has been assessed.
Purchases of Class A Shares may also be made at net asset value by bank
employees who provide services in connection with agreements between the bank
and unaffiliated brokers or dealers concerning sales of shares of funds in the
Delaware Investments family. Officers, directors and key employees of
institutional clients of the Manager or any of its affiliates may purchase Class
A Shares at net asset value. Moreover, purchases may be effected at net asset
value for the benefit of the clients of brokers, dealers and registered
investment advisers affiliated with a broker or dealer, if such broker, dealer
or investment adviser has entered into an agreement with the Distributor
providing specifically for the purchase of Class A Shares in connection with
special investment products, such as wrap accounts or similar fee based
programs. Investors may be charged a fee when effecting transactions in Class A
Shares through a broker or agent that offers these special investment products.
Purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value may also be made by the
following: financial institutions investing for the account of their trust
customers if they are not eligible to purchase shares of the Institutional Class
of the Fund; any group retirement plan (excluding defined benefit pension
plans), or such plans of the same employer, for which plan participant records
are maintained on the Retirement Financial Services, Inc. (formerly known as
Delaware Investment & Retirement Services, Inc.) proprietary record keeping
system that (i) has in excess of $500,000 of plan assets invested in Class A
Shares of funds in the Delaware Investments family and any stable value account
available to investment advisory clients of the Manager or its affiliates; or
(ii) is sponsored by an employer that has at any point after May 1, 1997 had
more than 100 employees while such plan has held Class A Shares of a fund in the
Delaware Investments family and such employer has properly represented to, and
received written confirmation back from, Retirement Financial Services, Inc. in
writing that it has the requisite number of employees. See Group Investment
Plans for information regarding the applicability of the Limited CDSC.
34
<PAGE>
Purchases of Class A Shares at net asset value may also be made by bank
sponsored retirement plans that are no longer eligible to purchase Institutional
Class Shares or purchase interests in a collective trust as a result of a change
in distribution arrangements.
Purchase of Class A Shares at net asset value may also be made by any
group retirement plan (excluding defined benefit pension plans) that purchases
shares through a retirement plan alliance program that requires shares to be
available at net asset value, provided Retirement Financial Services, Inc. has a
product participation agreement with the sponsor of the alliance program.
Investments in Class A Shares made by plan level and/or participant
retirement accounts that are for the purpose of repaying a loan taken from such
accounts will be made at net asset value. Loan repayments made to a fund account
in connection with loans originated from accounts previously maintained by
another investment firm will also be invested at net asset value.
Limited-Term Funds must be notified in advance that the trade qualifies
for purchase at net asset value.
Allied Plans
Class A Shares are available for purchase by participants in certain
401(k) Defined Contribution Plans ("Allied Plans") which are made available
under a joint venture agreement between the Distributor and another institution
through which mutual funds are marketed and which allow investments in Class A
Shares of designated Delaware Investments funds ("eligible Delaware Investments
fund shares"), as well as shares of designated classes of non-Delaware
Investments funds ("eligible non-Delaware Investments fund shares"). Class B
Shares and Class C Shares are not eligible for purchase by Allied Plans.
With respect to purchases made in connection with an Allied Plan, the
value of eligible Delaware Investments and eligible non-Delaware Investments
fund shares held by the Allied Plan may be combined with the dollar amount of
new purchases by that Allied Plan to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on
additional purchases of eligible Delaware Investments fund shares. See Combined
Purchases Privilege, below.
Participants in Allied Plans may exchange all or part of their eligible
Delaware Investments fund shares for other eligible Delaware Investments fund
shares or for eligible non-Delaware Investments fund shares at net asset value
without payment of a front-end sales charge. However, exchanges of eligible fund
shares, both Delaware Investments and non-Delaware Investments, which were not
subject to a front end sales charge, will be subject to the applicable sales
charge if exchanged for eligible Delaware Investments fund shares to which a
sales charge applies. No sales charge will apply if the eligible fund shares
were previously acquired through the exchange of eligible shares on which a
sales charge was already paid or through the reinvestment of dividends. See
Investing by Exchange.
A dealer's commission may be payable on purchases of eligible Delaware
Investments fund shares under an Allied Plan. In determining a financial
adviser's eligibility for a dealer's commission on net asset value purchases of
eligible Delaware Investments fund shares in connection with Allied Plans, all
participant holdings in the Allied Plan will be aggregated. See Class A Shares,
above.
The Limited CDSC is applicable to redemptions of net asset value
purchases from an Allied Plan on which a dealer's commission has been paid.
Waivers of the Limited CDSC, as described under Waiver of Limited Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares under Redemption and Exchange, apply to
redemptions by participants in Allied Plans except in the case of exchanges
between eligible Delaware Investments and non-Delaware Investments fund shares.
When eligible Delaware Investments fund shares are exchanged into eligible
non-Delaware Investments fund shares, the Limited CDSC will be imposed at the
time of the exchange, unless the joint venture agreement specifies that the
amount of the Limited CDSC will be paid by the financial adviser or selling
dealer. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A
Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.
Letter of Intention
The reduced front-end sales charges described above with respect to
Class A Shares are also applicable to the aggregate amount of purchases made
within a 13-month period pursuant to a written Letter of Intention provided by
the Distributor and signed by the purchaser, and not legally binding on the
signer or Limited-Term Funds which provides for the holding in escrow by the
35
<PAGE>
Transfer Agent, of 5% of the total amount of Class A Shares intended to be
purchased until such purchase is completed within the 13-month period. A Letter
of Intention may be dated to include shares purchased up to 90 days prior to the
date the Letter is signed. The 13-month period begins on the date of the
earliest purchase. If the intended investment is not completed, except as noted
below, the purchaser will be asked to pay an amount equal to the difference
between the front-end sales charge on Class A Shares purchased at the reduced
rate and the front-end sales charge otherwise applicable to the total shares
purchased. If such payment is not made within 20 days following the expiration
of the 13-month period, the Transfer Agent will surrender an appropriate number
of the escrowed shares for redemption in order to realize the difference. Such
purchasers may include the value (at offering price at the level designated in
their Letter of Intention) of all their shares of the Fund and of any class of
any of the other mutual funds in Delaware Investments (except shares of any
Delaware Investments fund which do not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC or
Limited CDSC other than shares of Delaware Group Premium Fund beneficially owned
in connection with the ownership of variable insurance products, unless they
were acquired through an exchange from a Delaware Investments fund which carried
a front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC) previously purchased and still
held as of the date of their Letter of Intention toward the completion of such
Letter.
Employers offering a Delaware Investments retirement plan may also
complete a Letter of Intention to obtain a reduced front-end sales charge on
investments of Class A Shares made by the plan. The aggregate investment level
of the Letter of Intention will be determined and accepted by the Transfer Agent
at the point of plan establishment. The level and any reduction in front-end
sales charge will be based on actual plan participation and the projected
investments in Delaware Investments funds that are offered with a front-end
sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC for a 13-month period. The Transfer Agent
reserves the right to adjust the signed Letter of Intention based on this
acceptance criteria. The 13-month period will begin on the date this Letter of
Intention is accepted by the Transfer Agent. If actual investments exceed the
anticipated level and equal an amount that would qualify the plan for further
discounts, any front-end sales charges will be automatically adjusted. In the
event this Letter of Intention is not fulfilled within the 13-month period, the
plan level will be adjusted (without completing another Letter of Intention) and
the employer will be billed for the difference in front-end sales charges due,
based on the plan's assets under management at that time. Employers may also
include the value (at offering price at the level designated in their Letter of
Intention) of all their shares intended for purchase that are offered with a
front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC of any class. Class B Shares and
Class C Shares of the Fund and other Delaware Investments funds which offer
corresponding classes of shares may also be aggregated for this purpose.
Combined Purchases Privilege
In determining the availability of the reduced front-end sales charge
previously set forth with respect to Class A Shares, purchasers may combine the
total amount of any combination of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and/or Class C
Shares of the Fund, as well as shares of any other class of any of the other
Delaware Investments funds (except shares of any Delaware Investments fund which
do not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC, other than shares
of Delaware Group Premium Fund beneficially owned in connection with the
ownership of variable insurance products, unless they were acquired through an
exchange from a Delaware Investments fund which carried a front-end sales
charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC). In addition, assets held by investment advisory
clients of the Manager or its affiliates in a stable value account may be
combined with other Delaware Investments fund holdings.
The privilege also extends to all purchases made at one time by an
individual; or an individual, his or her spouse and their children under 21; or
a trustee or other fiduciary of trust estates or fiduciary accounts for the
benefit of such family members (including certain employee benefit programs).
Right of Accumulation
In determining the availability of the reduced front-end sales charge
with respect to the Class A Shares, purchasers may also combine any subsequent
purchases of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares of the Fund, as
well as shares of any other class of any of the other Delaware Investments funds
36
<PAGE>
which offer such classes (except shares of any Delaware Investments fund which
do not carry a front-end sales charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC, other than shares
of Delaware Group Premium Fund beneficially owned in connection with the
ownership of variable insurance products, unless they were acquired through an
exchange from a Delaware Investments fund which carried a front-end sales
charge, CDSC or Limited CDSC). If, for example, any such purchaser has
previously purchased and still holds Class A Shares and/or shares of any other
of the classes described in the previous sentence with a value of $40,000 and
subsequently purchases $60,000 at offering price of additional shares of Class A
Shares, the charge applicable to the $60,000 purchase would currently be 2.00%.
For the purpose of this calculation, the shares presently held shall be valued
at the public offering price that would have been in effect were the shares
purchased simultaneously with the current purchase. Investors should refer to
the table of sales charges for Class A Shares to determine the applicability of
the Right of Accumulation to their particular circumstances.
37
<PAGE>
12-Month Reinvestment Privilege
Holders of Class A Shares and Class B Shares of the Fund (and of the
Institutional Class holding shares which were acquired through an exchange from
one of the other mutual funds in the Delaware Investments family offered with a
front-end sales charge) who redeem such shares have one year from the date of
redemption to reinvest all or part of their redemption proceeds in the same
Class of the Fund or in the same Class of any of the other funds in the Delaware
Investments family. In the case of Class A Shares, the reinvestment will not be
assessed a front-end sales charge and in the case of Class B Shares, the amount
of the CDSC previously charged on the redemption will be reimbursed by the
Distributor. The reinvestment will be subject to applicable eligibility and
minimum purchase requirements and must be in states where shares of such other
funds may be sold. This reinvestment privilege does not extend to Class A Shares
where the redemption of the shares triggered the payment of a Limited CDSC.
Persons investing redemption proceeds from direct investments in mutual funds in
the Delaware Investments family, offered without a front-end sales charge will
be required to pay the applicable sales charge when purchasing Class A Shares.
The reinvestment privilege does not extend to a redemption of Class C Shares.
Any such reinvestment cannot exceed the redemption proceeds (plus any
amount necessary to purchase a full share). The reinvestment will be made at the
net asset value next determined after receipt of remittance. In the case of
Class B Shares, the time that the previous investment was held will be included
in determining any applicable CDSC due upon redemptions as well as the automatic
conversion into Class A Shares.
A redemption and reinvestment of Class B Shares could have income tax
consequences. Shareholders will receive from the Distributor the amount of the
CDSC paid at the time of redemption as part of the reinvested shares, which may
be treated as a capital gain to the shareholder for tax purposes. It is
recommended that a tax adviser be consulted with respect to such transactions.
Any reinvestment directed to a fund in which the investor does not then
have an account will be treated like all other initial purchases of the fund's
shares. Consequently, an investor should obtain and read carefully the
prospectus for the fund in which the investment is intended to be made before
investing or sending money. The prospectus contains more complete information
about the fund, including charges and expenses.
Investors should consult their financial advisers or the Transfer
Agent, which also serves as each Fund's shareholder servicing agent, about the
applicability of the Class A Limited CDSC in connection with the features
described above.
Group Investment Plans
Group Investment Plans which are not eligible to purchase shares of the
Institutional Class may also benefit from the reduced front-end sales charges
for investments in Class A Shares described in the Prospectus, based on total
plan assets. If a company has more than one plan investing in the Delaware
Investments family of funds, then the total amount invested in all plans would
be used in determining the applicable front-end sales charge reduction upon each
purchase, both initial and subsequent, upon notification to the Fund in which
the investment is being made at the time of each such purchase. Employees
participating in such Group Investment Plans may also combine the investments
made in their plan account when determining the applicable front-end sales
charge on purchases to non-retirement Delaware Investments investment accounts
if they so notify the Fund in which they are investing in connection with each
purchase. See Retirement Plans for the Fund Classes under Investment Plans for
information about Retirement Plans.
The Limited CDSC is applicable to any redemptions of net asset value
purchases made on behalf of any group retirement plan on which a dealer's
commission has been paid only if such redemption is made pursuant to a
withdrawal of the entire plan from a fund in the Delaware Investments family.
See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares
Purchased at Net Asset Value under Redemption and Exchange.
38
<PAGE>
Institutional Class
The Institutional Class is available for purchase only by: (a)
retirement plans introduced by persons not associated with brokers or dealers
that are primarily engaged in the retail securities business and rollover
individual retirement accounts from such plans; (b) tax-exempt employee benefit
plans of the Manager or its affiliates and securities dealer firms with a
selling agreement with the Distributor; (c) institutional advisory accounts of
the Manager or its affiliates and those having client relationships with
Delaware Investment Advisers, an affiliate of the Manager, or its other
affiliates and their corporate sponsors, as well as subsidiaries and related
employee benefit plans and rollover individual retirement accounts from such
institutional advisory accounts; (d) a bank, trust company and similar financial
institution investing for its own account or for the account of its trust
customers for whom such financial institution is exercising investment
discretion in purchasing shares of the Class, except where the investment is
part of a program that requires payment of the financial institution of a Rule
12b-1 Plan fee; and (e) registered investment advisers investing on behalf of
clients that consist solely of institutions and high net-worth individuals
having at least $1,000,000 entrusted to the adviser for investment purposes, but
only if the adviser is not affiliated or associated with a broker or dealer and
derives compensation for its services exclusively from its clients for such
advisory services.
Shares of Institutional Class are available for purchase at net asset
value, without the imposition of a front-end or contingent deferred sales charge
and are not subject to Rule 12b-1 expenses.
INVESTMENT PLANS
Reinvestment Plan/Open Account
Unless otherwise designated by shareholders in writing, dividends from
net investment income and distributions from realized securities profits, if
any, will be automatically reinvested in additional shares in which an investor
has an account (based on the net asset value in effect on the reinvestment date)
and will be credited to the shareholder's account on that date. All dividends
and distributions of the Institutional Class are reinvested in the accounts of
the holders of such shares (based on the net asset value in effect on the
reinvestment date). Confirmations of any distributions from realized securities
profits will be mailed to shareholders in the first quarter of each fiscal year.
Under the Reinvestment Plan/Open Account, shareholders may purchase and
add full and fractional shares to their plan accounts at any time either through
their investment dealers or by sending a check or money order to the Fund and
Class in which shares are being purchased. Such purchases, which must meet the
minimum subsequent purchase requirements set forth in the Prospectuses and this
Part B, are made for Class A Shares at the public offering price, and for the
Class B Shares and Class C Shares and the Institutional Classes at the net asset
value, at the end of the day of receipt. A reinvestment plan may be terminated
at any time. This plan does not assure a profit nor protect against depreciation
in a declining market.
Reinvestment of Dividends in Other Delaware Investments Family of Funds
Subject to applicable eligibility and minimum initial purchase
requirements and the limitations set forth below, holders of Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares may automatically reinvest dividends and/or
distributions in any of the mutual funds in the Delaware Investments, including
the Fund, in states where their shares may be sold. Such investments will be at
net asset value at the close of business on the reinvestment date without any
front-end sales charge or service fee. The shareholder must notify the Transfer
Agent in writing and must have established an account in the fund into which the
dividends and/or distributions are to be invested. Any reinvestment directed to
a fund in which the investor does not then have an account will be treated like
all other initial purchases of a fund's shares. Consequently, an investor should
obtain and read carefully the prospectus for the fund in which the investment is
intended to be made before investing or sending money. The prospectus contains
more complete information about the fund, including charges and expenses.
39
<PAGE>
Subject to the following limitations, dividends and/or distributions
from other funds in Delaware Investments may be invested in shares of the Fund,
provided an account has been established. Dividends from Class A Shares may not
be directed to Class B Shares or Class C Shares. Dividends from Class B Shares
may only be directed to other Class B Shares and dividends from Class C Shares
may only be directed to other Class C Shares.
Capital gains and/or dividend distributions for participants in the
following retirement plans are automatically reinvested into the same Delaware
Investments fund in which their investments are held: SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE
IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans, 401(k)
Defined Contribution Plans, or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plans.
Investing by Exchange
If you have an investment in another mutual fund in the Delaware
Investments family, you may write and authorize an exchange of part or all of
your investment into shares of the Fund. If you wish to open an account by
exchange, call the Shareholder Service Center for more information. All
exchanges are subject to the eligibility and minimum purchase requirements set
forth in the Fund's prospectus. See Redemption and Exchange for more complete
information concerning your exchange privileges.
Holders of Class A Shares of the Fund may exchange all or part of their
shares for certain of the shares of other funds in the Delaware Investments
family, including other Class A Shares, but may not exchange their Class A
Shares for Class B Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund or of any other fund in
the Delaware Investments family. Holders of Class B Shares of the Fund are
permitted to exchange all or part of their Class B Shares only into Class B
Shares of other Delaware Investments funds. Similarly, holders of Class C Shares
of the Fund are permitted to exchange all or part of their Class C Shares only
into Class C Shares of other Delaware Investments funds. Class B Shares of the
Fund and Class C Shares of the Fund acquired by exchange will continue to carry
the CDSC and, in the case of Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule
of the fund from which the exchange is made. The holding period of Class B
Shares of the Fund acquired by exchange will be added to that of the shares that
were exchanged for purposes of determining the time of the automatic conversion
into Class A Shares of the Fund.
Permissible exchanges into Class A Shares of the Fund will be made
without a front-end sales charge, except for exchanges of shares that were not
previously subject to a front-end sales charge (unless such shares were acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends). Permissible exchanges into Class B
Shares or Class C Shares of the Fund will be made without the imposition of a
CDSC by the fund from which the exchange is being made at the time of the
exchange.
Investing by Electronic Fund Transfer
Direct Deposit Purchase Plan--Investors may arrange for the Fund to
accept for investment in Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C Shares,
through an agent bank, preauthorized government or private recurring payments.
This method of investment assures the timely credit to the shareholder's account
of payments such as social security, veterans' pension or compensation benefits,
federal salaries, Railroad Retirement benefits, private payroll checks,
dividends, and disability or pension fund benefits. It also eliminates lost,
stolen and delayed checks.
Automatic Investing Plan--Shareholders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares
and Class C Shares may make automatic investments by authorizing, in advance,
monthly or quarterly payments directly from their checking account for deposit
into their Fund account. This type of investment will be handled in either of
the following ways. (1) If the shareholder's bank is a member of the National
Automated Clearing House Association ("NACHA"), the amount of the investment
will be electronically deducted from his or her account by Electronic Fund
Transfer ("EFT"). The shareholder's checking account will reflect a debit each
month at a specified date although no check is required to initiate the
transaction. (2) If the shareholder's bank is not a member of NACHA, deductions
will be made by preauthorized checks, known as Depository Transfer Checks.
Should the shareholder's bank become a member of NACHA in the future, his or her
investments would be handled electronically through EFT.
40
<PAGE>
This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans, or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans.
* * *
Initial investments under the Direct Deposit Purchase Plan and the
Automatic Investing Plan must be for $250 or more and subsequent investments
under such plans must be for $25 or more. An investor wishing to take advantage
of either service must complete an authorization form. Either service can be
discontinued by the shareholder at any time without penalty by giving written
notice.
Payments to the Fund from the federal government or its agencies on
behalf of a shareholder may be credited to the shareholder's account after such
payments should have been terminated by reason of death or otherwise. Any such
payments are subject to reclamation by the federal government or its agencies.
Similarly, under certain circumstances, investments from private sources may be
subject to reclamation by the transmitting bank. In the event of a reclamation,
the Fund may liquidate sufficient shares from a shareholder's account to
reimburse the government or the private source. In the event there are
insufficient shares in the shareholder's account, the shareholder is expected to
reimburse the Fund.
Direct Deposit Purchases by Mail
Shareholders may authorize a third party, such as a bank or employer, to
make investments directly to their Fund accounts. The Fund will accept these
investments, such as bank-by-phone, annuity payments and payroll allotments, by
mail directly from the third party. Investors should contact their employers or
financial institutions who in turn should contact Limited-Term Funds for proper
instructions.
MoneyLine (SM) On Demand
You or your investment dealer may request purchases of Fund Class shares
by phone using MoneyLine (SM) On Demand. When you authorize the Fund to accept
such requests from you or your investment dealer, funds will be withdrawn from
(for share purchases) your predesignated bank account. Your request will be
processed the same day if you call prior to 4 p.m., Eastern time. There is a $25
minimum and $50,000 maximum limit for MoneyLine (SM) On Demand transactions.
It may take up to four business days for the transactions to be
completed. You can initiate this service by completing an Account Services form.
If your name and address are not identical to the name and address on your Fund
account, you must have your signature guaranteed. The Fund does not charge a fee
for this service; however, your bank may charge a fee.
Wealth Builder Option
Shareholders can use the Wealth Builder Option to invest in the Fund
Classes through regular liquidations of shares in their accounts in other mutual
funds in the Delaware Investments family. Shareholders of the Fund Classes may
elect to invest in one or more of the other mutual funds in Delaware Investments
family through the Wealth Builder Option. If in connection with the election of
the Wealth Builder Option, you wish to open a new account to receive the
automatic investment, such new account must meet the minimum initial purchase
requirements described in the prospectus of the fund that you select. All
investments under this option are exchanges and are therefore subject to the
same conditions and limitations as other exchanges noted above.
Under this automatic exchange program, shareholders can authorize
regular monthly investments (minimum of $100 per fund) to be liquidated from
their account and invested automatically into other mutual funds in the Delaware
Investments family, subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in the
Fund Classes' Prospectus. The investment will be made on the 20th day of each
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month (or, if the fund selected is not open that day, the next business day) at
the public offering price or net asset value, as applicable, of the fund
selected on the date of investment. No investment will be made for any month if
the value of the shareholder's account is less than the amount specified for
investment.
Periodic investment through the Wealth Builder Option does not insure
profits or protect against losses in a declining market. The price of the fund
into which investments are made could fluctuate. Since this program involves
continuous investment regardless of such fluctuating value, investors selecting
this option should consider their financial ability to continue to participate
in the program through periods of low fund share prices. This program involves
automatic exchanges between two or more fund accounts and is treated as a
purchase of shares of the fund into which investments are made through the
program. See Redemption and Exchange for a brief summary of the tax consequences
of exchanges. Shareholders can terminate their participation in Wealth Builder
at any time by giving written notice to the fund from which exchanges are made.
This option is not available to participants in the following plans:
SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), Profit Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plans, or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plans. This option also is not available to shareholders of the
Institutional Classes.
Asset Planner
To invest in Delaware Investments funds using the Asset Planner asset
allocation service, you should complete an Asset Planner Account Registration
Form, which is available only from a financial adviser or investment dealer.
Effective September 1, 1997, the Asset Planner Service is only available to
financial advisers or investment dealers who have previously used this service.
The Asset Planner service offers a choice of four predesigned asset allocation
strategies (each with a different risk/reward profile) in predetermined
percentages in Delaware Investments funds. With the help of a financial adviser,
you may also design a customized asset allocation strategy.
The sales charge on an investment through the Asset Planner service is
determined by the individual sales charges of the underlying funds and their
percentage allocation in the selected Strategy. Exchanges from existing Delaware
Investments accounts into the Asset Planner service may be made at net asset
value under the circumstances described under Investing by Exchange. Also see
Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value. The minimum initial investment per
Strategy is $2,000; subsequent investments must be at least $100. Individual
fund minimums do not apply to investments made using the Asset Planner service.
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares are available through the Asset Planner
service. Generally, only shares within the same class may be used within the
same Strategy. However, Class A Shares of the Fund and of other funds in the
Delaware Investments family may be used in the same Strategy with consultant
class shares that are offered by certain other Delaware Investments funds.
An annual maintenance fee, currently $35 per Strategy, is due at the
time of initial investment and by September 30 of each subsequent year. The fee,
payable to Delaware Service Company, Inc. to defray extra costs associated with
administering the Asset Planner service, will be deducted automatically from one
of the funds within your Asset Planner account if not paid by September 30.
However, effective November 1, 1996, the annual maintenance fee is waived until
further notice. Investors who utilize the Asset Planner for an IRA will continue
to pay an annual IRA fee of $15 per Social Security number. Investors will
receive a customized quarterly Strategy Report summarizing all Asset Planner
investment performance and account activity during the prior period.
Confirmation statements will be sent following all transactions other than those
involving a reinvestment of distributions.
Certain shareholder services are not available to investors using the
Asset Planner service, due to its special design. These include Delaphone,
Checkwriting, Wealth Builder Option and Letter of Intention. Systematic
Withdrawal Plans are available after the account has been open for two years.
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Retirement Plans for the Fund Classes
An investment in the Fund may be suitable for tax-deferred retirement
plans. Delaware Investments offers a full spectrum of retirement plans,
including the 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan, Individual Retirement Account
("IRA") and the new Roth IRA and Education IRA.
Among the retirement plans that Delaware Investments offers, Class B
Shares are available only by Individual Retirement Accounts, SIMPLE IRAs, Roth
IRAs, Education IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension Plans, Salary Reduction
Simplified Employee Pension Plans, and 403(b)(7) and 457 Deferred Compensation
Plans. The CDSC may be waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares and Class
C Shares. See Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and
Class C Shares under Redemption and Exchange for a list of the instances in
which the CDSC is waived.
Purchases of Class B Shares are subject to a maximum purchase limitation
of $250,000 for retirement plans. Purchases of Class C Shares must be in an
amount that is less than $1,000,000 for such plans. The maximum purchase
limitations apply only to the initial purchase of shares by the retirement plan.
Minimum investment limitations generally applicable to other investors
do not apply to retirement plans other than Individual Retirement Accounts, for
which there is a minimum initial purchase of $250 and a minimum subsequent
purchase of $25, regardless of which Class is selected. Retirement plans may be
subject to plan establishment fees, annual maintenance fees and/or other
administrative or trustee fees. Fees are based upon the number of participants
in the plan as well as the services selected. Additional information about fees
is included in retirement plan materials. Fees are quoted upon request. Annual
maintenance fees may be shared by Delaware Management Trust Company, the
Transfer Agent, other affiliates of the Manager and others that provide services
to such Plans.
Certain shareholder investment services available to non-retirement plan
shareholders may not be available to retirement plan shareholders. Certain
retirement plans may qualify to purchase shares of the Institutional Class
shares. See Institutional Class, above. For additional information on any of the
plans and Delaware's retirement services, call the Shareholder Service Center
telephone number.
It is advisable for an investor considering any one of the retirement
plans described below to consult with an attorney, accountant or a qualified
retirement plan consultant. For further details, including applications for any
of these plans, contact your investment dealer or the Distributor.
Taxable distributions from the retirement plans described below may be
subject to withholding.
Please contact your investment dealer or the Distributor for the special
application forms required for the Plans described below.
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Prototype Profit Sharing or Money Purchase Pension Plans
Prototype Plans are available for self-employed individuals,
partnerships, corporations and other eligible forms of organizations. These
plans can be maintained as Section 401(k), profit sharing or money purchase
pension plans. Contributions may be invested only in Class A Shares and Class C
Shares.
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA")
A document is available for an individual who wants to establish an IRA
and make contributions which may be tax-deductible, even if the individual is
already participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. Even if
contributions are not deductible for tax purposes, as indicated below, earnings
will be tax-deferred. In addition, an individual may make contributions on
behalf of a spouse who has no compensation for the year; however, participation
may be restricted based on certain income limits.
IRA Disclosures
The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provides new opportunities for
investors. Individuals have five types of tax-favored IRA accounts that can be
utilized depending on the individual's circumstances. A new Roth IRA and
Education IRA are available in addition to the existing deductible IRA and
non-deductible IRA.
Deductible and Non-deductible IRAs
An individual can contribute up to $2,000 in his or her IRA each year.
Contributions may or may not be deductible depending upon the taxpayer's
adjusted gross income ("AGI") and whether the taxpayer is an active participant
in an employer sponsored retirement plan. Even if a taxpayer is an active
participant in an employer sponsored retirement plan, the full $2,000 is still
available if the taxpayer's AGI is below $30,000 ($50,000 for taxpayers filing
joint returns) for years beginning after December 31, 1997. A partial deduction
is allowed for married couples with income between $50,000 and $60,000, and for
single individuals with incomes between $30,000 and $40,000. These income
phase-out limits reach $80,000-$100,000 in 2007 for joint filers and
$50,000-$60,000 in 2005 for single filers. No deductions are available for
contributions to IRAs by taxpayers whose AGI after IRA deductions exceeds the
maximum income limit established for each year and who are active participants
in an employer sponsored retirement plan.
Taxpayers who are not allowed deductions on IRA contributions still can
make non-deductible IRA contributions of as much as $2,000 for each working
spouse and defer taxes on interest or other earnings from the IRAs.
Under the new law, a married individual is not considered an active
participant in an employer sponsored retirement plan merely because the
individual's spouse is an active participant if the couple's combined AGI is
below $150,000. The maximum deductible IRA contribution for a married individual
who is not an active participant, but whose spouse is, is phased out for
combined AGI between $150,000 and $160,000.
Conduit (Rollover) IRAs
Certain individuals who have received or are about to receive eligible
rollover distributions from an employer-sponsored retirement plan or another IRA
may rollover the distribution tax-free to a Conduit IRA. The rollover of the
eligible distribution must be completed by the 60th day after receipt of the
distribution; however, if the rollover is in the form of a direct
trustee-to-trustee transfer without going through the distributee's hand, the
60-day limit does not apply.
A distribution qualifies as an "eligible rollover distribution" if it is
made from a qualified retirement plan, a 403(b) plan or another IRA and does not
constitute one of the following:
(1) Substantially equal periodic payments over the employee's life or
life expectancy or the joint lives or life expectancies of the
employee and his/her designated beneficiary;
(2) Substantially equal installment payments for a period certain of 10
or more years;
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(3) A distribution, all of which represents a required minimum
distribution after attaining age 70 1/2;
(4) A distribution due to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order to an
alternate payee who is not the spouse (or former spouse) of the
employee; and
(5) A distribution of after-tax contributions which is not includable
in income.
Roth IRAs
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997, non-deductible
contributions of up to $2,000 per year can be made to a new Roth IRA. As a
result of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (the
"1998 Act"), the $2,000 annual limit will not be reduced by any contributions to
a deductible or nondeductible IRA for the same year. The maximum contribution
that can be made to a Roth IRA is phased out for single filers with AGI between
$95,000 and $110,000, and for couples filing jointly with AGI between $150,000
and $160,000. Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA would be exempt from
federal taxes. Qualified distributions are distributions (1) made after the
five-taxable year period beginning with the first taxable year for which a
contribution was made to a Roth IRA and (2) that are (a) made on or after the
date on which the individual attains age 59 1/2, (b) made to a beneficiary on or
after the death of the individual, (c) attributed to the individual being
disabled, or (d) for a qualified special purpose (e.g., first time homebuyer
expenses).
Distributions that are not qualified distributions would always be
tax-free if the taxpayer is withdrawing contributions, not accumulated earnings.
Taxpayers with AGI of $100,000 or less are eligible to convert an
existing IRA (deductible, nondeductible and conduit) to a Roth IRA. Earnings and
contributions from a deductible IRA are subject to a tax upon conversion;
however, no 10% excise tax for early withdrawal would apply. If the conversion
is done prior to January 1, 1999, then the income from the conversion can be
included in income ratably over a four-year period beginning with the year of
conversion.
Education IRAs
For taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997, an Education IRA
has been created exclusively for the purpose of paying qualified higher
education expenses. Taxpayers can make non-deductible contributions up to $500
per year per beneficiary. The $500 annual limit is in addition to the $2,000
annual contribution limit applicable to IRAs and Roth IRAs. Eligible
contributions must be in cash and made prior to the date the beneficiary reaches
age 18. Similar to the Roth IRA, earnings would accumulate tax-free. There is no
requirement that the contributor be related to the beneficiary, and there is no
limit on the number of beneficiaries for whom one contributor can establish
Education IRAs. In addition, multiple Education IRAs can be created for the same
beneficiaries, however, the contribution limit of all contributions for a single
beneficiary cannot exceed $500 annually.
This $500 annual contribution limit for Education IRAs is phased out
ratably for single contributors with modified AGI between $95,000 and $110,000,
and for couples filing jointly with modified AGI of between $150,000 and
$160,000. Individuals with modified AGI above the phase-out range are not
allowed to make contributions to an Education IRA established on behalf of any
other individual.
Distributions from an Education IRA are excludable from gross income to
the extent that the distribution does not exceed qualified higher education
expenses incurred by the beneficiary during the year the distribution is made
regardless of whether the beneficiary is enrolled at an eligible educational
institution on a full-time, half-time, or less than half-time basis.
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Any balance remaining in an Education IRA at the time a beneficiary
becomes 30 years old must be distributed, and the earnings portion of such a
distribution will be includable in gross income of the beneficiary and subject
to an additional 10% penalty tax if the distribution is not for qualified higher
education expenses. Tax-free (and penalty-free) transfers and rollovers of
account balances from one Education IRA benefiting one beneficiary to another
Education IRA benefiting a different beneficiary (as well as redesignations of
the named beneficiary) is permitted, provided that the new beneficiary is a
member of the family of the old beneficiary and that the transfer or rollover is
made before the time the old beneficiary reaches age 30 and the new beneficiary
reaches age 18.
A company or association may establish a Group IRA or Group Roth IRA for
employees or members who want to purchase shares of the Fund.
Investments generally must be held in the IRA until age 59 1/2 in order
to avoid premature distribution penalties, but distributions generally must
commence no later than April 1 of the calendar year following the year in which
the participant reaches age 70 1/2. Individuals are entitled to revoke the
account, for any reason and without penalty, by mailing written notice of
revocation to Delaware Management Trust Company within seven days after the
receipt of the IRA Disclosure Statement or within seven days after the
establishment of the IRA, except, if the IRA is established more than seven days
after receipt of the IRA Disclosure Statement, the account may not be revoked.
Distributions from the account (except for the pro-rata portion of any
nondeductible contributions) are fully taxable as ordinary income in the year
received. Excess contributions removed after the tax filing deadline, plus
extensions, for the year in which the excess contributions were made are subject
to a 6% excise tax on the amount of excess. Premature distributions
(distributions made before age 59 1/2, except for death, disability and certain
other limited circumstances) will be subject to a 10% excise tax on the amount
prematurely distributed, in addition to the income tax resulting from the
distribution. For information concerning the applicability of a CDSC upon
redemption of Class B Shares and Class C Shares, see Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares.
Effective January 1, 1997, the 10% premature distribution penalty will
not apply to distributions from an IRA that are used to pay medical expenses in
excess of 7.5% of adjusted gross income or to pay health insurance premiums by
an individual who has received unemployment compensation for 12 consecutive
weeks. In addition, effective January 1, 1998, the new law allows for premature
distribution without a 10% penalty if (i) the amounts are used to pay qualified
higher education expenses (including graduate level courses) of the taxpayer,
the taxpayer's spouse or any child or grandchild of the taxpayer or the
taxpayer's spouse, or (ii) used to pay acquisition costs of a principle
residence for the purchase of a first-time home by the taxpayer, taxpayer's
spouse or any child or grandchild of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's spouse. A
qualified first-time homebuyer is someone who has had no ownership interest in a
residence during the past two years. The aggregate amount of distribution for
first-time home purchases cannot exceed a lifetime cap of $10,000.
Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SEP/IRA")
A SEP/IRA may be established by an employer who wishes to sponsor a
tax-sheltered retirement program by making contributions on behalf of all
eligible employees. Each of the Classes is available for investment by a
SEP/IRA.
Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan ("SAR/SEP")
Although new SAR/SEP plans may not be established after December 31,
1996, existing plans may continue to be maintained by employers having 25 or
fewer employees. An employer may elect to make additional contributions to such
existing plans.
Prototype 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan
Section 401(k) of the Code permits employers to establish qualified
plans based on salary deferral contributions. Effective January 1, 1997,
non-governmental tax-exempt organizations may establish 401(k) plans. Plan
documents are available to enable employers to establish a plan. An employer may
also elect to make profit sharing contributions and/or matching contributions
with investments in only Class A Shares and Class C Shares or certain other
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funds in the Delaware Investments family. Purchases under the Plan may be
combined for purposes of computing the reduced front-end sales charge applicable
to Class A Shares as set forth in the table the Prospectus for the Fund Classes.
Deferred Compensation Plan for Public Schools and Non-Profit Organizations
("403(b)(7)")
Section 403(b)(7) of the Code permits public school systems and certain
non-profit organizations to use mutual fund shares held in a custodial account
to fund deferred compensation arrangements for their employees. A custodial
account agreement is available for those employers who wish to purchase shares
of any of the Classes in conjunction with such an arrangement. Purchases under
the Plan may be combined for purposes of computing the reduced front-end sales
charge applicable to Class A Shares as set forth in the table the Prospectus for
the Fund Classes.
Deferred Compensation Plan for State and Local Government Employees ("457")
Section 457 of the Code permits state and local governments, their
agencies and certain other entities to establish a deferred compensation plan
for their employees who wish to participate. This enables employees to defer a
portion of their salaries and any federal (and possibly state) taxes thereon.
Such plans may invest in shares of the Fund. Although investors may use their
own plan, there is available a Delaware Investments 457 Deferred Compensation
Plan. Interested investors should contact the Distributor or their investment
dealers to obtain further information. Purchases under the Plan may be combined
for purposes of computing the reduced front-end sales charge applicable to Class
A Shares as set forth in the table in the Prospectus for the Fund Classes.
SIMPLE IRA
A SIMPLE IRA combines many of the features of an IRA and a 401(k) Plan
but is easier to administer than a typical 401(k) Plan. It requires employers to
make contributions on behalf of their employees and also has a salary deferral
feature that permits employees to defer a portion of their salary into the plan
on a pre-tax basis. A SIMPLE IRA is available only to plan sponsors with 100 or
fewer employees.
SIMPLE 401(k)
A SIMPLE 401(k) is like a regular 401(k) except that it is available
only to plan sponsors 100 or fewer employees and, in exchange for mandatory plan
sponsor contributions, discrimination testing is no longer required. Class B
Shares are not available for purchase by such plans.
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DETERMINING OFFERING PRICE AND NET ASSET VALUE
Orders for purchases of Class A Shares are effected at the offering
price next calculated by the Fund after receipt of the order by the Fund, its
agent, designee, or certain other authorized persons. See Distribution and
Service under Investment Management Agreement. Orders for purchases of Class B
Shares, Class C Shares and Institutional Class Shares are effected at the net
asset value per share next calculated by the Fund after receipt of the order by
the Fund, its agent, designee, or other authorized persons. Selling dealers are
responsible for transmitting orders promptly.
The offering price for Class A Shares consists of the net asset value
per share plus any applicable front-end sales charges. Offering price and net
asset value are computed as of the close of regular trading on the New York
Stock Exchange (ordinarily, 4 p.m., Eastern time) on days when the Exchange is
open. The New York Stock Exchange is scheduled to be open Monday through Friday
throughout the year except for the days when the following holidays are
observed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Presidents' Day,
Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and
Christmas. When the New York Stock Exchange is closed, the Fund will generally
be closed, pricing calculations will not be made and purchase and redemption
orders will not be processed.
An example showing how to calculate the net asset value per share and,
in the case of Class A Shares, the offering price per share, is included in the
Fund's financial statements which are incorporated by reference into this Part
B.
The Fund's net asset value per share is computed by adding the value of
all securities and other assets in the portfolio of the Fund, deducting any
liabilities and dividing by the number of shares outstanding. Expenses and
income are accrued daily. U.S. government and other debt securities are valued
at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices. Options are valued
at the last reported sales price or, if no sales are reported, at the mean
between the last reported bid and asked prices. Short-term investments having
remaining maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost. For all
other securities and assets, including non-Exchange-traded options, the Manager
uses methods approved by the Board of Trustees that are designed to price
securities at their fair market value.
Each Class of the Fund will bear, pro-rata, all of the common expenses
of the Fund. The net asset values of all outstanding shares of each Class of the
Fund will be computed on a pro-rata basis for each outstanding share based on
the proportionate participation in the Fund represented by the value of shares
of that Class. All income earned and expenses incurred by the Fund will be borne
on a pro-rata basis by each outstanding share of a Class, based on each Class'
percentage in the Fund represented by the value of shares of such Classes,
except that the Institutional Class will not incur any of the expenses under the
Limited-Term Fund's 12b-1 Plans and the Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
alone will bear the 12b-1 Plan expenses payable under their respective Plans.
Due to the specific distribution expenses and other costs that would be
allocable to each Class, the dividends paid to each Class of the Fund may vary.
However, the net asset value per share of each Class is expected to be
equivalent.
REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE
You can redeem or exchange your shares in a number of different ways.
Exchanges are subject to the requirements of the Fund and all exchanges of
shares constitute taxable events. Further, in order for an exchange to be
processed, shares of the fund being acquired must be registered in the state
where the acquiring shareholder resides. You may want to consult your financial
adviser or investment dealer to discuss which funds in Delaware Investments will
best meet your changing objectives, and the consequences of any exchange
transaction. You may also call the Delaware Investments directly for fund
information.
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Your shares will be redeemed or exchanged at a price based on the net
asset value next determined after the Fund receives your request in good order,
subject, in the case of a redemption, to any applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC.
For example, redemption or exchange requests received in good order after the
time the offering price and net asset value of shares are determined will be
processed on the next business day. A shareholder submitting a redemption
request may indicate that he or she wishes to receive redemption proceeds of a
specific dollar amount. In the case of such a request, and in the case of
certain redemptions from retirement plan accounts, the Fund will redeem the
number of shares necessary to deduct the applicable CDSC in the case of Class B
Shares and Class C Shares, and, if applicable, the Limited CDSC in the case of
Class A Shares and tender to the shareholder the requested amount, assuming the
shareholder holds enough shares in his or her account for the redemption to be
processed in this manner. Otherwise, the amount tendered to the shareholder upon
redemption will be reduced by the amount of the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC.
Redemption proceeds will be distributed promptly, as described below, but not
later than seven days after receipt of a redemption request.
Except as noted below, for a redemption request to be in "good order,"
you must provide your account number, account registration, and the total number
of shares or dollar amount of the transaction. For exchange requests, you must
also provide the name of the fund in which you want to invest the proceeds.
Exchange instructions and redemption requests must be signed by the record
owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered. You may request a redemption or
an exchange by calling the Shareholder Service Center at 800-523-1918. The Fund
may suspend, terminate, or amend the terms of the exchange privilege upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders.
In addition to redemption of Fund shares, the Distributor, acting as
agent of the Fund, offers to repurchase Fund shares from broker/dealers acting
on behalf of shareholders. The redemption or repurchase price, which may be more
or less than the shareholder's cost, is the net asset value per share next
determined after receipt of the request in good order by the respective Fund,
its agent, or certain authorized persons, subject to applicable CDSC or Limited
CDSC. This is computed and effective at the time the offering price and net
asset value are determined. See Determining Offering Price and Net Asset Value.
The Fund and the Distributor end their business days at 5 p.m., Eastern time.
This offer is discretionary and may be completely withdrawn without further
notice by the Distributor.
Orders for the repurchase of Fund shares which are submitted to the
Distributor prior to the close of its business day will be executed at the net
asset value per share computed that day (subject to the applicable CDSC or
Limited CDSC), if the repurchase order was received by the broker/dealer from
the shareholder prior to the time the offering price and net asset value are
determined on such day. The selling dealer has the responsibility of
transmitting orders to the Distributor promptly. Such repurchase is then settled
as an ordinary transaction with the broker/dealer (who may make a charge to the
shareholder for this service) delivering the shares repurchased.
Payment for shares redeemed will ordinarily be mailed the next business
day, but in no case later than seven days, after receipt of a redemption request
in good order by the Fund or certain other authorized persons (see Distribution
and Service under Investment Management Agreement); provided, however, that each
commitment to mail or wire redemption proceeds by a certain time, as described
below, is modified by the qualifications described in the next paragraph.
The Fund will process written and telephone redemption requests to the
extent that the purchase orders for the shares being redeemed have already
settled. The Fund will honor redemption requests as to shares for which a check
was tendered as payment, but the Fund will not mail or wire the proceeds until
it is reasonably satisfied that the purchase check has cleared, which may take
up to 15 days from the purchase date. You can avoid this potential delay if you
purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds. The Fund reserves the right to reject a
written or telephone redemption request or delay payment of redemption proceeds
if there has been a recent change to the shareholder's address of record.
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If a shareholder has been credited with a purchase by a check which is
subsequently returned unpaid for insufficient funds or for any other reason, the
Fund involved will automatically redeem from the shareholder's account the
shares purchased by the check plus any dividends earned thereon. Shareholders
may be responsible for any losses to the Fund or to the Distributor.
In case of a suspension of the determination of the net asset value
because the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than weekends or
holidays, or trading thereon is restricted or an emergency exists as a result of
which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably
practical, or it is not reasonably practical for the Fund fairly to value its
assets, or in the event that the SEC has provided for such suspension for the
protection of shareholders, the Fund may postpone payment or suspend the right
of redemption or repurchase. In such case, the shareholder may withdraw the
request for redemption or leave it standing as a request for redemption at the
net asset value next determined after the suspension has been terminated.
Payment for shares redeemed or repurchased may be made either in cash or
kind, or partly in cash and partly in kind. Any portfolio securities paid or
distributed in kind would be valued as described in Determining Offering Price
and Net Asset Value. Subsequent sale by an investor receiving a distribution in
kind could result in the payment of brokerage commissions. However, Limited-Term
Funds has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant to
which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-day period for
any one shareholder.
The value of the Fund's investments is subject to changing market
prices. Thus, a shareholder reselling shares to the Fund may sustain either a
gain or loss, depending upon the price paid and the price received for such
shares.
Certain redemptions of Class A Shares purchased at net asset value may
result in the imposition of a Limited CDSC. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares Purchased at Net Asset Value below.
Redemptions of Class B Shares made within three years of purchase are subject to
a CDSC of 2% during the first two years of purchase and 1% during the third year
of purchase. Class C Shares are subject to a CDSC of 1% if shares are redeemed
within 12 months following purchase. See Contingent Deferred Sales Charge--Class
B Shares and Class C Shares under Purchasing Shares for the Fund Classes. Except
for the applicable CDSC or Limited CDSC and, with respect to the expedited
payment by wire described below, for which, in the case of the Fund Classes,
there may be a bank wiring cost, neither the Fund nor its Distributor charges a
fee for redemptions or repurchases, but such fees could be charged at any time
in the future.
Holders of Class B Shares or Class C Shares that exchange their shares
("Original Shares") for shares of other funds available from Delaware
Investments (in each case, "New Shares") in a permitted exchanged, will not be
subject to a CDSC that might otherwise be due upon redemption of the Original
Shares. However, such shareholders will continue to be subject to the CDSC and,
in the case of Class B Shares, the automatic conversion schedule of the Original
Shares as described in this Part B and any CDSC assessed upon redemption will be
charged by the fund from which the Original Shares were exchanged. For purposes
of computing the CDSC that may be payable upon a disposition of the New Shares,
the period of time that an investor held the Original Shares is added to the
period of time that an investor held the New Shares.
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Checkwriting Feature
Shareholders of the Class A Shares and the Institutional Class holding
shares for which certificates have not been issued may request on the investment
application that they be provided with special forms of checks which may be
issued to redeem their shares by drawing on the Delaware Group Limited-Term
Government Funds, Inc.-Limited-Term Government Fund account with First Union
Bank. Normally, it takes two weeks from the date the shareholder's initial
purchase check clears to receive the check book. The use of any form of check
other than the Fund's check will not be permitted unless approved by the Fund.
The Checkwriting Feature is not available with respect to the Class B Shares,
Class C Shares or for retirement plans.
(1) Redemption checks must be made payable in an amount of $500 or more.
(2) Checks must be signed by the shareholder(s) of record or, in the
case of an organization, by the authorized person(s). If registration is in more
than one name, unless otherwise indicated on the investment application or your
checkwriting authorization form, these checks must be signed by all owners
before the Fund will honor them. Through this procedure the shareholder will
continue to be entitled to distributions paid on these shares up to the time the
check is presented for payment.
(3) If a shareholder who recently purchased shares by check seeks to
redeem all or a portion of those shares through the Checkwriting Feature, the
Fund will not honor the redemption request unless it is reasonably satisfied of
the collection of the investment check. A hold period against a recent purchase
may be up to but not in excess of 15 days, depending upon the origin of the
investment check.
(4) If the amount of the check is greater than the value of the shares
held in the shareholder's account, the check will be returned and the
shareholder's bank may charge a fee.
(5) Checks may not be used to close accounts.
The Fund reserves the right to revoke the Checkwriting Feature of
shareholders who overdraw their accounts or if, in the opinion of management,
such revocation is otherwise in the Fund's best interest.
Shareholders will be subject to bank's rules and regulations governing
similar accounts. This service may be terminated or suspended at any time by the
Fund's bank, the Fund or the Transfer Agent. As the Fund must redeem shares at
their net asset value next determined (subject, in the case of Class A Shares,
to any Limited CDSC), it will not be able to redeem all shares held in a
shareholder's account by means of a check presented directly to the bank. The
Fund and the Transfer Agent will not be responsible for the inadvertent
processing of post-dated checks or checks more than six months old.
Stop-Payment Requests--Investors may request a stop payment on checks by
providing the Fund with a written authorization to do so. Oral requests will be
accepted provided that the Fund promptly receives a written authorization. Such
requests will remain in effect for six months unless renewed or canceled. The
Fund will use its best reasonable efforts to effect stop-payment instructions,
but does not promise or guarantee that such instructions will be effective.
Return of Checks--Checks used in redeeming shares from a shareholder's
account will be accumulated and returned semi-annually. Shareholders needing a
copy of a redemption check before the regular mailing should contact Delaware
Service Company, Inc. at 800-523-1918.
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Written Redemption
You can write to the Fund at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
to redeem some or all of your shares. The request must be signed by all owners
of the account or your investment dealer of record. For redemptions of more than
$50,000, or when the proceeds are not sent to the shareholder(s) at the address
of record, the Fund require a signature by all owners of the account and a
signature guarantee for each owner. A signature guarantee can be obtained from a
commercial bank, a trust company or a member of a Securities Transfer
Association Medallion Program ("STAMP"). The Fund reserves the right to reject a
signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based on its
creditworthiness. The Fund may require further documentation from corporations,
executors, retirement plans, administrators, trustees or guardians.
Payment is normally mailed the next business day after receipt of your
redemption request. If your Class A Shares or Institutional Class Shares are in
certificate form, the certificate(s) must accompany your request and also be in
good order. Certificates are issued for Class A Shares and Institutional Class
Shares only if a shareholder submits a specific request. Certificates are not
issued for Class B Shares or Class C Shares.
Written Exchange
You may also write to the Fund (at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
19103) to request an exchange of any or all of your shares into another mutual
fund in Delaware Investments, subject to the same conditions and limitations as
other exchanges noted above.
Telephone Redemption and Exchange
To get the added convenience of the telephone redemption and exchange
methods, you must have the Transfer Agent hold your shares (without charge) for
you. If you choose to have your Class A Shares or Institutional Class Shares in
certificate form, you may redeem or exchange only by written request and you
must return your certificates.
The Telephone Redemption - Check to Your Address of Record service and
the Telephone Exchange service, both of which are described below, are
automatically provided unless you notify the Fund in writing that you do not
wish to have such services available with respect to your account. The Fund
reserves the right to modify, terminate or suspend these procedures upon 60
days' written notice to shareholders. It may be difficult to reach the Fund by
telephone during periods when market or economic conditions lead to an unusually
large volume of telephone requests.
Neither the Fund nor its Transfer Agent is responsible for any
shareholder loss incurred in acting upon written or telephone instructions for
redemption or exchange of Fund shares which are reasonably believed to be
genuine. With respect to such telephone transactions, the Fund will follow
reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are
genuine (including verification of a form of personal identification) as, if it
does not, the Fund or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any losses due to
unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. Telephone instructions received by the
Fund Classes are generally tape recorded, and a written confirmation will be
provided for all purchase, exchange and redemption transactions initiated by
telephone. By exchanging shares by telephone, you are acknowledging prior
receipt of a prospectus for the fund into which your shares are being exchanged.
Telephone Redemption--Check to Your Address of Record
The Telephone Redemption feature is a quick and easy method to redeem
shares. You or your investment dealer of record can have redemption proceeds of
$50,000 or less mailed to you at your address of record. Checks will be payable
to the shareholder(s) of record. Payment is normally mailed the next business
day after receipt of the redemption request. This service is only available to
individual, joint and individual fiduciary-type accounts.
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Telephone Redemption--Proceeds to Your Bank
Redemption proceeds of $1,000 or more can be transferred to your
predesignated bank account by wire or by check. You should authorize this
service when you open your account. If you change your predesignated bank
account, you must complete an Authorization Form and have your signature
guaranteed. For your protection, your authorization must be on file. If you
request a wire, your funds will normally be sent the next business day. If the
proceeds are wired to the shareholder's account at a bank which is not a member
of the Federal Reserve System, there could be a delay in the crediting of the
funds to the shareholder's bank account. A bank wire fee may be deducted from
Fund Class redemption proceeds. If you ask for a check, it will normally be
mailed the next business day after receipt of your redemption request to your
predesignated bank account. There are no separate fees for this redemption
method, but the mail time may delay getting funds into your bank account. Simply
call the Shareholder Service Center prior to the time the offering price and net
asset value are determined, as noted above.
Telephone Exchange
The Telephone Exchange feature is a convenient and efficient way to
adjust your investment holdings as your liquidity requirements and investment
objectives change. You or your investment dealer of record can exchange your
shares into other funds in Delaware Investments under the same registration,
subject to the same conditions and limitations as other exchanges noted above.
As with the written exchange service, telephone exchanges are subject to the
requirements of the Fund, as described above. Telephone exchanges may be subject
to limitations as to amounts or frequency.
The telephone exchange privilege is intended as a convenience to
shareholders and is not intended to be a vehicle to speculate on short-term
swings in the securities market through frequent transactions in and out of the
funds in the Delaware Investments family. Telephone exchanges may be subject to
limitations as to amounts or frequency. The Transfer Agent and the Fund reserve
the right to record exchange instructions received by telephone and to reject
exchange requests at any time in the future.
MoneyLine (SM) On Demand
You or your investment dealer may request redemptions of Fund shares by
phone using MoneyLine (SM) On Demand. When you authorize the Fund to accept such
requests from you or your investment dealer, funds will be deposited to (for
share redemptions) your predesignated bank account. Your request will be
processed the same day if you call prior to 4 p.m., Eastern time. There is a $25
minimum and $50,000 maximum limit for MoneyLine (SM) On Demand transactions. See
MoneyLine (SM) On Demand under Investment Plans.
Right to Refuse Timing Accounts
With regard to accounts that are administered by market timing services
("Timing Firms") to purchase or redeem shares based on changing economic and
market conditions ("Timing Accounts"), the Fund will refuse any new timing
arrangements, as well as any new purchases (as opposed to exchanges) in Delaware
Investments funds from Timing Firms. The Fund reserves the right to temporarily
or permanently terminate the exchange privilege or reject any specific purchase
order for any person whose transactions seem to follow a timing pattern who: (i)
makes an exchange request out of the Fund within two weeks of an earlier
exchange request out of the Fund, or (ii) makes more than two exchanges out of
the Fund per calendar quarter, or (iii) exchanges shares equal in value to at
least $5 million, or more than 1/4 of 1% of the Fund's net assets. Accounts
under common ownership or control, including accounts administered so as to
redeem or purchase shares based upon certain predetermined market indicators,
will be aggregated for purposes of the exchange limits.
Restrictions on Timed Exchanges
Timing Accounts operating under existing timing agreements may only
execute exchanges between the following eight Delaware Investments funds: (1)
Delaware Decatur Equity Income Fund, (2) Delaware Growth and Income Fund, (3)
Delaware Small Cap Value Fund, (4) Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund, (5)
Delaware Trend Fund, (6) Delaware Cash Reserve Fund, (7) Delaware Delchester
Fund and (8) Delaware Tax-Free Pennsylvania Fund. No other Delaware Investments
funds are available for timed exchanges. Assets redeemed or exchanged out of
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Timing Accounts in Delaware Investments funds not listed above may not be
reinvested back into that Timing Account. Each Fund reserves the right to apply
these same restrictions to the account(s) of any person whose transactions seem
to follow a time pattern (as described above).
The Fund also reserves the right to refuse the purchase side of an
exchange request by any Timing Account, person, or group if, in the Manager's
judgment, the Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its
investment objectives and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely
affected. A shareholder's purchase exchanges may be restricted or refused if the
Fund receives or anticipates simultaneous orders affecting significant portions
of the Fund's assets. In particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincide with a
"market timing" strategy may be disruptive to the Fund and therefore may be
refused.
Except as noted above, only shareholders and their authorized brokers of
record will be permitted to make exchanges or redemptions.
Systematic Withdrawal Plans
Shareholders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares who
own or purchase $5,000 or more of shares at the offering price, or net asset
value, as applicable, for which certificates have not been issued may establish
a Systematic Withdrawal Plan for monthly withdrawals of $25 or more, or
quarterly withdrawals of $75 or more, although the Fund does not recommend any
specific amount of withdrawal. This is particularly useful to shareholders
living on fixed incomes, since it can provide them with a stable supplemental
amount. This $5,000 minimum does not apply for the Fund's prototype retirement
plans. Shares purchased with the initial investment and through reinvestment of
cash dividends and realized securities profits distributions will be credited to
the shareholder's account and sufficient full and fractional shares will be
redeemed at the net asset value calculated on the third business day preceding
the mailing date.
Checks are dated either the 1st or the 15th of the month, as selected by
the shareholder (unless such date falls on a holiday or a weekend), and are
normally mailed within two business days. Both ordinary income dividends and
realized securities profits distributions will be automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Class at net asset value. This plan is not recommended
for all investors and should be started only after careful consideration of its
operation and effect upon the investor's savings and investment program. To the
extent that withdrawal payments from the plan exceed any dividends and/or
realized securities profits distributions paid on shares held under the plan,
the withdrawal payments will represent a return of capital, and the share
balance may in time be depleted, particularly in a declining market.
Shareholders should not purchase additional shares while participating in a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan.
The sale of shares for withdrawal payments constitutes a taxable event
and a shareholder may incur a capital gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes. This gain or loss may be long-term or short-term depending on the
holding period for the specific shares liquidated. Premature withdrawals from
retirement plans may have adverse tax consequences.
Withdrawals under this plan made concurrently with the purchases of
additional shares may be disadvantageous to the shareholder. Purchases of Class
A Shares through a periodic investment program in the Fund managed by the
Manager must be terminated before a Systematic Withdrawal Plan with respect to
such shares can take effect, except if the shareholder is a participant in one
of our retirement plans or is investing in Delaware Investments funds which do
not carry a sales charge. Redemptions of Class A Shares pursuant to a Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be subject to a Limited CDSC if the purchase was made at net
asset value and a dealer's commission has been paid on that purchase. The
applicable Limited CDSC for Class A Shares and CDSC for Class B and C Shares
redeemed via a Systematic Withdrawal Plan will be waived if the annual amount
withdrawn in each year is less than 12% of the account balance on the date that
the Plan is established. If the annual amount withdrawn in any year exceeds 12%
of the account balance on the date that the Systematic Withdrawal Plan is
established, all redemptions under the Plan will be subjected to the applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, including an assessment for previously
redeemed amounts under the Plan. Whether a waiver of the contingent deferred
sales charge is available or not, the first shares to be redeemed for each
Systematic Withdrawal Plan payment will be those not subject to a contingent
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deferred sales charge because they have either satisfied the required holding
period or were acquired through the reinvestment of distributions. See Waivers
of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges, below.
An investor wishing to start a Systematic Withdrawal Plan must complete
an authorization form. If the recipient of Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments
is other than the registered shareholder, the shareholder's signature on this
authorization must be guaranteed. Each signature guarantee must be supplied by
an eligible guarantor institution. The Fund reserves the right to reject a
signature guarantee supplied by an eligible institution based on its
creditworthiness. This plan may be terminated by the shareholder or the Transfer
Agent at any time by giving written notice.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments are normally made by check. In the
alternative, you may elect to have your payments transferred from your Fund
account to your predesignated bank account through the MoneyLine (SM) Direct
Deposit Service. Your funds will normally be credited to your bank account up to
four business days after the payment date. There are no separate fees for this
redemption method. It may take up to four business days for the transactions to
be completed. You can initiate this service by completing an Account Services
form. If your name and address are not identical to the name and address on your
Fund account, you must have your signature guaranteed. The Fund does not charge
a fee for any this service; however, your bank may charge a fee. This service is
not available for retirement plans.
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan is not available to the Institutional
Class. Shareholders should consult with their financial advisers to determine
whether a Systematic Withdrawal Plan would be suitable for them.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain Redemptions of Class A Shares
Purchased at Net Asset Value
For purchases of $1,000,000, a Limited CDSC of 1% will be imposed on
certain redemptions of Class A Shares (or shares into which such Class A Shares
are exchanged) if shares are redeemed during the first year after the purchase,
if such purchases were made at net asset value and triggered the payment by the
Distributor of the dealer's commission described above.
The Limited CDSC will be paid to the Distributor and will be assessed on
an amount equal to the lesser of : (1) the net asset value at the time of
purchase of the Class A Shares being redeemed or (2) the net asset value of such
Class A Shares at the time of redemption. For purposes of this formula, the "net
asset value at the time of purchase" will be the net asset value at purchase of
the Class A Shares even if those shares are later exchanged for shares of
another Delaware Investments fund and, in the event of an exchange of Class A
Shares, the "net asset value of such shares at the time of redemption" will be
the net asset value of the shares acquired in the exchange.
Redemptions of such Class A Shares held for more than one year will not
be subjected to the Limited CDSC and an exchange of such Class A Shares into
another Delaware Investments fund will not trigger the imposition of the Limited
CDSC at the time of such exchange. The period a shareholder owns shares into
which Class A Shares are exchanged will count towards satisfying the one-year
holding period. The Limited CDSC is assessed if such one year period is not
satisfied irrespective of whether the redemption triggering its payment is of
Class A Shares of the Fund or Class A Shares acquired in the exchange.
In determining whether a Limited CDSC is payable, it will be assumed
that shares not subject to the Limited CDSC are the first redeemed followed by
other shares held for the longest period of time. The Limited CDSC will not be
imposed upon shares representing reinvested dividends or capital gains
distributions, or upon amounts representing share appreciation. All investments
made during a calendar month, regardless of what day of the month the investment
occurred, will age one month on the last day of that month and each subsequent
month.
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Waivers of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges
Waiver of Limited Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class A Shares
The Limited CDSC for Class A Shares on which a dealer's commission has
been paid will be waived in the following instances: (i) redemptions that result
from the Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account if the aggregate net
asset value of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective
minimum account size; (ii) distributions to participants from a retirement plan
qualified under section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), or due to death of a participant in such a plan; (iii)
redemptions pursuant to the direction of a participant or beneficiary of a
retirement plan qualified under section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Code with
respect to that retirement plan; (iv) periodic distributions from an IRA, SIMPLE
IRA, or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan due to death, disability, or
attainment of age 59 1/2, and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t)
of the Internal Revenue Code; (v) returns of excess contributions to an IRA;
(vi) distributions by other employee benefit plans to pay benefits; (vii)
distributions described in (ii), (iv), and (vi) above pursuant to a systematic
withdrawal plan; (viii) distributions form an account if the redemption results
from a death of a registered owner, or a registered joint owner, of the account
(in the case of accounts established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or
Uniform transfers to Minors Acts or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the
death of all beneficial owners) or a total disability (as defined in Section 72
of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of the shares
being redeemed; and (ix) redemptions by the classes of shareholders who are
permitted to purchase shares at net asset value, regardless of the size of the
purchase (see Buying Class A Shares at Net Asset Value under Purchasing Shares).
Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge - Class B Shares and Class C Shares
The CDSC is waived on certain redemptions of Class B Shares in
connection with the following redemptions: (i) redemptions that result from the
Fund's right to liquidate a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset
value of the shares held in the account is less than the then-effective minimum
account size; (ii) returns of excess contributions to an IRA, SIMPLE IRA,
SEP/IRA, or 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan; (iii) periodic
distributions from an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SAR/SEP, SEP/IRA, or 403(b)(7) or 457
Deferred Compensation Plan due to death, disability or attainment of age 59 1/2,
and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue
Code; and (iv) distributions from an account if the redemption results from the
death of a registered owner, or a registered joint owner, of the account (in the
case of accounts established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or Uniform
Transfers to Minors Acts or trust accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of
all beneficial owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in
Section 72 of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of
the shares being redeemed.
The CDSC on Class C Shares is waived in connection with the following
redemptions: (i) redemptions that result from the Fund's right to liquidate a
shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset value of the shares held in the
account is less than the then-effective minimum account size; (ii) returns of
excess contributions to an IRA, SIMPLE IRA, 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan, or 401(k)
Defined Contribution plan; (iii) periodic distributions from a 403(b)(7) or 457
Deferred Compensation Plan upon attainment of age 59 1/2, Profit Sharing Plan,
Money Purchase Plan, 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan upon attainment of age 70
1/2, and IRA distributions qualifying under Section 72(t) of the Internal
Revenue Code; (iv) distributions from a 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred Compensation
Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, or 401(k) Defined Contribution Plan, under hardship
provisions of the plan; (v) distributions from a 403(b)(7) or 457 Deferred
Compensation Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan or a 401(k)
Defined Contribution Plan upon attainment of normal retirement age under the
plan or upon separation from service; (vi) periodic distributions from an IRA or
SIMPLE IRA on or after attainment of age 59 1/2; and (vii) distributions from an
account if the redemption results from the death of a registered owner, or a
registered joint owner, of the account (in the case of accounts established
under the Uniform Gifts to Minors or Uniform Transfers to Minors Acts or trust
accounts, the waiver applies upon the death of all beneficial owners) or a total
and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72 of the Code) of all
registered owners occurring after the purchase of the shares being redeemed.
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* * *
In addition, the CDSC will be waived on Class A Shares, Class B Shares
and Class C Shares redeemed in accordance with a Systematic Withdrawal Plan if
the annual amount selected to be withdrawn under the Plan does not exceed 12% of
the value of the account on the date that the Systematic Withdrawal Plan was
established or modified.
INCOME DIVIDENDS AND REALIZED SECURITIES PROFITS DISTRIBUTIONS
It is the present policy of Limited-Term Funds to declare dividends from
net investment income of the Fund on a daily basis. Dividends are declared at
the time the offering price and net asset value are determined (see Determining
Offering Price and Net Asset Value) each day the Fund is open and are paid
monthly. Checks are normally mailed within three business days of that date. Any
check in payment of dividends or other distributions which cannot be delivered
by the United States Post Office or which remains uncashed for a period of more
than one year may be reinvested in the shareholder's account at the then-current
net asset value and the dividend option may be changed from cash to reinvest.
The Fund may deduct from a shareholder's account the costs of the Fund's effort
to locate a shareholder if a shareholder's mail is returned by the United States
Post Office or the Fund is otherwise unable to locate the shareholder or verify
the shareholder's mailing address. These costs may include a percentage of the
account when a search company charges a percentage fee in exchange for their
location services. Net investment income earned on days when the Fund is not
open will be declared as a dividend on the next business day. Purchases of Fund
shares by wire begin earning dividends when converted into Federal Funds and
available for investment, normally the next business day after receipt.
Purchases by check earn dividends upon conversion to Federal Funds, normally one
business day after receipt.
Each class of the Fund will share proportionately in the investment
income and expenses of the Fund, except that the Class A Shares, Class B Shares
and the Class C Shares alone will incur distribution fees under their respective
12b-1 Plans.
Dividends and realized securities profits distributions are
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund at the net asset value
in effect on the payable date, and credited to the shareholder's account, unless
an election to receive distributions in cash has been made by the shareholder.
Dividend payments of $1.00 or less will be automatically reinvested,
notwithstanding a shareholder's election to receive dividends in cash. If such a
shareholder's dividends increase to greater than $1.00, the shareholder would
have to file a new election in order to begin receiving dividends in cash again.
Limited-Term Funds anticipates distributing to its shareholders
substantially all of the Fund's net investment income. Any net short-term
capital gains after deducting any net long-term capital losses (including
carryforwards) would be distributed quarterly but, in the discretion of
Limited-Term Funds' Board of Trustees, might be distributed less frequently.
Distributions of net long-term gains, if any, realized on sales of investments
will be distributed annually during the quarter following the close of the
fiscal year.
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Under the 1997 Act, as revised by the 1998 Act and the Omnibus
Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, the Fund is required
to track its sales of portfolio securities and to report its capital gain
distributions to you according to the following categories of holding periods:
Long-term capital gains": gains on securities sold after December 31,
1997 and held for more than 12 months as capital assets in the hands of
the holder are taxed at the 20% rate when distributed to shareholders
(10% for individual investors in the 15% tax bracket).
"Short -term capital gains": Gains on securities sold by a Fund that do
not meet the long-term holdings period are considered short term
capital gains and are taxable as ordinary income.
"Qualified 5-year gains": For individuals in the 15% bracket, qualified
five-year gains are net gains on securities held for more than 5 years
which are sold after December 31, 2000. For individuals who are
subject to tax at higher rate brackets, qualified five-year gains are
net gains on securities which are purchased after December 31, 2000 and
are held for more than five years. Taxpayers subject to tax at a higher
rate brackets may also make an election for shares held on January 1,
2001 to recognize gain on their shares in order to qualify such shares
as qualified five-year property. These gains will be taxable to
individual investors at a maximum rate of 18% for investors in the 28%
or higher federal income tax brackets, and at a maximum rate of 8% for
investors in the 15% federal income tax bracket when sold after the
five-year holding period.
Any loss incurred on the redemption or exchange of shares held for six
months or less will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends
distributed to you with respect to your Fund shares and any remaining loss will
be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital
gains distributed to you by the Fund on those shares.
All or a portion of any loss that you realize upon the redemption of
your Fund shares will be disallowed to the extent that you buy other shares in
the Fund (through reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within 30 days before
or after your share redemption. Any loss disallowed under these rules will be
added to your tax basis in the new shares you buy.
If you redeem some or all of yours shares in the Fund, and then
reinvest the sales proceeds in the Fund or in another Delaware Investments fund
within 90 days of buying the original shares, the sales charge that would
otherwise apply to your reinvestment may be reduced or eliminated. The IRS will
require you to report gain or loss on the redemption of your original shares in
the Fund. In doing so, all or a portion of the sales charge that you paid for
your original shares in the Fund will be excluded from your tax basis in the
shares sold (for the purpose of determining gain or loss upon the sale of such
shares). The portion of the sales charge excluded will equal the amount that the
sales charge is reduced on your reinvestment. Any portion of the sales charge
excluded from your tax basis in the shares sold will be added to the tax basis
of the shares you acquire from your reinvestment.
The Fund has qualified as regulated investment companies under
Subchapter M of the Code. As such, the Fund will not be subject to federal
income tax, or to any excise tax, to the extent its earnings are distributed as
provided in the Code and it satisfies other requirements relating to the sources
of its income and diversification of its assets. In order to qualify as a
regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes, the Fund must meet
certain specific requirements that are described under Accounting and Tax
Issues -- Other Tax Requirements.
57
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Manager, located at One Commerce Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103,
furnishes investment management services to the Fund, subject to the supervision
and direction of Limited-Term Funds' Board of Trustees.
The Manager and its predecessors have been managing the funds in the
Delaware Investments family since 1938. On December 31, 1999, the Manager and
its affiliates within Delaware Investments, including Delaware International
Advisers Ltd., were managing in the aggregate more than $47 billion in assets in
the various institutional or separately managed (approximately $27,783,710,000)
and investment company (approximately $19,579,950,000) accounts.
The Investment Management Agreement for the Fund is dated December 15,
1999 and was approved by shareholders on that date. The Agreement has an initial
term of two years. The Agreement may be renewed each year only so long as such
renewal and continuance are specifically approved at least annually by the Board
of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund, and only if the terms and the renewal thereof have been approved by the
vote of a majority of the trustees of Limited-Term Funds who are not parties
thereto or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Agreement is terminable
without penalty on 60 days' notice by the trustees of Limited-Term Funds or by
the Manager. The Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment.
The Investment Management Agreement provides that the Fund shall pay the
Manager a management fee payable monthly and computed on the net asset value of
the Fund as of each day at the following annual rate:
Management Fee Schedule
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
0.50% on the first $500 million
0.475% on the next $500 million
0.45% on the next $1.5 billion
0.425% on assets in excess of $2.5 billion
On December 31, 1999, the Fund's total net assets were $286,344,464.
Investment management fees paid by the Fund for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 amounted to $2,233,564, $1,818,527 and $1,625,199,
respectively.
Under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees, the Manager
manages the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's stated investment
objective and policy and makes and implements all investment decisions on behalf
of the Fund. The Manager pays the salaries of all trustees, officers and
employees of Limited-Term Funds who are affiliated with the Manager. The Fund
pays all of its other expenses, including its proportionate share of rent and
certain other administrative expenses.
Distribution and Service
The Distributor, Delaware Distributors, L.P., located at 1818 Market
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as the national distributor of the Fund's
shares under a Distribution Agreement dated December 15, 1999. The Distributor
is an affiliate of the Manager and bears all of the costs of promotion and
distribution, except for payments by the Fund on behalf of Class A Shares, Class
B Shares and Class C Shares under their respective 12b-1 Plan. The Distributor
is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.
The Transfer Agent, Delaware Service Company, Inc., another affiliate of
the Manager located at 1818 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, serves as the
Fund's shareholder servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent pursuant to
a Shareholders Services Agreement dated as of December 15, 1999. The Transfer
Agent also provides accounting services to the Fund pursuant to the terms of a
separate Fund Accounting Agreement. The Transfer Agent is also an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.
58
<PAGE>
The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf
purchase and redemption orders in addition to the Transfer Agent. Such brokers
are authorized to designate other intermediaries to accept purchase and
redemption orders on the behalf of the Fund. For purposes of pricing, the Fund
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. Investors may be charged a fee when effecting transactions through a
broker or agent.
OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
The business and affairs of Limited-Term Funds are managed under the
direction of its Board of Trustees.
Certain officers and trustees of Limited-Term Funds hold identical
positions in each of the other funds in the Delaware Investments family. On
January 31, 2000, Limited-Term Funds' officers and trustees owned less than 1%
of the outstanding shares of each Class of the Fund.
As of January 31, 2000, management believes the following shareholders
held of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of a Class. Management does
not have knowledge of beneficial owners.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class Name and Address of Account Share Amount Percentage
- ----- --------------------------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Delaware Limited-Term Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith 2,041,027.220 6.61%
Government Fund For the Sole Benefit of its Customers
A Class Attn: Fund Administration SEC #974P3
4800 Deer Lake Drive East. 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Delaware Limited-Term Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith 258,165.300 18.44%
Government Fund For the Sole Benefit of its Customers
B Class Attn: Fund Administration SEC #97D24
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Delaware Limited-Term Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette 105,613.020 13.57%
Government Fund Securities Corporation, Inc.
C Class P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2052
Terry G. Burton TTEE 62.993.380 8.09%
Terry Giahino Burton Trust
U/T/D 10/14/99
15802 Caminito Cantaras
Del Mar, CA 92014-3965
</TABLE>
59
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class Name and Address of Account Share Amount Percentage
- ----- --------------------------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Delaware Limited-Term Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith 50,882.390 6.54%
Government Fund For the Sole Benefit of its Customers
C Class Attn: Fund Administration SEC #97H04
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Family Ltd. Partnership 43,254.550 5.56%
Alo Family Limited
4512 Teas Street
Bellaire, TX 77401-4223
Delaware Limited-Term RS DMTC 401(k) Plan 139,847.140 26.54%
Government Fund Long John Silver, Inc. 401(k) Plan
Institutional Class P.O. Box 11988
Lexington, KY 40579
RS DMC Employee Profit Sharing Plan 92,642.690 17.58%
Delaware Management Company
Employee Profit Sharing Trust
1818 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103-3638
RS DMTC 401(k) Plan 75,382.220 14.31%
Morton's of Chicago Inc.
350 W. Hubbard
Suite 610
Chicago, IL 60610
RS DMTC 401(k) Plan 55,132.420 10.46%
Aloha Air
371 Ackea Place
Honolulu, HI 96819
RS DMTC 401(k) Plan 43,482.870 8.25%
Aloha Air
371 Ackea Place
Honolulu, HI 96819
RS DMTC 401(k) Plan 32,475.940 6.16%
Dreyfus Supply and Machinery 401(k)
2121 Poland Ave.
P.O. Box 3116
New Orleans, LA 70117
</TABLE>
60
<PAGE>
DMH Corp., Delvoy, Inc., Delaware Management Business Trust, Delaware
Management Company, Inc., Delaware Management Company (a series of Delaware
Management Business Trust), Delaware Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware
Management Business Trust), Delaware Distributors, L.P., Delaware Distributors,
Inc., Delaware Service Company, Inc., Delaware Management Trust Company,
Delaware International Holdings Ltd., Founders Holdings, Inc., Delaware
International Advisers Ltd., Delaware Capital Management, Inc., Delaware General
Management, Inc. and Retirement Financial Services, Inc. are direct or indirect,
wholly owned subsidiaries of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. ("DMH"). On
April 3, 1995, a merger between DMH and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lincoln
National Corporation ("Lincoln National") was completed. DMH and the Manager are
now indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries, and subject to the ultimate control, of
Lincoln National. Lincoln National, with headquarters currently located in Fort
Wayne, Indiana, is a diversified organization with operations in many aspects of
the financial services industry, including insurance and investment management.
61
<PAGE>
Certain officers and trustees of Limited-Term Funds hold identical
positions in each of the other funds in the Delaware Investments family.
Trustees and principal officers of Limited-Term Funds are noted below along with
their ages and their business experience for the past five years. Unless
otherwise noted, the address of each officer and trustee is One Commerce Square,
Philadelphia, PA 19103.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustee/Officer Business Experience
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
*Wayne A. Stork (62) Chairman, Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32
investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
Prior to January 1, 1999, Mr. Stork was Director of Delaware Capital
Management, Inc.; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and
Director/Trustee of DMH Corp., Delaware Distributors, Inc. and Founders
Holdings, Inc.; Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Investment Officer and Director/Trustee of Delaware Management Company, Inc.
and Delaware Management Business Trust; Chairman, President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Delaware Management Company (a series
of Delaware Management Business Trust); Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Investment Officer of Delaware Investment Advisers (a series of
Delaware Management Business Trust); Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Delaware International Advisers Ltd.; Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
Director of Delaware International Holdings Ltd.; Chief Executive Officer of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc.; President and Chief Executive Officer of
Delvoy, Inc.; Chairman of Delaware Distributors, L.P.; Director of Delaware
Service Company, Inc. and Retirement Financial Services, Inc. Prior to
January 1, 2000, Mr. Stork was Chairman and Director of Delaware Management
Holdings, Inc. and Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
In addition, during the five years prior to January 1, 2000, Mr. Stork has
served in various executive capacities at different times within the Delaware
organization.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------
*Trustee affiliated with Limited-Term Funds' investment manager and considered an "interested person" as defined in the
1940 Act.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 62
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustee/Officer Business Experience
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
*David K. Downes (60) President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32
investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
President and Director of Delaware Management Company, Inc.
President of Delaware Management Company (a series of Delaware Management
Business Trust)
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Delaware Capital
Management, Inc.
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Delaware Service
Company, Inc.
President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of
Delaware International Holdings Ltd.
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Delaware General Management,
Inc.
Chairman and Director of Delaware Management Trust Company and Retirement
Financial Services, Inc.
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc., Founders CBO Corporation, Delaware
Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust) and
Delaware Distributors, L.P.
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative
Officer and Trustee of Delaware Management Business Trust
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and
Director of DMH Corp., Delaware Distributors, Inc., Founders Holdings, Inc.
and Delvoy, Inc.
Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
During the past five years, Mr. Downes has served in various executive
capacities at different times within the Delaware organization.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------
*Trustee affiliated with Limited-Term Funds' investment manager and considered an "interested person" as defined in the
1940 Act.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
63
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustee Business Experience
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Walter P. Babich (72) Trustee/Director Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32 investment
companies in the Delaware Investments family
460 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Board Chairman, Citadel Constructors, Inc.
From 1986 to 1988, Mr. Babich was a partner of Irwin & Leighton and from 1988
to 1991, he was a partner of I&L Investors.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John H. Durham (62) Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and 18 other investment companies in
the Delaware Investments family
Private Investor.
P.O. Box 819, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437
Mr. Durham served as Chairman of the Board of each fund in the Delaware
Investments family from 1986 to 1991; President of each fund from 1977 to
1990; and Chief Executive Officer of each fund from 1984 to 1990. Prior to
1992, with respect to Delaware Management Holdings, Inc., Delaware Management
Company, Delaware Distributors, Inc. and Delaware Service Company, Inc., Mr.
Durham served as a director and in various executive capacities at different
times. He was also a Partner of Complete Care Services from 1995 to 1999.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anthony D. Knerr (61) Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and each of the 32 other investment
companies in the Delaware Investments family.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
Founder and Managing Director, Anthony Knerr & Associates
From 1982 to 1988, Mr. Knerr was Executive Vice President/Finance and
Treasurer of Columbia University, New York. From 1987 to 1989, he was also a
lecturer in English at the University. In addition, Mr. Knerr was Chairman of
The Publishing Group, Inc., New York, from 1988 to 1990. Mr. Knerr founded The
Publishing Group, Inc. in 1988.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ann R. Leven (59) Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32 other
investment companies in the Delaware Investments family
785 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Retired Treasurer, National Gallery of Art
From 1994 to 1999, Ms. Leven was the Treasurer of the National Gallery of Art
and from 1990 to 1994, Ms. Leven was Deputy Treasurer of the National Gallery
of Art. In addition, from 1984 to 1990, Ms. Leven was Treasurer and Chief
Fiscal Officer of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, and from 1975
to 1992, she was Adjunct Professor of Columbia Business School.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
64
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustee Business Experience
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Thomas F. Madison (64) Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32 investment
companies in the Delaware Investments family
200 South Fifth Street, Suite 2100, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
President and Chief Executive Officer, MLM Partners, Inc.
Mr. Madison has also been Chairman of the Board of Communications Holdings,
Inc. since 1996. From February to September 1994, Mr. Madison served as Vice
Chairman--Office of the CEO of The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company and
from 1988 to 1993, he was President of U.S. WEST Communications--Markets.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles E. Peck (74) Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32 investment
companies in the Delaware Investments family
P.O. Box 1102, Columbia, MD 21044
Secretary/Treasurer, Enterprise Homes, Inc.
From 1981 to 1990, Mr. Peck was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The
Ryland Group, Inc., Columbia, MD.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janet L. Yeomans (51) Trustee/Director of Limited-Term Funds and 32 other investment companies in
the Delaware Investments family.
Building 220-13W-37, St. Paul, MN 55144
Vice President and Treasurer, 3M Corporation.
From 1987-1994, Ms. Yeomans was Director of Benefit Funds and Financial
Markets for the 3M Corporation; Manager of Benefit Fund Investments for the 3M
Corporation, 1985-1987; Manager of Pension Funds for the 3M Corporation,
1983-1985; Consultant--Investment Technology Group of Chase Econometrics,
1982-1983; Consultant for Data Resources, 1980-1982; Programmer for the
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 1970-1974.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
65
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officer Business Experience
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Richard G. Unruh, Jr. (60) Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Equities of
Limited-Term Funds, each of the other 32 investment companies in the Delaware
Investments family Delaware Management Holdings, Inc., Delaware Management
Company (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust) and Delaware Capital
Management, Inc.
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Investment Officer/DIA Equity of Delaware
Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust)
Executive Vice President and Director/Trustee of Delaware Management Company,
Inc. and Delaware Management Business Trust
Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
During the past five years, Mr. Unruh has served in various executive
capacities at different times within the Delaware organization.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Thomas McMeekin (46) Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income of
Limited-Term Funds and each of the other 32 investment companies in the
Delaware Investments family.
Director of Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and Founders CBO Corporation.
Executive Vice President and Director of Founders Holdings, Inc.
Executive Vice President of Delaware Management Business Trust, Delaware
Management Company (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust) and
Delaware Capital Management, Inc.
Mr. McMeekin joined Delaware Investments in 1999. During the past five
years, he has also served in various executive capacities for Lincoln
National Corporation.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard J. Flannery (42) Executive Vice President/General Counsel of Limited-Term Funds and each of
the other 32 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family,
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc., Delaware Distributors, L.P., Delaware
Management Company (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust), Delaware
Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust) and
Founders CBO Corporation.
Executive Vice President/General Counsel and Director of Delaware
International Holdings Ltd., Founders Holdings, Inc., Delvoy, Inc., DMH
Corp., Delaware Management Company, Inc., Delaware Service Company, Inc.,
Delaware Capital Management, Inc., Retirement Financial Services, Inc.,
Delaware Distributors, Inc., Delaware General Management, Inc. and Delaware
Management Business Trust.
Executive Vice President and Trustee of Delaware Management Business Trust.
Director of Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
Director of HYPPCO Finance Company Ltd.
During the past five years, Mr. Flannery has served in various executive
capacities at different times within the Delaware organization.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
66
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officer Business Experience
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Eric E. Miller (46) Senior Vice President/Deputy General Counsel and Secretary of Limited-Term
Funds and each of the other 32 investment companies in Delaware Investments.
Senior Vice President/Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of
Delaware Management Holdings, Inc., DMH Corp., Delvoy, Inc., Delaware
Management Company, Inc., Delaware Management Business Trust, Delaware
Management Company (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust), Delaware
Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust),
Delaware Service Company, Inc., Delaware Capital Management, Inc., Retirement
Financial Services, Inc., Delaware Distributors, Inc., Delaware Distributors,
L.P., Delaware General Management, Inc. and Founders Holdings, Inc.
During the past five years, Mr. Miller has served in various executive
capacities at different times within Delaware Investments.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph H. Hastings (50) Senior Vice President/Corporate Controller of Income Funds and each of the
other 32 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
Senior Vice President/Corporate Controller and Treasurer of Delaware
Management Holdings, Inc., DMH Corp., Delaware Management Company, Inc.,
Delaware Management Company (a series of Delaware Management Business Trust),
Delaware Distributors, L.P., Delaware Distributors, Inc., Delaware Service
Company, Inc., Delaware Capital Management, Inc., Delaware International
Holdings Ltd., Delvoy, Inc., Retirement Financial Services, Inc., Founders
Holdings, Inc., Delaware General Management, Inc. and Delaware Management
Business Trust
Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer of Delaware
Management Trust Company
Senior Vice President/Assistant Treasurer of Founders CBO Corporation
During the past five years, Mr. Hastings has served in various executive
capacities at different times within the Delaware organization.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael P. Bishof (37) Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Limited-Term Funds and each of the
other 32 investment companies in the Delaware Investments family.
Senior Vice President/Investment Accounting of Delaware Service Company, Inc.
and Delaware Capital Management, Inc.
Senior Vice President and Treasurer/ Investment Accounting of Delaware
Distributors, L.P. , Delaware Management Company (a series of Delaware
Management Business Trust), Delaware Investment Advisers (a series of Delaware
Management Business Trust) Delaware International Holdings, Inc. and Founders
Holdings, Inc.
Senior Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of Founders CBO Corporation
Before joining Delaware Investments in 1995, Mr. Bishof was a Vice President
for Bankers Trust, New York, NY from 1994 to 1995, a Vice President for CS
First Boston Investment Management, New York, NY from 1993 to 1994 and an
Assistant Vice President for Equitable Capital Management Corporation, New
York, NY from 1987 to 1993.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
67
<PAGE>
The following is a compensation table listing for each trustee entitled
to receive compensation, the aggregate compensation received from Limited-Term
Funds during its fiscal year and the total compensation received from all
investment companies in the Delaware Investments family for which he or she
serves as a trustee or trustee during Limited-Term Funds' fiscal year and an
estimate of annual benefits to be received upon retirement under the Delaware
Group Retirement Plan for Directors/Trustees as of December 31, 1999. Only the
independent trustees of Limited-Term Funds receive compensation from
Limited-Term Funds
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Compensation
Aggregate Pension Retirement from Delaware
Name(3) Compensation for Benefits Accrued as Estimated Annual Investments
Limited-Term Funds Part of Limited-Term Benefits Upon Investment
Funds Expenses Retirement(1) Companies(2)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Walter B. Babich $1,279 none $38,000 $57,691
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
john h. durham $1,264 none $32,180 $43,038
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
anthony d. knerr $1,450 none $38,000 $65,001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ann r. leven $1,468 none $38,000 $66,001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
thomas f. madison $1,450 none $38,000 $65,001
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
charles e. peck $1,435 none $38,000 $64,167
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
janet l. yeomans $1,186 none $38,000 $50,501
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Under the terms of the Delaware Group Retirement Plan for
Directors/Trustees, each disinterested director/trustee who, at the time of
his or her retirement from the Board, has attained the age of 70 and served
on the Board for at least five continuous years, is entitled to receive
payments from each investment company in the Delaware Investments family for
which he or she serves as a director or trustee for a period equal to the
lesser of the number of years that such person served as a director or
trustee or the remainder of such person's life. The amount of such payments
will be equal, on an annual basis, to the amount of the annual retainer that
is paid to directors/trustees of each investment company at the time of such
person's retirement. If an eligible director/trustee retired as of December
31, 1999, he or she would be entitled to annual payments totaling the
amounts noted above, in the aggregate, from all of the investment companies
in the Delaware Investments family for which he or she serves as a director
or trustee, based on the number of investment companies in the Delaware
Investments family as of that date.
(2) Each independent trustee/director (other than John H. Durham) currently
receives a total annual retainer fee of $38,000 for serving as a
trustee/director for all 33 investment companies in Delaware Investments,
plus $3,143 for each Board Meeting attended. John H. Durham currently
receives a total annual retainer fee of $32,180 for serving as a
trustee/director for 19 investment companies in Delaware Investments, plus
$1,810 for each Board Meeting attended. Ann R. Leven, Charles E. Peck,
Anthony D. Knerr and Thomas F. Madison serve on Limited-Term Funds' audit
committee; Ms. Leven is the chairperson. Members of the audit committee
currently receive additional annual compensation of $5,000 from all
investment companies, in the aggregate, with the exception of the
chairperson, who receives $6,000.
(3) W. Thacher Longstreth served as an independent trustee of Limited-Term Funds
during its last fiscal year for the period January 1, 1999 through March 17,
1999, the date on which he retired. For this period, Mr. Longstreth received
$461 from Limited-Term Funds and $25,334 for all investment companies in the
Delaware Investments family.
(4) Janet L. Yeomans joined the Boards of all investment companies in the
Delaware Investments family in March 1999 for some funds and in April 1999
for other funds.
68
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION
Limited-Term Funds, was organized as a Pennsylvania business trust in
1981, reorganized as a Maryland corporation in 1990 and further reorganized as a
Delaware business trust on December 15, 1999. It is an open-end management
investment company. The Fund's portfolio of assets is diversified as defined by
1940 Act.
The Manager is the investment manager of the Fund. The Manager also
provides investment management services to certain of the other funds in the
Delaware Investments family. The Manager, through a separate division, also
manages private investment accounts. While investment decisions of the Fund are
made independently from those of the other funds and accounts, investment
decisions for such other funds and accounts may be made at the same time as
investment decisions for the Fund.
Delaware or Delaware International also manages the investment options
for Delaware-Lincoln Choice Plus and Delaware Medallion (SM) IV Variable
Annuities. Choice Plus is issued and distributed by Lincoln National Life
Insurance Company. Choice Plus offers a variety of different investment styles
managed by leading money managers. Medallion is issued by Allmerica Financial
Life Insurance and Annuity Company (First Allmerica Financial Life Insurance
Company in New York and Hawaii). Delaware Medallion offers various investment
series ranging from domestic equity funds, international equity and bond funds
and domestic fixed income funds. Each investment series available through Choice
Plus and Medallion utilizes an investment strategy and discipline the same as or
similar to one of the Delaware Investments mutual funds available outside the
annuity. See Delaware Group Premium Fund in Appendix B.
Access persons and advisory persons of the funds in the Delaware
Investments family, as those terms are defined in SEC Rule 17j-1 under the 1940
Act, who provide services to the Manager, Delaware International Advisers Ltd.
or their affiliates, are permitted to engage in personal securities transactions
subject to the exceptions set forth in Rule 17j-1 and the following general
restrictions and procedures: (1) certain blackout periods apply to personal
securities transactions of those persons; (2) transactions must receive advance
clearance and must be completed on the same day as the clearance is received;
(3) certain persons are prohibited from investing in initial public offerings of
securities and other restrictions apply to investments in private placements of
securities; (4) opening positions by certain covered persons in certain
securities may only be closed-out at a profit after a 60-day holding period has
elapsed; and (5) the Compliance Officer must be informed periodically of all
securities transactions and duplicate copies of brokerage confirmations and
account statements must be supplied to the Compliance Officer.
The Distributor acts as national distributor for the Fund and for the
other mutual funds in the Delaware Investments family.
69
<PAGE>
The Distributor received Limited CDSC payments with respect to Class A
Shares of the Fund as follows:
Limited CDSC Payments
Fiscal
Year Limited-Term
Ended Government Fund A Class
-------- -----------------------
12/31/99 $8,836
12/31/98 none
12/31/97 none
The Distributor received CDSC payments with respect to Class B Shares and Class
C Shares as follows:
CDSC Payments
Fiscal
Year Limited-Term Limited-Term
Ended Government Fund B Class Government Fund C Class
----- ----------------------- -----------------------
12/31/99 $20,965 $2,773
12/31/98 17,519 2,130
12/31/97 35,439 2,431
The Transfer Agent, an affiliate of the Manager, acts as shareholder
servicing, dividend disbursing and transfer agent for the Fund and for the other
mutual funds in the Delaware Investments family. The Transfer Agent is paid a
fee by the Fund for providing these services consisting of an annual per account
charge of $11.00 plus transaction charges for particular services according to a
schedule. Compensation is fixed each year and approved by the Board of Trustees,
including a majority of the disinterested trustees. The Transfer Agent also
provides accounting services to the Fund. Those services include performing all
functions related to calculating the Fund's net asset value and providing all
financial reporting services, regulatory compliance testing and the related
accounting services. For its services, the Transfer Agent is paid a fee based on
total assets of all funds in the Delaware Investments family for which it
provides such accounting services. Such fee is equal to 0.25% multiplied by the
total amount of assets in the complex for which the Transfer Agent furnishes
accounting services, where such aggregate complex assets are $10 billion or
less, and 0.20% of assets if such aggregate complex assets exceed $10 billion.
The fees are charged to each fund, including the Fund, on an aggregate pro-rata
basis. The asset-based fee payable to the Transfer Agent is subject to a minimum
fee calculated by determining the total number of investment portfolios and
associated classes.
The Manager and its affiliates own the name "Delaware Group." Under
certain circumstances, including the termination of Limited-Term Funds' advisory
relationship with the Manager or its distribution relationship with the
Distributor, the Manager and its affiliates could cause Limited-Term Funds to
delete the words "Delaware Group" from Limited-Term Funds' name.
The Chase Manhattan Bank ("Chase"), 4 Chase Metrotech Center, Brooklyn,
NY 11245, is custodian of the Fund's securities and cash. As custodian for the
Fund, Chase maintains a separate account or accounts for the Fund; receives,
holds and releases portfolio securities on account of the Fund; receives and
disburses money on behalf of the Fund; and collects and receives income and
other payments and distributions on account of the Fund's portfolio securities.
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Capitalization
Limited-Term Funds has a present unlimited authorized number of shares
of beneficial interest with no par value allocated to each Class.
Identifiable expenses to the Fund will be paid by the Fund. General
expenses of the Fund will be allocated on a pro-rata basis according to asset
size. Where matters must be submitted to a vote of shareholders, the holders of
a majority of shares of the Fund affected must vote affirmatively for that class
to be affected.
Each Class of the Fund represents a proportionate interest in the assets
of the Fund and each has the same voting and other rights and preferences as the
other classes except that shares of the Institutional Class may not vote on
matters affecting the Fund's Classes' Plans under Rule 12b-1. Similarly, as a
general matter, shareholders of Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C
Shares may vote only on matters affecting the 12b-1 Plan that relates to the
class of shares that they hold. However, Class B Shares may vote on any proposal
to increase materially the fees to be paid by the Fund under the Plan relating
to Class A Shares. General expenses of the Fund will be allocated on a pro-rata
basis to the classes according to asset size, except that expenses of the Rule
12b-1 Plans of Class A, Class B Shares and Class C Shares will be allocated
solely to those classes.
Until May 31, 1992, the Fund offered shares of two retail classes of
shares, Investors Series II class (now Class A Shares) and the Investors Series
I class. Shares of Investors Series I class were offered with a sales charge,
but without the imposition of a Rule 12b-1 fee. Effective June 1, 1992,
following shareholder approval of a plan of recapitalization on May 15, 1992,
shareholders of the Investors Series I class had their shares converted into
shares of the Investors Series II class and became subject to the latter class'
Rule 12b-1 charges. Effective at the same time, following approval by
shareholders, the name Investors Series was changed to Treasury Reserves
Intermediate Series and the name Investors Series II class was changed to
Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund class. Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund
(Institutional) class was first offered on June 1, 1992 and beginning May 2,
1994 it became known as Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund Institutional Class.
On May 2, 1994, the Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund class became known as
the Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund A Class. Effective as of close of
business on August 28, 1995, the name Delaware Group Treasury Reserves, Inc. was
changed to Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds, Inc. and the name
Treasury Reserves Intermediate Series was changed to Limited-Term Government
Fund. At the same time, the names of Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund A
Class, Treasury Reserves Intermediate Fund B Class and Treasury Reserves
Intermediate Fund Institutional Class were changed to Limited-Term Government
Fund A Class, Limited-Term Government Fund B Class, and Limited-Term Government
Fund Institutional Class, respectively. Effective as of August 16, 1999, the
name of Limited-Term Government Fund changed to Delaware Limited-Term Government
Fund. Corresponding changes were also made to the names of each of the Fund's
Classes. Effective as of December 15, 1999, the name of Delaware Group
Limited-Term Government Funds, Inc. changed to Delaware Group Limited-Term
Government Funds.
All shares have equal voting rights, no preemptive rights, are fully
transferable and, when issued, are fully paid. All shares of the Fund
participate equally in dividends, and upon liquidation would share equally.
Noncumulative Voting
Limited-Term Funds' shares have noncumulative voting rights which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the shares of Limited-Term Funds voting for
the election of trustees can elect all the trustees if they choose to do so,
and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be able to
elect any trustees.
This Part B does not include all of the information contained in the
Registration Statement which is on file with the SEC.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ernst & Young LLP serves as the independent auditors for Delaware Group
Limited-Term Government Funds and, in its capacity as such, audits the annual
financial statements of the Fund. The Fund's Statement of Net Assets, Statement
of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, Financial Highlights and
Notes to Financial Statements, as well as the report of Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, for the year ended December 31, 1999 are included in
Delaware Group Limited-Term Government Funds' Annual Report to shareholders. The
financial statements and financial highlights, the notes relating thereto and
the report of Ernst & Young LLP, described above are incorporated by reference
from the Annual Report into this Part B.
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APPENDIX A--RATINGS
Bonds
Excerpts from Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") description of
its bond ratings: Aaa--judged to be the best quality. They carry the smallest
degree of investment risk; Aa--judged to be of high quality by all standards;
A--possess favorable attributes and are considered "upper medium" grade
obligations; Baa--considered as medium grade obligations. 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; Ba--judged to have speculative elements; their future cannot be
considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and principal
payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during both good
and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in
this class; B--generally lack characteristics of the desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
the contract over any long period of time may be small; Caa--are of poor
standing. Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of
danger with respect to principal or interest; Ca--represent obligations which
are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings; C--the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so rated can
be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
Excerpts from Standard & Poor's ("S&P") description of its bond ratings:
AAA--highest grade obligations. They possess the ultimate degree of protection
as to principal and interest; AA--also qualify as high grade obligations, and in
the majority of instances differ from AAA issues only in a small degree;
A--strong ability to pay interest and repay principal although more susceptible
to changes in circumstances; BBB--regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal; BB, B, CCC, CC--regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions; C--reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid;
D--in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of principal is in
arrears.
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APPENDIX B - INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE FUNDS IN THE DELAWARE INVESTMENTS
FAMILY
Following is a summary of the investment objectives of the funds in the
Delaware Investments family:
Delaware Balanced Fund seeks long-term growth by a balance of
Diversified Growth, income and preservation of capital. It uses a
dividend-oriented valuation strategy to select securities issued by established
companies that are believed to demonstrate potential for income and capital
growth. Delaware Devon Fund seeks current income and capital appreciation by
investing primarily in income-producing common stocks, with a focus on common
stocks the investment adviser believes have the potential for above average
dividend increases over time.
Delaware Trend Fund seeks long-term growth by investing in common
stocks issued by emerging growth companies exhibiting strong capital
appreciation potential.
Delaware Small Cap Value Fund seeks capital appreciation by investing
primarily in common stocks whose market values appear low relative to their
underlying value or future potential.
Delaware DelCap Fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing in
common stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of companies that
have a demonstrated history of growth and have the potential to support
continued growth.
Delaware Decatur Equity Income Fund seeks the highest possible current
income by investing primarily in common stocks that provide the potential for
income and capital appreciation without undue risk to principal. Delaware Growth
and Income Fund seeks long-term growth by investing primarily in securities that
provide the potential for income and capital appreciation without undue risk to
principal. Delaware Blue Chip Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital
appreciation. Current income is a secondary objective. It seeks to achieve these
objectives by investing primarily in equity securities and any securities that
are convertible into equity securities. Delaware Social Awareness Fund seeks to
achieve long-term capital appreciation. It seeks to achieve this objective by
investing primarily in equity securities of medium- to large-sized companies
expected to grow over time that meet the Fund's "Social Criteria" strategy.
Delaware Delchester Fund seeks as high a current income as possible by
investing principally in high yield, high risk corporate bonds, and also in U.S.
government securities and commercial paper. Delaware Strategic Income Fund seeks
to provide investors with high current income and total return by using a
multi-sector investment approach, investing principally in three sectors of the
fixed-income securities markets: high yield, higher risk securities, investment
grade fixed-income securities and foreign government and other foreign
fixed-income securities. Delaware High-Yield Opportunities Fund seeks to provide
investors with total return and, as a secondary objective, high current income.
Delaware Corporate Bond Fund seeks to provide investors with total return by
investing primarily in corporate bonds. Delaware Extended Duration Bond Fund
seeks to provide investors with total return by investing primarily in corporate
bonds
Delaware American Government Bond Fund seeks high current income by
investing primarily in long-term debt obligations issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
Delaware Limited-Term Government Fund seeks high, stable income by
investing primarily in a portfolio of short- and intermediate-term securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities
and instruments secured by such securities.
Delaware Cash Reserve Fund seeks the highest level of income consistent
with the preservation of capital and liquidity through investments in short-term
money market instruments, while maintaining a stable net asset value.
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REIT Fund seeks to achieve maximum long-term total return with capital
appreciation as a secondary objective. It seeks to achieve its objectives by
investing in securities of companies primarily engaged in the real estate
industry.
Delaware Tax-Free Money Fund seeks high current income, exempt from
federal income tax, by investing in short-term municipal obligations, while
maintaining a stable net asset value.
Delaware Tax-Free USA Fund seeks high current income exempt from
federal income tax by investing in municipal bonds of geographically-diverse
issuers. Delaware Tax-Free Insured Fund invests in these same types of
securities but with an emphasis on municipal bonds protected by insurance
guaranteeing principal and interest are paid when due. Delaware Tax-Free USA
Intermediate Fund seeks a high level of current interest income exempt from
federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital by investing
primarily in municipal bonds.
Delaware Tax-Free Pennsylvania Fund seeks a high level of current
interest income exempt from federal and, to the extent possible, certain
Pennsylvania state and local taxes, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Delaware Tax-Free New Jersey Fund seeks a high level of current interest income
exempt from federal income tax and New Jersey state and local taxes, consistent
with preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free Ohio Fund seeks a high level of
current interest income exempt from federal income tax and Ohio state and local
taxes, consistent with preservation of capital.
Foundation Funds are "fund of funds" which invest in other funds in the
Delaware Investments family (referred to as "Underlying Funds"). Delaware
Foundation Funds Income Portfolio seeks a combination of current income and
preservation of capital with capital appreciation by investing primarily in a
mix of fixed income and domestic equity securities, including fixed income and
domestic equity Underlying Funds. Delaware Foundation Funds Balanced Portfolio
seeks capital appreciation with current income as a secondary objective by
investing primarily in domestic equity and fixed income securities, including
domestic equity and fixed income Underlying Funds. Delaware Foundation Funds
Growth Portfolio seeks long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity
securities, including equity Underlying Funds, and, to a lesser extent, in fixed
income securities, including fixed-income Underlying Funds.
Delaware International Equity Fund seeks to achieve long-term growth
without undue risk to principal by investing primarily in international
securities that provide the potential for capital appreciation and income.
Delaware Global Bond Fund seeks to achieve current income consistent with the
preservation of principal by investing primarily in global fixed-income
securities that may also provide the potential for capital appreciation.
Delaware Global Equity Fund seeks to achieve long-term total return by investing
in global securities that provide the potential for capital appreciation and
income. Delaware Emerging Markets Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing primarily in equity securities of issuers located or operating in
emerging countries.
Delaware U.S. Growth Fund seeks to maximize capital appreciation by
investing in companies of all sizes which have low dividend yields, strong
balance sheets and high expected earnings growth rates relative to their
industry. Delaware Overseas Equity Fund seeks to maximize total return (capital
appreciation and income), principally through investments in an internationally
diversified portfolio of equity securities. Delaware New Pacific Fund seeks
long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in companies which are
domiciled in or have their principal business activities in the Pacific Basin.
Delaware Group Premium Fund offers various funds available exclusively
as funding vehicles for certain insurance company separate accounts. Growth and
Income Series seeks the highest possible total rate of return by selecting
issues that exhibit the potential for capital appreciation while providing
higher than average dividend income. Delchester Series seeks as high a current
income as possible by investing in rated and unrated corporate bonds, U.S.
government securities and commercial paper. Capital Reserves Series seeks a high
stable level of current income while minimizing fluctuations in principal by
investing in a diversified portfolio of short- and intermediate-term securities.
Cash Reserve Series seeks the highest level of income consistent with
preservation of capital and liquidity through investments in short-term money
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market instruments. DelCap Series seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing its assets in a diversified portfolio of securities exhibiting the
potential for significant growth. Delaware Balanced Series seeks a balance of
capital appreciation, income and preservation of capital. It uses a
dividend-oriented valuation strategy to select securities issued by established
companies that are believed to demonstrate potential for income and capital
growth. International Equity Series seeks long-term growth without undue risk to
principal by investing primarily in equity securities of foreign issuers that
provide the potential for capital appreciation and income. Small Cap Value
Series seeks capital appreciation by investing primarily in small-cap common
stocks whose market values appear low relative to their underlying value or
future earnings and growth potential. Emphasis will also be placed on securities
of companies that may be temporarily out of favor or whose value is not yet
recognized by the market. Trend Series seeks long-term capital appreciation by
investing primarily in small-cap common stocks and convertible securities of
emerging and other growth-oriented companies. These securities will have been
judged to be responsive to changes in the market place and to have fundamental
characteristics to support growth. Income is not an objective. Global Bond
Series seeks to achieve current income consistent with the preservation of
principal by investing primarily in global fixed-income securities that may also
provide the potential for capital appreciation. Strategic Income Series seeks
high current income and total return by using a multi-sector investment
approach, investing primarily in three sectors of the fixed-income securities
markets: high-yield, higher risk securities; investment grade fixed-income
securities; and foreign government and other foreign fixed-income securities.
Devon Series seeks current income and capital appreciation by investing
primarily in income-producing common stocks, with a focus on common stocks that
the investment manager believes have the potential for above-average dividend
increases over time. Emerging Markets Series seeks to achieve long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of issuers located or
operating in emerging countries. Convertible Securities Series seeks a high
level of total return on its assets through a combination of capital
appreciation and current income by investing primarily in convertible
securities. Social Awareness Series seeks to achieve long-term capital
appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of medium to
large-sized companies expected to grow over time that meet the Series' "Social
Criteria" strategy. REIT Series seeks to achieve maximum long-term total return,
with capital appreciation as a secondary objective, by investing in securities
of companies primarily engaged in the real estate industry. Aggressive Growth
Series seeks long-term capital appreciation. The Series attempts to achieve its
investment objective by investing primarily in equity securities of companies
which the manager believes have the potential for high earnings growth. U.S.
Growth Series seeks to maximize capital appreciation. The Series seeks to
achieve its investment objective by investing in companies of all sizes which
have low dividend yields, strong balance sheets and high expected earnings
growth rates relative to their industry.
Delaware U.S. Government Securities Fund seeks to provide a high level
of current income consistent with the prudent investment risk by investing in
U.S. Treasury bills, notes, bonds, and other obligations issued or
unconditionally guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury,
and repurchase agreements fully secured by such obligations.
Delaware Tax-Free Arizona Insured Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax and the Arizona personal income
tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Minnesota Insured
Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income
tax and the Minnesota personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of
capital.
Delaware Tax-Free Minnesota Intermediate Fund seeks to provide a high
level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the Minnesota
personal income tax, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to
reduce market risk by maintaining an average weighted maturity from five to ten
years.
Delaware Tax-Free California Insured Fund seeks to provide a high level
of current income exempt from federal income tax and the California personal
income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free
Florida Insured Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from
federal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund will
seek to select investments that will enable its shares to be exempt from the
Florida intangible personal property tax. Delaware Tax-Free Florida Fund seeks
to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax,
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consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund will seek to select
investments that will enable its shares to be exempt from the Florida intangible
personal property tax. Delaware Tax-Free Kansas Fund seeks to provide a high
level of current income exempt from federal income tax, the Kansas personal
income tax and the Kansas intangible personal property tax, consistent with the
preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free Missouri Insured Fund seeks to
provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the
Missouri personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Delaware Tax-Free New Mexico Fund seeks to provide a high level of current
income exempt from federal income tax and the New Mexico personal income tax,
consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free Oregon Insured
Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income
tax and the Oregon personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of
capital.
Delaware Tax-Free Arizona Fund seeks to provide a high level of current
income exempt from federal income tax and the Arizona personal income tax,
consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free California Fund
seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax
and the California personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of
capital. Delaware Tax-Free Iowa Fund seeks to provide a high level of current
income exempt from federal income tax and the Iowa personal income tax,
consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free Idaho Fund seeks
to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax and the
Idaho personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware
Minnesota High-Yield Municipal Bond Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax and the Minnesota personal income
tax primarily through investment in medium and lower grade municipal
obligations. Delaware National High-Yield Municipal Fund seeks to provide a high
level of income exempt from federal income tax, primarily through investment in
medium and lower grade municipal obligations. Delaware Tax-Free New York Fund
seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax
and the personal income tax of the state of New York and the city of New York,
consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free Wisconsin Fund
seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax
and the Wisconsin personal income tax, consistent with the preservation of
capital. Delaware Montana Municipal Bond Fund seek as high a level of current
income exempt from federal income tax and from the Montana personal income tax,
as is consistent with preservation of capital.
Delaware Tax-Free Colorado Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax and the Colorado personal income
tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Delaware Select Growth Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation, which
the Fund attempts to achieve by investing primarily in equity securities
believed to have the potential for high earnings growth. Although the Fund, in
seeking its objective, may receive current income from dividends and interest,
income is only an incidental consideration in the selection of the Fund's
investments. Delaware Growth Stock Fund has an objective of long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective from equity securities
diversified among individual companies and industries. Delaware Tax-Efficient
Equity Fund seeks to obtain for taxable investors a high total return on an
after-tax basis. The Fund will attempt to achieve this objective by seeking to
provide a high long-term after-tax total return through managing its portfolio
in a manner that will defer the realization of accrued capital gains and
minimize dividend income.
Delaware Tax-Free Minnesota Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax and the Minnesota personal income
tax, consistent with the preservation of capital. Delaware Tax-Free North Dakota
Fund seeks to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income
tax and the North Dakota personal income tax, consistent with the preservation
of capital.
For more complete information about any of the funds in the Delaware
Investments family, including charges and expenses, you can obtain a prospectus
from the Distributor. Read it carefully before you invest or forward funds.
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Each of the summaries above is qualified in its entirety by the
information contained in the Portfolio's prospectus(es).
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</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
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