-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Ms90mpBmuJ9O1S17WQZeAMXmhfBJXdbDqGnLwPOJpEP62j7/bot5STEZDuXooOce JmcMGLYrHXhaLFVHd+RCww== 0000950156-96-000792.txt : 19960910 0000950156-96-000792.hdr.sgml : 19960910 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950156-96-000792 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: N-30D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19960630 FILED AS OF DATE: 19960909 SROS: NONE FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: NEW ENGLAND FUNDS TRUST II CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000052136 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] IRS NUMBER: 041990692 STATE OF INCORPORATION: MA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: N-30D SEC ACT: 1940 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 811-00242 FILM NUMBER: 96627226 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 399 BOYLSTON ST STREET 2: 4TH FLOOR CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 BUSINESS PHONE: 8002831155 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 399 BOYLSTON STREET STREET 2: 4TH FLOOR CITY: BOSTON STATE: MA ZIP: 02116 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: INVESTMENT TRUST OF BOSTON FUNDS DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WORLD INVESTMENT TRUST DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19680529 N-30D 1 NEF TRUST II - INTERMEDIATE TAX FREE OF NY [LOGO] NEW ENGLAND FUNDS Where The Best Minds Meet(TM) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEMIANNUAL REPORT AND PERFORMANCE UPDATE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW ENGLAND INTERMEDIATE TERM TAX FREE FUND OF NEW YORK - ----------------------- June 30, 1996 - ----------------------- July 25, 1996 DEAR SHAREHOLDER, New England Funds welcomes the opportunity to present you with the 1996 Semiannual Report for New England Intermediate Term Tax Free Fund of New York, containing your portfolio manager commentary and complete financial information. ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1996 Moderate growth with low inflation was the economic story during the first half of 1996. U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a bellwether of economic growth, remained strong at 2.3% through June, just shy of what most economists consider optimal growth. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board opted not to tinker with interest rates through the first half of the year, save for a quarter-point ease in short-term rates in late January. The relatively calm economic waters had a stimulating effect on the domestic equity market, boosting stocks 537 points to 5,654 at the end of June, as measured by the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Bond yields did not fare as well, rising to 7.00% at the end of June from 6.65% earlier in the year. Money market yields remained stable, falling back only slightly during the past six months. THE BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING A LONG-TERM FOCUS But the market volatility of the first three weeks in July claimed 5.5% of the Dow Jones Industrial Average's first-half gains. Again, we are reminded that no bull market lasts forever. Long-term financial goals are key in times like these and it's important to anticipate this type of market volatility and remain committed to your financial plan. It's also a good idea to ask your financial representative for help. A financial representative can guide you through volatile markets and help you meet your long-term financial goals. A recent study by Dalbar, Inc., a mutual fund monitoring and analytical service, shows that, on average, mutual fund investors who bought and held shares, with the assistance of a financial representative, enjoyed the benefits of a long-term commitment. Consequently, they benefitted from higher returns than direct investors and others who bought and sold, although this does not occur in every case. CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAYS OF THREE NEW ENGLAND FUNDS During the past two months, we've celebrated the birthdays of three of our most popular funds: New England Growth Opportunities Fund; New England Strategic Income Fund and New England Star Advisers Fund. Demonstrating the remarkable scope and breadth of our funds, the Growth Opportunities Fund celebrated its 65th birthday in May while the fast-growing Strategic Income and Star Advisers Funds marked their first and second birthdays, respectively. We're proud of all of our funds, but take special pride in recognizing that, whether six months or 65-years-old, all New England Funds are designed to help investors achieve their goals. NEW ENGLAND FUNDS: THE PLACE "WHERE THE BEST MINDS MEET"(TM) The longevity of our more seasoned funds and the potential for growth of our newer ones illustrates the ongoing progress of New England Funds. Our unique multiple-adviser approach brings together some of the best minds in the investment business. The ability to attract top-notch investment advisers and our multiple-adviser approach to fund management are the cornerstones of New England Funds' investment philosophy and the essence of our corporate logo, Where The Best Minds Meet(TM). OUTLOOK FOR THE REST OF 1996 Going forward, we anticipate that the economy will continue to grow moderately and that inflationary pressures will not be excessive. While we estimate the GDP may rise somewhat from its current level of 2.3%, the Federal Reserve should be reluctant to tighten the money supply by raising short-term interest rates. We also believe that the equity markets will continue to be volatile through the rest of the year. We believe that you will find your portfolio manager commentary informative. If you have any questions or comments, please contact your financial representative or New England Funds directly at 800-225-5478. Sincerely, /s/Henry L.P. Schmelzer Henry L.P. Schmelzer, President - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW ENGLAND INTERMEDIATE TERM TAX FREE FUND OF NEW YORK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INVESTMENT RESULTS THROUGH JUNE 30, 1996 Putting Performance into Perspective The graph comparing your Fund's performance to a benchmark index provides you with a general sense of how your Fund performed. To put this information in context, it may be helpful to understand the special differences between the two. Your Fund's total return for the period shown appears with and without sales charges and includes Fund expenses and management fees. A securities index measures the performance of a theoretical portfolio. Unlike a fund, the index is unmanaged; there are no expenses that affect the results. In addition, few investors could purchase all of the securities necessary to match the index. And, if they could, they would incur transaction costs and other expenses. [A chart in the form of a line graph appears here illustrating the growth of a $10,000 investment in New England Intermediate Term Tax Free Fund of New York since inception 4/23/93 compared to the Lehman Municipal Index and the Cost of Living. The data points for this chart are as follows:] - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A $10,000 INVESTMENT IN CLASS A SHARES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intermediate Tax Free of NY Cost of Year NAV POP Lehman* Living - ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- 4/23/93 $10,000 $9,750 $10,000 $10,000 1993 $10,256 $10,000 $10,224 $10,028 1994 $10,387 $10,128 $10,244 $10,243 1995 $11,039 $10,763 $11,145 $10,534 1996 $11,818 $11,522 $11,095 $10,818 * Lehman Municipal This illustration represents past performance of Class A shares and cannot predict future results. Investment return and principal value may vary, resulting in a gain or loss on the sale of shares. Class B share performance will be greater or less than that shown based on differences in inception date, fees and sales charges. All Index and Fund performance assumes reinvested distributions. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS 6/30/96* - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLASS A (Inception 4/23/93) YTD 1 YEAR 3 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION Net Asset Value(1) 0.16% 7.06% 4.84% 5.38% With Max. Sales Charge(2) -2.38 4.37 3.94 4.55 Lipper NY Municipal Average(6) -0.35 4.77 4.20 4.43 CLASS B (Inception 9/13/93) YTD 1 YEAR SINCE INCEPTION Net Asset Value(1) -0.35% 6.27% 2.89% With CDSC(3) -4.25 2.27 1.92 Lehman Municipal Index(4) -0.45 6.64 4.08 Lipper NY Municipal Average(6) -0.35 4.77 4.43 6/30/96 YIELDS* CLASS A CLASS B SEC 30-day Yield** 5.03% 4.43% NY State Taxable Equivalent Yield 8.97 7.90 NY City Taxable Equivalent Yield 9.42 8.30 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ** SEC Yield is based on the Fund's net investment income over a 30-day period and is calculated in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines. Taxable equivalent yield is based on the maximum combined federal and New York state income tax bracket of 43.90% or the combined federal, New York state and New York City income tax bracket of 46.60%. The alternative minimum tax and some federal and state taxes may apply. * These returns represent past performance. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, upon redemption, may be worth more or less than original cost. NOTES TO CHARTS AND PERFORMANCE UPDATE (1) Net Asset Value (NAV) performance assumes reinvestment of all distributions and does not reflect the payment of a sales charge at the time of purchase. (2) With Maximum Sales Charge performance assumes reinvestment of all distributions and reflects the maximum sales charge of 2.5% at the time of purchase of Class A shares. (3) With Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) performance assumes a maximum 4% sales charge is applied to a redemption of Class B shares. The sales charge will decrease over time, declining to zero five years after the purchase of shares. (4) Lehman Municipal Index is an unmanaged index of bonds issued by states, municipalities and other governmental entities having maturities of more than one year. The Index performance has not been adjusted for ongoing management, distribution and operating expenses and sales charges applicable to mutual fund investments. (5) Cost of Living is based on the Consumer Price Index, a widely recognized measure of the cost of goods and services in the United States, as calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (6) Lipper Average is an average of the total return performance (calculated on the basis of net asset value) of funds with similar investment objectives as calculated by Lipper Analytical Services, an independent mutual fund ranking service. [Photo of James Welch] NEW ENGLAND INTERMEDIATE TERM TAX FREE FUND OF NEW YORK Portfolio Manager: James Welch Back Bay Advisors, L.P. The Market The first six months of 1996 were challenging for fixed income investments, and municipal bonds were no exception. The strong bond market rally of 1995 quickly lost steam early in the year as unexpectedly strong economic activity caused interest rates to reverse direction and move sharply higher. From the beginning to the end of the period, long-term interest rates, as measured by the yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond, climbed almost a full percentage point, from 5.95% to 6.89%. The good news for the municipal bond market was the easing of fears generated by tax reform proposals, particularly those promoting a flat tax. Triple-A rated, 30-year municipal bonds had yields close to 90% of comparable Treasury bonds at the end of 1995. This ratio declined during the first half of 1996 to about 85%, indicating that municipal bonds had appreciated relative to Treasury bonds, losing less value than Treasury bonds during the market sell-off. How Your Fund Performed We are pleased to tell you that your Fund received a Morningstar(TM) rating of four stars for three-year performance through June 30, 1996.* The Fund's excellent performance over those three years resulted in an initial rating in the second highest category! For the same period the Fund earned five stars -- Morningstar's highest ranking -- for one-year performance.* The New England Intermediate Term Tax Free Fund of New York posted excellent performance on a relative basis. For the six-month period, the Fund had a total return of 0.16% for Class A shares, based on net asset value. This performance is better than the average return of -0.35% for the Lipper New York Municipal Average. In addition to its strong total return, your Fund continued to provide a high level of tax exempt income** during the period. As of June 28, 1996, the Fund's SEC yield was 5.03% and 4.43% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, which translates into taxable equivalent yields of 8.97% and 7.90% for a fully taxable investment, assuming the maximum combined federal and New York state income tax rate of 43.90%. For New York City residents in the maximum combined tax bracket of 46.60%, the taxable equivalent yields were 9.42% and 8.30% for Class A and Class B shares, respectively. How We Managed Your Fund We restructured much of the portfolio early in the period, in the belief that the bond market may have risen too far, too fast. Consecutive interest rate reductions in December and January by the Federal Reserve, coupled with a lack of resolution regarding a balanced budget agreement, led us to position the Fund more defensively, in part by altering the types of bonds in which the Fund invested. While we maintained the Fund's duration at six years, the top of the normal range, additional investments in higher coupon, callable bonds lessened the Fund's sensitivity to changes in interest rates. We also decreased the Fund's average maturity and increased its overall credit quality, moves that protected shareholder value as interest rates rose during the period. We have reduced our outlook on the State of New York to neutral, despite an improving economy overall. This shift reflects our disappointment that the Pataki administration has been unable to effect meaningful change. We are also concerned over the continuing fiscal drag exerted on the State by New York City's high level of financial need. While the Fund continues to have about 10% of its assets invested in New York City general obligation bonds, our holdings generally have higher coupons; these bonds offer good levels of current income and may also hold their value better during times of rising interest rates or economic uncertainty. We have increased the Fund's investment in local general obligation bonds and the more liquid state appropriation bonds. We have also reduced exposure to certain revenue bond sectors that may feel the pinch of decreased federal funding, such as health care bonds, or bonds that may be subject to changing legislation, such as solid waste recovery bonds. We continued to emphasize essential purpose revenue bonds, particularly those in the airport and highway transportation sectors, which we expect to benefit from an improving economy. The Fund avoided electric utility bonds due to an increasingly competitive operating outlook as well as an unfavorable state regulatory environment. Our Investment Outlook Despite our views on the New York political and fiscal situation, we continue to believe that the long-term outlook for the New York municipal bond market is positive. For now tax reform proposals have lost steam, and municipals should continue to appreciate relative to Treasuries, gaining back lost ground. The decline in volume of new issue municipal bonds in New York continues, and we do not expect any material change to this trend. Additionally, the state is planning to implement a new protocol for bond issuance -- including limits on state appropriation bonds -- that will further restrict new issue supply. Meanwhile the demand for New York bonds is strengthening, due in part to an improving state economy and high tax rates. This combination of low supply and steady demand suggests a favorable environment for New York municipal bonds and for your Fund. * Morningstar proprietary ratings reflect risk-adjusted performance through 6/30/96. The ratings are subject to change every month. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Morningstar ratings are calculated from the fund's three- and one-year returns (with fee adjustments) in excess of 90-day T-bill returns. The one-year rating is calculated using the same methodology, but is not a component of the overall rating. The Fund received four stars for three years and five stars for one year, respectively. It was rated among 924 and 1691 funds respectively. Ten percent of the funds in a rating category receive five stars, and the next 22.5% receive four stars. ** Alternative minimum tax and some federal or state taxes may apply. Yield is calculated using a standard formula established by the SEC and is an annualized percentage based on the yield earned for the Fund's Class A and B shares during the 30 days ending June 28, 1996. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTFOLIO QUALITY AS OF JUNE 30, 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AAA 17.40% AA 2.93% A 23.20% BB 5.95% BBB 50.52% AVERAGE PORTFOLIO QUALITY = A- AVERAGE PORTFOLIO MATURITY = 10 YEARS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quality ratings provided by Standard & Poor's. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [LOGO] NEW ENGLAND FUNDS Where The Best Minds Meet(TM) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW ENGLAND INTERMEDIATE TERM TAX FREE FUND OF NEW YORK - ------------- JUNE 30, 1996 - ------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investments as of June 30, 1996 (unaudited) TAX EXEMPT BONDS -- 96.2% OF TOTAL NET ASSETS
RATINGS (c) --------------------- FACE STANDARD AMOUNT ISSUER MOODY'S & POOR'S VALUE (a) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW YORK - 73.0% $ 250,000 Albany, NY, Housing Authority, 6.250%, 10/01/12 ....... Baa1 NR $ 250,088 750,000 Hempstead Town Industrial Dev. Agency, 7.400%, 12/01/10 Baa1 A- 771,345 475,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 5.750%, 07/01/08 Baa1 BBB 468,925 500,000 Metropolitan Transportation Authority, 7.125%, 07/01/09 Baa1 BBB 542,980 685,000 New York, 8.00%, 08/01/03 ............................. Baa1 BBB+ 766,111 500,000 New York, 7.25%, 08/15/07 ............................. Baa1 BBB+ 545,035 500,000 New York, 6.25%, 08/01/09 ............................. Baa1 BBB+ 495,570 1,065,000 New York, Prerefunded, 8.400%, 11/15/08 ............... Aaa AAA 1,256,785 250,000 New York City Municipal Water, Prerefunded, 7.000%, 06/15/09 .................................... AAA AAA 275,945 250,000 New York City Municipal Water, 7.000%, 06/15/09 ....... A A- 273,980 500,000 New York City Municipal Water, 5.625%, 06/15/16 ....... A A 483,410 1,000,000 New York State Certificates, 6.000%, 09/01/98 ......... Baa1 BBB 1,031,110 500,000 New York State Dorm. Authority, 6.000%, 07/01/06 ...... Baa NR 497,400 500,000 New York State Dorm. Authority, 5.375%, 05/15/07 (FGIC) Aaa AAA 502,615 500,000 New York State Dorm. Authority, 5.750%, 07/01/07 ...... Baa1 BBB 499,190 500,000 New York State Dorm. Authority, 6.500%, 8/15/11 ....... Baa1 BBB+ 525,080 500,000 New York State Local Government Assistance, 7.250%, 04/01/07 .................................... A A 554,850 500,000 New York State Mortgage Revenue, 6.250%, 04/01/10 ..... AA NR 518,250 565,000 New York State Urban Development Corp., 6.000%, 01/01/05 .................................... AAA AAA 576,282 500,000 New York State Urban Development Corp., 5.500%, 04/01/16 (MBIA) ............................. Baa1 BBB 481,315 500,000 Oneida Herkimer, 6.650%, 04/01/05 ..................... Baa BBB 520,420 1,000,000 Port Authority, NY & NJ, 7.000%, 10/01/07 ............. NR NR 1,054,830 500,000 Yonkers, NY, 6.000%, 08/01/03 (AMBAC) ................. Aaa AAA 537,170 ----------- 13,428,686 ----------- OTHER OBLIGATIONS--23.2% 500,000 Guam Airport Authority, 6.400%, 10/01/05 .............. NR BBB 512,545 500,000 Guam Airport Authority, 6.600%, 10/01/10 .............. NR BBB 505,440 1,000,000 Puerto Rico Highway & Transportation Authority, 7.162%, 07/01/04 .................................... Baa1 A- 1,007,350 500,000 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, 5.900%, 07/01/03 Baa1 A- 529,305 500,000 Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, 5.500%, 07/01/12 Baa1 A- 489,590 1,135,000 Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, 7.750%, 10/01/06 ............................................ NR BBB 1,213,259 ----------- 4,257,489 ----------- Total Tax Exempt Bonds (Identified Cost $17,345,516) ............................. 17,686,175 ----------- Total Investments--96.2% (Identified Cost $17,345,516)(b) ........................ 17,686,175 Other assets less liabilities .................................................... 700,096 ----------- Total Net Assets--100% ........................................................... $18,386,271 =========== (a) See Note 1a. (b) Federal Tax Information: At June 30, 1996 the net unrealized appreciation on investments based on cost of $17,345,516 for federal income tax purposes was as follows: Aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of value over tax cost. .......................................................................... $ 388,979 Aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments in which there is an excess of tax cost over value. .......................................................................... (48,320) ----------- Net unrealized appreciation ................................................................... $ 340,659 =========== As of December 31, 1995, the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss carryforward as follows: Expiring December 31, 2002 $783,505 (c) The ratings shown are believed to be the most recent ratings available at June 30, 1996. Securities are generally rated at the time of issuance. The rating agencies may revise their ratings from time to time. As a result there can be no assurance that the same ratings would be assigned if the securities were rated at June 30, 1996. The Fund's subadviser independently evaluates the Fund's portfolio securities and in making investment decisions does not rely solely on the ratings of agencies.
See accompanying notes to financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, 1996 (unaudited) ASSETS Investments at value ......................... $17,686,175 Cash ......................................... 28,141 Receivable for: Fund shares sold ........................... 71,079 Securities sold ............................ 1,197,933 Dividends and interest ..................... 314,593 Due from investment adviser ................ 88,888 Unamortized organization expense ........... 17,465 Prepaid registration expense ................. 6,000 ----------- 19,410,274 LIABILITIES Payable for: Securities purchased ....................... $961,004 Fund shares redeemed ....................... 6,850 Dividends declared ......................... 19,455 Accrued expenses: Accounting and administrative .............. 3,274 Deferred trustees' fees .................... 443 Other expenses ............................. 32,977 -------- 1,024,003 ----------- NET ASSETS ..................................... $18,386,271 =========== Net Assets consist of: Capital paid in ............................ $18,794,666 Undistributed net investment income ........ 12,068 Accumulated net realized losses ............ (761,122) Unrealized appreciation on investments ..... 340,659 ----------- NET ASSETS ..................................... $18,386,271 =========== Computation of net asset value and offering price: Net asset value and redemption price of Class A shares ($16,106,274 divided by 2,148,889 shares of beneficial interest) ............... $7.50 ===== Offering price per share ( 100/97.50 of $7.50) . $7.69* ===== Net asset value and offering price of Class B shares ($2,279,997 divided by 304,919 shares of beneficial interest) ...................... $7.48** ===== Identified cost of investments ................. $17,345,516 =========== * Based upon single purchases of less than $100,000. Reduced sales charges apply for purchases in excess of this amount. ** Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable contingent deferred sales charges. See accompanying notes to financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 (unaudited) INVESTMENT INCOME Interest ..................................... $532,826 Expenses Management fees ............................ $ 47,169 Service fees--Class A ...................... 20,133 Service and distribution fees--Class B ..... 9,336 Trustees' fees and expenses ................ 5,469 Accounting and administrative .............. 23,886 Custodian .................................. 27,685 Transfer agent ............................. 20,746 Audit and tax services ..................... 10,500 Legal ...................................... 9,409 Printing ................................... 9,151 Registration ............................... 18,119 Amortization of organization expenses ...... 3,296 Miscellaneous .............................. 1,037 --------- Total expenses ............................... 205,936 Less expenses waived by the investment adviser and subadviser ............................... (136,057) 69,879 --------- -------- Net investment income ........................ 462,947 REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, OPTIONS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS Realized gain (loss) on: Investments--net ........................... (20,049) Futures contracts--net ..................... 107,128 Options contracts--net ..................... (64,696) --------- Total realized gain on investments ......... 22,383 Unrealized depreciation on: Investments--net ........................... (484,199) Net loss on investment transactions .......... (461,816) -------- NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS ..... $ 1,131 ======== See accompanying notes to financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (unaudited)
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS DECEMBER 31, ENDED 1995 JUNE 30, 1996 ----------- ------------- FROM OPERATIONS Net investment income ................................... $ 905,703 $ 462,947 Net realized gain on investments, options and futures transactions .......................................... 201,595 22,383 Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, options and futures transactions ...................... 1,292,655 (484,199) ----------- ----------- Increase in net assets from operations .................. 2,399,953 1,131 ----------- ----------- FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS Net investment income Class A ............................................... (842,470) (402,844) Class B ............................................... (63,237) (39,727) In excess of net investment income Class A ............................................... (16,706) 0 Class B ............................................... (1,206) 0 ----------- ----------- (923,619) (442,571) ----------- ----------- Increase (decrease) in net assets derived from capital share transactions .................................... (397,301) 721,948 ----------- ----------- Total increase in net assets ............................ 1,079,033 280,508 NET ASSETS Beginning of the period ................................. 17,026,730 18,105,763 ----------- ----------- End of the period ....................................... $18,105,763 $18,386,271 =========== =========== UNDISTRIBUTED (DISTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF) NET INVESTMENT INCOME Beginning of the period ................................. $ 9,143 $ (8,308) =========== =========== End of the period ....................................... $ (8,308) $ 12,068 =========== ===========
See accompanying notes to financial statements. - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (unaudited)
CLASS A ------------------------------------------------------------------------- APRIL 23,(a) YEAR YEAR THROUGH ENDED ENDED SIX MONTHS DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED 1993 1994 1995 JUNE 30, 1996 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period .................. $7.50 $7.76 $7.07 $7.68 ----- ----- ----- ----- Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income ................................. 0.26 0.37 0.38 0.40 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ...................................... 0.29 (0.68) 0.62 (0.19) ---- ---- ---- ---- Total From Investment Operations ...................... 0.55 (0.31) 1.00 0.21 ----- ----- ----- ----- Less Distributions Distributions From Net Investment Income .............. (0.25) (0.38) (0.39) (0.39) Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income (0.04) 0.00 0.00 0.00 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Distributions ................................... (0.29) (0.38) (0.39) (0.39) ----- ----- ----- ----- Net Asset Value, End of Period ........................ $7.76 $7.07 $7.68 $7.50 ===== ===== ===== ===== Total Return (%)(d) ................................... 7.4 (4.1) 14.5 0.2 Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) (b) .......................... 0.70(c) 0.70 0.70 0.70(c) Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) .............................. 4.88(c) 5.13 5.18 5.20(c) Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) ........................... 121(c) 219 155 120(c) Net Assets, End of Period (000) ....................... $21,122 $15,875 $16,388 $16,106 (a) Commencement of operations. (b) Commencing April 23, 1993 expenses were voluntarily limited to 0.70% of Class A average net assets. See Note 4. The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets without giving effect to this expense limitation would have been 2.11% (annualized) for the period ended December 31, 1993, 1.79% for the year ended December 31, 1994, 1.88% for the year ended December 31, 1995, and 2.21% for the six months ended June 30,1996. (c) Computed on an annualized basis. (d) A sales charge of 2.50% (maximum) is not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year are not annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
CLASS B ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEPTEMBER 13(a) YEAR YEAR THROUGH ENDED ENDED SIX MONTHS DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED 1993 1994 1995 JUNE 30, 1996 ------------- ------------ ------------ ------------- Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period .................. $7.85 $7.76 $7.06 $7.67 ----- ----- ----- ----- Income From Investment Operations Net Investment Income ................................. 0.10 0.32 0.33 0.34 Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments ...................................... (0.05) (0.69) 0.62 (0.19) ----- ----- ----- ----- Total From Investment Operations ...................... 0.05 (0.37) 0.95 0.15 ----- ----- ----- ----- Less Distributions Distributions From Net Investment Income .............. (0.10) (0.33) (0.34) (0.34) Distributions in Excess of Net Investment Income (0.04) 0.00 0.00 0.00 ----- ----- ----- ----- Total Distributions ................................... (0.14) (0.33) (0.34) (0.34) ----- ----- ----- ----- Net Asset Value, End of Period ........................ $7.76 $7.06 $7.67 $7.48 ===== ===== ===== ===== Total Return (%)(d) ................................... 0.5 (4.9) 13.7 (0.4) Ratio of Operating Expenses to Average Net Assets (%) (b) .......................... 1.45(c) 1.45 1.45 1.45(c) Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets (%) .............................. 3.68(c) 4.38 4.43 4.44(c) Portfolio Turnover Rate (%) ........................... 121(c) 219 155 120(c) Net Assets, End of Period (000) ....................... $555 $1,152 $1,718 $2,280 (a) Commencement of operations. (b) Commencing September 13, 1993 expenses were voluntarily limited to 1.45% of Class B average net assets. See Note 4. The ratio of operating expenses to average net assets without giving effect to this expense limitation would have been 2.86% (annualized) for the period ended December 31, 1993, 2.54% for the year ended December 31, 1994, 2.63% for the year ended December 31, 1995 and 2.96% for the six months ended June 30, 1996. (c) Computed on an annualized basis. (d) A contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in total return calculations. Periods less than one year are not annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- June 30, 1996 (unaudited) 1. The Fund is a series of New England Funds Trust II, a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trust"), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as an open-end management investment company. The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited number of shares of the Trust in multiple series (each series of shares a "Fund"). The Fund offers both Class A and Class B shares. The Fund commenced its public offering of Class B shares on September 13, 1993. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front end sales charge of 2.50%. Class B shares do not pay a front end sales charge, but pay a higher ongoing distribution fee than Class A shares for eight years (at which point they automatically convert to Class A shares), and are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge if those shares are redeemed within five years of purchase. Expenses of the Fund are borne pro-rata by the holders of both classes of shares, except that each class bears expenses unique to that class (including the Rule 12b-1 service and distribution fees applicable to such class), and votes as a class only with respect to its own Rule 12b-1 Plan. Shares of each class would receive their pro-rata share of the net assets of the Fund, if the Fund were liquidated. In addition, the Trustees approve separate dividends on each class of shares. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for investment companies. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A. SECURITY VALUATION. The Fund's investment subadviser, Back Bay Advisors, L.P. ("Back Bay Advisors"), under the supervision of the Fund's trustees, determines the value of the Fund's portfolio of securities, using valuations provided by a pricing service selected by Back Bay Advisors and other information with respect to transactions in securities, including quotations from securities dealers. Valuations of securities and other assets owned by the Fund for which market quotations are readily available are based on those quotations. Short-term obligations that will mature in 60 days or less are stated at amortized cost, which, when combined with accrued interest or discount earned, approximates market value. All other securities and assets are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith by Back Bay Advisors under the supervision of the Fund's trustees. B. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED INVESTMENT INCOME. Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date (the date the buy or sell is executed). Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Interest income is increased by the accretion of original issue discount. Interest income is reduced by the amortization of premium. In determining net gain or loss on securities sold, the cost of securities has been determined on the identified cost basis. C. OPTIONS AND FUTURES. CALLS AND PUTS. The Fund may write (sell) call and put options on securities to manage its exposure to interest rates and the bond market. Buying futures, writing puts, and buying calls tend to increase the fund's exposure to the underlying instrument. Selling futures, buying puts, and writing calls tend to decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying instrument, or hedge other Fund investments. When a Fund writes a call or put option, an amount equal to the premium received by the Fund is included in the fund's statement of 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 value of a written option is the closing price on the principal exchange on which such option is traded. If an option which the Fund has written either 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 a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was written) without regard to any unrealized gain or loss on the underlying security, and the liability related to such option is extinguished. If a call option which the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund realizes a capital gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale are increased by the premium originally received. If a put option which the Fund has written is exercised, the amount of the premium originally received will reduce the cost of the security which the Fund purchases upon exercise of the option. The premium paid by a Fund for the purchase of a call or a put option is included in the asset section of the Fund's statement of assets and liabilities as an investment and subsequently adjusted to the current market value of the option. The current value of a purchased option is the closing price on the principal exchange on which such option is traded. If an option which the Fund has purchased expires on the stipulated expiration date, the Fund will realize a loss in the amount of the cost of the option. If the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, the Fund will realize a gain or loss, depending on whether the sales proceeds from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. If the Fund exercises a purchased call option, the cost of the security which the fund purchases upon exercise will be increased by the premium originally paid. INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS The Fund may enter into interest rate futures contracts to hedge against changes in the values of tax exempt municipal securities the Fund owns or expects to purchase. An interest rate futures contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a security for a set price (or to deliver an amount of cash) on a future date. Upon entering into such a contract, the purchasing Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash, U.S. Government securities or other high quality debt securities equal to the minimum "initial margin" requirements of the exchange, currently up to $3,000 per contract. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or payments are known as "variation margin," and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The potential risk to the Fund is that the change in value of futures contracts primarily corresponds with the value of underlying instruments which may not correspond to the change in the value of the hedged instruments. In addition, there is a risk that the fund may not be able to close out its futures positions due to an illiquid secondary market. The risk in writing a call option is that the fund relinquishes the opportunity to profit if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. In writing a put option, the fund assumes the risk of incurring a loss if the market price decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there is the risk the fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market. D. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Fund intends to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute to its shareholders all of its income and any net realized capital gains at least annually. Accordingly, no provision for federal income tax has been made. E. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Dividends are declared daily to shareholders of record and are paid monthly. The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These differences relate primarily to market discount. Permanent book and tax basis differences relating to shareholder distributions will result in reclassification to paid in capital. F. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund, through its custodian, receives delivery of the underlying securities collateralizing repurchase agreements. It is the Fund's policy that the market value of the collateral be at least equal to 100% of the repurchase price. Back Bay Advisors is responsible for determining that the value of the collateral is at all times at least equal to the repurchase price. Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or insolvency of the other party including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. G. ORGANIZATION EXPENSE. Costs incurred in 1993 in connection with the Fund's organization and initial registration amounted to $27,000 and were paid by the Fund. These costs are being amortized over 60 months beginning April 23, 1993. 2. PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES (excluding short-term investments) for the Fund for the six months ended June 30, 1996 were $10,727,459 and $10,521,757, respectively. Investments in written options and futures contracts for the Fund for the six months ended June 30, 1996 are summarized as follows: SALES OF FUTURES CONTRACTS ------------------------------ AGGREGATE NUMBER OF FACE VALUE CONTRACTS OF CONTRACTS --------- ------------ Open December 31, 1995 ..... 0 $ 0 Contracts opened ........... 206 23,522,942 Contracts closed ........... (206) (23,522,942) --- ------------ Open at June 30, 1996 ...... 0 $ 0 === ============ WRITTEN OPTIONS ------------------------------ NUMBER OF PREMIUMS CONTRACTS RECEIVED --------- ------------ Open December 31, 1995 ..... 0 $ 0 Contracts opened ........... 170 31,203 Contracts closed ........... (170) (31,203) --- ------------ Open at June 30, 1996 ...... 0 $ 0 === ============ 3A. MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES. The Fund pays management fees to its investment adviser, New England Funds Management, L.P. ("NEFM") at the annual rate of 0.525% of the first $200 million of the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.50% of the next $300 million and 0.475% of such assets in excess of $500 million. NEFM pays the Fund's investment subadviser, Back Bay Advisors at the rate of 0.2625% of the first $200 million of the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.25% of the next $300 million and 0.2375% of such assets in excess of $500 million. Certain officers and directors of NEFM and Back Bay Advisors are also officers or trustees of the Fund. NEFM and Back Bay Advisors are wholly owned subsidiaries of New England Investment Companies, L.P. ("NEIC"), which is a subsidiary of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company. Fees earned by NEFM and Back Bay Advisors under the management agreement in effect during the six months ended June 30, 1996 are as follows: FEES EARNED - ----------- $23,584(a) New England Funds Management, L.P. $23,585(a) Back Bay Advisors, L.P. (a) Before reduction pursuant to voluntary expense limitations. See Note 4. B. ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE. New England Funds L.P. ("New England Funds"), the Fund's distributor, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEIC and performs certain accounting and administrative services for the Fund. The Fund reimburses New England Funds for all or part of New England Funds' expenses of providing these services which include the following: (i) expenses for personnel performing bookkeeping, accounting, internal auditing and financial reporting functions and related clerical functions relating to the Fund, (ii) expenses for services required in connection with the preparation of registration statements and prospectuses, shareholder reports and notices, proxy solicitation material furnished to shareholders of the Fund or regulatory authorities and reports and questionnaires for SEC compliance, and (iii) registration, filing and other fees in connection with requirements of regulatory authorities. For the six months ended June 30, 1996 these expenses amounted to $23,886 and are shown separately in the financial statements as accounting and administrative. C. SERVICE AND DISTRIBUTION FEES. Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Service Plan relating to the Fund's Class A shares (the "Class A Plan") and a Service and Distribution Plan relating to the Fund's Class B shares (the "Class B Plan"). Under the Class A Plan, the Fund pays New England Funds, L.P. ("New England Funds") a monthly service fee at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Class A shares, as reimbursement for expenses (including certain payments to securities dealers, who may be affiliated with New England Funds) incurred by New England Funds in providing personal services to investors in Class A shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. For the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Fund paid New England Funds $20,133 in fees under the Class A Plan. If the expenses of New England Funds that are otherwise reimbursable under the Class A Plan incurred in any year exceed the amounts payable by the Fund under the Class A Plan, the unreimbursed amount (together with unreimbursed amounts from prior years) may be carried forward for reimbursement in future years in which the Class A Plan remains in effect. The amount of unreimbursed expenses carried forward into 1996 is $222,162. Under the Class B Plan, the Fund pays New England Funds a monthly service fee at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Class B shares, as compensation for services provided and expenses (including certain payments to securities dealers, who may be affiliated with New England Funds) incurred by New England Funds in providing personal services to investors in Class B shares and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. For the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Fund paid New England Funds $2,334 in service fees under the Class B Plan. Also under the Class B Plan, the Fund pays New England Funds a monthly distribution fee at the annual rate of up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Class B shares, as compensation for services provided and expenses (including certain payments to securities dealers, who may be affiliated with New England Funds) incurred by New England Funds in connection with the marketing or sale of Class B shares. For the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Fund paid New England Funds $7,002 in distribution fees under the Class B Plan. Commissions (including contingent deferred sales charges) on Fund shares paid to New England Funds by investors of shares of the Fund during the six months ended June 30, 1996 amounted to $59,010. D. TRANSFER AGENT FEES. New England Funds is the transfer and shareholder servicing agent to the Fund. For the six months ended June 30, 1996, the Fund paid New England Funds $15,899 as compensation for its services in that capacity. E. TRUSTEES FEES AND EXPENSES. The Fund does not pay any compensation directly to its officers or trustees who are directors, officers or employees of Back Bay Advisors, New England Funds, New England Investment Companies or their affiliates, other than registered investment companies. Each other trustee is compensated by the Fund as follows: Annual Retainer $722 Meeting Fee $114/meeting Committee Meeting Fee $68/meeting Committee Chairman Retainer $9/year A deferred compensation plan is available to the trustees on a voluntary basis. Each participating trustee will receive an amount equal to the value that such deferred compensation would have had, had it been invested in the Fund on the normal payment date. 4. EXPENSE LIMITATIONS. Commencing April 23, 1993 and until further notice to the Fund, Back Bay Advisors and NEFM have voluntarily agreed to reduce management fees in order to limit the Fund's expenses to an annual rate of 0.70% of the Fund's Class A average daily net assets and effective September 13, 1993, 1.45% of Class B average daily net assets. As a result of the Fund's expenses exceeding the foregoing voluntary limitation during the six months ended June 30, 1996 Back Bay Advisors waived its entire management fee of $23,584 and NEFM waived its entire management fee of $23,585. 5. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT. The Fund primarily invests in debt obligations issued by the State of New York and its political subdivisions, agencies and public authorities to obtain funds for various public purposes. The Fund is more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers of New York municipal securities than is a comparable municipal bond fund that is not as concentrated. Uncertain economic and fiscal conditions may affect the ability of issuers of New York municipal securities to meet their financial obligations. 6. CAPITAL SHARES. At June 30, 1996 there was an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest authorized, divided into two classes, Class A and Class B capital stock. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 JUNE 30, 1996 --------------------------- -------------------------- CLASS A SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT - ------- --------- ----------- -------- ------------ Shares sold ............................................... 328,489 $ 2,436,764 204,481 $ 1,549,957 Shares issued in connection with the reinvestment of: Distributions from net investment income ................ 76,603 569,995 41,246 312,217 -------- ----------- ------- ----------- 405,092 3,006,759 245,727 1,862,174 Shares repurchased ........................................ (518,447) (3,851,270) (230,098) (1,745,159) -------- ----------- ------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) ................................... (113,355) $ (844,511) 15,629 $ 117,015 ======== =========== ======= =========== YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 JUNE 30, 1996 --------------------------- -------------------------- CLASS B SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT - ------- --------- ----------- -------- ------------ Shares sold ............................................... 106,519 $ 788,060 90,688 $ 681,449 Shares issued in connection with the reinvestment of: Distributions from net investment income ................ 6,181 45,940 3,893 29,362 -------- ----------- ------- ----------- 112,700 834,000 94,581 710,811 Shares repurchased ........................................ (51,795) (386,790) (13,818) (105,878) -------- ----------- ------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) ................................... 60,905 $ 447,210 80,763 $ 604,933 ======== =========== ======= =========== Increase (decrease) derived from capital shares transactions ............................................ (52,450) $ (397,301) 96,392 $ 721,948 ======== =========== ======= ===========
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SAVING FOR RETIREMENT - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AN EARLY START CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE With today's lengthening life spans, you may be retired for 20 years or more after you complete your working career. Living these retirement years the way you've dreamed of will require considerable financial resources. While it's never too late to start a retirement savings program, it's certainly never too early: The sooner you begin, the longer the time your money has to grow. The chart below illustrates this point dramatically. One investor starts at age 30, saves for just 10 years, then leaves the investment to grow. The second investor starts 10 years later but saves much longer -- for 25 years, in fact. Can you guess which investor accumulates the greater retirement nest egg? For the answer, look at the chart. [A chart in the form of a line graph appears here, comparing the growth of investments made for 10 years by an investor who begins investing at age 30 to the growth of investments made for twenty-five years by an investor who begins investing at age 40. A hypothetical appreciation of 10% is assumed. The data points from the graph are as follows:] Investor A - Begins at age 30 for 10 years: Age Growth of Investments 30 $2,000 35 $15,431 40 $35,062 45 $90,943 55 $146,464 60 $235,882 65 $379,890 Investor B - Begins investing at age 40 for 25 years: Age Growth of Investments 40 $2,000 45 $15,431 50 $37,062 55 $71,899 60 $128,005 65 $216,364 Assumes 10% hypothetical appreciation. For illustrative purposes only and not indicative of future performance of any New England Fund. Investor A invested $20,000, less than half of investor B's commitment -- and for less than half the time. Yet investor A wound up with a much greater retirement nest egg. The reason? It's all thanks to an early start. New England Funds has prepared a number of informative retirement planning guides. Call your financial representative or New England Funds today, and ask for the guide that best fits your personal needs. - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW ENGLAND FUNDS - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- STOCK FUNDS Growth Fund Star Advisers Fund Capital Growth Fund Value Fund Growth Opportunities Fund Balanced Fund INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUNDS Growth Fund of Israel International Equity Fund Star Worldwide Fund BOND FUNDS High Income Fund Strategic Income Fund Government Securities Fund Bond Income Fund Limited Term U.S. Government Fund Adjustable Rate U.S. Government Fund TAX EXEMPT FUNDS Municipal Income Fund Massachusetts Tax Free Income Fund Intermediate Term Tax Free Fund of California Intermediate Term Tax Free Fund of New York MONEY MARKET FUNDS Cash Management Trust -- Money Market Series -- U.S. Government Series Tax Exempt Money Market Trust To learn more, and for a free prospectus, contact your financial representative. VISIT OUR WORLD WIDE WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.MUTUALFUNDS.COM New England Funds, L.P. 399 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 Toll Free 800-225-5478 This material is authorized for distribution to prospective investors when it is preceded or accompanied by the Fund's current prospectus, which contains information about distribution charges, management and other items of interest. Investors are advised to read the prospectus carefully before investing. [LOGO] -------------- NEW ENGLAND FUNDS BULK RATE Where The Best Minds Meet(TM) U.S. POSTAGE PAID BROCKTON, MA PERMIT NO. 770 -------------- - --------------------- 399 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116 - --------------------- [LOGO: DALBAR SEAL] NY58-0896 [symbol] Printed on Recycled Paper -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----