497K3B 1 nif.htm
October 1, 2004

Fund Profile

T. Rowe Price

New Income Fund

A bond fund investing primarily in investment-grade bonds to achieve an attractive level of income.

This profile summarizes key information about the fund that is included in the fund`s prospectus. The fund`s prospectus includes additional information about the fund, including a more detailed description of the risks associated with investing in the fund that you may want to consider before you invest. You may obtain the prospectus and other information about the fund at no cost by calling 1-800-638-5660 or by visiting our Web site at

troweprice.com.

®



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Fund Profile

What is the fund`s objective?

The fund seeks the highest level of income consistent with the preservation of capital over time by investing primarily in marketable debt securities.

What is the fund`s principal investment strategy?

In seeking income and capital preservation, the fund pursues a total return strategy. Active management of the portfolio can result in bonds being sold at gains or losses. However, over the long term, the fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in income-producing securities that possess what we believe are favorable total return (income plus changes in principal) characteristics.

The fund will invest at least 80% of the fund`s total assets in income-producing securities, which may include U.S. government and agency obligations, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, corporate bonds, foreign securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), and others, including, on occasion, equities.

All debt securities purchased by the fund must be rated investment grade (AAA, AA, A, or BBB) by at least one major credit rating agency or, if unrated, must have a T. Rowe Price equivalent rating. Up to 15% of total assets may be invested in "split-rated securities," or those rated investment grade by at least one rating agency but below investment grade by others. However, none of the fund`s remaining assets can be invested in bonds rated below investment grade by Standard & Poor`s, Moody`s, or Fitch IBCA, Inc.

The fund has considerable flexibility in seeking high yields. There are no maturity restrictions, so we can purchase longer-term bonds, which tend to have higher yields than shorter-term issues. However, the portfolio`s weighted average maturity is expected to be between four and 15 years. In addition, when there is a large yield difference between the various quality levels, we may move down the credit scale and purchase lower-rated bonds with higher yields. When the difference is small or the outlook warrants, we may concentrate investments in higher-rated issues.

The fund may also invest in other securities, including futures, options, and swaps, in keeping with its objective.

The fund may sell holdings for a variety of reasons, such as to adjust the portfolio`s average maturity or quality or to shift assets into higher-yielding securities or different sectors.

Further information about the fund`s investments, including a review of market conditions and fund strategies and their impact on performance, is available in the annual and semiannual shareholder reports. To obtain free copies of these documents, call 1-800-638-5660.


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Fund Profile

What are the main risks of investing in the fund?

  • Interest rate risk  This is the risk that an increase in interest rates will likely cause the fund`s share price to fall, resulting in a loss of principal. That`s because the bonds and notes in the fund`s portfolio become less attractive to other investors when securities with higher yields become available. Even GNMAs and other securities (whose principal and interest payments are guaranteed) can decline in price if rates rise. Generally speaking, the longer a bond`s maturity, the greater its potential for price declines if rates rise and for price gains if rates fall. Because the fund may invest in bonds of any maturity, it carries more interest rate risk than short-term bond funds. If the fund purchases longer-maturity bonds and interest rates rise unexpectedly, the fund`s price could decline.
  • Credit risk  This is the chance that any of the fund`s holdings will have their credit ratings downgraded or will default (fail to make scheduled interest or principal payments), potentially reducing the fund`s income level and share price.
  • Most investment-grade (AAA through BBB) securities have relatively low financial risk and a relatively high probability of future payment. However, securities rated BBB are more susceptible to adverse economic conditions and may have speculative characteristics. Securities rated below investment grade (junk or high-yield bonds) should be regarded as speculative because their issuers are more susceptible to financial setbacks and recession than more creditworthy companies. If the fund invests in securities whose issuers develop unexpected credit problems, the fund`s price could decline.

    The fund may continue to hold a security that has been downgraded or loses its investment-grade rating after purchase.

  • Foreign investing risk  To the extent the fund holds foreign bonds, it will be subject to special risks, whether the bonds are denominated in U.S. dollars or foreign currencies. These risks include potentially adverse political and economic developments overseas, greater volatility, lower liquidity, and the possibility that foreign currencies will decline against the dollar, lowering the value of securities denominated in those currencies and possibly the fund`s share price.
  • Prepayment risk and extension risk  A mortgage-backed bond, unlike most other bonds, can be hurt when interest rates fall because homeowners tend to refinance and prepay principal. Receiving increasing prepayments in a falling interest rate environment causes the average maturity of the portfolio to shorten, reducing its potential for price gains. It also requires the fund to reinvest proceeds at lower interest rates, which reduces the portfolio`s total return and yield, and may even cause certain bond prices to fall below the level the fund paid for them, resulting in a capital loss. Any of these developments could result in a decrease in the fund`s income, share price, or total return.

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    Fund Profile

    Extension risk refers to a rise in interest rates that causes a fund`s average maturity to lengthen unexpectedly due to a drop in mortgage prepayments. This would increase the fund`s sensitivity to rising rates and its potential for price declines.

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  • Derivatives risk  To the extent the fund uses futures, swaps, and other derivatives, it is exposed to additional volatility and potential losses.
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    As with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee the fund will achieve its objective.

    The share price and income level of the fund will fluctuate with changing market conditions and interest rate levels. When you sell your shares, you may lose money. An investment in the fund is not a deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

    How can I tell if the fund is appropriate for me?

    Consider your investment goals, your time horizon for achieving them, and your tolerance for risk. The fund may be appropriate for you if you seek an attractive level of income and are willing to accept the risk of a declining share price when interest rates rise. Steadily reinvesting the fund`s income is a conservative strategy for building capital over time. If you are investing primarily for safety and liquidity, you should consider a money market fund.

    The fund can be used in both regular and tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs.

    The fund should not represent your complete investment program or be used for short-term trading purposes.

    How has the fund performed in the past?

    The bar chart showing calendar year returns and the average annual total returns table indicate risk by illustrating how much returns can differ from one year to the next and how fund performance compares with that of a comparable market index. Fund past returns (before and after taxes) are not necessarily an indication of future performance.

    The fund can also experience short-term performance swings, as shown by the best and worst calendar quarter returns during the years depicted.

    In addition, the average annual total returns table shows hypothetical after-tax returns to suggest how taxes paid by the shareholder may influence returns. Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor`s situation and may differ from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant if the shares are held in a


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    tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) or IRA. During periods of fund losses, the post-liquidation after-tax return may exceed the fund`s other returns because the loss generates a tax benefit that is factored into the result.

    Table 1  Average Annual Total Returns




    Periods ended 09/30/04














    1 year


    5 years


    10 years




    New Income Fund




    Returns before taxes
    3.90%
    7.01%
    6.85%

    Returns after taxes on distributions
    2.60
    4.99
    4.44

    Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares
    2.51
    4.74
    4.35

    Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index
    3.68
    7.48
    7.66

    Lipper Corporate Debt Funds A Rated Average
    3.42
    6.65
    7.04

    Returns are based on changes in principal value, reinvested dividends, and capital gain distributions, if any. Returns before taxes do not reflect effects of any income or capital gains taxes. Taxes are computed using the highest federal income tax rate. The after-tax returns reflect the rates applicable to ordinary and qualified dividends and capital gains effective in 2003. The returns do not reflect the impact of state and local taxes. Returns after taxes on distributions reflect the taxed return on the payment of dividends and capital gains. Returns after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares assume the shares were sold at period-end and, therefore, are also adjusted for any capital gains or losses incurred by the shareholder. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns, or taxes.

    Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index tracks investment-grade corporate and government bonds.


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    Fund Profile

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    What fees and expenses will I pay?
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    The fund is 100% no load. There are no fees or charges to buy or sell fund shares, reinvest dividends, or exchange into other T. Rowe Price funds. There are no 12b1 fees.

    Table 2  Fees and Expenses of the Fund*




    Annual fund operating expenses
    (expenses that are deducted from fund assets)

    Management fee
    0.47%
    Other expenses
    0.24%
    Total annual fund operating expenses
    0.71%

    *Redemption proceeds of less than $5,000 sent by wire are subject to a $5 fee paid to the fund. Accounts with less than a $2,000 balance (with certain exceptions) are subject to a $10 fee.

    Example.  The following table gives you an idea of how expense ratios may translate into dollars and helps you to compare the cost of investing in this fund with that of other mutual funds. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the table shows how much you would pay if operating expenses remain the same, you invest $10,000, earn a 5% annual return, hold the investment for the following periods, and then redeem:


    1 year


    3 years


    5 years


    10 years

    $73
    $227
    $395
    $883

    Who manages the fund?

    The fund is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (T. Rowe Price). Founded in 1937, T. Rowe Price and its affiliates manage investments for individual and institutional accounts. The company offers a comprehensive array of stock, bond, and money market funds directly to the investing public.

    Daniel O. Shackelford manages the fund day to day and has been chairman of its Investment Advisory Committee since 2002. He joined T. Rowe Price in 1999 and has been managing investments since that time.

    To participants in employer-sponsored retirement plans: The following questions and answers about buying and selling shares and services do not apply to your plan. Please call your plan`s toll-free number for additional information.

    How can I purchase shares?

    Fill out the New Account Form and return it with your check in the postpaid envelope. The minimum initial purchase is $2,500 ($1,000 for IRAs and gifts or transfers to minors). The minimum subsequent investment is $100 ($50 for


    Fund Profile

    IRAs, gifts or transfers to minors, or Automatic Asset Builder). You can also open an account by bank wire, by exchanging from another T. Rowe Price fund, or by transferring assets from another financial institution.

    How can I sell shares?

    You may redeem or sell any portion of your account on any business day. Simply write to us or call. You can also access your account at any time via Tele*Access ® or our Web site. We offer convenient exchange among our entire family of domestic and international funds. Restrictions may apply in special circumstances, and some redemption requests need a signature guarantee.

    When will I receive income and capital gain distributions?

    The fund distributes income monthly and net capital gains, if any, at year-end. For regular accounts, income and short-term gains are taxable at ordinary income rates, and long-term gains are taxable at the capital gains rate. Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional shares unless you choose another option, such as receiving a check. Distributions paid to IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans are automatically reinvested.

    What services are available?

    A wide range, including but not limited to:

  • retirement plans for individuals and large and small businesses;
  • automated information and transaction services by telephone or computer;
  • electronic transfers between fund and bank accounts;
  • automatic investing and automatic exchange; and
  • brokerage services, including cash management features.
  • T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

    100 East Pratt Street

    Baltimore, MD 21202

    troweprice.com

    RPS F43-035

    T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor.