N-CSR 1 d13869.htm Seligman High-Yield Bond Series


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-4103

Seligman High Income Fund Series
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

100 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Lawrence P. Vogel
100 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017
(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(212) 850-1864


Date of fiscal year end:
12/31
Date of reporting period:
12/31/03
 
 
     

 
 
FORM N-CSR

ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
 
SELIGMAN HIGH INCOME FUND SERIES:
Annual Report December 31, 2003
 
 
     

 
 

 

Seligman

High-Yield Bond Series


 

 

 

 

Annual Report

 

December 31, 2003

 

 

 

Seeking to Maximize
Current Income by
Investing in a Diversified
Portfolio of High-Yielding
Corporate Bonds

 

 

 

 
 
     
 
 
     

 
 
 
Seligman
140 Years of Investment Experience

J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated is a firm with a long tradition of investment expertise, offering a broad array of investment choices to help today’s investors seek their long-term financial goals.

Established in 1864, Seligman has a history of providing financial services marked not by fanfare, but rather by a quiet and firm adherence to financial prudence. While the world has changed dramatically in the 140 years since Seligman first opened its doors, the firm has continued to offer its clients high-quality investment solutions through changing times.

In the late 19th century, as the country grew, Seligman helped finance the westward expansion of the railroads, the construction of the Panama Canal, and the launching of urban transit systems. In the early 20th century, the firm helped fund the growing capital needs of new industries, including the nascent automobile and steel industries.

With the formation of Tri-Continental Corporation in 1929 - today, one of the nation’s largest diversified publicly-traded closed-end equity investment companies - Seligman began shifting its emphasis to investment management. In 1930, Seligman established what would be the first in an impressive lineup of mutual funds.

Seligman is proud of its distinctive past and of the traditional values that continue to shape the firm’s business decisions and investment judgment. While much has changed over the years, the firm’s commitment to providing prudent investment management that seeks to build wealth for clients over time is an enduring value that will continue to guide Seligman.

Table of Contents
   
To The Shareholders
1
   
Interview With Your Portfolio Managers
2
   
Performance Overview
4
   
Portfolio Overview
7
   
Portfolio of Investments
9
   
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
17
   
Statement of Operations
18
   
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
19
   
Notes to Financial Statements
21
   
Financial Highlights
27
   
Report of Independent Auditors
32
   
Trustees and Officers
33
   
For More Information
back cover

 
     

 
 
To The Shareholders


Your annual shareholder report for Seligman High-Yield Bond Series follows this letter. This report contains an interview with the Series’ Portfolio Managers, as well as investment results and audited financial statements, including a portfolio of investments.

For the year ended December 31, 2003, Seligman High-Yield Bond Series posted a total return of 21.84% based on the net asset value of Class A shares. During the same time period, the Lipper High Current Yield Average returned 24.36%, and the Citigroup High Yield Bond Index returned 30.62%.

As you are probably aware, the mutual fund industry has been dealing with the issue of market timing and other disruptive or illegal trading practices in mutual fund shares. J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, which manages a family of mutual funds, including your Series, has conducted an extensive internal review regarding these matters, the results of which have been previously reported to shareholders. For more information, please visit the Seligman website, www.seligman.com.*

We thank you for your continued support of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series and look forward to serving your investment needs for many years to come.

By Order of the Trustees,


 
William C. Morris
Chairman


 
Brian T. Zino
President

February 26, 2004
To The Shareholders
___________________
*
The reference to Seligman’s website is an inactive textual reference and information contained in or otherwise accessible through Seligman’s website does not form a part of this report or the Series’ prospectus.

 
 1    

 
 
Interview With Your Portfolio Managers
Kendall C. Peterson, CFA and James M. Didden, Jr.

Q:
How did Seligman High-Yield Bond Series perform during the year ended December 31, 2003?
 
A:
For the year ended December 31, 2003, Seligman High-Yield Bond Series delivered a total return of 21.84% based on the net asset value of Class A shares. During the same time period, the Lipper High Current Yield Average posted a total return of 24.36%, and the Citigroup High Yield Bond Index returned 30.62%
 
Q:
What market conditions and events materially affected the Series’ performance during the period?
 
A:
Investors displayed an increased appetite for risk in 2003, as funds flowed into high-yield securities. A pickup in the economy, a lower interest rate environment, and lower default rates, all contributed to the increase in investor demand.
 
The US economy got off to a slow start in the first half of 2003, expanding at a 2-3% annualized rate, which was slightly less than its assumed potential of 3-4%. Consumption and capital spending were held back as businesses and consumers remained cautious going into the commencement of hostilities in Iraq. The economy began to accelerate in the second half of the year, with growth in gross domestic product (GDP) reported at 8.2% in the third quarter of 2003. The economic acceleration was due, at least in part, to the high levels of monetary and fiscal stimulus created by the low federal funds rate (1%) and the deficit spending by the federal government.
 
Intermediate interest rates finished the year slightly higher after dropping to 40- year lows in June. The temporary decline provided an incentive for many issuers to seek to refinance high-cost debt, and increased investor demand for higher income products such as high-yield bonds. All of these factors contributed to the strong performance of high-yield bonds in 2003.
 
In the high-yield bond market, default rates generally declined throughout the year. This allowed credit spread premiums (which is the excess yield above comparable US Treasuries and represents investors’ compensation for taking default risk) to decline along with interest rates in the high-yield market. This, in turn, lifted high-yield bond prices higher.
 
Q:
What investment strategies or techniques materially affected the Series’ performance during the period?
 
A:
In 2003, the Series’ performance improved significantly over prior years and generally reflected the strong rally in high-yield bonds. The Series began the year with an under-weighting in the securities of the weakest companies with the lowest ratings and highest yields, sometimes referred to as defaulted or distressed securities. This was consistent with our outlook for sluggish economic growth and a possible war in Iraq. As it turned out, the economy did grow slowly in the first half of 2003, and war did break out in Iraq. However, high-yield investors heavily discounted these concerns, and the lowest-rated bonds outperformed the overall market in the first half of the year. The Series had an under-weighting in these distressed bonds, and this held back the Series’ performance relative to the Citigroup Index.
 
Toward mid-year, the Series began increasing its exposure to economically sensitive industries that we believed would benefit from the eventual economic recovery, for

 
 2    

 
 
Interview With Your Portfolio Managers
Kendall C. Peterson, CFA and James M. Didden, Jr.

example, chemicals, paper and packaging. The Series also increased its exposure to lower-rated companies with greater financial leverage, as well as to other riskier credits. We felt the significant monetary and fiscal stimulus, the falling dollar, rising consumer confidence and corporate spending, and a successful conclusion to the major hostilities in the Iraqi war would eventually lead to increased economic activity.

By the fourth quarter of 2003, the US government’s economic data releases started to provide evidence of a strengthening economy. The financial markets reacted positively to this news and began to embrace the notion that a self-sustaining economic recovery was at hand, increasing demand for cyclical bonds. The Series benefited from this secular rotation since we had an over-weighted position in many of these bonds. For this reason, the Series outperformed its peer group toward yearend, though not for the one-year period as a whole.
 
A Team Approach

Seligman High-Yield Bond Series is managed by the Seligman Fixed Income Team, headed by Kendall C. Peterson, CFA. Mr. Peterson and Co-Portfolio Manager James Didden draw on a team of seasoned investment professionals to select companies whose bonds have the potential for high yields at acceptable levels of investment risk consistent with the Series’ objective. Team members include Jeff Gallo, Paul Langlois, Christopher Mahony, Paul Pertusi, Gregory Siegel, and Sau Lin Wu (trader).

___________________
The views and opinions expressed are those of the Portfolio Manager(s), are provided for general information only, and do not constitute specific tax, legal, or investment advice to, or recommendations for, any person. There can be no guarantee as to the accuracy of market forecasts. Opinions, estimates, and forecasts may be changed without notice.

 
 3    

 
 
Performance Overview

This chart compares $10,000 hypothetical investments in Seligman High-Yield Bond Series Class A, with and without the initial 4.75% maximum sales charge, and Class D, without sales charge, to a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Citigroup High Yield Bond Index for the 10-year period ended December 31, 2003. Calculations assume reinvestment of distributions. The performances of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series Class B, Class C, Class I, and Class R, which commenced on later dates, are not shown in this chart but are included in the table on page 5. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Past performance is not indicative of future investment results. It is important to keep in mind that the Citigroup High Yield Bond Index excludes the effect of taxes, fees an d sales charges.
 
 
 
The securities in which the Fund invests are subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than are higher-rated investment-grade bonds. Investors should carefully assess the risks associated with an investment in this Fund.

The performances of Class B, Class C, Class I, and Class R will differ from the performances shown for Class A and Class D, based on the differences in sales charges and fees paid by shareholders.

 
 4    

 
 
Performance Overview

Investment Results

Total Returns
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003
 
   
 
   
 
 

Average Annual

 
             
 
 
   
 

 

 

Class R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class B

 

 

Class C

 

 

Class I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since

 

 

Since

 

 

Since

 

 

 

 

Six

 

 

Inception

 

 

One

 

 

Five

 

 

Ten

 

 

Inception

 

 

Inception

 

 

Inception

 

 

 

 

Months*

 

 

4/30/03*

 

 

Year

 

 

Years

 

 

Years

 

 

4/22/96

 

 

5/27/99

 

 

11/30/01
 

 
Class A**
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
With Sales Charge
   
3.74
%
 
n/a
   
15.97
%
 
(3.62
)%
 
3.02
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Without Sales Charge
   
8.94
   
n/a
   
21.84
   
(2.66
)
 
3.53
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Class B**
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
With CDSC†
   
3.23
   
n/a
   
15.64
   
(3.68
)
 
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Without CDSC
   
8.23
   
n/a
   
20.64
   
(3.45
)
 
n/a
   
0.59
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
 
Class C**
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
With Sales Charge
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
and CDSCø
   
6.28
   
n/a
   
18.85
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
(4.08
)%
 
n/a
 
Without Sales Charge
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
and CDSC
   
8.22
   
n/a
   
20.98
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
(3.86
)
 
n/a
 
Class D**
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
With 1% CDSC
   
7.22
   
n/a
   
19.98
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Without CDSC
   
8.22
   
n/a
   
20.98
   
(3.40
)
 
2.70
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Class I**
   
9.14
   
n/a
   
22.38
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
6.95
%

 
Class R**
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
With 1% CDSC
   
7.80
   
9.99
%
 
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Without CDSC
   
8.80
   
10.99
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
   
n/a
 
Lipper High Current
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Yield Average***
   
8.39
   
12.29
   
24.36
   
3.57
   
5.02
   
4.79††
   
3.25
   
10.00
 

 
Citigroup
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
High Yield
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Bond Index***
   
9.05
   
13.19
   
30.62
   
5.41
   
7.22
   
6.93††
   
5.46†††
   
12.49
 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share
Dividend, Yield and Capital Gain
Information Per Share
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003


12/31/03
6/30/03
12/31/02
Dividends Paidøø
SEC Yieldøøø
Capital Gain
Class A
$
3.55
$
3.39
$
3.16
$
0.2746
6.58%
Realized
$
0.247
Class B
3.55
3.40
3.17
0.2508
6.18   
Unrealized
0.245
‡‡
Class C
3.56
3.41
3.17
0.2508
6.12  
Class D
3.56
3.41
3.17
0.2508
6.17  
Class I
3.55
3.39
3.16
0.2879
7.37  
Class R
3.55
3.39
n/a
0.1789
6.68  

___________________
See footnotes on page 6.

 
 5    

 
 
Performance Overview

The rates of return will vary and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. Shares, if redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance data quoted does not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor may pay on Fund distributions or the redemption of Fund shares. Past performance is not indicative of future investment results. Due to market volatility, current performance may be higher or lower than the performance shown above. With respect to Class I shares, the Manager voluntarily reimbursed certain expenses in 2002 and 2001.Absent such reimbursement, returns that include these periods would be lower.
___________________
*
Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.
**
Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Returns for Class A shares are calculated with and without the effect of the initial 4.75% maximum sales charge. Returns for Class B shares are calculated with and without the effect of the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), charged on redemptions made within one year of purchase, declining to 1% in the sixth year and 0% thereafter. Returns for Class C shares are calculated with and without the effect of the initial 1% maximum sales charge and the 1% CDSC that is charged on redemptions made within 18 months of purchase. Returns for Class D and R shares are calculated with and without the effect of the 1% CDSC, charged on certain redemptions made within one year of purchase. Returns for Class I shares are calculated without any sale s charges.
***
The Citigroup High Yield Bond Index and the Lipper High Current Yield Average are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of all distributions and exclude the effect of taxes and sales charges, and the Citigroup High Yield Bond Index also excludes the effect of fees. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.
ø
The CDSC is 1% for periods up to 18 months.
øø
Represents per share amount paid or declared during the year ended December 31, 2003, or in the case of Class R, for the period April 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003.
øøø
Current yield, representing the annualized yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 2003, has been computed in accordance with SEC regulations and will vary.
The CDSC is 5% for periods of one year or less and 2% for the five-year period.
††
From April 30, 1996.
†††
From May 31, 1999.
#
From April 25, 1996.
Information does not reflect effect of capital loss carryforwards that are available to offset these and future net realized capital gains. See Note 5 to Financial Statements.

‡‡

  Represents the per share amount of net unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities as of December 31, 2003.
 
 
 
 
 6    

 
Portfolio Overview

Largest Industries
December 31, 2003

 
Percent of
Net Asset
 

Largest Portfolio Changes
During Past Six Months


Largest Purchases
Largest Sales
Corporate Bonds
Corporate Bonds
Georgia-Pacific 8.875%, 5/15/2031
Allied Waste North America 10%, 8/1/2009**
Charter Communications 10.25%, 9/15/2010*
Williams Companies 8.125%, 3/15/2012
Dex Media East 0%, 11/15/2013*
CSK Auto 12%, 6/15/2006**
Calpine 8.75%, 7/15/2013*
Ameristar Casinos 10.75%, 2/15/2009**
Crown Cork & Seal 8%, 4/15/2023*
Western Resources 9.75%, 5/1/2007**
AES 9.375%, 9/15/2010
Georgia Pacific 8.125%, 5/15/2011**
Alamosa Holdings 11%, 7/31/2010*
Houghton Mifflin 9.875%, 2/1/2013**
ARCO Chemical 9.8%, 2/1/2020*
Amkor Technology 10.5%, 5/1/2009**
Triton PCS 8.75%, 11/15/2011*
Service Corp. International 7.2%, 6/1/2006**
BE Aerospace 9.5%, 11/1/2008*
Preferred Stocks:
Sinclair Capital 11.625%**

Largest portfolio changes from the previous period to the current period are based on cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, listed in descending order.
___________________
*
Position added during the period.
**
Position eliminated during the period.
 
 
 7    

 
 
Portfolio Overview
 
Top Ten Companies
December 31, 2003

 
           

Percent of

 
Security
   
Value

 

 
Net Assets
 

 
Georgia-Pacific
 
$
16,906,500
   
2.2
 
Charter Communications
   
16,563,750
   
2.2
 
Calpine
   
15,810,500
   
2.1
 
Qwest Services
   
15,067,000
   
2.0
 
AES
   
10,914,750
   
1.4
 
Dex Media East
   
10,685,500
   
1.4
 
Huntsman ICI Chemicals
   
10,350,000
   
1.4
 
Paxson Communications
   
10,224,962
   
1.3
 
Dynegy Holdings
   
10,010,781
   
1.3
 
Young Broadcasting
   
9,777,067
   
1.3
 

The amounts shown for the top ten companies represent the value of the Fund's investments in securities of all types issued by the companies or their affiliates.

Ratings§
Weighted
December 31, 2003
Average Maturity

 
Moody’s
S&P
8.18 years
Baa/BBB
0.6
%
0.7
%
Ba/BB
32.9
37.1
B/B
47.4
46.4
Caa/CCC
14.3
14.0
Ca/CC
3.2
1.0
C
0.1
0.2
Below C
0.1
Non-rated
1.5
0.5
 
___________________
§ Percentages based on current market values of long-term holdings.
 
 
 8    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value
 
Corporate Bonds 94.7%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Aerospace 3.0%
   
 
   
 
 

 
BE Aerospace 9.5%, 11/1/2008
 
$
7,275,000
 
$
7,111,312
 
Hexcel 9.75%, 1/15/2009
   
2,750,000
   
2,894,375
 
K & F Industries 9.625%, 12/15/2010
   
3,600,000
   
4,054,500
 
Sequa 9%, 8/1/2009
   
5,375,000
   
5,952,813
 
TD Funding 8.375%, 7/15/2011
   
2,650,000
   
2,832,187
 

 
 
   
 
   
22,845,187
 

 
Airlines 2.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
AMR 9%, 8/1/2012
   
5,225,000
   
4,467,375
 
Continental Airlines 8%, 12/15/2005
   
4,600,000
   
4,496,500
 
Delta Airlines 8.3%, 12/15/2029
   
7,200,000
   
4,797,000
 
Northwest Airlines 9.875%, 3/15/2007
   
6,075,000
   
5,558,625
 

 
 
   
 
   
19,319,500
 

 
Auto 4.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Bombardier Recreational 8.375%, 12/15/2013* (Canada)
   
850,000
   
892,500
 
Delco Remy International 8.625%, 12/15/2007
   
4,850,000
   
4,983,375
 
Dura Operating 9%, 5/1/2009
   
4,450,000
   
4,472,250
 
Foamex 10.75%, 4/1/2009
   
6,175,000
   
5,912,563
 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber:
   
 
   
 
 
8.5%, 3/15/2007
   
1,825,000
   
1,802,187
 
7.857%, 8/15/2011
   
1,750,000
   
1,535,625
 
Stoneridge 11.5%, 5/1/2012
   
3,575,000
   
4,236,375
 
Tenneco Automotive:
   
 
   
 
 
(Series B) 11.625%, 10/15/2009
   
2,700,000
   
2,929,500
 
10.25%, 7/15/2013*
   
4,425,000
   
5,055,563
 
TRW Automotive Acquisition 11%, 2/15/2013
   
1,850,000
   
2,187,625
 

 
 
   
 
   
34,007,563
 

 
Broadcasting 3.7%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Granite Broadcasting 9.75%, 12/1/2010*
   
3,550,000
   
3,558,875
 
Nextmedia Operating 10.75%, 7/1/2011
   
3,625,000
   
4,132,500
 
Paxson Communications 0% (12.25%), 1/15/2009
   
4,175,000
   
3,684,437
 
Sinclair Broadcasting Group 8%, 3/15/2012
   
2,300,000
   
2,495,500
 
Spanish Broadcasting System 9.625%, 11/1/2009
   
3,975,000
   
4,263,188
 
Young Broadcasting:
   
 
   
 
 
(Series B) 8.75%, 6/15/2007
   
5,121,000
   
5,274,630
 
8.75%, 1/15/2014*
   
4,425,000
   
4,502,437
 

 
 
   
 
   
27,911,567
 

 

___________________
See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 9    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value
 
Building Products 1.9%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Associated Materials 9.75%, 4/15/2012
 
$
5,600,000
 
$
6,160,000
 
Euramax International 8.5%, 8/15/2011*
   
3,575,000
   
3,834,188
 
Texas Industries 10.25%, 6/15/2011*
   
3,600,000
   
4,086,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
14,080,188
 

 
Cable 3.4%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Charter Communications:
   
 
   
 
 
10.25%, 9/15/2010*
   
9,750,000
   
10,286,250
 
0% (11.75%), 5/15/2011
   
9,300,000
   
6,277,500
 
Insight Communications 0% (12.25%†), 2/15/2011
   
4,525,000
   
3,891,500
 
Insight Midwest/Insight Capital 10.5%, 11/1/2010
   
2,625,000
   
2,867,812
 
Mediacom Broadband 11%, 7/15/2013
   
2,200,000
   
2,480,500
 

 
 
   
 
   
25,803,562
 

 
Capital Goods 3.0%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Blount 13%, 8/1/2009
   
5,275,000
   
5,710,188
 
Columbus McKinnon 10%, 8/1/2010
   
2,625,000
   
2,808,750
 
JLG Industries 8.375%, 6/15/2012
   
3,525,000
   
3,652,781
 
NMHG Holding 10%, 5/15/2009
   
2,875,000
   
3,191,250
 
Norcross Safety Products 9.875%, 8/15/2011*
   
3,100,000
   
3,417,750
 
Park-Ohio Industries 9.25%, 12/1/2007
   
4,425,000
   
4,425,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
23,205,719
 

 
Chemicals 9.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
ARCO Chemical 9.8%, 2/1/2020
   
7,100,000
   
7,171,000
 
Equistar Chemicals 10.125%, 9/1/2008
   
5,975,000
   
6,572,500
 
Hines Nurseries 10.25%, 10/1/2011*
   
1,750,000
   
1,916,250
 
Huntsman ICI Chemicals 10.125%, 7/1/2009
   
10,000,000
   
10,350,000
 
International Specialty Holdings 10.625%, 12/15/2009
   
5,825,000
   
6,436,625
 
Koppers 9.875%, 10/15/2013*
   
1,750,000
   
1,938,125
 
Kraton Polymers 8.125%, 1/15/2014*
   
850,000
   
888,250
 
Lyondell Chemical 11.125%, 7/15/2012
   
7,100,000
   
7,916,500
 
Millennium America 7.625%, 11/15/2026
   
8,350,000
   
7,807,250
 
Nalco 8.875%, 11/15/2013*
   
3,525,000
   
3,754,125
 
Polyone 10.625%, 5/15/2010
   
3,500,000
   
3,517,500
 
Resolution Performance Products 13.5%, 11/15/2010
   
5,300,000
   
4,637,500
 
Rockwood Specialties Group 10.625%, 5/15/2011*
   
3,525,000
   
3,948,000
 
Terra Capital 11.5%, 6/1/2010
   
5,050,000
   
5,302,500
 

 
 
   
 
   
72,156,125
 

 

___________________

See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 10    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value
 
Consumer Products 2.2%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Jostens 10.25%, 12/1/2013*
 
$
6,200,000
 
$
3,921,500
 
Playtex Products 9.375%, 6/1/2011
   
3,500,000
   
3,552,500
 
Rayovac 8.5%, 10/1/2013
   
3,575,000
   
3,807,375
 
Remington Arms 10.5%, 2/1/2011
   
1,750,000
   
1,872,500
 
Simmons 7.875%, 1/15/2014*
   
3,500,000
   
3,535,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
16,688,875
 

 
Containers 5.0%
   
 
   
 
 
AEP Industries 9.875%, 11/15/2007
   
3,375,000
   
3,408,750
 
Anchor Glass Container 11%, 2/15/2013*
   
2,650,000
   
3,087,250
 
BWAY 10%, 10/15/2010
   
2,675,000
   
2,929,125
 
Crown Cork & Seal 8%, 4/15/2023
   
9,725,000
   
9,141,500
 
Owens-Illinois:
   
 
   
 
 
7.5%, 5/15/2010
   
4,600,000
   
4,743,750
 
7.8%, 5/15/2018
   
4,400,000
   
4,570,500
 
Pliant:
   
 
   
 
 
11.125%, 9/1/2009
   
1,875,000
   
2,034,375
 
13%, 6/1/2010
   
3,650,000
   
3,358,000
 
Tekni-Plex (Series B) 12.75%, 6/15/2010
   
4,425,000
   
4,845,375
 

 
 
   
 
   
38,118,625
 

 
Diversified Telecommunications 2.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
LCI International 7.25%, 6/15/2007
   
4,425,000
   
4,270,125
 
Qwest Services 13.5%, 12/15/2010*
   
12,350,000
   
15,067,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
19,337,125
 

 
Electric 0.8%
   
 
   
 
 

 
CMS Energy 9.875%, 10/15/2007
   
1,775,000
   
1,988,000
 
MSW Energy Holdings 8.5%, 9/1/2010*
   
3,600,000
   
3,942,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
5,930,000
 

 
Energy 4.6%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Citgo Petroleum 11.375%, 2/1/2011
   
3,625,000
   
4,223,125
 
Dresser 9.375%, 4/15/2011
   
4,775,000
   
5,216,688
 
Dynegy Holdings 8.75%, 2/15/2012
   
9,875,000
   
10,010,781
 
El Paso 7.875%, 6/15/2012
   
5,375,000
   
5,106,250
 
El Paso Production Holdings 7.75%, 6/1/2013*
   
4,550,000
   
4,504,500
 
Suburban Propane Partners 6.875%, 12/15/2013*
   
850,000
   
862,750
 
Williams Companies 8.125%, 3/15/2012*
   
4,650,000
   
5,184,750
 

 
 
   
 
   
35,108,844
 

 
Environmental 0.8%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Allied Waste North America 7.875%, 4/15/2013
   
5,725,000
   
6,225,937
 

 

___________________
See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 11    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value
 
Finance 1.6%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Corrections Corporation of America 7.5%, 5/1/2011
 
$
3,300,000
 
$
3,481,500
 
Eircom Funding 8.25%, 8/15/2013 (Ireland)
   
2,225,000
   
2,475,313
 
Genesis Healthcare 8%, 10/15/2013*
   
850,000
   
890,375
 
Western Financial Bank 9.625%, 5/15/2012
   
5,075,000
   
5,684,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
12,531,188
 

 
Food and Beverage 1.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Land O’ Lakes 8.75%, 11/15/2011
   
5,300,000
   
4,664,000
 
Pilgrim’s Pride 9.25%, 11/15/2013*
   
3,925,000
   
4,082,000
 
Pinnacle Foods Holding 8.25%, 12/1/2013*
   
1,750,000
   
1,820,000
 
United Agricultural Products 8.25%, 12/15/2011*
   
850,000
   
877,625
 

 
 
   
 
   
11,443,625
 

 
Food and Drug 1.8%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Couche-Tard 7.5%, 12/15/2013*
   
850,000
   
894,625
 
General Nutrition Centers 8.5%, 12/1/2010*
   
1,300,000
   
1,339,000
 
Rite Aid 7.7%, 2/15/2027
   
8,900,000
   
8,188,000
 
Roundy’s (Series B) 8.875%, 6/15/2012
   
3,125,000
   
3,351,562
 

 
 
   
 
   
13,773,187
 

 
Gaming 0.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Mandalay Resort Group 9.375%, 2/15/2010
   
3,400,000
   
3,978,000
 

 
Health Care Facilities and Supplies 2.3%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Alliance Imaging 10.375%, 4/15/2011
   
5,500,000
   
5,857,500
 
Medex 8.875%, 5/15/2013*
   
3,550,000
   
3,834,000
 
Province Healthcare 7.5%, 6/1/2013
   
4,025,000
   
4,045,125
 
Universal Hospital Services 10.125%, 11/1/2011*
   
3,525,000
   
3,718,875
 

 
 
   
 
   
17,455,500
 

 
Industrials 0.2%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Sensus Metering Systems 8.625%, 12/15/2013*
   
1,750,000
   
1,804,687
 

 
Leisure 2.6%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Bally Health & Tennis 10.5%, 7/15/2011*
   
6,250,000
   
6,312,500
 
Imax 9.625%, 12/1/2010* (Canada)
   
2,650,000
   
2,799,063
 
Intrawest 7.5%, 10/15/2013*
   
2,775,000
   
2,899,875
 
Six Flags:
   
 
   
 
 
8.875%, 2/1/2010
   
4,925,000
   
5,078,906
 
9.625%, 6/1/2014*
   
2,200,000
   
2,310,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
19,400,344
 

 

___________________
See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 12    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003
 
   
Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value
 
Lodging 1.8%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Felcore Lodging 9.5%, 9/15/2008
 
$
2,675,000
 
$
2,902,375
 
John Q. Hammons Hotels (Series B) 8.875%, 5/15/2012
   
2,325,000
   
2,574,937
 
Host Marriot (Series I) 9.5%, 1/15/2007
   
2,900,000
   
3,240,750
 
MeriStar Hospitality 9.125%, 1/15/2011
   
4,750,000
   
5,058,750
 

 
 
   
 
   
13,776,812
 

 
Metals and Mining 3.6%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Gerdau AmeriSteel 10.375%, 7/15/2011*
   
3,500,000
   
3,885,000
 
IMCO Recycling 10.375%, 10/15/2010*
   
5,250,000
   
5,420,625
 
Earle M. Jorgesen 9.75%, 6/1/2012
   
3,050,000
   
3,400,750
 
Neenah Foundry 11%, 9/30/2010*
   
3,950,000
   
4,369,688
 
UCAR Finance 10.25%, 2/15/2012
   
4,500,000
   
5,197,500
 
United States Steel 10.75%, 8/1/2008
   
4,525,000
   
5,316,875
 

 
 
   
 
   
27,590,438
 

 
Paper and Forest Products 5.4%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Buckeye Technologies:
   
 
   
 
 
8%, 10/15/2010
   
3,550,000
   
3,496,750
 
8.5%, 10/1/2013
   
1,750,000
   
1,881,250
 
Caraustar Industries 9.875%, 4/1/2011
   
1,725,000
   
1,871,625
 
Georgia-Pacific 8.875%, 5/15/2031
   
15,300,000
   
16,906,500
 
Jefferson Smurfit 8.25%, 10/1/2012
   
3,625,000
   
3,951,250
 
Longview Fibre 10%, 1/15/2009
   
3,600,000
   
3,969,000
 
Potlatch 10%, 7/15/2011
   
3,800,000
   
4,256,000
 
Tembec Industries 8.625%, 6/30/2009
   
4,425,000
   
4,579,875
 

 
 
   
 
   
40,912,250
 

 
Property and Real Estate Development 0.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Forest City Enterprises 7.625%, 6/1/2015
   
3,575,000
   
3,811,844
 

 
Publishing 4.3%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Dex Media East 0% (9%), 11/15/2013*
   
15,050,000
   
10,685,500
 
Houghton Mifflin 9.875%, 2/1/2013
   
4,425,000
   
4,889,625
 
Primedia 8.875%, 5/15/2011
   
5,400,000
   
5,724,000
 
Quebecor Media 11.125%, 7/15/2011 (Canada)
   
4,525,000
   
5,260,312
 
Vertis:
   
 
   
 
 
9.75%, 4/1/2009
   
1,775,000
   
1,936,969
 
10.875%, 6/15/2009
   
2,575,000
   
2,748,813
 
13.5%, 12/7/2009*
   
1,750,000
   
1,725,937
 

 
 
   
 
   
32,971,156
 

 
Restaurants 0.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Buffets 11.25%, 7/15/2010
   
1,750,000
   
1,885,625
 
Domino’s 8.25%, 7/1/2011*
   
1,900,000
   
2,044,875
 

 
 
   
 
   
3,930,500
 

 

___________________
See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 13    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Value
 
Satellite 0.9%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Echostar 6.375%, 10/1/2011*
 
$
3,400,000
 
$
3,502,000
 
PanAmSat 8.5%, 2/1/2012
   
2,750,000
   
3,066,250
 

 
 
   
 
   
6,568,250
 

 
Services 3.4%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Mail-Well:
   
 
   
 
 
8.75%, 12/15/2008
   
2,650,000
   
2,656,625
 
9.625%, 3/15/2012
   
3,650,000
   
4,069,750
 
Mobile Mini 9.5%, 7/1/2013
   
1,350,000
   
1,491,750
 
NBC Acquisition 10.75%, 2/15/2009
   
6,600,000
   
6,888,750
 
Perry-Judd’s Holdings 10.625%, 12/15/2007
   
3,925,000
   
3,748,375
 
URS 11.5%, 9/15/2009
   
1,800,000
   
2,045,250
 
Williams Scotsman:
   
 
   
 
 
9.875%, 6/1/2007
   
3,475,000
   
3,535,813
 
10%, 8/15/2008
   
1,325,000
   
1,459,156
 

 
 
   
 
   
25,895,469
 

 
Stores 1.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Asbury Auto Group 8%, 3/15/2014*
   
3,500,000
   
3,535,000
 
Central Garden & Pet 9.125%, 2/1/2013
   
2,675,000
   
2,982,625
 
Hollywood Entertainment 9.625%, 3/15/2011
   
4,625,000
   
4,995,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
11,512,625
 

 
Technology 1.8%
   
 
   
 
 

 
AMI Semiconductor 10.75%, 2/1/2013
   
3,559,000
   
4,261,903
 
Amkor Technology 7.75%, 5/15/2013
   
3,325,000
   
3,582,687
 
Thomas & Betts 7.25%, 6/1/2013
   
3,800,000
   
3,933,000
 
Xerox 7.625%, 6/15/2013
   
1,875,000
   
2,034,375
 

 
 
   
 
   
13,811,965
 

 
Textile and Apparel 0.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Russell 9.25%, 5/1/2010
   
3,800,000
   
3,956,750
 

 
Tower 2.2%
   
 
   
 
 

 
American Tower 9.375%, 2/1/2009
   
7,125,000
   
7,623,750
 
SBA Communications 10.25%, 2/1/2009
   
7,425,000
   
7,332,187
 
SBA Telecommunications 0% (9.75%), 12/15/2011*
   
2,550,000
   
1,810,500
 

 
 
   
 
   
16,766,437
 

 

___________________
See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 14    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or Shares

 

 

Value
 
Utilities 4.7%
   
 
   
 
 

 
AES 9.375%, 9/15/2010
 
$
9,800,000
 
$
10,914,750
 
Calpine:
   
 
   
 
 
8.625%, 8/15/10
   
8,000,000
   
6,280,000
 
8.75%, 7/15/2013*
   
9,725,000
   
9,530,500
 
Edison Mission Energy 7.73%, 6/15/2009
   
5,525,000
   
5,290,188
 
National Waterworks (Series B) 10.5%, 12/1/2012
   
1,775,000
   
1,992,438
 
NRG Energy 8%, 12/15/2013*
   
1,750,000
   
1,848,437
 

 
 
   
 
   
35,856,313
 

 
Wireless 5.7%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Alamosa Holdings 11%, 7/31/2010
   
7,150,000
   
7,793,500
 
Centenial Cellular Operating 10.75%, 12/15/2008
   
2,625,000
   
2,782,500
 
Dobson Communications 8.875%, 10/1/2013*
   
5,925,000
   
6,028,688
 
Nextel Communications 7.375%, 8/1/2015
   
3,550,000
   
3,834,000
 
Nextel Partners:
   
 
   
 
 
12.5%, 11/15/2009
   
895,000
   
1,042,675
 
8.125%, 7/1/2011
   
1,750,000
   
1,872,500
 
Rural Cellular:
   
 
   
 
 
9.75%, 1/15/2010
   
5,550,000
   
5,452,875
 
9.875%, 2/1/2010
   
1,750,000
   
1,872,500
 
Triton PCS 8.75%, 11/15/2011
   
7,075,000
   
7,004,250
 
Western Wireless 9.25%, 7/15/2013
   
5,350,000
   
5,671,000
 

 
 
   
 
   
43,354,488
 

 
Total Corporate Bonds (Cost $669,965,488)
   
 
   
721,840,645
 

 
Preferred Stocks 1.8%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Broadcasting 0.9%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Paxson Communications 14.25%
   
70,900
shs.   
6,540,525
 

 
Cable 0.5%
   
 
   
 
 

 
CSC Holdings 11.75%ø
   
37,250
   
3,883,313
 

 
Publishing 0.4%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Primedia 8.625%
   
37,000
   
3,376,250
 

 
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost $13,528,626)
   
 
   
13,800,088
 

 
Asset-Backed Securities 0.6%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Utilities 0.6%
   
 
   
 
 

 
Midland Funding (Series A) 11.75%, 7/23/2005
   
 
   
 
 
  (Cost $4,187,992)
 
$
4,078,166
   
4,424,810
 

 

___________________
See footnotes on page 16.
 
 
 15    

 
 
Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 
   
Principal Amount
or Warrants

 

 

Value
 
Warrants
   
 
   
 
 

 
Tower
   
 
   
 
 

 
American Tower (Cost $238,723)*
   
3,125
wts. 
$
392,188
 

 
Repurchase Agreement 2.2%
   
 
   
 
 

 
State Street Bank & Trust 0.72%, dated 12/31/2003, maturing
1/2/2004 in the amount of $16,500,660, collateralized by:
$15,795,000 US Treasury Notes 4.875%, 2/15/2012,
with a fair market value of $16,999,369 (Cost $16,500,000)
 
$
16,500,000
   
16,500,000
 

 
Total Investments (Cost $704,420,829) 99.3%
   
756,957,731
 

 
Other Assets Less Liabilities 0.7%
   
5,125,354
 

 
Net Assets 100.0%
 
$
762,083,085
 

 
___________________
ø
Non-income producing security.
*
Rule 144A security.
Deferred-interest debentures pay no interest for a stipulated number of years, after which they pay the indicated coupon rate.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 16    

 
 
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2003


Assets:

Investments, at value:
Corporate bonds (cost $669,965,488)
 
$
721,840,645
   
 
Preferred stocks and warrants (cost $13,528,626)
   
14,192,276
   
 
Asset-backed securities (cost $4,187,992)
   
4,424,810
   
 
Repurchase agreement (cost $16,500,000)
   
16,500,000
 
$
756,957,731
 
Cash
   
   
28,658
 
Receivable for dividends and interest
   
   
15,727,340
 
Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest sold
   
   
408,251
 
Expenses prepaid to shareholder service agent
   
   
249,719
 
Receivable for securities sold
   
   
109,422
 
Other
   
   
131,354
 

 
Total Assets
   
   
773,612,475
 

 
Liabilities:
 

Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest repurchased
   
6,519,311
 
Dividends payable
   
2,056,076
 
Payable for securities purchased
   
1,895,778
 
Distribution and service fees payable
   
485,279
 
Management fee payable
   
422,819
 
Accrued expenses and other
   
150,127
 

 
Total Liabilities
   
11,529,390
 

 
Net Assets
 
$
762,083,085
 

 
Composition of Net Assets:
   
 
 

 
Shares of Beneficial Interest, at par (unlimited shares authorized; $0.001 par value; 214,530,191 shares outstanding):
   
 
 
Class A
 
$
70,196
 
Class B
   
89,832
 
Class C
   
16,828
 
Class D
   
36,131
 
Class I
   
1,543
 
Class R
   
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
2,170,177,256
 
Dividends in excess of net investment income
   
(3,398,362
)
Accumulated net realized loss
   
(1,457,447,241
)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments
   
52,536,902
 

 
Net Assets
 
$
762,083,085
 

 
Net Asset Value Per Share:
   
 
 

 
Class A ($248,869,165 ÷ 70,195,359)
 
$
3.55
   
Class D ($128,581,544 ÷ 36,130,922)
$
3.56
 
Class B ($319,266,666 ÷ 89,831,794)
 
$
3.55
   
Class I  ($5,472,142 ÷ 1,543,345)
$
3.55
 
Class C ($59,891,908 ÷ 16,828,303)
 
$
3.56
   
Class R ($1,660 ÷ 468)
$
3.55
 

___________________
See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 17    

 
 
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Investment Income:

 
Interest
 
$
70,590,274
 
Dividends
   
1,241,241
 

 
Total Investment Income
   
71,831,515
 

 
Expenses:

 
Distribution and service fees
   
5,810,558
 
Management fee
   
5,083,517
 
Shareholder account services
   
2,427,861
 
Custody and related services
   
230,123
 
Registration
   
138,748
 
Auditing and legal fees
   
136,686
 
Shareholder reports and communications
   
76,411
 
Directors’ fees and expenses
   
35,017
 
Miscellaneous
   
53,817
 

 
Total Expenses
   
13,992,738
 

 
Net Investment Income
   
57,838,777
 

 
 
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments:

 
Net realized gain on investments
   
52,924,456
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments
   
39,644,062
 

 
Net Gain on Investments
   
92,568,518
 

 
Increase in Net Assets from Operations
 
$
150,407,295
 

 

___________________
See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
 18    

 
 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 
 
Year Ended December 31,

 

 


 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

2002
 
Operations:

 
Net investment income
 
$
57,838,777
 
$
74,145,622
 
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
   
52,924,456
   
(278,644,475
)
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments
   
39,644,062
   
140,023,552
 

 
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations
   
150,407,295
   
(64,475,301
)

 
Distributions to Shareholders:
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net investment income:
   
 
   
 
 
Class A
   
(20,541,568
)
 
(25,094,875
)
Class B
   
(23,309,524
)
 
(30,234,991
)
Class C
   
(4,052,841
)
 
(4,985,089
)
Class D
   
(9,584,885
)
 
(13,082,393
)
Class I
   
(349,882
)
 
(176,687
)
Class R
   
(77
)
 
 

 
Total
   
(57,838,777
)
 
(73,574,035
)

  
 
Dividends in excess of net investment income:
   
 
   
 
 
Class A
   
(972,847
)
 
 
Class B
   
(1,103,937
)
 
 
Class C
   
(191,942
)
 
 
Class D
   
(453,939
)
 
 
Class I
   
(16,570
)
 
 
Class R
   
(4
)
 
 

 
Total
   
(2,739,239
)
 
 

 
Return of Capital:
   
 
   
 
 
Class A
   
   
(5,170,083
)
Class B
   
   
(6,862,779
)
Class C
   
   
(1,133,273
)
Class D
   
   
(2,952,344
)
Class I
   
   
(38,772
)

 
Total
   
   
(16,157,251
)

 
Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions
   
(60,578,016
)
 
(89,731,286
)

 

(continued on page 20)
 
 
 19    

 
 
Statements of Changes in Net Assets


 
 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   
 
   
2003

 

 

2002
 
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest:
   
   
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
 
$
91,960,373
 
$
87,119,250
 
Investment of dividends
   
30,359,362
   
42,204,942
 
Exchanged from associated funds
   
132,697,242
   
153,885,872
 

 
Total
   
255,016,977
   
283,210,064
 

 
Cost of shares repurchased
   
(221,949,382
)
 
(328,822,348
)
Exchanged into associated funds
   
(133,080,952
)
 
(167,256,417
)

 
Total
   
(355,030,334
)
 
(496,078,765
)

 
Decrease in Net Assets from Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest
   
(100,013,357
)
 
(212,868,701
)

 
   
   
 

 
Decrease in Net Assets
   
(10,184,078
)
 
(367,075,288
)

 
               
Net Assets:
   
   
 

 
Beginning of year
   
772,267,163
   
1,139,342,451
 
End of Year (includes dividends in excess of net investment income of $3,398,362 and $18,100,082, respectively)   $    762,083,085   $  772,267,163   

 

___________________
See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
 
 20    

 

Notes to Financial Statements


1.
Multiple Classes of Shares - Seligman High-Yield Bond Series (the “Fund”) is a series of Seligman High Income Fund Series (the “Series”). The Fund offers the following six classes of shares:

Class A shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 4.75% and a continuing service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis. Class A shares purchased in an amount of $1,000,000 or more are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1% on redemptions within 18 months of purchase.

Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, and a CDSC, if applicable, of 5% on redemptions in the first year of purchase, declining to 1% in the sixth year and 0% thereafter. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after their date of purchase.

Class C shares are sold primarily with an initial sales charge of up to 1% and a CDSC, if applicable, of 1% imposed on redemptions made within 18 months of purchase. Effective November 25, 2003, shares purchased through certain financial intermediaries may be bought without an initial sales charge and with a 1% CDSC on redemptions made within 12 months of purchase. All Class C shares are subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis.
 
 
 
Class D shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, and a CDSC, if applicable, of 1% imposed on redemptions made within one year of purchase.

Class I shares are offered to certain institutional clients. Class I shares are sold without any sales charges and are not subject to distribution and service fees.

Class R shares became effective on April 30, 2003, are offered to certain employee benefit plans and are not available to all investors. They are sold without an initial sales charge, but are subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.25% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, and a CDSC, if applicable, of 1% on redemptions made within one year of a plan’s initial purchase of Class R shares.

All classes of shares represent interests in the same portfolio of investments, have the same rights and are generally identical in all respects except that each class bears its own class-specific expenses, and has exclusive voting rights with respect to any matter on which a separate vote of any class is required.

2.
Significant Accounting Policies - The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of the Fund:

a.
Security Valuation - Investments in bonds, stocks and convertible issues are valued at current market values or, in their absence, at fair values determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Trustees. Securities traded on an exchange are valued at last sales prices or, in their absence and in the case of over-the-counter securities, at the mean of bid and asked prices. Short-term holdings maturing in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.

b.
Federal Taxes - There is no provision for federal income tax. The Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company and intends to distribute substantially all taxable net income and net gain realized.
 
 
 21    

 

Notes to Financial Statements


c.
Security Transactions and Related Investment Income - Investment transactions are recorded on trade dates. Identified cost of investments sold is used for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes. Dividends receivable and payable are recorded on ex-dividend dates. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. The Fund amortizes discount and premium on portfolio securities for financial reporting purposes.

d.
Repurchase Agreements - The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with commercial banks and with broker/dealers deemed to be creditworthy by J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated (the “Manager”). Securities received as collateral subject to repurchase agreements are deposited with the Fund’s custodian and, pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreement, must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. Procedures have been established to monitor, on a daily basis, the market value of repurchaseagreements’ underlying securities to ensure the existence of the proper level of collateral.

e.
Multiple Class Allocations - All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses), and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative value of shares of each class. Class-specific expenses, which include distribution and service fees and any other items that are specifically attributable to a particular class, are charged directly to such class. For the year ended December 31, 2003, distribution and service fees, shareholder account services and registration expenses were class-specific expenses.

f.
Distributions to Shareholders - Dividends are declared daily and paid monthly, other distributions paid by the Fund are recorded on ex-dividend dates. The treatment for financial statement purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense, or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassification will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or net asset values per share of the Fund.

3.
Purchases and Sales of Securities - Purchases and sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended December 31, 2003, amounted to $1,049,581,706 and $1,148,112,715, respectively.

At December 31, 2003, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $706,994,505. The tax basis cost was greater than the cost for financial reporting purposes due to tax deferral of losses on wash sales in the amount of $433,103 and the amortization of premium for financial reporting purposes of $2,140,573. The tax basis gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of portfolio securities amounted to $51,958,492 and $1,995,266, respectively.

4.
Management Fee, Distribution Services, and Other Transactions - The Manager manages the affairs of the Fund and provides the necessary personnel and facilities. Compensation of all officers of the Fund, all trustees of the Fund who are employees of the Manager, and all personnel of the Fund and the Manager is paid by the Manager. The Manager receives a fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, equal to 0.65% per annum of the first $1 billion of the Fund’s average daily net assets and 0.55% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets in excess of $1 billion. The management fee reflected in the Statement of Operations represents 0.65% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
 
 
 22    

 

Notes to Financial Statements


Seligman Advisors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), agent for the distribution of the Fund’s shares, and an affiliate of the Manager, received concessions of $35,887 from sales of Class A shares. Commissions of $271,142 and $112,340 were paid to dealers from sales of Class A and Class C shares, respectively.
 
The Fund has an Administration, Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) with respect to distribution of its shares. Under the Plan, with respect to Class A shares, service organizations can enter into agreements with the Distributor and receive a continuing fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, payable monthly, of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares attributable to the particular service organizations for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor charges such fees to the Fund pursuant to the Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2003, fees incurred under the Plan aggregated $652,204 or 0.25% per annum of the average daily net assets of Class A shares.
 
Under the Plan, with respect to Class B shares, Class C shares, Class D shares, and Class R shares, service organizations can enter into agreements with the Distributor and receive a continuing fee for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts of up to 0.25% on an annual basis of the average daily net assets of the Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class R shares for which the organizations are responsible; and, for Class C and Class D shares, fees for providing other distribution assistance of up to 0.75% (0.25%, in the case of Class R shares) on an annual basis of such average daily net assets. Such fees are paid monthly by the Fund to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan.
 
With respect to Class B shares, a distribution fee of 0.75% on an annual basis of average daily net assets is payable monthly by the Fund to the Distributor; however, the Distributor has sold its rights to this fee with respect to a substantial portion of Class B shares to third parties (the “Purchasers”), which provide funding to the Distributor to enable it to pay commissions to dealers at the time of the sale of the related Class B shares.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2003, fees incurred under the Plan, equivalent to 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of Class B, Class C, and Class D shares, amounted to $3,252,740, $567,600, and $1,338,009, respectively. For the period April 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, fees incurred in respect of Class R shares were $5, equivalent to 0.50% per annum of average daily net assets.
 
The Distributor is entitled to retain any CDSC imposed on certain redemptions of Class A , Class C, Class D and Class R shares. For the year ended December 31, 2003, such charges amounted to $55,508.
 
The Distributor has sold its rights to collect any CDSC imposed on redemptions of Class B shares to the Purchasers. In connection with the sale of its rights to collect any CDSC and the distribution fees with respect to Class B shares described above, the Distributor receives payments from the Purchasers based on the value of Class B shares sold. The aggregate of such payments and distribution fees retained by the Distributor, for the year ended December 31, 2003, amounted to $30,097.
 
Seligman Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Manager, is eligible to receive commissions from certain sales of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, as well as distribution and service fees pursuant to the Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2003, Seligman Services, Inc. received commissions of $3,453 from the sales of shares of the Fund. Seligman Services, Inc. also received distribution and service fees of $24,464, pursuant to the Plan.
 
Seligman Data Corp., which is owned by certain associated investment companies, charged the Fund a cost $2,427,861 for shareholder account services in accordance with a methodology approved by the Fund’s trustees. Class I shares receive more limited shareholder services than the Fund’s other classes of shares (the “Retail Classes”). Seligman Data Corp. does not allocate to Class I the costs of any of its departments that do not provide services to the Class I shareholders.

 
 23    

 

Notes to Financial Statements


Costs of Seligman Data Corp. directly attributable to the Retail Classes of the Fund were charged to those classes in proportion to their respective net asset values. Costs directly attributable to Class I shares were charged to Class I. The remaining charges were allocated to the Retail Classes and Class I by Seligman Data Corp. pursuant to a formula based on their net assets, shareholder transaction volumes and number of shareholder accounts.

The Series and certain other associated investment companies (together, the “Guarantors”) have severally but not jointly guaranteed the performance and observance of all the terms and conditions of two leases entered into by Seligman Data Corp., including the payment of rent by Seligman Data Corp. (the “Guaranties”). The leases and the Guaranties expire in September 2008 and January 2009. The obligation of the Series to pay any amount due under either Guaranty is limited to a specified percentage of the full amount, which generally is based on the Series’ percentage of the expenses billed by Seligman Data Corp. to all Guarantors in the preceding calendar quarter. As of December 31, 2003, the Series’ potential obligation under the Guaranties is $627,600. As of December 31, 2003, no event has occurred which would result in the Series becoming liable to make any payment under a Guaranty. The Fund would bear a portion of any payments made by the Series under the Guaranties. A portion of rent paid by Seligman Data Corp. is charged to the Fund as part of Seligman Data Corp.’s shareholder account services cost.

Certain officers and trustees of the Fund are officers or directors of the Manager, the Distributor, Seligman Services, Inc., and/or Seligman Data Corp.

The Fund has a compensation arrangement under which trustees who receive fees may elect to defer receiving such fees. Trustees may elect to have their deferred fees accrue interest or earn a return based on the performance of the Fund or other funds in the Seligman Group of Investment Companies. The cost of such fees and earnings/loss accrued thereon is included in trustees’ fees and expenses, and the accumulated balance thereof at December 31, 2003, of $27,264 is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities. Deferred fees and related accrued earnings are not deductible by the Fund for federal income tax purposes until such amounts are paid.

5.
Capital Loss Carryforward and Other Adjustments — At December 31, 2003, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $1,457,014,138, which is available for offset against future taxable net capital gains, with $88,447,879 expiring in 2007, $255,659,981 expiring in 2008, $668,622,539 expiring in 2009, and $444,283,739 expiring in 2010. The amount was determined after adjustments for certain differences between financial reporting and tax purposes, such as wash sale losses. Accordingly, no capital gain distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders until net capital gains have been realized in excess of the available capital loss carryforwards.

6.
Committed Line of Credit — Effective January 16, 2004, the Fund is a participant in a joint $445 million committed line of credit that is shared by substantially all open-end funds in the Seligman Group of Investment Companies. At December 31, 2003, the committed line of credit was $420 million. The trustees have currently limited the Fund’s borrowings to 10% of its net assets. Borrowings pursuant to the credit facility are subject to interest at a rate equal to the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.50%. The Fund incurs a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum on its share of the unused portion of the credit facility. The credit facility may be drawn upon only for temporary purposes and is subject to certain other customary restrictions. The credit facility commitment expires in June 2004, but is renewa ble annually with the consent of the participating banks. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Fund did not borrow from the credit facility.

 
 24    

 

Notes to Financial Statements


7.
Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest — The Fund has authorized unlimited shares of $0.001 par value Shares of Beneficial Interest. Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest were as follows:

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   
 
 
 

2003

 

2002

 

 
Class A
   
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
   
19,750,005
 
$
64,845,052
   
17,930,305
 
$
60,177,774
 
Investment of dividends
   
3,372,353
   
11,257,976
   
4,432,853
   
15,003,047
 
Exchanged from associated funds
   
29,714,802
   
98,511,770
   
36,604,195
   
124,306,343
 

 
Total
   
52,837,160
   
174,614,798
   
58,967,353
   
199,487,164
 

 
Cost of shares repurchased
   
(30,635,465
)
 
(102,529,746
)
 
(38,955,369
)
 
(129,947,111
)
Exchanged into associated funds
   
(32,468,232
)
 
(107,935,587
)
 
(36,708,336
)
 
(125,613,955
)
Transferred to Class I
   
   
   
(429,452
)
 
(1,537,439
)

 
Total
   
(63,103,697
)
 
(210,465,333
)
 
(76,093,157
)
 
(257,098,505
)

 
Decrease
   
(10,266,537
)
$
(35,850,535
)
 
(17,125,804
)
$
(57,611,341
)

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Class B
   
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
   
2,392,996
 
$
8,001,358
   
3,002,442
 
$
10,382,609
 
Investment of dividends
   
3,241,500
   
10,864,949
   
4,544,944
   
15,426,073
 
Exchanged from associated funds
   
7,082,946
   
23,575,331
   
6,171,696
   
20,848,044
 

 
Total
   
12,717,442
   
42,441,638
   
13,719,082
   
46,656,726
 

 
Cost of shares repurchased
   
(20,972,117
)
 
(70,334,266
)
 
(32,329,264
)
 
(107,962,462
)
Exchanged into associated funds
   
(4,978,261
)
 
(16,519,189
)
 
(8,761,771
)
 
(29,124,328
)

 
Total
   
(25,950,378
)
 
(86,853,455
)
 
(41,091,035
)
 
(137,086,790
)

 
Decrease
   
(13,232,936
)
$
(44,411,817
)
 
(27,371,953
)
$
(90,430,064
)

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Class C
   
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
   
4,172,255
 
$
13,957,406
   
3,292,105
 
$
11,358,137
 
Investment of dividends
   
635,232
   
2,132,580
   
849,964
   
2,884,232
 
Exchanged from associated funds
   
1,534,952
   
5,162,235
   
1,007,375
   
3,338,090
 

 
Total
   
6,342,439
   
21,252,221
   
5,149,444
   
17,580,459
 

 
Cost of shares repurchased
   
(4,832,192
)
 
(16,224,882
)
 
(8,322,551
)
 
(27,902,662
)
Exchanged into associated funds
   
(1,301,150
)
 
(4,330,091
)
 
(1,454,829
)
 
(4,803,541
)

 
Total
   
(6,133,342
)
 
(20,554,973
)
 
(9,777,380
)
 
(32,706,203
)

 
Increase (decrease)
   
209,097
 
$
697,248
   
(4,627,936
)
$
(15,125,744
)

 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Class D
   
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
   
971,003
 
$
3,242,054
   
1,020,753
 
$
3,506,232
 
Investment of dividends
   
1,714,869
   
5,744,394
   
2,555,045
   
8,685,745
 
Exchanged from associated funds
   
1,631,198
   
5,447,906
   
1,579,528
   
5,393,395
 

 
Total
   
4,317,070
   
14,434,354
   
5,155,326
   
17,585,372
 
Cost of shares repurchased
   
(9,663,490
)
 
(32,471,269
)
 
(18,723,603
)
 
(62,904,400
)
Exchanged into associated funds
   
(1,276,564
)
 
(4,296,085
)
 
(2,283,321
)
 
(7,714,593
)

 
Total
   
(10,940,054
)
 
(36,767,354
)
 
(21,006,924
)
 
(70,618,993
)

 
Decrease
   
(6,622,984
)
$
(22,333,000
)
 
(15,851,598
)
$
(53,033,621
)

 

 
 25    

 

Notes to Financial Statements


   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   
 
   

2003

 

2002

 

 
Class I
   
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
   
575,349
 
$
1,913,003
   
501,912
 
$
1,694,498
 
Investment of dividends
   
107,251
   
359,386
   
63,111
   
205,845
 
Transferred from Class A
   
   
   
429,452
   
1,537,439
 

 
Total
   
682,600
   
2,272,389
   
994,475
   
3,437,782
 

 
Cost of shares repurchased
   
(115,864
)
 
(389,219
)
 
(32,264
)
 
(105,713
)

 
Increase
   
566,736
 
$
1,883,170
   
962,211
 
$
3,332,069
 

 

   
April 30,2003 *to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,2003

             

 
Class R
   
Shares

 

 

Amount
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net proceeds from sales of shares
   
445
 
$
1,500
   
 
   
 
 
Investment of dividends
   
23
   
77
   
 
   
 
 

 
Increase
   
468
 
$
1,577
   
 
   
 
 

 

*
 Commencement of offering of shares.

8.
Other Matters — The Manager has been conducting an extensive internal review in response to recent developments regarding disruptive or illegal trading practices within the mutual fund industry. The Manager’s review noted one market timing relationship that was in the process of being closed down by the Manager before the first proceedings relating to trading practices within the mutual fund industry were publicly announced in September 2003. Additionally, the Manger identified three other market timing arrangements, all of which had been terminated, the most recent in September 2002. The Manager is confident that any financial impact of these arrangements on any Seligman Fund was minimal. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Attorney General of the State of New York a lso are reviewing these matters.

In connection with the Manager’s internal review, the Manager has also reviewed its practice of placing some of the Seligman Equity Funds’ orders to buy and sell portfolio securities with brokerage firms in recognition of their sales of Seligman Funds. This is a common practice and permissible when done properly. Although the Manager believes that the execution of all such orders was consistent with its best execution obligations, the Manager may have violated applicable requirements for certain of such orders as a result of compensation arrangements that the distributor had with certain brokerage firms. The Manager is confident that Seligman Equity Funds did not pay higher brokerage commissions than they would otherwise have paid for comparable transactions. The Manager is also responding to information requests from the SEC relating to the Manager’s revenue sharing and fund portfolio brokerage commissions.

The Independent Trustees of the Board of the Series have been reviewing, and will continue to review, the foregoing matters. If the Fund has incurred financial harm as a result of violations of law or internal policies by the Manager or its personnel, the Manager will make restitution to the Fund.

 
 26    

 

Financial Highlights


The tables below are intended to help you understand each Class’s financial performance for the past five years or from its inception if less than five years. Certain information reflects financial results for single share of Beneficial Interest of a Class that was held throughout the periods shown. Per share amounts are calculated using average shares outstanding. “Total return” shows the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Class, assuming you reinvested all your dividends and capital gain distributions. Total returns do not reflect any taxes or sales charges and are not annualized for periods of less than one year.

CLASS A


 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   
 
 
   
2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2001ø

 

 

2000

 

 

1999
 

 
Per Share Data:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
 
 
$ 3.16
 
 
$ 3.69
 
 
$ 4.99
 
 
$ 6.26
 
 
$ 6.95
 

 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
Net investment income
   
0.26
   
0.28
   
0.47
   
0.64
   
0.69
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
0.40
   
(0.47
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(0.68
)

 
Total from Investment Operations
   
0.66
   
(0.19
)
 
(0.74
)
 
(0.57
)
 
0.01
 

 
Less Distributions:

 
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.26
)
 
(0.28
)
 
(0.47
)
 
(0.64
)
 
(0.70
)
Dividends in excess of net investment income
   
(0.01
)
 
   
   
(0.02
)
 
 

 
Return of capital
   
   
(0.06
)
 
(0.09
)
 
(0.04
)
 
 

 
Total Distributions
   
(0.27
)
 
(0.34
)
 
(0.56
)
 
(0.70
)
 
(0.70
)

 
Net Asset Value, End of Year
 
 
$ 3.55
 
 
$ 3.16
 
 
$ 3.69
 
 
$ 4.99
 
 
$ 6.26
 

 
Total Return:
   
21.84
%
 
(5.35)
%
 
(15.91)
%
 
(10.02)
%
 
0.09
%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)
 
 
$248,869
 
 
$254,191
 
 
$360,394
 
 
$584,944
 
 
$923,395
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
   
1.30
%
 
1.31
%
 
1.16
%
 
1.09
%
 
1.08
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
7.88
%
 
8.53
%
 
10.61
%
 
11.08
%
 
10.30
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
141.00
%
 
117.82
%
 
53.04
%
 
27.45
%
 
40.60
%

___________________
See footnotes on page 31.

 
 27    

 

Financial Highlights


CLASS B

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   
 
 
   
2003

 

 

2002 ø

 

 

2001

 

 

2000

 

 

1999
 

 
Per Share Data:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
 
 
$ 3.17
 
 
$ 3.70
 
 
$ 5.00
 
 
$ 6.26
 
 
$ 6.95
 

 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net investment income
   
0.24
   
0.26
   
0.43
   
0.59
   
0.64
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
0.39
   
(0.48
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(1.20
)
 
(0.68
)

 
Total from Investment Operations
   
0.63
   
(0.22
)
 
(0.78
)
 
(0.61
)
 
(0.04
)
Less Distributions:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.24
)
 
(0.25
)
 
(0.43
)
 
(0.59
)
 
(0.65
)

 
Dividends in excess of net investment income
   
(0.01
)
 
   
   
(0.02
)
 
 

 
Return of capital
   
   
(0.06
)
 
(0.09
)
 
(0.04
)
 
 

 
Total Distributions
   
(0.25
)
 
(0.31
)
 
(0.52
)
 
(0.65
)
 
(0.65
)
Net Asset Value, End of Year
 
 
$ 3.55
 
 
$ 3.17
 
 
$ 3.70
 
 
$ 5.00
 
 
$ 6.26
 

 
Total Return:
   
20.64
%
 
(6.07)
%
 
(16.58)
%
 
(10.66)
%
 
(0.69)
%

 
 
Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)
 
 
$319,267
 
 
$326,688
 
 
$483,041
 
 
$723,751
 
 
$1,073,910
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
   
2.05
%
 
2.06
%
 
1.91
%
 
1.84
%
 
1.83
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
7.13
%
 
7.78
%
 
9.86
%
 
10.33
%
 
9.55
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
141.00
%
 
117.82
%
 
53.04
%
 
27.45
%
 
40.60
%

___________________
See footnotes on page 31.

 
 28    

 

Financial Highlights


CLASS C

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

       
   
   

5/27/99* to

 
 
   
2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2001ø

 

 

2000
   
12/31/99
 

 
Per Share Data:
 
 
 
   
 
 

 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
 
 
$ 3.17
 
 
$ 3.70
 
 
$ 5.00
 
 
$ 6.27
 
 
$ 6.75
 

 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net investment income
   
0.24
   
0.26
   
0.43
   
0.59
   
0.32
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
0.40
   
(0.48
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(0.41
)

 
Total from Investment Operations
   
0.64
   
(0.22
)
 
(0.78
)
 
(0.62
)
 
(0.09
)
Less Distributions:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.24
)
 
(0.25
)
 
(0.43
)
 
(0.59
)
 
(0.39
)
Dividends in excess of net investment income
   
(0.01
)
 
   
   
(0.02
)
 
 
Return of capital
   
   
(0.06
)
 
(0.09
)
 
(0.04
)
 
 

 
Total Distributions
   
(0.25
)
 
(0.31
)
 
(0.52
)
 
(0.65
)
 
(0.39
)

 
Net Asset Value, End of Period
 
 
$ 3.56
 
 
$ 3.17
 
 
$ 3.70
 
 
$ 5.00
 
 
$ 6.27
 

 
Total Return:
   
20.98
%
 
(6.08)
%
 
(16.59)
%
 
(10.81)
%
 
(1.71)
%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)
 
 
$59,892
 
 
$52,709
 
 
$78,721
 
 
$87,204
 
 
$51,815
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
   
2.05
%
 
2.06
%
 
1.91
%
 
1.84
%
 
1.81%†
 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
7.13
%
 
7.78
%
 
9.86
%
 
10.33
%
 
9.78%†
 
Portfolio turnover rate
   
141.00
%
 
117.82
%
 
53.04
%
 
27.45
%
 
40.60%**
 

___________________
See footnotes on page 31.

 
 29    

 

Financial Highlights
CLASS D

 
   

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2003

 

 

2002

 

 

2001ø

 

 

2000

 

 

1999
 

 
Per Share Data:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year
 
 
$ 3.17
 
 
$ 3.70
 
 
$ 5.00
 
 
$ 6.27
 
 
$ 6.95
 

 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Net investment income
   
0.24
   
0.26
   
0.43
   
0.59
   
0.64
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
0.40
   
(0.48
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(1.21
)
 
(0.67
)

 
Total from Investment Operations
   
0.64
   
(0.22
)
 
(0.78
)
 
(0.62
)
 
(0.03
)

 
Less Distributions:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.24
)
 
(0.25
)
 
(0.43
)
 
(0.59
)
 
(0.65
)
Dividends in excess of net investment income
   
(0.01
)
 
   
   
(0.02
)
 
 
Return of capital
   
   
(0.06
)
 
(0.09
)
 
(0.04
)
 
 

 
Total Distributions
   
(0.25
)
 
(0.31
)
 
(0.52
)
 
(0.65
)
 
(0.65
)

 
Net Asset Value, End of Year
 
 
$ 3.56
 
$
$ 3.17
 
 
$ 3.70
 
 
$ 5.00
 
 
$ 6.27
 

 
Total Return:
   
20.98
%
 
(6.08)
%
 
(16.59)
%
 
(10.81)
%
 
(0.54)
%

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 
Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)
 
 
$128,582
 
 
$135,595
 
 
$217,133
 
 
$369,286
 
 
$656,727
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
   
2.05
%
 
2.06
%
 
1.91
%
 
1.84
%
 
1.83
%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
7.13
%
 
7.78
%
 
9.86
%
 
10.33
%
 
9.55
%
Portfolio turnover rate
   
141.00
%
 
117.82
%
 
53.04
%
 
27.45
%
 
40.60
%

___________________
See footnotes on page 31.

 
 30    

 

Financial Highlights


CLASS I
                   

CLASS R

 

 
 
   

Year Ended December 31,

             
   
   

11/30/01* to 

   
4/30/03* to 
 
 
   
2003

 

 

2002

 

 

12/31/01ø

 

 

12/30/03
 

 
 
Per Share Data:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
 
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period
 
 
$ 3.16
 
 
$ 3.69
 
 
$ 3.77
 
 
$ 3.37
 

 
 
Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
 
Net investment income
   
0.28
   
0.29
   
0.02
   
0.17
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
0.40
   
(0.47
)
 
(0.05
)
 
0.19
 

 
 
Total from Investment Operations
   
0.68
   
(0.18
)
 
(0.03
)
 
0.36
 

 
 
Less Distributions:
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

 
 
Dividends from net investment income
   
(0.28
)
 
(0.29
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(0.17
)
Dividends in excess of net investment income
   
(0.01
)
 
   
   
(0.01
)
Return of capital
   
   
(0.06
)
 
(0.04
)
 
 

 
 
Total Distributions
   
(0.29
)
 
(0.35
)
 
(0.05
)
 
(0.18
)

 
 
Net Asset Value, End of Period
 
 
$ 3.55
 
 
$ 3.16
 
 
$ 3.69
 
 
$ 3.55
 

 
 
Total Return:
   
22.38
%
 
(5.02)
%
 
(0.91)
%
 
10.99
%

 
 


Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 
 
Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)
 
 
$ 5,472
 
 
$ 3,085
 
 
$ 53
 
 
$ 2   
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
   
0.95
%
 
0.93
%
 
0.78
%†   
1.56%
 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
8.23
%
 
8.91
%
 
11.48
%†   
7.64%
 
Portfolio turnover rate
   
141.00
%
 
117.82
%
 
53.04
%***    
141.00%
 
Without expense reimbursements:‡‡
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Ratio of expenses to average net assets
   
 
   
0.98
%
 
1.43
%†   
 
 
Ratio of net investment income to
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
average net assets
   
 
   
8.86
%
 
10.83
%†   
 
 

Annualized.
*
Commencement of offering of shares. ** For the year ended December 31, 1999.
***
For the year ended December 31, 2001. For the year ended December 31, 2003.
‡‡
The Manager, at its discretion, reimbursed certain expenses of Class I shares.
ø
As required, effective January 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing premium on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended December 31, 2001, was to decrease net investment income per share by $0.01 for Classes A, B, C and D, decrease net realized and unrealized loss on investments per share by $0.01 for Classes A, B, C and D, and decrease the ratios of net investment income to average net assets from 10.77% to 10.61% for Class A, from 10.02% to 9.86% for Classes B, C, and D, and from 11.53% to 11.48% for Class I. The effect of this change per share for Class I was less than $0.01. The ratios for periods prior to January 1, 2001, have not been restated.
See Notes to Financial Statements.

 
 31    

 

Report of Independent Auditors


The Trustees and Shareholders,
Seligman High-Yield Bond Series of
Seligman High Income Fund Series:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2003, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2003, by correspondence with the Fund’s custodian and brokers; where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a re asonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series as of December 31, 2003, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
February 26, 2004

 
 32    

 

Trustees and Officers
Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series is set forth below.

Independent Trustees

Name, (Age), Position(s) held with Fundø
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships and Other Information

Robert B. Catell (66)
•  Trustee: May 2003 to Date
•  Oversees 60 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KeySpan Corporation (diversified energy, gas and electric company); Director or Trustee of each of the invest­ment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds† (except Seligman Cash Management Fund, Inc.); Director, Alberta Northeast Gas, Ltd., Boundary Gas Inc., Taylor Gas Liquids, Ltd., and The Houston Exploration Company (oil and gas exploration, development and production companies); Edison Electric Institute, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Independence Community Bank, Business Council of New York State, Inc., New York City Partnership, and the Long Island Association (business and civic organizations)

John R. Galvin (74)2,4
•  Trustee: 1995 to Date
•  Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Dean Emeritus, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; and Chairman Emeritus, American Council on Germany. Formerly, Governor of the Center for Creative Leadership; Director, Raytheon Co. (defense and commercial electronics) and USLIFE Corporation (life insurance). From June 1987 to June 1992, Mr. Galvin was the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and the Commander-in-Chief, United States European Command

Alice S. Ilchman (68)3,4
Trustee: 1991 to Date
Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
President Emerita, Sarah Lawrence College; Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, Jeannette K. Watson Summer Fellowships (summer internships for col­lege students); Trustee, Save the Children (non-profit child-assistance organization) and the Committee for Economic Development; a Governor of the Court of Governors, London School of Economics; and Director, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Formerly, Chairman, The Rockefeller Foundation (charitable foundation) and Director, New York Telephone Company.

Frank A. McPherson (70)3,4
•  Trustee: 1995 to Date
•  Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kerr-McGee Corporation (diversified energy company); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, ConocoPhillips (integrated international oil corporation); Integris Health (owner of various hospitals); BOK Financial (bank holding company); Oklahoma Chapter of the Nature Conservancy; Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma; Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence in Education. Formerly, Director, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (consumer products) and the Federal Reserve System’s Kansas City Reserve Bank

See footnotes on page 36.

 
 33    

 

Trustees and Officers
Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series is set forth below.

Independent Trustees
Name, (Age), Position(s) held with Fundø
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships and Other Information

John E. Merow (74)2,4
•  Trustee: 1984 to Date
•  Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Retired Chairman and Senior Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (law firm); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, Commonwealth Industries, Inc. (manufacturer of aluminum sheet products); Director and Treasurer, the Foreign Policy Association; Director Emeritus, Municipal Art Society of New York; Trustee and Secretary, the U.S. Council for International Business; Trustee and Vice Chairman, New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, Inc.; Trustee, New York-Presbyterian Hospital; and Member of the American Law Institute and Council on Foreign Relations.

Betsy S. Michel (61)2,4
Trustee: 1984 to Date
Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Attorney; Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Trustee, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (charitable foundation) and World Learning, Inc. (international education­al training). Formerly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. George’s School (Newport, RI)

Leroy C. Richie (62)2,4
•  Trustee: 2000 to Date
•  Oversees 60 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Q Standards Worldwide, Inc. (library of technical standards); Director or Trustee of each of the investment com­panies of the Seligman Group of Funds (except Seligman Cash Management Fund, Inc.)†; Director, Kerr-McGee Corporation (diversified energy company) and Infinity, Inc. (oil and gas services and exploration); Director and Chairman, Highland Park Michigan Economic Development Corp. Formerly, Trustee, New York University Law Center Foundation; Vice Chairman, Detroit Medical Center and the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Coating Technologies, Inc. (applied coating technologies); and Vice President and General Counsel, Automotive Legal Affairs, Chrysler Corporation.

Robert L. Shafer (71)3,4
Trustee: 1984 to Date
Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Retired Vice President, Pfizer Inc. (pharmaceuticals); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†. Formerly, Director, USLIFE Corporation (life insurance).

James N. Whitson (68)2,4
Trustee: 1993 to Date
• Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sammons Enterprises, Inc. (a diversified holding company); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, C-SPAN (cable television network) and CommScope, Inc. (manufacturer of coaxial cable). Formerly, Director and Consultant, Sammons Enterprises, Inc.

See footnotes on page 36.

 
 34    

 

Trustees and Officers
Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series is set forth below.

Interested Trustees and Principal Officers
Name, (Age), Position(s) held with Fundø
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships and Other Information

William C. Morris (65)
•  Trustee and Chairman of the Board: 1988 to Date
•  Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Chairman, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Chairman of the Board and Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Chairman, Seligman Advisors, Inc., Seligman Services, Inc., and Carbo Ceramics Inc. (manufacturer of ceramic prop-pants for oil and gas industry); and Director, Seligman Data Corp. Formerly, Director, Kerr-McGee Corporation (diversified energy company) and Chief Executive Officer of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds.

Brian T. Zino *(51)1
 Trustee: 1993 to Date
•  President: 1995 to Date
•  Chief Executive Officer: 2002 to Date
•  Oversees 61 Portfolios in Fund Complex
Director and President, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; Chief Executive Officer, President and Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, Seligman ­Advisors, Inc. and Seligman Services, Inc.; Chairman, Seligman Data Corp.; Member of the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute; and Chairman, ICI Mutual Insurance Company.

Kendall C. Peterson (46)
•  Vice President and Portfolio Manager: 2001 to Date
Managing Director, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated since 2001; Vice President of Seligman Portfolios, Inc. and Portfolio Manager of its High-Yield Bond Portfolio. Formerly, Vice President and Portfolio Manager and Desk Head for High Yield Mutual Funds with Fortis, Inc. since 1999. From 1985 through 1999, served in a variety of capacities with The Prudential 1985 through 1999, served in a variety of capacities with The Prudential President and Portfolio Manager for High Yield Mutual Funds.

James M. Didden, Jr. (36)
Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager: Jan.2004
Managing Director, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated since 2002; Vice President of Seligman Portfolios, Inc. and Co-Portfolio Manager of its President of Seligman Portfolios, Inc. and Co-Portfolio Manager of its

Thomas G. Rose (46)
•  Vice President: 2000 to Date
Senior Vice President, Finance, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Seligman Advisors, Inc., and Seligman Data Corp.; Vice President of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†, Seligman Services, Inc. and Seligman International, Inc. Formerly, Treasurer of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds and Seligman Data Corp.

See footnotes on page 36.
 
 
 35    

 
 
Trustees and Officers
Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series is set forth below.

Interested Trustees and Principal Officers
Name, (Age), Position(s) held with Fundø
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships and Other Information

Lawrence P. Vogel (47)
Vice President: 1992 to Date
Treasurer: 2000 to Date
Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Investment Companies, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; Vice President and Treasurer of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds; Treasurer, Seligman Data Corp. Formerly, Senior Vice President, Finance, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Seligman Advisors, Inc. and Seligman Data Corp.; Vice President, Seligman Services, Inc. and Vice President and Treasurer, Seligman International, Inc. and Treasurer, Seligman Henderson Co

Frank J. Nasta (39)
Secretary: 1994 to Date
Managing Director, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; Secretary of each of the investment compa­nies of the Seligman Group of Funds†, Seligman Advisors, Inc., Seligman Services, Inc., Seligman International, Inc. and Seligman Data Corp. Formerly, Senior Vice President, Law and Regulation, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, and Corporate Secretary, Seligman Henderson Co.


The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about Fund trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (800) 221-2450 in the US or collect (212) 682-7600 outside the US to request a copy of the SAI, to request other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries.
 
ø

The address for each of the Trustees and officers is 100 Park Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY 10017. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term, until the election and qualification of a successor or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Each officer is elected annually by the Trustees

   
The Seligman Group of Funds consists of 23 registered investment companies.
   
* Mr. Morris and Mr. Zino are considered “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by virtue of their positions with J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated and its affiliates.
   
 
Member:
1 Executive Committee
2 Audit Committee
3 Trustee Nominating Committee
4 Board Operations Committee
 
 
 36    

 

 
Manager

J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated
100 Park Avenue • New York, NY 10017

General Distributor
Seligman Advisors, Inc.
100 Park Avenue • New York, NY 10017

Shareholder Service Agent
Seligman Data Corp.
100 Park Avenue • New York, NY 10017

General Counsel
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP

For More Information
Important Telephone Numbers

(800) 221-2450 Shareholder Services
(800) 445-1777 Retirement Plan Services
(212) 682-7600 Outside the United States
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This report is intended only for the information of shareholders or those who have received the offering prospectus covering shares of Beneficial Interest of Seligman High-Yield Bond Series which contains information about the sales charges, management fee, and other costs. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
 
 
 
 
     

 
 

fontcover



 


Seligman
140 Years of Investment Experience


 

J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated is a firm with a long tradition of investment expertise, offering a broad array of investment choices to help today’s investors seek their long-term financial goals.

 

 

 

Established in 1864, Seligman has a history of providing financial services marked not by fanfare, but rather by a quiet and firm adherence to financial prudence. While the world has changed dramatically in the 140 years since Seligman first opened its doors, the firm has continued to offer its clients high-quality investment solutions through changing times.

 

 

 

In the late 19th century, as the country grew, Seligman helped finance the westward expansion of the railroads, the construction of the Panama Canal, and the launching of urban transit systems. In the early 20th century, the firm helped fund the growing capital needs of new industries, including the nascent automobile and steel industries.

 

 

 

With the formation of Tri-Continental Corporation in 1929 — today, one of the nation’s largest diversified publicly-traded closed-end equity investment companies — Seligman began shifting its emphasis to investment management. In 1930, Seligman established what would be the first in an impressive lineup of mutual funds.

 

 

 

Seligman is proud of its distinctive past and of the traditional values that continue to shape the firm’s business decisions and investment judgment. While much has changed over the years, the firm’s commitment to providing prudent investment management that seeks to build wealth for clients over time is an enduring value that will continue to guide Seligman.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To The Shareholders

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview With Your
Portfolio Manager

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance Overview

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio of Investments

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Assets
and Liabilities

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of Operations

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of
Changes in Net Assets

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Financial
Statements

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

17

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent
Auditors

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trustees and Officers

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

For More Information

back
cover

 





 



To The Shareholders


 

Your annual shareholder report for Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series follows this letter. This report contains an interview with your Fund’s Portfolio Manager, as well as your Fund’s investment results and financial statements, including a portfolio of investments.

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2003, Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series delivered a total return of 0.55% based on the net asset value of Class A shares. During the same time, the Lipper General US Government Bond Funds Average returned 1.39% and the Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index returned 2.36%.

 

 

 

As you are probably aware, the mutual fund industry has been dealing with the issue of market timing and other disruptive or illegal trading practices in mutual fund shares. J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, which manages a family of mutual funds, including your Fund, has conducted an extensive internal review regarding these matters, the results of which have been previously reported to shareholders. For more information, please visit www.seligman.com.*

 

 

 

We thank you for your continued support of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series and look forward to serving your investment needs for many years to come.

 

 

 

By Order of the Trustees,

 

 

 

signature

 

William C. Morris
Chairman

 

 

 

signature

 

Brian T. Zino
President

 

 

 

February 25, 2004

 

 

 


 

*

The reference to Seligman’s website is an inactive textual reference and information contained in or otherwise accessible through Seligman’s website does not form a part of this report or the Fund’s prospectus.


1

 





Interview With Your Portfolio Manager

Christopher J. Mahony


Q:

How did Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series perform for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003?

 

 

A:

During the year ended December 31, 2003, Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series delivered a total return of 0.55% based on the net asset value of Class A shares. During the same time, the Lipper General US Government Bond Funds Average returned 1.39%, and the Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index returned 2.36%.

 

 

Q:

What market conditions and events materially affected the Fund’s performance during the period?

 

 

A:

The US government bond market was highly volatile over the course of the year, but yields at year-end were only slightly higher than where they were at the beginning of the year. The 10-year US Treasury bond yield began the year at 3.83% and ended the year 44 basis points higher, at 4.27%.

 

 

 

High levels of volatility began in May, when the Federal Reserve Board voiced concern that inflation could fall to undesirably low levels. This pushed prices for bonds, whose real yields are protected during periods of very low inflation, sharply higher through the middle of June. At that time, the yield for the 10-year US Treasury bond hit a 40-year low of about 3.10%. (When bond prices rise, yields fall, and vice versa.) Because of the Fed’s stated concerns regarding disinflation, the market anticipated, and priced in, a 50-basis-point cut in the federal funds rate at the Fed’s June meeting. The cut was a more modest 25 basis points, bringing the target federal funds rate to 1.00%. Bond yields jumped sharply higher, and continued moving up from their 40-year lows through the beginning of September. Rates were relatively stable during the final quarter of the year.

 

 

 

Overall, however, rates did rise over the course of the year, albeit modestly. Higher rates generally mean a loss of principal value for bonds, and higher rates eroded the Fund’s principal somewhat. The Fund’s total return, however, was positive because we were able to secure enough additional yield to make up for the loss of principal. We were also able to reduce principal loss through active trading and by shortening the Fund’s duration.

 

 

Q:

What investment strategies or techniques materially affected the Fund’s performance during the period?

 

 

A:

During 2003, the Fund significantly reduced exposure to US Treasuries, from 62.2% to just 12.4%, and significantly increased exposure to Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association) CMOs (Collateralized Mortgage Obligations), from 14.3% to 63.1%. This sector rotation, which was undertaken gradually over the course of the year, stemmed from our belief that rates would be moving higher, and spread products, which are fixed-income securities other than direct obligations of the US Treasury, typically perform better in a rising-rate environment. The move out of Treasuries and into Ginnie Maes certainly helped the Fund during the sharp rise in yields over the summer of 2003. The move also provided the Fund with some additional yield, even as rates steadied in the fourth quarter.

 

 

 

As the outlook for the US economy improved over the course of the year, lower-quality credit securities outperformed those of higher quality. This less risk-averse environment hurt the Fund’s relative returns. The Fund must maintain, by prospectus, a very


2

 





Interview With Your Portfolio Manager

Christopher J. Mahony


 

high-quality portfolio. All US government funds within our Lipper peer group, including the Fund, must have 80% of their assets invested in full faith and credit obligations of the US government. Many other funds, however, have no restrictions on where the other 20% must be invested, and many choose to invest in corporate bonds, which have higher yields but also more credit risk. Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is more conservative than most other US government bond funds. As a matter of policy, the Fund’s 20% allowance outside of full faith and credit obligations has been invested in US government agency securities. These securities, while being very high quality, offer lower yields and less chance for price appreciation if yield spreads between higher- and lower-quality securities contract, as they did in 2003.

 

 

 

The Fund’s duration was also shortened by about 1.5 years in 2003. Duration is a measure of sensitivity to changing interest rates. The longer the duration, the more sensitive the portfolio is to changing interest rates. In a falling-rate environment, a longer duration allows for greater price appreciation. In a rising-rate environment, a longer duration exposes a portfolio to a risk of greater loss of principal. During 2003, we were positioning the Fund for economic recovery and higher interest rates, and thus took steps to protect the Fund’s principal. The Fund’s move to a shorter duration helped somewhat during the summer as rates rose, but since rates moved only slightly higher during 2003, this change has thus far had only a minimal positive impact on the Fund’s performance.

 

 


The views and opinions expressed are those of the Portfolio Manager(s), are provided for general information only, and do not constitute specific tax, legal, or investment advice to, or recommendations for, any person. There can be no guarantee as to the accuracy of market forecasts. Opinions, estimates, and forecasts may be changed without notice.


 


A Team Approach

 

 

 

 

 

Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is managed by the investment-grade team of Seligman’s Fixed Income Team. The investment-grade team is led by Christopher Mahony, who is assisted in the management of the Fund by seasoned research professionals who identify primarily long-term bonds issued or guaranteed by the US government, its agencies, and instrumentalities in order to seek high current income. The Seligman Fixed Income Team is led by Kendall Peterson. Team members include James Didden, Jeff Gallo, Paul Langlois, Paul Pertusi, Gregory Siegel, and Sau Lin Wu (trader).

 

 

 

 


3

 




Performance Overview

This chart compares hypothetical $10,000 investments in the Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series Class A, with and without the initial 4.75% maximum sales charge, and Class D, without the sales charge, to a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index (Lehman Bond Index) for the 10-year period ended December 31, 2003. Calculations assume reinvestment of distributions. The performances of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series Class B, Class C, and Class R, which commenced on later dates, are not shown in this chart but are included in the table on page 5. The performances of Class B, Class C and Class R will differ from the performances shown for Class A and Class D, based on the differences in sales charges and fees paid by shareholders. This chart does not reflect the deduction of taxes that an investor may pay on Fund distributions or the redemptions of Fund shares. Past performance is not indicative of future investment results. Although the payment of principal and interest with respect to certain long-term securities held in Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is guaranteed by the US government or its agencies, the rates of return will vary and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. Shares, if redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. It is important to keep in mind that the Lehman Bond Index excludes the effects of taxes, fees and sales charges.

chart

Net Asset Value Per Share

 

 

12/31/03

 

6/30/03

 

12/31/02

 


 

Class A

 

 

$

7.23

 

 

 

$

7.44

 

 

 

$

7.39

 

 

Class B

 

 

 

7.25

 

 

 

 

7.45

 

 

 

 

7.40

 

 

Class C

 

 

 

7.25

 

 

 

 

7.45

 

 

 

 

7.40

 

 

Class D

 

 

 

7.24

 

 

 

 

7.45

 

 

 

 

7.40

 

 

Class R

 

 

 

7.23

 

 

 

 

7.44

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 


Weighted Average Maturity                    7 years


Dividend and Yield Information Per Share
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Dividends Paidø

 

 

 

SEC Yieldsøø

 

 

 

$

0.200

 

 

 

2.51

%

 

 

 

 

0.144

 

 

 

1.85

 

 

 

 

 

0.144

 

 

 

1.86

 

 

 

 

 

0.144

 

 

 

1.85

 

 

 

 

 

0.127

 

 

 

2.56

 

 

 



ø

 

Represents per share amount paid or declared for the year ended December 31, 2003, or in the case of Class R shares, for the period April 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003.

øø

 

Current yield, representing the annualized yield for the 30-day period ended December 31, 2003, has been computed in accordance with SEC regulations and will vary.


4

 




Performance Overview

Investment Results

Total Returns
For Periods Ended December 31, 2003

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Annual

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Six
Months
*

 

Class R
Since
Inception
4/30/03
*

 

One
Year

 

Five
Years

 

Ten
Years

 

Class B
Since
Inception
1/1/97

 

Class C
Since
Inception
5/27/99

 


 

Class A**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



With Sales Charge

 

 

 

(6.25

)%

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(4.25

)%

 

 

 

3.94

%

 

 

 

4.92

%

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Without Sales Charge

 

 

 

(1.58

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

0.55

 

 

 

 

4.95

 

 

 

 

5.43

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Class B**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



With CDSC††

 

 

 

(6.70

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(4.78

)

 

 

 

3.83

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Without CDSC

 

 

 

(1.83

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(0.08

)

 

 

 

4.17

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

5.14

%

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Class C**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



With Sales Charge
and CDSC†††

 

 

 

(3.84

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(1.99

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

5.02

%

 

Without Sales Charge
and CDSC

 

 

 

(1.83

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(0.08

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

5.25

 

 

Class D**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



With 1% CDSC

 

 

 

(2.94

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(1.20

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Without CDSC

 

 

 

(1.97

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

(0.22

)

 

 

 

4.14

 

 

 

 

4.57

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Class R**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



With 1% CDSC

 

 

 

(2.57

)

 

 

 

(1.03

)%

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Without CDSC

 

 

 

(1.60

)

 

 

 

(0.05

)

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

 

 

n/a

 

 

Lehman Brothers Government
Bond Index

 

 

 

(1.23

)

 

 

 

0.81

 

 

 

 

2.36

 

 

 

 

6.26

 

 

 

 

6.72

 

 

 

 

7.24

 

 

 

 

7.32

 

 



Lipper General US Government
Bond Funds Average

 

 

 

(1.11

)

 

 

 

0.14

 

 

 

 

1.39

 

 

 

 

5.22

 

 

 

 

5.74

 

 

 

 

6.16

 

 

 

 

6.12

 

 




*

 

Returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized.

**

 

Return figures reflect any change in price per share and assume the reinvestment of dividend and capital gain distributions. Returns for Class A shares are calculated with and without the effect of the initial 4.75% maximum sales charge. Returns for Class B shares are calculated with and without the effect of the maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”), charged on certain redemptions made within one year of purchase, declining to 1% in the sixth year and 0% thereafter. Returns for Class C shares are calculated with and without the effect of the initial 1% maximum sales charge and the 1% CDSC that is charged on redemptions made within 18 months of purchase. Returns for Class D and Class R shares are calculated with and without the effect of the 1% CDSC, charged on certain redemptions made within one year of purchase.

 

The Lehman Bond Index and the Lipper General US Government Bond Funds Average are unmanaged benchmarks that assume reinvestment of dividends and exclude the effect of taxes and sales charges. The Lehman Bond Index also excludes the effect of fees. Investors cannot invest directly in an average or an index.

††

 

The CDSC is 5% for periods of one year or less, and 2% for the five-year period.

†††

 

The CDSC is 1% for periods up to 18 months.

 

From May 31, 1999.

An investment in the Fund is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

5

 




Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Value

 

US Full Faith and Credit Obligations 82.1%


US Treasury Notes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.375%, due 5/15/2007

 

$

3,960,000

 

$

4,194,662

 

 

4.75%, due 11/15/2008

 

 

11,570,000

 

 

12,389,850

 

Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”)
   Obligations, Mortgage Pass-through Certificates:*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.5%, due 10/20/2024

 

 

5,500,000

 

 

5,452,927

 

 

4%, due 12/16/2025

 

 

20,000,000

 

 

19,888,900

 

 

4.25%, due 7/20/2027

 

 

6,910,120

 

 

6,902,156

 

 

4.5%, due 8/20/2028

 

 

2,945,122

 

 

2,965,169

 

 

4%, due 12/16/2028

 

 

4,782,061

 

 

4,751,407

 

 

6%, due 5/20/2029

 

 

475,356

 

 

485,745

 

 

5.5%, due 2/20/2031

 

 

15,000,000

 

 

15,158,589

 

 

4.75%, due 1/16/2032

 

 

4,846,517

 

 

4,820,080

 

 

4.5%, due 8/20/2032

 

 

9,120,701

 

 

9,035,587

 

 

3.625%, due 4/16/2033

 

 

5,802,778

 

 

5,692,339

 

 

4.25%, due 6/20/2033

 

 

7,818,614

 

 

7,731,845

 

Guaranteed Trade Trust*
   7.02%, due 9/1/2004

 

 

266,667

 

 

273,439

 

Small Business Administration
   5.199%, due 8/1/2012

 

 

1,953,943

 

 

1,971,740

 

US Government Gtd. Title XI (Amethyst)
   4.39%, due 4/15/2016

 

 

3,000,000

 

 

3,044,550

 

US Government Gtd. Title XI (Vessel Management)
   6.75% due 6/15/2025

 

 

1,760,000

 

 

1,994,022

 

US Trade Funding
   4.26% due 11/15/2014

 

 

1,994,889

 

 

2,022,730

 

Veteran Affairs Vendee Mortgage Trust*
   7.5% due 12/15/2006

 

 

1,039,158

 

 

1,081,304

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Total US Full Faith and Credit Obligations (Cost $110,310,896)

 

 

 

 

 

109,857,041

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency Obligations 13.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Federal Home Loan Mortgage (“Freddie Mac”):*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6%, due 11/1/2010

 

 

406,816

 

 

426,008

 

 

4.5%, due 2/15/2012

 

 

10,714,679

 

 

11,032,130

 

Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.5%, due 2/25/2032

 

 

5,840,000

 

 

5,878,344

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Agency Obligations (Cost $17,445,851)

 

 

 

 

 

17,336,482

 




See footnotes on page 7.

6

 




Portfolio of Investments
December 31, 2003

 

 

Principal
Amount

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreement 4.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


State Street Bank & Trust 0.72%, dated 12/31/2003 maturing
   1/2/2004 in the amount of $6,600,264, collateralized by:
   $6,320,000 US Treasury Notes 4.875%, 2/15/2012, with a
   fair market value of $6,801,900 (Cost $6,600,000)

 

$

6,600,000

 

$

6,600,000

 


 

Total Investments 100.0% (Cost $134,356,747)

 

 

 

 

 

133,793,523

 


 

Other Asset Less Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

55,020

 


 

Net Assets 100.0%

 

 

 

 

$

133,848,543

 




*

Investments in mortgage-backed securities are subject to principal paydowns. As a result of prepayments from refinancing or satisfaction of the underlying mortgage instruments, the average life may be less than the original maturity. This in turn may impact the ultimate yield realized from these securities.

See Notes to Financial Statements.


7

 




Statement of Assets and Liabilities
December 31, 2003

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Investments, at value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term holdings (cost $127,756,747)

 

$

127,193,523

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase agreement (cost $6,600,000)

 

 

6,600,000

 

$

133,793,523

 

Cash

 

 

 

 

 

205,684

 

Receivable for interest

 

 

 

 

 

571,119

 

Receivable for shares of Beneficial Interest sold

 

 

 

 

 

397,824

 

Expenses prepaid to shareholder service agent

 

 

 

 

 

54,956

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

6,194

 


Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

135,029,300

 


 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Payable for shares of Beneficial Interest repurchased

 

 

 

 

 

848,318

 

Dividends payable

 

 

 

 

 

119,459

 

Distribution and service fees payable

 

 

 

 

 

77,074

 

Management fee payable

 

 

 

 

 

57,796

 

Accrued expenses and other

 

 

 

 

 

78,110

 


Total Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

1,180,757

 


Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$

133,848,543

 


 

Composition of Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Shares of Beneficial Interest, at par ($0.001 par value; unlimited shares authorized;
18,488,529 shares outstanding):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

 

 

$

8,251

 

 

Class B

 

 

 

 

 

5,610

 

 

Class C

 

 

 

 

 

2,587

 

 

Class D

 

 

 

 

 

2,041

 

 

Class R

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

 

 

 

138,350,840

 

Dividends in excess of net investment income

 

 

 

 

 

(203,725

)

Accumulated net realized loss

 

 

 

 

 

(3,753,837

)

Net unrealized depreciation of investments

 

 

 

 

 

(563,224

)


Net Assets

 

 

 

 

$

133,848,543

 


 

Net Asset Value Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Class A ($59,660,218 ÷ 8,250,382)

 

 

 

 

$

7.23

 

Class B ($40,658,943 ÷ 5,610,207)

 

 

 

 

$

7.25

 

Class C ($18,738,972 ÷ 2,586,438)

 

 

 

 

$

7.25

 

Class D ($14,788,574 ÷ 2,041,248)

 

 

 

 

$

7.24

 

Class R ($1,836 ÷ 254)

 

 

 

 

$

7.23

 



See Notes to Financial Statements.

8

 




Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2003

Investment Income:

 

 

 

 


Interest

 

$

6,326,219

 


 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 


Distribution and service fees

 

 

1,175,408

 

Management fee

 

 

864,260

 

Shareholder account services

 

 

644,980

 

Registration

 

 

121,037

 

Custody and related services

 

 

60,249

 

Shareholder reports and communications

 

 

39,219

 

Auditing and legal fees

 

 

28,490

 

Directors’ fees and expenses

 

 

14,312

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

11,205

 


Total Expenses

 

 

2,959,160

 


Net Investment Income

 

 

3,367,059

 


 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments:

 

 

 

 


Net realized gain on investments

 

 

1,190,290

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments

 

 

(4,425,134

)


Net Loss on Investments

 

 

(3,234,844

)


Increase in Net Assets from Operations

 

$

132,215

 




See Notes to Financial Statements.

9

 




Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 


Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net investment income

 

$

3,367,059

 

$

5,520,591

 

Net realized gain on investments

 

 

1,190,290

 

 

6,984,052

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments

 

 

(4,425,134

)

 

3,489,315

 


Increase in Net Assets from Operations

 

 

132,215

 

 

15,993,958

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(1,683,740

)

 

(2,735,675

)

 

Class B

 

 

(948,534

)

 

(1,578,693

)

 

Class C

 

 

(397,431

)

 

(610,497

)

 

Class D

 

 

(337,333

)

 

(595,726

)

 

Class R

 

 

(21

)

 

 

Total

 

 

(3,367,059

)

 

(5,520,591

)

Dividends in excess of net investment income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class A

 

 

(365,851

)

 

(302,254

)

 

Class B

 

 

(206,102

)

 

(174,424

)

 

Class C

 

 

(86,356

)

 

(67,451

)

 

Class D

 

 

(73,297

)

 

(65,819

)

 

Class R

 

 

(4

)

 

 


Total

 

 

(731,610

)

 

(609,948

)

Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions

 

 

(4,098,669

)

 

(6,130,539

)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net proceeds from sales of shares

 

 

35,976,490

 

 

63,046,881

 

Investment of dividends

 

 

3,112,959

 

 

4,612,373

 

Exchanged from associated funds

 

 

71,077,284

 

 

194,237,591

 


Total

 

 

110,166,733

 

 

261,896,845

 


Cost of shares repurchased

 

 

(73,839,727

)

 

(72,749,169

)

Exchanged into associated funds

 

 

(94,886,553

)

 

(164,983,418

)


Total

 

 

(168,726,280

)

 

(237,732,587

)


Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Capital Share Transactions

 

 

(58,559,547

)

 

24,164,258

 


Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets

 

 

(62,526,001

)

 

34,027,677

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Beginning of year

 

 

196,374,544

 

 

162,346,867

 


End of Year (net of dividends in excess of net investment income of
$203,725 and $1,315,746, respectively)

 

$

133,848,543

 

$

196,374,544

 




See Notes to Financial Statements.

10

 




Notes to Financial Statements

1.

Multiple Classes of Shares — Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series (the “Fund”) is a series of Seligman High Income Fund Series (the “Series”). The Fund offers the following five classes of shares:

 

Class A shares are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 4.75% and a continuing service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis. Class A shares purchased in an amount of $1,000,000 or more are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC”) of 1% on redemptions within 18 months of purchase.

 

 

 

Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a distribution fee of 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, and a CDSC, if applicable, of 5% on redemptions in the first year of purchase, declining to 1% in the sixth year and 0% thereafter. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares approximately eight years after their date of purchase.

 

 

 

Class C shares primarily are sold with an initial sales charge of up to 1% and a CDSC, if applicable, of 1% imposed on redemptions made within 18 months of purchase. Effective November 25, 2003, shares purchased through certain financial intermediaries may be bought without an initial sales charge and with a 1% CDSC on redemptions made within 12 months of purchase. All Class C shares are subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis.

 

 

 

Class D shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.75% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, and a CDSC, if applicable, of 1% imposed on redemptions made within one year of purchase.

 

 

 

Class R shares became effective on April 30, 2003, are offered to certain employee benefit plans and are not available to all investors. They are sold without an initial sales charge, but are subject to a distribution fee of up to 0.25% and a service fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, and a CDSC, if applicable, of 1% on redemptions made within one year of a plan’s initial purchase of Class R shares.

 

 

 

All classes of shares represent interests in the same portfolio of investments, have the same rights and are generally identical in all respects except that each class bears its separate distribution and certain other class-specific expenses, and has exclusive voting rights with respect to any matter on which a separate vote of any class is required.

 

 

2.

Significant Accounting Policies — The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make certain estimates and assumptions at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The following summarizes the significant accounting policies of the Fund:

 

 

 

a.

Security Valuation — Investments in US Government and Government agency securities are valued at current market values or, in their absence, at fair values determined in accordance with procedures approved by the trustees. Securities traded on an exchange are valued at last sales prices or, in their absence and in the case of over-the-counter securities, at the mean of bid and asked prices. Short-term holdings maturing in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.

 

 

 

 

b.

Federal Taxes — There is no provision for federal income tax. The Fund has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company and intends to distribute substantially all taxable net income and net realized gain.

 

 

 

 

c.

Security Transactions and Related Investment Income — Investment transactions are recorded on trade dates. Identified cost of investments sold is used for both financial reporting and federal income tax purposes. Dividends receivable and payable are recorded on ex-dividend dates. Interest income is


11

 




Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

recorded on an accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and discounts on purchases of portfolio securities for financial reporting purposes.

 

 

 

 

d.

Repurchase Agreements — The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with commercial banks and with broker/dealers deemed to be creditworthy by J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated (the “Manager”). Securities received as collateral subject to repurchase agreements are deposited with the Fund’s custodian and, pursuant to the terms of the repurchase agreements, must have an aggregate market value greater than or equal to the repurchase price plus accrued interest at all times. Procedures have been established to monitor, on a daily basis, the market value of repurchase agreements’ underlying securities to ensure the existence of the proper level of collateral.

 

 

 

 

e.

Multiple Class Allocations — All income, expenses (other than class-specific expenses), and realized and unrealized gains or losses are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative value of shares of each class. Class-specific expenses, which include distribution and service fees and any other items that are specifically attributable to a particular class, are charged directly to such class. For the year ended December 31, 2003, distribution and service fees were the only class-specific expenses.

 

 

 

 

f.

Distributions to Shareholders — Dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Other distributions paid by the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The treatment for financial reporting purposes of distributions made to shareholders during the year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their ultimate treatment for federal income tax purposes. These differences are caused primarily by differences in the timing of the recognition of certain components of income, expense, or realized capital gain for federal income tax purposes. Where such differences are permanent in nature, they are reclassified in the components of net assets based on their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. Any such reclassification will have no effect on net assets, results of operations, or net asset values per share of the Fund.

 

 

 

3.

Purchases and Sales of Securities — Purchases and sales of portfolio securities, excluding short-term investments, for the year ended December 31, 2003, amounted to $409,974,823 and $449,356,264, respectively.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2003, the cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $134,560,472. The tax basis cost was greater than the cost for financial reporting purposes due to the amortization of premium for financial reporting purposes of $203,725. The tax basis gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of portfolio securities amounted to $826,367 and $1,593,316, respectively.

 

 

4.

Management Fee, Distribution Services, and Other Transactions — The Manager manages the affairs of the Fund and provides the necessary personnel and facilities. Compensation of all officers of the Fund, all directors of the Fund who are employees of the Manager, and all personnel of the Fund and the Manager is paid by the Manager. The Manager receives a fee, calculated daily and payable monthly, equal to 0.50% per annum of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

 

 

Seligman Advisors, Inc. (the “Distributor”), agent for the distribution of the Fund’s shares and an affiliate of the Manager, received concessions of $13,854 from sales of Class A shares. Commissions of $101,471 and $54,412 were paid to dealers for sales of Class A and Class C shares, respectively.

 

 

 

The Fund has an Administration, Shareholder Services and Distribution Plan (the “Plan”) with respect to distribution of its shares. Under the Plan, with respect to Class A shares, service organizations can enter into agreements with the Distributor and receive a continuing fee of up to 0.25% on an annual basis, payable quarterly, of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares attributable to the particular service organizations for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Distributor charges such


12

 




Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

fees to the Fund pursuant to the Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2003, fees incurred under the Plan aggregated $177,102, or 0.24% per annum of the average daily net assets of Class A shares.

 

 

 

Under the Plan, with respect to Class B shares, Class C shares, Class D shares, and Class R shares, service organizations can enter into agreements with the Distributor and receive a continuing fee for providing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts of up to 0.25% on an annual basis of the average daily net assets of the Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class R shares for which the organizations are responsible; and, for Class C and Class D shares, fees for providing other distribution assistance of up to 0.75% (0.25%, in the case of Class R shares) on an annual basis of such average daily net assets. Such fees are paid monthly by the Fund to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan.

 

 

 

With respect to Class B shares, a distribution fee of 0.75% on an annual basis of average daily net assets is payable monthly by the Fund to the Distributor; however, the Distributor has sold its rights to this fee with respect to a substantial portion of Class B shares to third parties (the “Purchasers”), which provide funding to the Distributor to enable it to pay commissions to dealers at the time of the sale of the related Class B shares.

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2003, fees incurred under the Plan, equivalent to 1% per annum of the average daily net assets of Class B, Class C, and Class D shares, amounted to $562,330, $235,789, and $200,182, respectively. For the period April 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, fees incurred in respect of Class R shares were $5, equivalent to 0.50% per annum of average daily net assets.

 

 

 

The Distributor is entitled to retain any CDSC imposed on certain redemptions of Class A, Class C, Class D and Class R shares. For the year ended December 31, 2003, such charges amounted to $61,011.

 

 

 

The Distributor has sold its rights to collect any CDSC imposed on redemptions of Class B shares to the Purchasers. In connection with the sale of its rights to collect any CDSC and the distribution fees with respect to Class B shares described above, the Distributor receives payments from the Purchasers based on the value of Class B shares sold. The aggregate of such payments and distribution fees retained by the Distributor, for the year ended December 31, 2003, amounted to $7,191.

 

 

 

Seligman Services, Inc., an affiliate of the Manager, is eligible to receive commissions from certain sales of shares of the Fund, as well as distribution and service fees pursuant to the Plan. For the year ended December 31, 2003, Seligman Services, Inc. received commissions of $944 from the sales of shares of the Fund. Seligman Services, Inc. also received distribution and service fees of $16,035, pursuant to the Plan.

 

 

 

Seligman Data Corp., which is owned by certain associated investment companies, charged the Fund at cost $644,980 for shareholder account services in accordance with a methodology approved by the Fund’s trustees.

 

 

 

Costs of Seligman Data Corp. directly attributable to the Fund were charged to the Fund. The remaining charges were allocated to the Fund by Seligman Data Corp. pursuant to a formula based on the Fund’s net assets, shareholder transaction volume and number of shareholder accounts.

 

 

 

The Series and certain other associated investment companies (together, the “Guarantors”) have severally but not jointly guaranteed the performance and observance of all the terms and conditions of two leases entered into by Seligman Data Corp., including the payment of rent by Seligman Data Corp. (the “Guaranties”). The leases and the Guaranties expire in September 2008 and January 2009. The obligation of the Series to pay any amount due under either Guaranty is limited to a specified percentage of the full amount, which generally is based on the Series’ percentage of the expenses billed by Seligman Data Corp. to all Guarantors in the preceding calendar quarter. As of December 31, 2003, the Series’ potential obligation under the Guaranties is


13

 




Notes to Financial Statements

 

 

$627,600. As of December 31, 2003, no event has occurred which would result in the Series becoming liable to make any payment under a Guaranty. The Fund would bear a portion of any payments made by the Series under the Guaranties. A portion of rent paid by Seligman Data Corp. is charged to the Fund as part of Seligman Data Corp.’s shareholder account services cost.

 

 

 

Certain officers and directors of the Fund are officers or directors of the Manager, the Distributor, Seligman Services, Inc., and/or Seligman Data Corp.

 

 

 

The Fund has a compensation arrangement under which trustees who receive fees may elect to defer receiving such fees. Trustees may elect to have their deferred fees accrue interest or earn a return based on the performance of the Fund or other funds in the Seligman Group of Investment Companies. The cost of such fees and earnings/loss accrued thereon is included in trustees’ fees and expenses and the accumulated balance thereof at December 31, 2003, of $17,597 is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities. Deferred fees and related accrued earnings are not deductible by the Fund for federal income tax purposes until such amounts are paid.

 

 

5.

Committed Line of Credit — Effective January 16, 2004, the Fund is a participant in a joint $445,000,000 committed line of credit that is shared by substantially all open-end funds in the Seligman Group of Investment Companies. At December 31, 2003, the committed line of credit was $420,000,000. The trustees have currently limited the Fund’s borrowings to 10% of its net assets. Borrowings pursuant to the credit facility are subject to interest at a rate equal to the overnight federal funds rate plus 0.50%. The Fund incurs a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum on its share of the unused portion of the credit facility. The credit facility may be drawn upon only for temporary purposes and is subject to certain other customary restrictions. The credit facility commitment expires in June 2004, but is renewable annually with the consent of the participating banks. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the Fund did not borrow from the credit facility.

 

 

6.

Capital Loss Carryforward and Other Tax Adjustments— At December 31, 2003, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $3,320,170, which is available for offset against future taxable net capital gains, with $522,463 expiring in 2005, $1,359,544 expiring in 2007, and $1,438,163 expiring in 2008. Accordingly, no capital gain distributions are expected to be paid to shareholders until net capital gains have been realized in excess of the available capital loss carryforward.

 

 

 

In addition, the Fund elected to defer until January 1, 2004, the recognition for tax purposes of net losses of $433,667 realized on sales of investments after October 31, 2003. These losses will be available to offset future taxable net gains.


14

 




Notes to Financial Statements

 

7.

Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest— The Fund has authorized unlimited shares of $0.001 par value Shares of Beneficial Interest. Transactions in Shares of Beneficial Interest were as follows:


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 


 

 

2003

 

2002

 

 


 


Class A

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 


Net proceeds from sales of shares

 

 

3,535,309

 

$

26,078,441

 

 

6,388,872

 

$

45,495,003

 

Investment of dividends

 

 

215,577

 

 

1,580,283

 

 

330,711

 

 

2,356,375

 

Exchanged from associated funds

 

 

7,650,469

 

 

56,313,073

 

 

17,932,044

 

 

128,468,176

 


Total

 

 

11,401,355

 

 

83,971,797

 

 

24,651,627

 

 

176,319,554

 


Cost of shares repurchased

 

 

(4,959,470

)

 

(36,310,173

)

 

(6,253,887

)

 

(44,318,016

)

Exchanged into associated funds

 

 

(9,094,844

)

 

(66,782,844

)

 

(19,225,871

)

 

(137,541,766

)


Total

 

 

(14,054,314

)

 

(103,093,017

)

 

(25,479,758

)

 

(181,859,782

)


Decrease

 

 

(2,652,959

)

$

(19,121,220

)

 

(828,131

)

$

(5,540,228

)



Class B

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 


Net proceeds from sales of shares

 

 

221,854

 

$

1,632,736

 

 

426,608

 

$

3,051,588

 

Investment of dividends

 

 

112,271

 

 

825,400

 

 

171,637

 

 

1,229,086

 

Exchanged from associated funds

 

 

1,111,952

 

 

8,197,545

 

 

5,575,083

 

 

40,102,543

 


Total

 

 

1,446,077

 

 

10,655,681

 

 

6,173,328

 

 

44,383,217

 


Cost of shares repurchased

 

 

(2,686,241

)

 

(19,685,826

)

 

(1,911,741

)

 

(13,717,348

)

Exchanged into associated funds

 

 

(2,138,628

)

 

(15,682,664

)

 

(1,654,959

)

 

(11,796,435

)


Total

 

 

(4,824,869

)

 

(35,368,490

)

 

(3,566,700

)

 

(25,513,783

)


Increase (decrease)

 

 

(3,378,792

)

$

(24,712,809

)

 

2,606,628

 

$

18,869,434

 



Class C

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 


Net proceeds from sales of shares

 

 

909,164

 

$

6,729,146

 

 

1,819,329

 

$

13,048,109

 

Investment of dividends

 

 

50,398

 

 

370,264

 

 

67,075

 

 

480,871

 

Exchanged from associated funds

 

 

413,452

 

 

3,047,914

 

 

1,669,134

 

 

12,070,793

 


Total

 

 

1,373,014

 

 

10,147,324

 

 

3,555,538

 

 

25,599,773

 


Cost of shares repurchased

 

 

(1,366,384

)

 

(10,021,066

)

 

(999,302

)

 

(7,199,641

)

Exchanged into associated funds

 

 

(863,433

)

 

(6,324,619

)

 

(1,400,084

)

 

(10,104,774

)


Total

 

 

(2,229,817

)

 

(16,345,685

)

 

(2,399,386

)

 

(17,304,415

)


Increase (decrease)

 

 

(856,803

)

$

(6,198,361

)

 

1,156,152

 

$

8,295,358

 



Class D

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 


Net proceeds from sales of shares

 

 

209,195

 

$

1,534,328

 

 

202,892

 

$

1,452,181

 

Investment of dividends

 

 

45,864

 

 

336,987

 

 

76,394

 

 

546,041

 

Exchanged from associated funds

 

 

476,360

 

 

3,518,752

 

 

1,884,015

 

 

13,596,079

 


Total

 

 

731,419

 

 

5,390,067

 

 

2,163,301

 

 

15,594,301

 


Cost of shares repurchased

 

 

(1,068,878

)

 

(7,822,662

)

 

(1,054,571

)

 

(7,514,164

)

Exchanged into associated funds

 

 

(832,113

)

 

(6,096,426

)

 

(778,402

)

 

(5,540,443

)


Total

 

 

(1,900,991

)

 

(13,919,088

)

 

(1,832,973

)

 

(13,054,607

)


Increase (decrease)

 

 

(1,169,572

)

$

(8,529,021

)

 

330,328

 

$

2,539,694

 



15

 




Notes to Financial Statements

 


 

 

April 30, 2003* to
December 31, 2003

 


Class R

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 


Net proceeds from sales of shares

 

 

251

 

$

1,839

 

Investment of dividends

 

 

3

 

 

25

 


Increase

 

 

254

 

$

1,864

 




* Commencement of offering of shares.


8.

Other Matters — The Manager has been conducting an extensive internal review in response to recent developments regarding disruptive or illegal trading practices within the mutual fund industry. The Manager’s review noted one market timing relationship that was in the process of being closed down by the Manager before the first proceedings relating to trading practices within the mutual fund industry were publicly announced in September 2003. Additionally, the Manager identified three other market timing arrangements, all of which had been terminated, the most recent in September 2002. The Manager is confident that any financial impact of these arrangements on any Seligman Fund was minimal. The Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Attorney General of the State of New York also are reviewing these matters.

 

 

 

In connection with the Manager’s internal review, the Manager has also reviewed its practice of placing some of the Seligman Equity Funds’ orders to buy and sell portfolio securities with brokerage firms in recognition of their sales of Seligman Funds. This is a common practice and permissible when done properly. Although the Manager believes that the execution of all such orders was consistent with its best execution obligations, the Manager may have violated applicable requirements for certain of such orders as a result of compensation arrangements that the Distributor had with certain brokerage firms. The Manager is confident that the Seligman Equity Funds did not pay higher brokerage commissions than they would otherwise have paid for comparable transactions. The Manager is also responding to information requests from the SEC relating to the Manager’s use of revenue sharing and fund portfolio brokerage commissions.

 

 

 

The Independent Trustees of the Board of the Series have been reviewing, and will continue to review, the foregoing matters. If the Fund has incurred financial harm as a result of violations of law or internal policies by the Manager or its personnel, the Manager will make restitution to the Fund.


16

 




Financial Highlights

The tables below are intended to help you understand each Class’s financial performance for the past five years or from its inception if less than five years. Certain information reflects financial results for a single share of Beneficial Interest of a Class that was held throughout the periods shown. Per share amounts are calculated using average shares outstanding. “Total return” shows the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in each Class, assuming you reinvested all your dividends. Total returns do not reflect any taxes or sales charges and are not annualized for periods of less than one year.

Class A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001ø

 

2000

 

1999

 


Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

 

$7.39

 

$6.97

 

$6.91

 

$6.50

 

$7.09

 


Income (Loss) from
Investment Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.18

 

 

0.26

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.36

 

 

0.34

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

 

 

(0.14

)

 

0.45

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.41

 

 

(0.59

)


Total from Investment Operations

 

 

0.04

 

 

0.71

 

 

0.40

 

 

0.77

 

 

(0.25

)


Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

 

 

(0.18

)

 

(0.26

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.34

)

Dividends in excess of net investment
income

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 


Total Distributions

 

 

(0.20

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.34

)

 

(0.36

)

 

(0.34

)


Net Asset Value, End of Year

 

$7.23

 

$7.39

 

$6.97

 

$6.91

 

$6.50

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return:

 

 

0.55

%

 

10.45

%

 

5.95

%

 

12.26

%

 

(3.63

)%


 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

 

 

$59,660

 

 

$80,556

 

 

$81,722

 

 

$62,982

 

 

$64,575

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

1.27

%

 

1.24

%

 

1.16

%

 

1.21

%

 

1.25

%

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

 

 

2.38

%

 

3.68

%

 

4.59

%

 

5.49

%

 

4.99

%

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

250.49

%

 

184.24

%

 

66.84

%

 

37.42

%

 

51.59

%



See footnotes on page 20.


17

 




Financial Highlights

Class B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001ø

 

2000

 

1999

 


Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

 

$7.40

 

$6.98

 

$6.93

 

$6.51

 

$7.11

 


Income (Loss) from
Investment Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.29

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

 

 

(0.13

)

 

0.45

 

 

0.07

 

 

0.42

 

 

(0.60

)


Total from Investment Operations

 

 

(0.01

)

 

0.66

 

 

0.34

 

 

0.74

 

 

(0.31

)


Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

 

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.29

)

Dividends in excess of net investment
income

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 


Total Distributions

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.29

)


Net Asset Value, End of Year

 

$7.25

 

$7.40

 

$6.98

 

$6.93

 

$6.51

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return:

 

 

(0.08

)%

 

9.63

%

 

5.01

%

 

11.59

%

 

(4.47

)%


 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

 

 

$40,659

 

 

$66,563

 

 

$44,557

 

 

$30,064

 

 

$25,611

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

2.03

%

 

1.99

%

 

1.91

%

 

1.96

%

 

2.00

%

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

 

 

1.62

%

 

2.93

%

 

3.84

%

 

4.74

%

 

4.24

%

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

250.49

%

 

184.24

%

 

66.84

%

 

37.42

%

 

51.59

%



See footnotes on page 20.


18

 




Financial Highlights

Class C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

5/27/99*to
12/31/99

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001ø

 

2000

 

 


Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

 

$7.40

 

$6.98

 

$6.92

 

$6.51

 

$6.78

 


Income (Loss) from Investment Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.17

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

 

 

(0.13

)

 

0.45

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.41

 

 

(0.27

)


Total from Investment Operations

 

 

(0.01

)

 

0.66

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.73

 

 

(0.10

)


Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends from net investment income

 

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.17

)

Dividends in excess of net investment income

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 


Total Distributions

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.17

)


Net Asset Value, End of Period

 

$7.25

 

$7.40

 

$6.98

 

$6.92

 

$6.51

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Return:

 

 

(0.08

)%

 

9.63

%

 

5.16

%

 

11.43

%

 

(1.59

)%


 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

 

 

$18,739

 

 

$25,488

 

 

$15,961

 

 

$4,714

 

 

$2,851

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

2.03

%

 

1.99

%

 

1.91

%

 

1.96

%

 

2.03

%†

Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets

 

 

1.62

%

 

2.93

%

 

3.84

%

 

4.74

%

 

4.37

%†

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

250.49

%

 

184.24

%

 

66.84

%

 

37.42

%

 

51.59

%††



See footnotes on page 20.


19

 




Financial Highlights

Class D

 

 

 

Class R


 


 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

4/30/03to
12/31/03

 

 


 

 

 

 

2003

 

2002

 

2001ø

 

2000

 

1999

 

 


 


Per Share Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period

 

$7.40

 

$6.98

 

$6.92

 

$6.51

 

$7.11

 

$7.36

 


 


Income (Loss) from Investment
Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Net investment income

 

 

0.12

 

 

0.21

 

 

0.27

 

 

0.32

 

 

0.29

 

 

0.10

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments

 

 

(0.14

)

 

0.45

 

 

0.08

 

 

0.41

 

 

(0.60

)

 

(0.10

)


 


Total from Investment Operations

 

 

(0.02

)

 

0.66

 

 

0.35

 

 

0.73

 

 

(0.31

)

 

 


 


Less Distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Dividends from net
investment income

 

 

(0.12

)

 

(0.21

)

 

(0.27

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.10

)

Dividends in excess of net investment
income

 

 

(0.02

)

 

(0.03

)

 

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

(0.03

)


 


Total Distributions

 

 

(0.14

)

 

(0.24

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.32

)

 

(0.29

)

 

(0.13

)


 


Net Asset Value, End of Period

 

$7.24

 

$7.40

 

$6.98

 

$6.92

 

$6.51

 

$7.23

 


 


 

 

 

Total Return:

 

 

(0.22

)%

 

9.63

%

 

5.16

%

 

11.43

%

 

(4.47

)%

 

(0.05

) %


 


 

 

 

Ratios/Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Net assets, end of period (000s omitted)

 

 

$14,789

 

 

$23,768

 

 

$20,106

 

 

$15,138

 

 

$17,797

 

 

$2

 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

 

 

2.03

%

 

1.99

%

 

1.91

%

 

1.96

%

 

2.00

%

 

1.57

%†

Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets

 

 

1.62

%

 

2.93

%

 

3.84

%

 

4.74

%

 

4.24

%

 

2.01

%†

Portfolio turnover rate

 

 

250.49

%

 

184.24

%

 

66.84

%

 

37.42

%

 

51.59

%

 

250.49

%†††



*   

Commencement of offering of shares.

†   

Annualized.

††   

For the year ended December 31, 1999.

†††   

For the year ended December 31, 2003.

ø   

As required, effective January 1, 2001, the Fund adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began amortizing premium on debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended December 31, 2001, was to decrease net investment income per share by $0.02, increase net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments by $0.02 for each class and decrease the ratios of net investment income to average net assets from 4.83% to 4.59% for Class A, and from 4.08% to 3.84% for Classes B, C, and D. The per share data and ratios for periods prior to January 1, 2001, have not been restated.

See Notes to Financial Statements.

20

 




Report of Independent Auditors

The Trustees and Shareholders,
Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series of
Seligman High Income Fund Series:

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series (the “Fund”), including the portfolio of investments, as of December 31, 2003, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2003, by correspondence with the Fund’s custodian. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series as of December 31, 2003, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
New York, New York
February 25, 2004

21

 




Trustees and Officers

Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is set forth below.

Independent Trustees

Name, (Age), Position(s)
held with Fundø

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships
and Other Information


Robert B. Catell (66)3,4

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of KeySpan Corporation (diversified energy, gas and electrical company); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds† (except Seligman Cash Management Fund, Inc.); Director, Alberta Northeast Gas, Ltd., Boundary Gas Inc., Taylor Gas Liquids, Ltd., and The Houston Exploration Company (oil and gas exploration, development and production companies); Edison Electric Institute, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Independence Community Bank, Business Council of New York State, Inc., New York City Partnership, and the Long Island Association (business and civic organizations).

Trustee: May 2003
to Date

Oversees 60 Portfolios
in Fund Complex

 

 


John R. Galvin (74)2,4

Dean Emeritus, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University; Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; and Chairman Emeritus, American Council on Germany. Formerly, Governor of the Center for Creative Leadership; Director, Raytheon Co. (defense and commercial electronics) and USLIFE Corporation (life insurance). From June 1987 to June 1992, Mr. Galvin was the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe and the Commander-in-Chief, United States European Command.

Trustee: 1995 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex

 


Alice S. Ilchman (68)3,4

President Emerita, Sarah Lawrence College; Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, Jeannette K. Watson Summer Fellowships (summer internships for college students); Trustee, Save the Children (non-profit child-assistance organization) and the Committee for Economic Development; a Governor of the Court of Governors, London School of Economics; and Director, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Formerly, Chairman, The Rockefeller Foundation (charitable foundation) and Director, New York Telephone Company.

Trustee: 1991 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex


Frank A. McPherson (70)3,4

Retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kerr-McGee Corporation (diversified energy company); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, ConocoPhillips (integrated international oil corporation); Integris Health (owner of various hospitals); BOK Financial (bank holding company); Oklahoma Chapter of the Nature Conservancy; Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma; Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence in Education. Formerly, Director, Kimberly-Clark Corporation (consumer products) and the Federal Reserve System’s Kansas City Reserve Bank.

Trustee: 1995 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex

 

 

 

 




See footnotes on page 25.


22

 




Trustees and Officers

Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is set forth below.

Independent Trustees

Name, (Age), Position(s)
held with Fundø

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships
and Other Information


John E. Merow (74)2,4

Retired Chairman and Senior Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (law firm); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, Commonwealth Industries, Inc. (manufacturer of aluminum sheet products); Director and Treasurer, the Foreign Policy Association; Director Emeritus, Municipal Art Society of New York; Trustee and Secretary, the U.S. Council for International Business; Trustee and Vice Chairman, New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System, Inc.; Trustee, New York-Presbyterian Hospital; and Member of the American Law Institute and Council on Foreign Relations.

Trustee: 1984 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex


Betsy S. Michel (61)2,4

Attorney; Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Trustee, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation (charitable foundation) and World Learning, Inc. (international educational training). Formerly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. George’s School (Newport, RI).

Trustee: 1984 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex


Leroy C. Richie (62)2,4

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Q Standards Worldwide, Inc. (library of technical standards); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds (except Seligman Cash Management Fund, Inc.)†; Director, Kerr-McGee Corporation (diversified energy company) and Infinity, Inc. (oil and gas services and exploration); Director and Chairman, Highland Park Michigan Economic Development Corp. Formerly, Trustee, New York University Law Center Foundation; Vice Chairman, Detroit Medical Center and the Detroit Economic Growth Corp.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Capital Coating Technologies, Inc. (applied coating technologies); and Vice President and General Counsel, Automotive Legal Affairs, Chrysler Corporation.

Trustee: 2000 to Date

Oversees 60 Portfolios
in Fund Complex

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Robert L. Shafer (71)3,4

Retired Vice President, Pfizer Inc. (pharmaceuticals); Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†. Formerly, Director, USLIFE Corporation (life insurance).

Trustee: 1984 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex


James N. Whitson (68)2,4

Retired Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Sammons Enterprises, Inc. (a diversified holding company); Director or Trustee of  each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, C-SPAN (cable television network) and CommScope, Inc. (manufacturer of coaxial cable). Formerly, Director and Consultant, Sammons Enterprises, Inc.

Trustee: 1993 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex




See footnotes on page 25.


23

 




Trustees and Officers

Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is set forth below.

Interested Trustees and Principal Officers

Name, (Age), Position(s)
held with Fundø

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships
and Other Information


William C. Morris (65)1

Chairman, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Chairman of the Board and Director or Trustee of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Chairman, Seligman Advisors, Inc., Seligman Services, Inc., and Carbo Ceramics Inc. (manufacturer of ceramic proppants for oil and gas industry); and Director, Seligman Data Corp. Formerly, Director, Kerr-McGee Corporation (diversified energy company) and Chief Executive Officer of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds.

Trustee and Chairman of
the Board:

 

1988 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex


Brian T. Zino (51)1

Director and President, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; Chief Executive Officer, President and Director or Trustee of each of the invest mentcompanies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Director, Seligman Advisors, Inc. and Seligman Services, Inc.; Chairman, Seligman Data Corp.; Member of the Board of Governors of the Investment Company Institute; and Chairman, ICI Mutual Insurance Company.

Trustee: 1993 to Date

President: 1995 to Date

Chief Executive Officer:
2002 to Date

Oversees 61 Portfolios
in Fund Complex


Christopher J. Mahony (40)

Senior Vice President, Investment Officer of J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of Seligman Cash Management Fund, Inc., Seligman Investment Grade Fixed Income Fund, Inc., Vice President of Seligman Portfolios, Inc., and Portfolio Manager of its Cash Management Portfolio and Investment Grade Fixed Income Portfolio, and Co-Portfolio Manager of its Income and Growth Portfolio; Vice President and Co-Portfolio Manager of Seligman Income and Growth Fund, Inc. Formerly, Senior Portfolio Manager at Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. since 1994; and Portfolio Manager, Neuberger and Berman from 1991 to 1994.

Vice President and
Portfolio Manager:
2001 to Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Thomas G. Rose (46)

Senior Vice President, Finance, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Seligman Advisors, Inc., and Seligman Data Corp.; Vice President of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†, Seligman Services, Inc. and Seligman International, Inc. Formerly, Treasurer of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds and Seligman Data Corp.

Vice President:
2000 to Date

 

 

 

 




See footnotes on page 25.


24

 




Trustees and Officers

Information pertaining to the Trustees and Officers of Seligman U.S. Government Securities Series is set forth below.

Interested Trustees and Principal Officers

Name, (Age), Position(s)
held with Fundø

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years, Directorships
and Other Information


Lawrence P. Vogel (47)

Senior Vice President and Treasurer, Investment Companies, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; Vice President and Treasurer of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†; Treasurer, Seligman Data Corp. Formerly, Senior Vice President, Finance, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, Seligman Advisors, Inc. and Seligman Data Corp.; Vice President, Seligman Services, Inc. and Vice President and Treasurer, Seligman International, Inc. and Treasurer, Seligman Henderson Co.

Vice President:
1992 to Date

Treasurer:
2000 to Date


Frank J. Nasta (39)

Managing Director, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; Secretary of each of the investment companies of the Seligman Group of Funds†, Seligman Advisors, Inc., Seligman Services, Inc., Seligman International, Inc. and Seligman Data Corp. Formerly, Senior Vice President, Law and Regulation, J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated; and Corporate Secretary, Seligman Henderson Co.

Secretary:
1994 to Date



The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about Fund trustees and is available, without charge, upon request. You may call toll-free (800) 221-2450 in the US or collect (212) 682-7600 outside the US to request a copy of the SAI, to request other information about the Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries.


ø

The address for each of the trustees and officers is 100 Park Avenue, 8th floor, New York, NY 10017. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term, until the election and qualification of a successor or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Each officer is elected annually by the Trustees.

 

 

The Seligman Group of Funds consists of 23 registered investment companies.

 

 

*

Mr. Morris and Mr. Zino are considered “interested persons” of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, by virtue of their positions with J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated and its affiliates.


Member:

1 Executive Committee

 

2 Audit Committee

 

3 Trustee Nominating Committee

 

4 Board Operations Committee

 

25

 




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TXUSG2 12/03